State Will Fix Carpenter’s Pond

CPF Says Repaired Dike Will Provide Wider Path for Hikers and Bikers

By Aaron Gifford

(Cazenovia, NY) In the coming weeks, the state Canal Corporation will shore up the dike between Carpenter’s Pond and the neighboring Cazenovia Lake canal, protecting the trail from future erosion and discouraging beaver from tunneling under the two bodies of water.

A break in the dike in early April significantly raised the water level, backing up the village’s storm sewer system. Town officials believe the problem was caused by beaver or muskrats. The village Department of Public Works was forced to drain several thousand gallons of water from the pond because the rising water levels threatened neighboring properties.

Essentially, Cazenovia Lake, via the canal, was emptying into Carpenter’s Pond. An eight-inch drainage pipe in the pond that is about 100 years old could not handle that much water.

Pond levels were about two feet lower than usual after the pumping.

The pond and creek are separated by a relatively narrow strip of trail land that runs from Route 20 to Mill Street. An intake device near Route 20 controls how much water goes into the pond, while a drain on the other side of the pond allows water to drain slowly into a nearby meadow.

As part of the restoration project, the Canal Corp. will place large stones on both sides of the dike between the canal and the pond. They’ll be set below the water line to prevent future tunneling and erosions. Small trees and shrubs will be removed during the work, which is expected to last about three weeks and take place mostly on the western half of the pond near Route 20.

A detailed schedule of the work and the estimated costs have not yet been announced. Judy Gianforte, CPF’s environmental projects manager, said the state will handle most of the project, while the village will kick in labor and materials for grading the top of the new dike.

CPF will plant new trees and shrubs and assist with beaver-control efforts.

“I hope CPF can get donations of bark chips for the trail and some plant materials and volunteer labor,” Gianforte said.

While the short-term construction period will create significant changes to the beauty and serenity of this Cazenovia landmark, Gianforte added, “The long-term result will be a safer, more accessible natural area near the heart of the village.”

The top of the restored dike will be a wider path for walkers and bikers, increasing the safety and accessibility of the popular trail for all users, Gianforte said.

CPF owns the pond, but the state owns the dike and the canal. The village uses the pond as an outlet for its storm water system. Madison County planners have recommended repairs to the dike for decades now under the Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

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State Will Fix Carpenter’s Pond

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