Erosion
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WHAT IS EROSION DOING TO OUR COMMUNITY?

“Nature slowly wears away the land but human activities…increase the rate of erosion 2000 times nature’s rate.” --Association of Bay Area Governments

 (Reprinted in part from a paper written by Poland Regional High School’s 2004 Natural Resources Conservation Class)

What is erosion?  It’s the wearing away, breaking down, or dissolving of rock and other material by wind or water.  The eroded material is often carried off and deposited in other areas (our local lakes).  This process can damage the land, affect wildlife and cause great harm to the lake system.

One of the most common chemicals that enters our lake due to erosion is phosphorus.  This chemical occurs naturally in our environment but can also be introduced through fertilizers or leaky septic systems. Rain and runoff will carry the phosphorus from gardens and construction into the local lakes.

 

Town repairs Judy and Dell King's culvert on Jordan Shore Drive

Excessive phosphorus can cause harm to our lake system by encouraging algae growth.  This can cause the lake to become very mucky and become a poor site for recreation. When the algae die it causes the lake’s oxygen level to lower, which in turn affects the wildlife in the lake.  Everyday recreation such as boating, fishing and swimming, even a rainy day can all contribute to erosion.  Human impact causes the greatest impact of all.

Not only is the land and soil weakened, but wildlife can be harmed due to the destruction of their habitat. All this  eroded material must go somewhere…this place is our own Tripp Lake.  It can change the whole makeup of the lake…the water can become cloudy, which can affect the temperature and transparency.  Aquatic life may diminish and lake activities such as swimming may be jeopardized.

PRHS Conservation class was determined to help protect our community water resources and set about to help the erosion problem occurring at Tripp Lake.  The goal was to inform the community of the problem and help by stopping erosion on Jordan Shore Drive.  Purchasing native plants such as lowbush blueberry, juniper and bearberry, the students installed them along eroded bankings, also cleaning out drainage ditches and culverts nearby.

What can we do?  Keep ditches and drainage ditches clean and clear of debris.  Be careful with household chemicals.  Plant native plants and trees near rivers and lakes to create a filter from runoff.  Use phosphorous free-fertilizer or lime on gardens and lawns.

Thanks to students Evan Beaule, Megan Paine, Stacey Daignault, Liz Goddard, Erica Huber, Natalie Tougass, Krista Flynt, Allison Boyd, Derek Hill and Julie Begin for participating in this project.