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Resident offers DNA-based survey and camera study of Hills Pond to document ecological stress
Summary
A resident researcher told the commission Hills Pond appears more ecologically stressed than comparable ponds and proposed a crowdsourced analysis, DNA water sampling and short underwater camera surveys in early fall; the commission encouraged written proposals and coordination with Parks & Rec and the fishing-line working group.
A resident and volunteer researcher told the commission on July 23 that Hills Pond appears more ecologically stressed than comparable ponds in the Boston region and proposed conducting a crowdsourced analysis followed by DNA-based water sampling and short underwater camera surveys to verify species presence.
"There is ample evidence that Hills Pond is very stressed, ecologically, more so than other ponds in the Boston Metro Area of comparable size and shallowness," the resident said. She said early results suggest low biodiversity and stunted fish sizes, possibly linked to angling pressure, and asked permission to run DNA testing and camera work under a local volunteer group, Save Arlington Wildlife. The commission encouraged her to submit a written plan and to coordinate with Parks & Rec and the fishing-line working group; staff agreed to post her final report and to route it to relevant committees.
Commissioners suggested that data from town water-and-waste reports and other existing studies be added and encouraged the resident to present findings back to the commission when available.
