Scott began by explaining "Cultural Eutrophication," a euphemism describing what happens when "civilization" impacts a lake. New roads, deforestation and erosion all occur. Runoff from eroded areas contains phosphorous. Excessive phosphorous speeds up the natural rate at which a lake becomes productive by producing an overabundance of algae which consumes the oxygen, thereby setting the lake up for a possible algal bloom. Degradation of the lake begins.

Tripp Lake is sensitive and highly vulnerable. It has been classified by the DEP as among over 200 lakes in Maine most at risk if steps aren’t taken to prevent further degradation (1996 report). The oxygen level of the lake reaches moderate levels of depletion during the summer months, but manages to recover in the Fall when the lake turns over. This lack of oxygen makes it impossible for the lake to support cold water fishery, such as salmon or trout ( though they may survive the winter). However, warm water fish such as bass, perch and pickerel survive nicely. Our goal must be to reduce soil erosion and other sources of pollution in the Tripp Lake Watershed through BMP’s, Best Management Practices, and reclaim and improve the health of the lake.

Previous surveys of other lakes, such as Damariscotta and Thompson, have shown that shoreland residents agree that lake degradation would negatively affect property values. (A study at the University of Maine confirms this). They also agree that clear water is the most important attribute of lakes. Our final achievement will be a good, clean lake.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 4 p.m. at the Poland Spring Bottling Company conference rooms. We’ll be designing a survey to be sent to all Tripp Lake Watershed residents. The results of this survey will be presented at a public meeting in August and will also be posted on our website. Further meetings will be ongoing until December, 2003, when the final Plan will be presented to Municipal officials. We shall request that the Town of Poland appoint a committee to help with an implementation study. We’ll need all the volunteers and help we can get. Please attend these vitally important sessions. It’s our golden opportunity to positively and creatively benefit our lake.