There is progress being made toward getting the area around the F&G Boat Launch restored to a more natural condition. Early in the fall of 2021 the Town of Loudon, under the direction of Road Agent Russ Pearl, re-surfaced the paved portion of Berry Road along the eastern shore of Clough Pond. The asphalt was applied so that rainwater would flow away from the pond harmlessly to the east and away from the pond. From there it travels through a culvert under the F&G parking lot and ends up in a catch basin next to the parking lot before settling harmlessly into the ground.

In addition to Berry Road needing that redo, it was also done so that any rainfall on Berry Road would be directed away from the pond and thus cease contributing to the deterioration to the F&G property at the ramp. That needed to be done before the State F&G Department could undertake the restoration of their property. Otherwise any runoff from Berry Road would quickly undo their efforts at restoration.

F&G is still working towards that restoration. They are currently involved in other priorities around the state but will be getting back to this project soon enough.

Eventually the ugly snow fence around that area will no longer be needed. It likely will come down again this coming winter to make room for the snow being plowed off the road and be returned in the spring. It will still need to stay in place for awhile after the restoration is in place to give the work a chance to take root before opening it up to visitors on foot. In addition to the road runoff, overuse by humans has been a significant part of its degradation and we do not want overuse to cause the efforts of the town and state to have been for naught.

Runoff into Clough Pond poses a significant threat to the quality of the water in the pond and its ability to support trout, turtles, our favorite loons, and other wildlife. Oh, and did I mention the recreational value of the pond to kayakers, swimmers and other recreational users of Clough Pond.