In Stafford, a lot of the attention goes to Staffordville Lake (and whether or not you're allowed to launch a kayak from the beach) but it's not the only waterway having trouble with invasive weeds. Out on Monson Road, State Line Pond is having its own problems, and there is a dedicated group of people trying to help.
At about 75 acres, State Line Pond formed when a stream running through a meadow was intentionally dammed, flooding the area about 150 years ago, according to StateLinepond.org. The Stafford Ice House once harvested ice from the pond during the winter and delivered it to restaurants, homes, and businesses as far away as Boston. Surrounded by the Norcross Wildlife Preserve, State Line Pond is quieter and more wild than its bigger cousin, Staffordville Lake. However, milfoil, pond lilies, and other vegetation threaten the pond, making it more shallow and depriving the water of oxygen.
In November 2019, the Whispering Pines Lake Association, which represents the pond and its residents, reported that State Line Pond's fish population was diminishing due to the invasive plant growth and the lack of oxygen. An extreme increase in the number of leeches was also reported, which the association says was determined to be a direct link to the severe loss of fish. As a result, a complete ban on fishing was introduced until some of the pond's weed issues could be addressed.
In 2020, treatments began and the fish population has rebounded. The ban was lifted "with certain important restrictions to allow the fish to continue to recover." But the job isn't done, and the Whispering Pines Association continues to raise money and awareness to help combat the invasive weed problem. That effort continues on September 17, 2023, at the Stafford Fish and Game Club Pavilion with a concert featuring 9 Volt Radio. If you'd like to help support State Line Pond and the Whispering Pines Association's efforts, get tickets in advance by contacting George Norboe at the email or phone number in the flyer (at the top of the page), or donate to their GoFundMe.