Zebra Mussel eDNA Detection in Onota Lake

11:30AM / Wednesday, November 22, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Zebra mussel eDNA has been detected at Onota Lake by the Commonwealth's Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

This discovery was made as part of regular monitoring of the lake for these types of invasive species. This detection only impacts boating operations at the lake and has no impact to other recreational uses of the lake.

Zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mollusks that present a variety of ecological, recreational, and economic concerns. In 2009, zebra mussels were detected in Laurel Lake and its outflow in the Housatonic River in Lee/Lenox. Since that time, the City of Pittsfield has actively worked with DCR to proactively monitor and bring awareness to proper boating care to help prevent the spread

of zebra mussels from one waterbody to another.

In the best interest of the health of Onota Lake and waterbodies in the surrounding area, the city asks for the public's assistance with the following measures:

Please refrain from all boating activities prior to the ice-over.
All docks, moorings and buoys should be removed from the lake and allowed to dry and freeze over the winter.
Inspect boat, trailer, and other recreational equipment that have been in contact with water.
Wash all parts of your boat, paddles, and other equipment that have been in contact with water. Do not allow wash water to flow in any water body or storm sewer.
Dry boats and trailers in sun for five days before launching into another body of water.

With cooperation, Pittsfield can reduce the likelihood of spreading zebra mussels to other water bodies.

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Steel Structure Completed, Roof Taking Shape at New Greylock School

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
05:45AM / Thursday, September 17, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The steel work is completed and the roof is taking shape at the new Greylock School.

"Nearly all of the steel is complete. They've essentially demobilized from the site," Todd Ashford, representative with owner's project manager Colliers International, told the School Building Committee on Tuesday. "A couple of big trades that have started their construction are the masonry block on the exterior walls, the exterior metal framing has started, and roofing is anticipated to start in the next, I would say, two weeks."

He said a lot of the masonry block and steel framing on the exteriors should be close to completion by the next meeting. Also, a binder course of asphalt should be down by the first week in October, which should help reduce the dirt and mud coming off the site.

A large slab actually was scheduled to be poured Wednesday to house the HVAC equipment and was expected to take until 7 p.m. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said those residents signed up on the email list were apprised of the after hours work.

The committee also approved invoices for the month and Ashford noted that about $17.8 million in invoices have been paid to date, of which $6.4 million was eligible for reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The MSBA is reimbursing the city for 80 percent of eligible costs, or about $42 million.

Committee member Lisa Blackmer asked if the reimbursements were keeping pace with expenditures.

Macksey said it's been about 30 to 45 days for reimbursement, and so far they've had no problems with reimbursements. Colliers and Nancy Rauscher, director of school finance and operations, have been working well together, she said.

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