|
Restoration of Potash Pond
by SCOTT BERTRAND
Superintendent, The Bridgehampton Golf Club, Bridgehampton, New York
Reprinted from the USGA Green Section Record
1993 July/August Vol 31(4): 19-21
"HEY, SCOTTY, the course looks great, but what's the story with the pond on the fist hole? Boy, what an eyesore." As superintendent at The Bridgehampton Club for 10 years, I began, for the uncountable time, to tell the gentleman before me the story about Potash Pond.
The eyesore the member referred to was a drainage area located in a highly visible area near the clubhouse and the fist tee. Time and excess drainage from surrounding roadways and agricultural fields resulted in silt deposits to the pond, rendering it unusable and aesthetically unpleasing. To add to the problem, during periods of excessive rainfall the pond overflowed and flooded several fairways.
While everyone wanted to see something done, there was a problem. Potash Pond was listed as a wetland on the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wetland map and, as in many states, was heavily protected and regulated. A DEC permit was required for any changes. The man groaned, wished me luck, and proceeded off to the first tee. At that point, I knew it was time to tackle this problem.
My hopes for finding a creative solution were renewed when shortly thereafter I met my new green chairman, Wallace Quimby. I was delighted to learn that as president of the local historical society, Mr. Quimby had knowledge about the pond's history. Potash Pond is listed on the earliest known maps of the area, and Bridgehampton's oldest members remember it as a wonderful skating pond. With dedicated determination, Mr. Quimby was instrumental in gaining the membership's support for restoring the pond.
Having heard many nightmarish tales about the DEC, I had last-minute reservations when the DEC car pulled into the parking lot for the site visit. I really didn't know what to expect from this all-important first meeting, and, I must admit, I half expected them to appear with horns and pointed red tails! I was pleasantly surprised to meet two extremely knowledgeable and helpful individuals.
The DEC's major concern was that the end result of the restoration project be just as valuable as the existing wetland. I told the DEC representatives about our commitment to the environment and about other environmental projects such as IPM and the development of naturalized areas on the golf course. This set a good tone for the meeting. Also, all the pertinent information was available, and it helped to have a club official present at the meeting to provide input. We were honest and up-front in our dealings with them, and we asked them outright what they thought could be done to make the area more attractive to wildlife and more aesthetically pleasing.
Shortly after the site inspection, the 1/2"-thick permit application arrived. At first it was overwhelming, but the DEC contacts were extremely helpful in completing the application, and it helped to establish a good working relationship. Additional information was required from us, which was promptly sent, and I made periodic calls to the DEC to check on the application status. Patience was needed as the review process extended over six months.
The approved permit included the following DEC construction recommendations:
- Remove the upper four inches of top-soil from the project site and stockpile nearby.
- Excavate the fill and use in low areas near the site. Soil is not to be removed from club property.
- Slope the pond shoulder not to exceed 1:10.
- Spread stockpiled topsoil four inches deep over the sloped shoulder.
- Two years after the project, hand-pull all phragmites.
When the final permit approval arrived in October 1991, there was not much time before winter to get the project completed. The DEC required a 24-hour posting notification, and we began the construction exactly 24 hours after the final approval. I don't believe anyone was ready for the huge piles of earth that seemed to be everywhere.
If you are planning a project like this, here are a few suggestions for the planning stages that can help the construction go much more smoothly:
- Before moving the first shovel of soil, review the information sent with the approved permit. Many guidelines need to be followed.
- Communicate with the membership about the realistic start and completion dates of the project. Focus on the positive aspects.
- Develop a good working relationship with the contractor. I brought ours coffee each morning and we talked about the day's work.
One problem was encountered during construction when trying to spread the stockpiled topsoil. The topsoil, which looked more like muck, is the original wetland soil and is a valuable seed source of wetland plants. The material was difficult to work with, and I had to borrow a farmer's disc harrow to move it. It took seven weeks to complete the contouring and finish grading.
To establish a natural buffer, we seeded the area around the pond perimeter with a ryegrass and fescue mix to control erosion and to slow runoff. The buffer zone provides food and cover for wildlife and also shades the shallow water along the edge, helping to moderate the water temperature. Switchgrass, marsh hibiscus, Joe-pye weed, wild iris, and broomsedge were planted the following spring. More native plants, including buttonbush and shadbush, are planned for subsequent plantings.
The entire restoration project cost approximately $12,000, and several factors helped keep the costs down. The permit application was only $50 since the area disturbed was less than an acre. The DEC did not require the standard engineering drawings, but allowed my sketches. I did a portion of the work with my crew and utilized local resources to accomplish many of the tasks. A local nursery provided invaluable advice on wetland plant materials.
The most cost-effective labor for seeding of the pond edges was provided by the local elementary school. The kindergarten and second-grade classmates of my two sons, armed with cups of switchgrass seed, were the most enjoyable and enthusiastic workers. We plan to include these future environmentalists in more projects.
The Bridgehampton Golf Club is registered in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, and I am delighted with the program's suggested projects and advice. This program has provided information for making Potash Pond even better for wildlife, along with other projects that we can incorporate on the golf course.
While I started out trying to improve an undesirable situation on my course, I have found a new avenue to enhance the golf course, improve the area for the wildlife, and educate a future generation about the environment. The restoration of Potash Pond has been a rewarding experience.
|
|
|
|
