Converting a Bog to a "lake"

[PinesExplr]

Looking at the satellite photos, it may be possible to create more lakes in Marlton, Medford, Shamong and other areas with all the old bogs around. Not that it would be economically feasible, potilically possible ....but maybe a good idea environmentally(or maybe not ?) ... but what's involved with converting a bog to a lake?

How did Taunton, Aetna, Lake Pine, etc. technically get done? Which was the most recent ? Thought on what it would take? Is the area much dryer than it used to be ? Are there any plans, studies -- that show when/how these old lakes were created?

 

[Teegate]

Member "Oriental" can tell you all about the bogs in Marlton and Medford. I would say he would be your best bet to get the proper answer.

Guy

 

[woodjin]

What would be the environmental advantage of creating a lake from a bog. Are you referring to dried up bogs? It seems to me that many of the bogs where left the way they were when the state bought them. It they were full they were left that way and the same if they were dry. The water levels in the bogs where controlled by a culvert. In some cases, beaver have re-enforced culverts to secure that some bogs remain flooded. The flooded bogs provide for a terrific variety of aquatic and semi aquatic life. In most bog systems the resivour was left flooded at least. The need to expand the bogs into lakes seems to be unnecessary.

Jeff

 

[PinesExplr]

bogs and lakes

What would be the environmental advantage of creating a lake from a bog. Are you referring to dried up bogs?

Jeff

I don't know if there is any advantage environmentally, does a lake support more life or types of life than a dry (or wet) bog? Since I don't think bogs or lakes are natural to the Pines, which feature is more desirable?

Seems there was some type of move afoot to create lakes decades ago - was that solely driven by real estate speculation? I don't know. Were those projects sponsored by the state or federal government?

Just became curious about this after seeing all the heavy re-construction going on this past w/e in Aetna & Stockwell lakes.

 

[woodjin]

Lake vs flooded bog: not being a biologist, but somebody who spends alot of time in bogs (fishing), I would tend to say that bogs probably provide for more aquatic or semi aquatic life than a lake.

I don't know why most of lakes in the pine barrens were created. I suspect you are probably right...probably for real estate appreciation for the most part, camp grounds, Oswego lake, which used to be a bog, was probably flooded solely for recreation. But I am not certain. Good question.

Jeff