The Watershed Grant for Tripp Lake from the US EPA and the Maine DEP will be completed this June 30. By all standards, it has been a success. During the past two and one-half years, much has been accomplished through our efforts to protect the lake from the effects of polluted runoff. The response from the lake community has been exceptional! Over two dozen individuals received technical advice!
We won an award for being the Outstanding Conservationist of 1999 from the Androscoggin Soil and Water Conservation District stating, " for outstanding accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water and related resources." For this, we should all be very proud.

Funds of almost $75,000 were put to good use accomplishing tasks listed below. Actual TLIA volunteer, in-kind services are on goal. Monies will be repaid as a result of the fund-raising efforts of our group as well as the generosity of individual members and area businesses.

May we help you? There is still time to receive technical advice! If you’ve not yet submitted a "blue card" requesting help, just call me or Phoebe Hardesty (AVSWCD Project Advisor) a call and we’ll try to get to you. Time is short, so call as soon as possible. Remember, this advice is free until June 30. Phoebe’s tel. # is (207) 753-9400, Ext. 403. My (Babs Shapiro) tel. # is 998-4597.

Sites picked as Demonstration Projects will be open for inspection for the next two years so watershed residents can get ideas on how to better buffer their properties. We’re also planning a special tour on Wednesday, July 19, 5-7p.m. The location will be announced. Most sites are still in the process of being completed; some may need more time.

Summary of Demonstration Projects completed or in-process:

The Public Beach on Rt. 11 received a much needed face lift. Last Fall, over two dozen volunteers worked to stabilize the beach with 50 varieties of trees, bushes and perennials. Large amounts of mulch were added to stabilize sandy paths and new, terraced walkways were included in the design. The Town placed boulders on the road, parallel to the beach, to prevent erosion. DOT(Department of Transportation) will be paving the shoulder in the next year for further stabilization and new signage will be added. We will continue to monitor the beach.

The Fernald Road received new stone-lined ditches, grading and other stabilization techniques. Unfortunately, this past winter, damage was done by logging trucks and plows. We hope the problems will be resolved and the road repaired as soon as possible. A camproad workshop was held there last July with engineers and representatives from various Conservation Districts instructing the group in construction, design and maintenance.

North Raymond Road, on Rt. 11, was stabilized and fixed by the Town.

Megquire Hill Road, near the Market, received gully stabilization by the Town.

Individuals who’ve volunteered their properties as Demonstration Projects and have received assistance with designing/planting vegetated buffers to prevent runoff from camp roads, driveways and buildings are: Wendall and Gerry Tinkham---200 Jordan Shore Drive; Richard and Paula Smith---Garland Swamp Road; Janet Tillson---192 Jordan Shore Drive; Carol Quinn---Garland Swamp Road ; Audrey Niskanen…Garland Swamp Rd. Another is under consideration. A variety of techniques have been utilized at each site.

We’re proud that we’ve raised awareness concerning the cause/effect relationship between land use in the watershed and lake water quality. Education and long-term lake management will continue in the future.