What can I do to help protect the lake?

Lakes have fragile eco-systems and require all residents to do their share to protect against nutrient overload, eutrophication, and the spread of non-native weeds. You can help by doing the following:

• Maintain a 20- foot buffer zone of natural vegetation (wild grasses, groundcover, etc.) between the shoreline and your home. This acts as a filter, capturing nutrients that would enter the lake from run-off.
• Reduce or eliminate the areas of turf grasses or lawns. Lawns require fertilizers, attract geese and do not make a good buffer zone. Besides, this is lake life…save “weekend mowing” for people in the suburbs!
• Rake all fragments of weeds from your shoreline on a regular basis and dispose of properly. These fragments are how non-native weeds reproduce. When left drifting, they will fall to the bottom and take root.
• Have your septic system pumped/checked on a regular basis, at least every other year.
• Do not feed the wild ducks, geese, and/or swans on a regular basis. This activity is unhealthy for them and has health consequences for people as well. Feeding the ducks and geese can make them dependent on us for food, a source that isn’t as healthy for them as native plants and foods. It can also unnaturally increase their population numbers, and cause them to stop migrating. This winds up being bad for us when large groups of non-migratory waterfowl cause swimmer’s itch or fecal contamination. These large groups can also contribute phosphorus to the lake through their feces, sometimes causing algae blooms. So remember, let the wildlife be wild!
• Request a copy of the “Your Lake and You” publication from the Board. This is a great guide to lakefront ownership.
• How do you know if the ice is safe? Check the ice chart…

Is there any public access to the lake?

No, all access to the lake is from private property.

Are there any weed problems?

Bungay Lake has several varieties of aquatic plants. In general, the native varieties such as shoreline Valisenaria or eelgrass is a healthy part of the lake eco-system. They provide buffers from incoming nutrients, shelter for fish and food for water foul. Non-native plants such as Fanwart and Milfoil are intrusive, spread rapidly by fragmentation and can choke out lakes very quickly. Every other year, the Board organizes a hydro-raking service to individual homeowners who wish to clear weeds and sediment from their lake frontage. Call any Board member for details.

Are there rules for docks and walls?

Permitting may be required, contact your local Conservation Commission for advice.

Are there shallow areas to be careful of?

Yellow and Orange buoys are placed near shallow areas during the boating season. Generally, the area between the buoys and shore are too shallow for motor boats to pass through.

Are there boating rules to follow?

The Mass Division of Law Enforcement (Mass Environmental Police), through its inland officers, enforces all laws, rules and regulations relating to recreational fishing & boating. Bungay Lake incorporates both Mass boating laws and specific Bungay Lake rules into its S.A.F.E. Program (Safety Awareness From Education). A copy of the program is included in this package. Common sense is the key to a safe lake, please be sure you AND your visitors are aware of all the rules and regulations.

What type of boating is allowed?

All types of boats are allowed on Bungay Lake. From canoes and kayaks to sail and ski-boats. All powerboats are required to travel in a counter clockwise direction around the lake. Smaller and/or non-powered boats always have the right-of-way. Also, every 4th of July we have a boat parade that all types of boats enter and compete for prizes based on a chosen theme.

Is the lake safe for swimming and fishing?

The association regularly checks the quality of water, which has always measured within the Massachusetts State guidelines for recreational use. Several types of fish can be found within Bungay waters: large and small mouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, catfish and plenty of sunfish. We encourage “catch & release” fishing!

How big is Bungay Lake?

Bungay Lake is approximately 110 acres in area and its deepest point is about 12 feet. There are 2 basins, big and little Bungay, divided by the bridge on Plain Street. The lake borders two towns, Mansfield and North Attleboro.

Is there an association that lake residents can join?

Yes, we encourage all lake residents to join “Bungay Associates, Inc.” as soon as possible. Our mission is “to understand, manage and protect our Bungay Lake resources through research and education ensuring a quality future for all to enjoy”. Membership dues are used for important efforts such as water quality testing, weed control, recreational safety, watershed management, quarterly newsletters, etc. The Board of Directors calls an annual meeting every April where new business and financials are discussed and voted on. Please fill out the enclosed form to join, membership runs from January to December.