| Lake Description |
|---|
| MLIF |
| Condition of Lake |
| Restoration Plans |
| Be a Good Neighbor |
| Fund Raising |
| Current Events |
Lake Mamanasco and its surrounding area occupies a storied place in the history of Ridgefield. Indians, who camped on its shores, sold it to settlers in 1707. An early deed calls the lake "Mamanasquag."
As described in Jack Sanders excellent article, it was the site of a grist mill in 1717 that supplied the Village of Ridgefield with flour. Various mills throughout the 17th and 18th centuries occupied this site on what was then known as the "Mamanasco Mill Pond." The last of these was a mid-nineteenth century paper mill whose remains may still be viewed today at the foot of Pond Rd.
Despite its history, very little is known about the lake or the activities of the Mamanasco Lake Improvement Fund (MLIF) in the local community. A primary purpose of this website, therefore, is to educate and inform. That, after all, is one of MLIF's primary functions. Click on MLIF to find out about our organization and what else we do to help the lake. You will also find a listing of the members of the Board of Directors and a schedule of its meetings. We invite any and all interested residents of the watershed to attend and participate in our monthly meetings.
Are you curious about the size of the lake and its watershed, or the type of fish it provides a home for? Do you know how big the lake was before an earthen dam was built in the 1700's ? You can find out in the article, "A Description and History of Lake Mamanasco" by clicking on Lake Description
Of course, Lake Mamanasco is not without its problems. Like many urban lakes it is undergoing premature aging due to nutrients finding their way into the lake through stormwater runoff and ground water seepage. Learn about the cause and effect of the cultural eutrophication of Lake Mamanasco by clicking on Condition of Lake.
That's the bad news. The good news is that MLIF, with the co-operation of the Town of Ridgefield and the state DEP, has launched a long-term program to restore the lake. It includes chemical treatments as a short term solution to the aquatic weed problems, and a watershed management plan that will eventually reduce the flow of pollutants into the lake from its watershed. Find out about this ambitious undertaking by clicking Restoration Plans.
This all takes money, of course, and a major item on MLIF's agenda is its Fund Raising activities. Besides your money, we would be most appreciative if watershed residents could help the lake, and themselves, in other ways. Find out how to be a, "Be a Good Neighbor" to the lake.
One of the jobs that we're not too good at, at times, is greeting new residents. In case we missed you, let us take this opportunity to welcome you to the Lake Mamanasco Watershed Community. You couldn't have picked a better place to live. News of Current Events is contained on this website, but, if you need more information, call or E-Mail us and we would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.