Turner Pond is a 55-acre impoundment of the Pasakamansett River located in North Dartmouth, Bristol County, Massachusetts. This warmwater pond lies just northwest of the New Bedford Municipal Airport, with the majority of its acreage falling within the Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation.

**Character and Water Quality:** The pond is characterized by dark brown, highly acidic water (pH 4.2 to 4.9) resulting from drainage from the Acushnet Cedar Swamp. Water transparency is poor at approximately 1.5 feet, and the pond features a mud bottom throughout. The average depth is four feet, with a maximum depth of 20 feet. Emergent aquatic vegetation covers nearly half the surface area during summer months, which can impact navigation.

**Access:** Turner Pond offers excellent accessibility for shore fishing and launching cartop boats and canoes. Old Fall River Road runs along the dam end of the pond, while High Hill Road cuts through the middle, providing multiple access points. Parking is available on adjacent conservation land and along roadsides. The 2.3-mile undeveloped shoreline provides a natural setting for paddlers.

**Historical Context:** An 1912 survey reported the pond was historically known as Turner's Mill Pond and the Pond at North Village. It would dry in summer except for the river channel, though modern management has maintained more consistent water levels.

**Wildlife and Fishing:** Fish populations are notably sparse due to the acidic conditions. Species present include yellow perch (dominant), banded sunfish, golden shiner, black crappie, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, American eel, and tesselated darter. Anglers have reported some largemouth bass. The acidic environment limits fish populations, with surveys indicating poor body condition for most species. During summer, low oxygen levels in deeper areas confine fish to the top 8 feet of water or shallower. While the scenery offers a peaceful natural setting within the state reservation, paddlers should be aware that fishing opportunities are limited and conditions may continue to deteriorate as species struggle with the acidic water chemistry.