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The
Fischer Pond is a community-organized project in which the Cascade High
School’s Advanced Biology class has adopted the pond as a student
project. The students working on the project are doing water tests, and
are planning to construct handicapped access ramps and boardwalks to designated
areas on the pond. The pond is not handicap accessible; ramps and boardwalks
would provide access to those people so they could also enjoy fishing.
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FOR
THE PEOPLE:We are planning on constructing two boardwalks, one on each
side of the pond along with ramps leading down to the boardwalks. We will
also build handrails around the boardwalks to insure that they are safe.
The area around the pond will be landscaped to provide not only a fishing
spot, but also a relaxing, park-like atmosphere. This includes covering
an area with topsoil, planting grass and trees, as well as constructing
some walkways to go around the pond.
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FOR
THE FISH: Since this is a man made pond we need to make sure the pond
develops into a natural environment for the fish. We're going to accomplish
this by adding cover to the bottom of the pond along with loose gravel.
Loose gravel on the bottom of the pond will provide the fish an area to
spawn and the cover such as rocks and sunken trees will create a place for
the fish to hide for protection. Sunken trees will also produce an area
for aquatic insects to live. This would insure survival of the fish through
the long winters here in Cascade. |
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GOAL & THE FUTURE: We plan to have the handicapped ramps, boardwalks,
and most of the landscaping completed by June of 2001. The project will
remain with the Advanced Biology class, and students will adopt other projects
that need to be done on or around the pond. Water quality is one of the
major factors that will be focused on in the future. |
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2001-2002
Progress Update
In 2001 we received a grant from The Community Foundation for $15,000 to
improve the pond and the area around it. This money went towards the construction
of a handicap path, ramp and fishing deck. The area around the pond has
also been landscaped by planting grass as well willow trees. Rocks have
been placed on all banks of the pond to eliminate erosion problems. Recently
we built and installed bat boxes and swallow habitats to help control mosquito
populations which makes for a more enjoyable atmosphere. This year the Fish
and Game planted more fish as a response to the results of a harsh winter.
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Future
Plans:
In the near future the City of Cascade will dredge out the sediment to make
the pond deeper for winter survival of the trout as well as hopefully improving
the water quality.
In the future we hope the pond will serve as a major recreational spot for
the community. With the closing of the mill the town is making the transition
from an extraction based industry focus to a recreational focus. This pond
is located on the south end of town, where many vacationers enter the area.
This pond will serve as a natural, relaxing entrance to the beautiful area
of Cascade.
To improve the Fischer Pond and the areas surrounding it, we hope to extend
the Pond Greenbelt system along the river linking it to the Crown Point
Trail. This would connect the recreational spots around the City of Cascade.
Interpretive signs will be placed along the trails about nature, culture,
and history. The main focus of our project however, is on nature and outdoor
enjoyment. Erosion problems and animal habitat are also a main focus for
the future. |
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