The long winter, with deeper snow and thicker
ice than we’ve seen in many a year, has finally melted with the warm
breath of spring. The sweetness of summer is in the air, and with it comes
a call for activity, a necessary part of this short, golden season.
We’ve done a lot these past few years, but much more needs to be
done: continuing education, preventing NPS (non-point source pollution)and
eradicating invasive plants. With this in mind, our Board decided to apply
for funding to develop a long-range watershed management plan.
It will be necessary to organize our goals and objectives and implement
strategies to deal with them. We’ll need to document these ideas,
describing what we value. This will ultimately become a framework within
which we can work, a fluid, living document which will aid us in
protecting that which is most precious to us…the lake and the quality of
its water.
If the grant is approved, we’ll be notified in July. If not, we’ll
re-apply in 2002. Our work will begin in earnest the following April and
continue for several years.. We’ll need many volunteers to brainstorm,
conduct research and attend meetings. Be prepared to help us out.

There never seems to be a shortage of dire predictions when it comes to
environmental issues. Besides global warming (one of the more ominous
threats) a real scare is from invasive aquatic plants. These are
fast-growing water weeds that are not natural to lakes and ponds, and if
not discovered or left unchecked, can wreak havoc with bodies of water. Of
the 11 species of milfoil that are of concern, Eurasian milfoil
is the most insidious. Once a body of water is infested with
this weed, it can literally choke it.
So far, no known infestation of Eurasion milfoil is in Maine (the only
State east of the Continental Divide not yet affected). However,Variable
leaf milfoil has been identified in several Maine lakes. Though not as
aggressive as Eurasian, it can grow rapidly and out-compete native plants.
Variable milfoil has been identified in Thompson Lake, Lake Auburn, some
Sebago Lake tributaries and in the passageway between Pleasant Lake and
Parker Pond. Some of these passageways have been closed to boat traffic to
prevent its spread.
And so, the invasive plant issue must be addressed and re-addressed.
Milfoil initiatives should be developed to prevent spread of this
"exotic" plant. This challenge faces each lake association, fish
and game club, town and boater. Since boats are the primary way in which
plants spread from one lake to another, plant pieces carried on boats,
motors, trailers and fishing gear can lead to disaster. Preventing the
spread of this plant is so important that bills are currently before
legislature which would impose steep fines on individuals who transport
these plants into Maine. We’ve warning signs at the boat launch but must
be diligent in informing others that hitch-hiking plants are illegal and
dangerous.

The good news is we’re up and running!. We’re celebrating 28 years
as an organized group with more involved members than ever. . We’ve
engaged interesting speakers for our annual meeting on July 14. A great
social is planned for August 18 at Tripp Lake Camp. We’ll be attacking
Purple Loosestrife this summer. We’re sending two youngster to summer
camp. A new sign will be erected at the Public Beach this summer,
sponsored by TLIA and the organizations which helped us conduct
Demonstration Project #319. Fund-raising continues.
Rejoice in our dedication to protect and preserve this valuable
resource. Help us by joining us. Thanks!