Pittsfield Seeks Volunteers to Ward Off Zebra Mussels

Preventing Infestation

1. Inspect and clean your boat 2. Thoroughly inspect all exposed surfaces on your vessel and trailer 3. Remove all plants and mud from your boat, trailer, and equipment 4. Carefully feel your boat's hull for any rough or gritty spots 5. Drain all water from your hull and dry your boat 6. Keep your watercraft dry for at least one week in hot/dry weather, four weeks if cold/wet Source: City of Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is calling for volunteers to stave off an invasion of zebra mussels into its lakes.

The call to arms came Friday afternoon from Mayor James M. Ruberto, who is urging citizens to volunteer for boat-ramp monitoring at Onota Lake or Pontoosuc Lake.

"We need to do everything that is in our power to keep our lakes and ponds free of this invasive zebra mussel," said Ruberto in a press release. I am reaching out to the community for help. Become a boat-ramp monitor and let's keep Pittsfield zebra free."

Zebra mussels, a freshwater shellfish native Eastern Europe and western Asia, have been proliferating across the Northeast since first being discovered in the Greatl Lakes region two decades ago. They were found in Laurel Lake in Lee — the first documented appearance in a Massachusetts body of water — last week.

Although small — growing to just an inch or two — the mollusks can wreak havoc by blocking pipes, filters and motors, gobble of food resources from native species, and significantly change habitats to the detriment of other species. Their ability to consume algae and nutrients can clarify waters to the extent that sunlight can affect other species, including aiding the growth of another water pest — milfoil.

A female can produce up to a million eggs at a time and the creatures can cluster together by the hundreds of thousands.

Dalton Elects Incumbents, Write-in for Planning Board

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
09:06PM / Monday, May 11, 2026

The last-minute write-in campaigns for Planning Board resulted in higher than normal write-in votes — 306 — for Monday's election. 

DALTON, Mass. — The unofficial results for the town's annual election indicate that Planning Board registered candidate William Striebel III and write-in candidate Richard Hall have secured the two seats.

 

Some 413 voters cast their ballots at the Senior Center on Monday. There were 82 mail-in ballots.

 

The Planning Board race began with just one candidate for the two available positions, leaving one vacancy initially unfilled, but as Election Day approached, two additional candidates launched write-in campaigns, transforming it into a competitive contest.

 

The Planning Board saw a significant number of write-in votes, totaling 306. Striebel secured 238 votes, Hall 163, and Mary Tresa Devereaux with 133. 

 

Both Hall and Devereaux have been endorsed by the Dalton Clear Air Coalition, of which Hall is a member, and Democratic Town Committee. 

 

Hall decided to run for Planning Board last Monday inspired by the Berkshire Concrete situation wanting to ensure that the company follows the town's zoning bylaws. 

 

"Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I look forward to helping the town. It's a privilege being on the Planning Board," he said.