Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Weed survey to look at impact of herbicides, winter drawdown

Lake Maspenock Preservation Association president Sabine St. Pierre (left) and limnologist Dave Mitchell show some weeds they removed from the water during an analysis in 2023. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Residents around Lake Maspenock are hopeful that invasive weed growth will be down this year.

The Lake Maspenock Weed Management and Control Citizens Input Group (CIG) is preparing to conduct its spring weed survey. It planned to conduct the survey this Friday, but inclement weather likely will cause the survey to be rescheduled for May 29.

Joe Baldiga, CIG chair, said he is hopeful there will be fewer weeds in the lake this year. A number of factors at play, including favorable conditions over the winter, could result in lower levels of weed growth, he explained.

“We had a lot of exposed shoreline and nice freezing temperatures with little snow cover for several weeks,” said Baldiga, noting this was “conducive for controlling weed growth.”

While he said outcomes look favorable anecdotally, the scope of the situation won’t be clear until the day of the survey.

“We won’t know until we go out there,” Baldiga admitted.

The CIG — along with a new company being brought in to survey the lake following limnologist Dave Mitchell’s retirement — also will be evaluating the impact of last year’s herbicide treatments.

The Department of Public Works treated the lake with herbicides last June. Surveys in August 2024 by the CIG showed there had been a significant decrease in the weeds. Despite the success, critics have been vocal about the use of herbicides, voicing concerns over toxicity and impacts on native species.

“This survey will help us determine how effective [it was] and what kind of staying power that limited herbicide treatment has,” said Baldiga.

Results will be measured against 10 years of biannual weed survey data to determine the lake’s current status and the impact of weed management efforts. Baldiga said the end result will help the CIG come up with a treatment plan for the coming year.

Latest News

Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter’s defense attorney requested his client’s jury trial be postponed to June 2, citing the prosecuting attorney’s scheduling conflicts and possible media influence on potential jurors.

No student injuries were reported following a school bus crash on Cedar Street Extension on Tuesday morning.

The Planning Board on Monday approved a subdivision plan for Kathryn Drive with conditions following a hearing with the property owner’s consultant.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on Bella Walkiewicz, who has qualified for the state Division 2 meet in the high jump and 400-meter hurdles as one of the Tri-Valley League’s top-ranked athletes in both track and field events.

A mix of strong returning players and talented newcomers has put the Hopkinton High School boys tennis team among the top teams in the state, according to coach Mike Miller.

The latest Library Corner features information on a pop-up book sale, science workshops for kids and a program on wild mushrooms.

Town meetings tonight include the Water & Sewer Advisory Board (5) and Trails Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

An individual guides a child through Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym during the Annual Town Election on Monday.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO