A report on water quality and biota of Cat Swamp Pond

Mele, Maria

Scanned report on the Water Quality and Biota of Cat Swamp Pond at Morristown National Historic Park. This report gives the results of a July 1980 field study by the Youth Conservation Corp of Cat Swamp Pond at Morristown National Historical Park. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the quality of the water in the pond and identify some of the flora and fauna in the immediate vicinity. Paramenters measured were: dissolved oxygen; ambient and water temperature; light penetration via secchi disc; phosphate, nitrate, alkalinity, and sulfate via chemical test kits; and pH. Dredged samples were also taken from the bottom The levels of chemical and physical and biological parameters measured showed a high quality of water. There are no obvious problems. Field collections of vertebrates and macroinvertebrates indicate a balanced and diverse community. The healthy rooted aquatic vegetation provides a refuge for fish in the pond. Cat Swamp Pond has the potential of being an outstanding laboratory for outdoor environmental education. The report includes a checklist of trees, other vegetation, vertebrates and macroinvertebrates