They are lowering the Mill Pond by four feet to expose the vegetation to the cold winter air and try to kill it off. The vegetation growth has gotten out of control over the past couple of years. They plan on keeping the dam down for 45 days and have recommended all boats be pulled out of the pond during this time.In late January 2012 Jackson County Parks and Recreation began the first draw down of Merritt’s Mill Pond since 1995. The vegetation in the pond had gotten so out of control it boats were unable to get through without having to clear their props several times and the basin at Blue Spring Recreational Area was almost completely filled in with eel grass.

The draw down began January 23, 2012 and continued for the next five days dropping the water level three feet. The purpose was to expose the vegetation to the air and hopefully get some freezing temperatures to kill it off. The state was also planning on spraying the pond with a chemical safe for swimmers and fish but deadly to the vegetation.

Here are some photos from the draw down.

Merritt’s Mill Pond during the draw down

Jackson Blue Spring before and after photos