The average Secchi disk reading for 2023 was 4.4 meters, which falls into the moderately clear range. The average total phosphorus reading of 11.2 ppb falls into the moderate range. The average deep water phosphorus value was less than 10 ppb above surface water phosphorus values, which suggests phosphorus recycling is not problematic. The chlorophyll-a average of 3.3 ppb falls into the moderate range. Long-term trend analysis indicates chlorophyll-a concentrations in Bear Pond are stable, total phosphorus concentrations are stable, and clarity readings are stable. Bear Pond’s Gloeotrichia echenulata density ranged from 0 through 1 with the highest density occurring in early August.
LEA visits Bear Pond twice a month in May through September. This year, the average total phosphorus concentration and average clarity reading were near their long-term averages, while the average chlorophyll concentration was above the long-term average. The average deep-water phosphorus value was less than 10 ppb above surface water phosphorus values, which suggests phosphorus recycling was not problematic. Long-term trend analysis indicates chlorophyll-a concentrations, total phosphorus concentrations, and clarity readings in Bear Pond are stable. This year’s average surface water temperature was higher than last year’s average surface water temperature. Oxygen depletion was observed at the deepest parts of the pond beginning in mid-June. Gloeotrichia echenulata colonies were not observed in 2024.
Gloeotrichia echinulata (a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) commonly found in low-nutrient waters) can be seen with the naked eye. Gloeo density is reported as a value ranging from 0 – 6, based on the number of Gloeo colonies seen through a Secchi scope. Higher values indicate more Gloeo colonies. Bear Pond’s Gloeotrichia echenulata density ranged from 0 through 1 with the highest density occurring in early August.
