Messerschmidt Pond, Deep River

2005 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Messerschmidt Pond 

Transect Data | Water Data

Messerschmidt Pond is a 73-acre, artificial impoundment fed by several small streams. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet near a dam at the eastern end. The pond is surrounded by forest. The state maintains a carry-in boat launch on the western shore, but gas-powered motors are prohibited.

Messerschmidt Pond supported a diverse community of aquatic plants during our August 2005 survey, although it was dominated by the invasive fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana). Fanwort occurred in nearly all regions of the pond. The plant grew as scattered plants in the shallowest water near the shore and under floating-leaved species that grew around most of the pond’s periphery. Fanwort was not found in water more than 12 feet (3.5 m) deep. However, the species was extremely abundant everywhere between the outer edges of the floating-leaved species and these deep-water areas, growing very densely in a nearly monospecific stand across the lake. A second invasive species, variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), grew with the fanwort in several widely scattered areas, sometimes becoming more abundant but never completely replacing the fanwort.

White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) covered extensive areas of the pond. It occurred in narrow bands extending 12 feet (10 m) from the shore and as more extensive stands in several sheltered coves and around the islands. Occurring less abundantly with the white water lily were floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata), little floating heart (Nymphoides cordata), watershield (Brasenia schreberi), yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata), ribbon-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus), sevenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum), and golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea). Spotted pondweed (Potamogeton pulcher) and common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza) were found as small patches on the west, north, and south sides. Common bladderwort also occurred with lesser bladderwort (Utricularia minor) and flat-leaf bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia) around the larger island. Flat-Leaf bladderwort and purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea) were found on the west and south sides of the pond, while small waterwort (Elatine minima) was only found on the west side. Needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), and small pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) were only found on the pond's south side.