Solid ice returns to Rudd Pond

MILLERTON — This year’s harsh winter conditions made it possible for the Taconic State Park to bring back Rudd Pond’s seasonal ice skating and ice fishing.

“Last winter, there was no ice to speak of,” said Jim Campbell, whose home is located on the south side of Rudd Pond. “The last couple of years haven’t been anything at all. It’s probably been a couple of years since I’ve been out ice fishing or most anyone else for that matter.”

Abigail Leo, park manager at Taconic State Park, explained how the temperature must remain below freezing for over a week for staff members to begin monitoring the ice conditions on Rudd Pond. Then, according to Leo, if the pond is frozen solid, trained staff will take samples in different surface areas to ensure safety for the community.

“Core samples are taken in various areas throughout the pond to ensure that an average of 6 or more inches of ice thickness is maintained. If at any time the crew finds more than one ice sample that is less than 4 inches or low quality, unsafe ice conditions, the sampling is halted and the pond remains closed,” said Leo, “Retesting will resume in 24 to 48 hours if temperatures maintain below freezing. If the average of 6 inches is met and the ice conditions are favorable, then Rudd Pond will be open for ice recreation.”

The pond’s surface determines how long the process will take crew members to complete their testing. Leo explained a safety requirement is in place surrounding the crew. A minium of three persons goes out on the ice to take samples. The crew assigned to measure the ice are trained and equipped with the proper tools to ensure conditions are safe for usage.

“The length of the process is determined by the weather and operation priorities... We need below freezing temperatures for at least 5 to 7 days in order to meet the conditions that would make testing the ice safe for the crew,” Leo said. “The testing process takes about half a day if all goes according to plan.”

Near the state park entrance there is a sign noting the current ice conditions. On the sign, indicators fluctuate between green and red, same as a stoplight, to indicate safe or unsafe conditions. Jim Campbell noted that pond conditions can vary, depending on where one is situated.

“We’re on the south end of it, and that tends to stay frozen longer than the one on the north because of the wind. But once ours starts to freeze, it usually stays frozen there for a considerable amount of time,” Campbell said, “Last time I was out there, it was like 13 inches of ice out in front of my house. That’s a lot of ice.”

This year, many people have been able to enjoy the winter season with Rudd Pond freezing over. “They’ve been skating out there,” Campbell observed. “People have utilized it. This year, there’s been several people out ice fishing — and that’s really what it’s there for, and what it’s all about.”