NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lewiston, ME the Permit # 82 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Water Column A Publication of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Vol. 19, No. 1 Fall 2014

If you would like to go green and receive the Water Column in electronic format, please contact the VLMP at [email protected]. Looking for Other Ways to Support the VLMP?

When you clean out your attic, purchase a newer version of an item, or inherit something useful you don't have room for, please consider donating to the VLMP!

Here is a list of some items we could use. If you would like to donate an item to the VLMP, please contact us before doing so, to make sure it is a good fit for the organization. The VLMP is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so all donations to us are tax-deductible.

Tools Ladder Large Coffee Urn Filing Cabinets Floor & Desk Lamps Shelving Units Small Computer Desk Picnic Table Brooms Silverware Gift Cards to Lowe's or Home Depot

We are also seeking lake-oriented artwork or photos, suitable for framing (or already framed).

If you shop at Amazon.com, please consider making your purchases through Smile.Amazon.com, and selecting the Maine VLMP as your recipient charity. The AmazonSmile Foundation will then donate 0.5% of your purchase price to the VLMP.

Thank You for your support! What’s Inside : President's Message ...... 2 President’s Lakeside Notes: Monitors There When You Need . . .3 Littorally Speaking: Milfoil in Annabessacook . . . . . 4 Quality Counts: Harmful Algal Blooms ...... 6 Additional Ways to Monitor Your Lake ...... 8 Message New Lake Maps ...... 10 EPA Recognizes Scott Williams ...... 10 Bill Monagle What to Do When You Find a Suspicious Plant . . .11 President, VLMP Board of Directors Thank You to our Generous Donors! �������������� 12 Watershed Survey Successfully Completed . . 14 hen I reflect on the twelve or along with a committed Board of Thank You to Maine's Lake Monitors! �������������� 14 Wso years (but who’s counting?) Directors, has maintained focus on 2014 Lake Monitoring Conference ������������������ 15 I’ve been a member of the VLMP the program’s priorities and adroitly The Volunteer Perspective ...... 16 Board of Directors, I am truly made necessary adjustments to stay 2014 Workshop Season in Review ...... 16 amazed at how far the Program has on course with our mission. And, Welcome, New Lake Monitors! . . ����������������� . 19 come, both in terms of the increased as the organization’s name implies, Monitors Highlighted at NALMS Symposium . . . . 20 Near Real-Time Lake Data Website ...... 20 number of volunteer monitors, and at the foundation of the program Passings ...... 21 in the overall scope of the program. are the volunteer contributions of Notices ...... 5, 18, 20-24 Over this time, the VLMP has time and effort by the hundreds Cover Photo . . . Ellis/Roxbury Pond by VLMP Lake Monitor Ross Swain greatly expanded its outreach of certified citizen lake scientists efforts through the development who monitor the water quality of of the VLMP and Lakes of Maine our lakes and ponds, patrol their websites–both valuable as sources of aquatic plant communities to seek essential lake and program-related out invasive species to enable early information, produced numerous detection and swift mitigation, and VLMP Staff printed and on-line publications help identify and resolve sources of Scott Williams Executive Director Roberta Hill Invasive Species Program Director that inform and guide individuals pollution in their lake watersheds. Jonnie Maloney Program Coordinator and organizations on an array Christine Guerette Program Assistant of lake related topics, developed In my own humble opinion, there Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) the increasingly vital Invasive isn’t a more capable or effective Board of Directors Species Program, and established a statewide lake organization than the Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) permanent home base at the VLMP Maine VLMP, and given the bounty Mary Jane Dillingham, Vice President (Auburn) Lakes Center, a stone’s throw from of lakes and ponds in Maine and Lew Wetzel, Treasurer (Casco) what is at stake environmentally, Sibyl French, Secretary (Raymond) Lake Auburn, and the list goes on. Malcolm Burson (Portland) Exciting stuff! economically, and aesthetically, the Paul Hunt (Portland) program is vitally important, now Marsha Letourneau (Kennebunkport) These accomplishments over the more than ever before. There are Advisory Board years have been absolutely necessary certainly challenges and obstacles to Aria Amirbahman, PhD Matt Scott, MS to enable the VLMP to confront be overcome, but with the continued Dan Buckley, PhD Peter Vaux, PhD (Chair) the persistent and increasing threats support from individual volunteers Holly Ewing, PhD Ken Wagner, PhD C. Barre Hellquist, PhD Pixie Williams, MS to our treasured lake resources. and strong funding support from David Littell, JD Karen Wilson, PhD Fortunately, the skilled and both the public and private sectors, Steve Norton, PhD dedicated staff, under the direction of I’m confident the future of Maine’s Editorial Staff Executive Director, Scott Williams, lakes and ponds will be bright. Scott Williams Jonnie Maloney, Layout Roberta Hill Christine Guerette Steve Lambert, Volunteer To Contact Us VLMP Mission Statement 24 Maple Hill Road, Auburn, Maine 04210 The Mission of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program is to help protect (207) 783-7733 [email protected] Maine lakes through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health. The Funding for this newsletter is made possible in part by grants from VLMP trains, certifies and provides technical support to hundreds of volunteers the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department who monitor a wide range of indicators of water quality, assess watershed of Environmental Protection, through Section 319 of the Clean health and function, and screen lakes for invasive aquatic plants and animals. Water Act, the Lake and River Protection Sticker Fund, and individual In addition to being the primary source of lake data in the State of Maine, VLMP donations and business sponsorships. volunteers benefit their local lakes by playing key stewardship and leadership This newsletter is printed on 50% post-consumer recycled paper; roles in their communities. produced & mailed by Penmor Lithographers, Lewiston, Maine. 2 23 FREE T-Shirts for Certified Lake Monitors! Lakeside Notes Certified lake monitors are Maine’s Citizen Lake Monitors: eligible for one of these beautiful t-shirts, free-of- There When You Need Them! charge! T-shirts are currently available, and may be picked Most of you are probably aware that evolution of the program, because it has up at any water quality re- from the 1970’s through the mid allowed the organization the freedom certification workshop, IPP 1990’s, the VLMP was capably managed of flexibility and experimentation as it By Scott Williams workshop, or other VLMP event, by the Maine DEP. Budget cuts in has moved into the future. The success VLMP Executive Director including our annual conference. state government in the 90’s were the of the VLMP through the years has program to expand the number of lakes If you are unable to pick up your Front impetus for a group of individuals who been due in no small part to strong t-shirt, we can arrange to have one had a vested interest in the program inclusive collaborative partnerships that monitored, we would need a strategy sent to you for the cost of shipping to explore options for the future. This have been formed with the Maine DEP to recruit new lake monitors. It didn’t and handling. steering group included staff from and other natural resource agencies, take long for me to realize, much to my the DEP lakes program, a group of local and regional lake and watershed pleasant surprise, that I was mistaken. Don't miss out! Please contact experienced volunteer lake monitors associations, County Soil and Water I had not fully appreciated how deeply the VLMP with your shirt size, committed people are to protecting our Volunteer Water Quality who recognized the many ways in which Conservation Districts, academic either by email or phone, at a citizen-scientist lake monitoring institutions, citizen lake monitoring lakes. During the past two decades, Regional & Data Coordinators [email protected], or organization had benefited their lakes programs in other states (and countries) there have been very few occasions Help with activities such as scheduling re- 207-783-7733. during the past two decades, lake and of course, the rapidly growing when it has been necessary to search certification workshops, communicating Thank you to our corporate association representatives, academics number of volunteer citizen lake for new lake monitors for new lakes, or with volunteers, and lake data entry. For sponsor, YSI Incorporated, whose from Maine’s educational institutions, scientists here in Maine. to replace retiring monitors. In fact, at more information, please contact us at Back times it has been a challenge to keep up [email protected] or 207-783-7733. generous support made these and others. t-shirts possible! with public interest in the program. Continuous, strong growth of the Show Off Your Pride VLMP benefits Maine lakes in so many Become a Friend of the VLMP! ways. These extend well beyond the The VLMP is a uniquely volunteer-powered organization. Most as a VLMP Certified obvious benefit of gathering credible VLMP volunteers are committed to the critically important task scientific data concerning the health of monitoring the health of Maine lakes. But there are many Lake Monitor! of our lakes. In addition to becoming other off-the-water tasks that need to be done in order to keep local lake experts, VLMP citizen lake the entire statewide lake monitoring enterprise moving forward scientists play a crucial stewardship role smoothly. As the VLMP grows, these essential behind-the- scenes Sponsorship and in their lake communities. With over tasks are also increasingly being shared by our volunteers. Underwriting Opportunities 550 lakes in the program, that’s a lot of Friends of the VLMP are lending their time, talents and creativity committed people who bring experience, to help us build and maintain one of the largest and most active in the Water Column knowledge, and understanding to citizen-based lake monitoring programs in the nation. With The value of Maine’s lakes to the state’s economy is substantial; During the 43 years that the VLMP has been growing and their communities about the nature their much-needed and greatly valued help, the VLMP is better studies have shown that our lakes conservatively generate 3.5 of the threats to our lakes, how those able to meet the demands of Maine’s ever-growing statewide billion dollars in economic activity annually. An increasing evolving, one thing has not changed: how deeply committed threats can be monitored, and ways network of volunteer lake monitors. number of Maine businesses—companies who not only see in which watershed residents can use Interested? We are eager to help YOU find and/or expand your the connection between clean lakes and economic prosperity, people are to protecting the health of Maine lakes. lake-friendly practices to ensure that 1 special niche in the VLMP. We can use help with a wide range but who also understand the value of volunteer “match” — It took several months for the group to When I first assumed the responsibility Maine will continue to have among the of seasonally variable tasks, from data entry and assembling bulk now support the work of the VLMP. It is in this spirit of explore – among other options – the – and distinct honor – of working for clearest and cleanest lakes in the nation! mailings, to helping with yard work and making repairs to the mutually beneficial collaboration that we welcome this issue’s potential for the VLMP to exist as a the VLMP nearly two decades ago, Thanks to all of you, who do so much property. Please contact us today to learn more! corporate sponsors. free-standing nonprofit organization. It I made a few assumptions about the for so many, on behalf of Maine’s If you, or your company, are interested in supporting the was a decision that carried some risks, nature of the challenges the organization exceptional lakes! Reminder to all work of the VLMP through sponsorship or underwriting, but today it is widely acknowledged would likely face in the future – one Volunteer Lake Monitors: please contact us. Sponsorship notices will be accepted at the as having been a pivotal point in the of which was that in order for the discretion of the staff and Board of Directors. Help ensure the 2014 Maine Lakes Report will 1. Every dollar donated to the VLMP is matched at least 10 times over by be complete by sending in your data now! volunteer support! 22 3 Littorally Speaking Passings John B. Banton Milfoil in Annabessacook Lake John B. Banton, of Weld, Maine and Canyon of Maine, Orono. John is survived by his wife a cautionary yet hopeful tale of prevention, Lake, Texas, died in July, 2013, peacefully at Annabelle Hall Banton, sons Donald, Michael, early detection, and rapid response the age of 88, at home in Weld with his beloved Steven and Russell and daughter Susan. John daughter by his side. He was a WWII Vet, monitored both Secchi and Dissolved Oxygen on ate in the summer of 2013, a vigilant by Roberta Hill born in Bangor, the son of Nellie Banton. He Webb Lake in Weld. Courtesy of Meader & Son LCourtesy Boat Inspector (CBI) VLMP Invasive Species Program Director graduated from Bangor High and University Funeral Home, Rumford, Maine. stationed on Annabessacook Lake spotted a single milfoil fragment floating near launched in June with an IPP Plant Edward P. Ketchen Paddle led by Friends of Cobbossee the public boat landing. DNA testing Edward P. Ketchen passed away in March of Chief Petty Officer in 1945. Ed never forgot confirmed the plant to be variable Watershed staff. This engagement-level this year, at age 94, with family at his side. those who gave their all for their country, and he water-milfoil (VWM, scientific name: event helped to spur local interest in Ed was the Meddybemps lake monitor for never stopped honoring all those who served. Myriophyllum heterophyllum), the most the Annabessacook survey project and over 25 years, loon counter, bird counter, prevalent invasive aquatic plant in Maine. to encourage participation in the more Prior to leaving the military, Ed married his Though Annabessacook Lake was not extensive trainings to follow. The IPP general wildlife observer/expert, float plane sweetheart Joan Dripps, and after the war Intro Workshop and IPP Survey Field pilot, and story teller. He will be sorely known to be infested, it is in fairly close Is this invasive milfoil? Lacking the vibrant red stem ended, they moved to Meddybemps where proximity to several waterbodies that do that is often associated with this invader, none of Methods Workshops, which took place missed! He directed the Lake Meddybemps they would build their life together and have known VWM infestations. Were the milfoil plants found in Annabessacook Lake in July, were both well-attended, resulting Association for many years, and became raise their family. Ed and Joan Ketchen looked glaringly suspicious; but neither did they in a formidable cadre of well-trained, Director Emeritus about 10 years ago. He the wayward fragments left behind by a present the features needed to confidently rule were truly members of Tom Brokaw's certified, locally-based patrollers. The visiting boat, or did they originate from out the target invader. This “plain-Jane” milfoil also taught the younger generations of his "Greatest Generation." a new—as yet undetected—infestation in specimen was indeed confirmed as VWM. Annabessacook IPP team was born! family the importance of lake monitoring. Ed was a member of the Meddybemps Annabessacook Lake? lake plants in Maine are fully mature and While VLMP and ALIA were busy with Ed served in the US Navy aboard the aircraft Christian Church, and helped with church easiest to view and identify from mid the trainings, Maine DEP staff began The only way to answer this question with carrier Wasp in the Pacific theater during activies when he was able. His favorite to late summer. But in Annabessacook conducting preliminary surveys of the areas certainty was to conduct a comprehensive WWII, before being honorably discharged as hymn was, "This is My Father's World." “level-3” survey of the lake's entire littoral Lake, the growth of planktonic algae closest to the public boat landing. A local leadership team was formed, comprised of zone (all shallow areas of the lake, anywhere in late August can significantly reduce We care deeply about our volunteer lake monitors. that sunlight reaches the bottom and rooted water clarity, and potentially impede one representative from each of the local If you would like to share news of a monitor's passing, please contact us. plants may grow). Conducting a level-3 survey visibility, thus shrinking the survey partners: CWD, FOCW and ALIA. This survey on a lake that is nearly 1500 acres window of opportunity. In a nutshell, the group took on the task of organizing the in size, with over 17 miles of shoreline, can local community had barely half a year to full, lake-wide survey, and working out be challenging in the best of circumstances. plan, gather the resources, and build the the various logistics needed to ensure its Lake Monitoring Gear Available In the case of Annabessacook Lake, volunteer capacity needed to accomplish a success. The necessary survey equipment n recent years, a number of used dissolved enough to go from the surface to the bottom the challenge was intensified by several high-quality, comprehensive survey within was gathered and/or constructed. A series Ioxygen (DO) meters have been donated of the lake at the deep monitoring station. factors: 1) DNA analysis of the milfoil a very short (one-to-two-week) timeframe. of public and private launch sites were to the VLMP. The condition of individual If you’re monitoring a lake with a maximum fragment found by the CBI took longer A coalition of project partners quickly identified around the lake; in the case meters ranges from “unknown” to “working/ depth of 60 feet, a DO meter with a 50 foot than usual. When the results finally arrived assembled and mobilized. The VLMP’s of the private launches, permission to serviceable”. Some of the equipment is of the cable isn’t long enough! Most DO meters in December 2013, it was too late to role in the alliance, which included launch was sought and obtained. Nine older analog type (still perfectly accurate), consist of three components: Meter, Cable conduct even a cursory survey. This delay Annabessacook Lake Improvement survey regions were delineated, each with other units are of the newer digital type. and Probe. It is possible to “mix and match” would significantly cut into greatly needed Association (ALIA), Friends of Cobbossee its own launch site. Each region was Parts may still be available –new or used– the components of some units (within the planning and preparation time. 2) Though Watershed (FOCW), Cobbossee Watershed divided into several smaller sectors, with for the older equipment. The meters are same manufacturer), but only for certain invasive aquatic plant (IAP) screening District (CWD) and the Maine Department available at no cost (at our discretion) to models. survey activity was being done regularly on of Environmental Protection (DEP), was Just some of the used DO monitoring equipment certified water quality monitors. We are in In order to submit temperature and Annabessacook Lake, these surveys were primarily to assist in informing, engaging, now available through the VLMP. the process of reconditioning some of the dissolved oxygen data for your lake, you generally limited in scope. Conducting training, and activating a local team of equipment, after which it will be available at whatever cost was must first be certified to monitor Secchi transparency, following a full level-3 survey would require a trained citizen Invasive Plant Patrollers. incurred in restoring the individual units. Some of the equipment which, you should plan to attend a DO training workshop, offered significant increase in survey capacity. With Annabessacook Lake Improvement is being dismantled to be used for parts that are no longer available annually at the VLMP Lakes Center in Auburn. Volunteer DO The community elected to accomplish this Association playing the vital role of through manufacturers. monitors must be certified with the meter that they use to gather by building a locally-sustainable volunteer workshop host—securing workshop If you are interested, be aware that the process of selecting a and submit data. DO re-certification is required annually. Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) team, an venues, organizing food, publicizing the temperature/dissolved oxygen meter for monitoring your lake undertaking that would require a good deal VLMP’s Roberta Hill teaches Annabessacook Lake If you are interested in a potentially low-cost (relative to a workshops locally, etc., the IPP training typically involves consideration of a number of factors, not the of local outreach, and the development of a volunteers how to recognize an aquatic invader new unit) piece of equipment for monitoring temperature and program was rolled out through the when they see it. least of which is ensuring that the cable/probe assembly is long comprehensive training program. 3) Most summer of 2014. The program was dissolved oxygen in your lake, contact Scott Williams. 4 21 most sectors covering roughly 1000-feet ovation. A palpable sigh of relief spread Maine’s Volunteer Lake Monitors to be Highlighted in North American of shoreline. As surveyors signed on to across the room and someone cheered, Lake Management Society Annual Symposium in Tampa, Florida the new Annabessacook IPP Team, they "The cavalry has arrived!" either adopted, or were assigned, one or Over the course of the next two weeks— aine’s outstanding citizen lake scientists will be highlighted the VLMP at the gathering of lake scientists, more survey sectors. thankfully, with full cooperation from Min November at the Annual Symposium of the North citizen monitors, lake associations and The preliminary survey activity by the the weather—the level-3 survey of American Lake Management Society (NALMS) in Tampa, others in Tampa. An article based on the DEP revealed yet another challenge. Annabessacook Lake was completed Florida. The Maine VLMP is the longest-standing statewide presentation will be featured in an upcoming Annabessacook Lake was home to three without a hitch. Several significant patches Maine's IPP Rapid Response Team played a vital citizen lake monitoring program in the nation, as well as one of edition of the NALMS journal, LAKELINE. native milfoil species, all similar in of milfoil were indeed encountered by role in the survey. Team Members participating in the Annabessacook survey included: Diane Clay, the largest, with more than 1,000 active citizen lake scientists who appearance to VWM. The presence of surveyors. Was this invasive milfoil? Maine’s dedicated volunteer monitors, many Bob and Sibyl French, Carol Fuller, Susie Wilding- monitor the health of over 550 lakes throughout the state. these and other native look-alikes would None of the specimens looked glaringly Hartford, Marsha Letourneau, Dennis Roberge, Lea of whom have been continuously active certainly complicate things, especially suspicious; but neither did they present Stabinski, and Ross and Bunny Wescott. Pictured Matt Scott, who is widely considered to for several decades, and who have inspired above are Diane (L) and Susie (R). for novice patrollers. Survey planners the features needed to confidently rule be the founding father of Maine’s VLMP, lake stewardship not only in addressed this challenge by teaming more out the target invader. The patches were former director of the DEP lakes program, Maine, but across the nation, landing channel, a patch recently discovered experienced patrollers—acting as “region properly marked and mapped, and former President of NALMS, and a member will be recognized in the by alert CWD staff during routine water- leaders”—with the novice patrollers specimens were collected. Once again, we of the VLMP Advisory Board, will present November presentation. quality monitoring. DNA analysis later in their assigned areas. The team had would have to rely upon DNA analysis. information on the history and successes of confirmed VWM in this area, as well. now grown to thirty-six members, the A few weeks later, the DNA results DEP and CWD returned to the boat- majority of whom were trained and arrived: two of the twelve specimens landing area on October 17, and a number The VLMP Takes a Giant LEAP FORWARD . . . certified IPP volunteers. came back with a positive identification of additional, well-established milfoil of Myriophyllum heterophyllum, invasive patches were found. The characteristics Volunteers Are Posting Data Online in NEAR REAL-TIME! variable water-milfoil. One specimen of these newly-discovered plants precisely had been taken from a growing patch in matching those of confirmed VWM, they Providing a direct portal to current water quality conditions in Maine the northern inlet cove; the other was a were also removed. floating fragment found near the boat Despite this disconcerting result, it is f you’ve been wondering how your 2014 Secchi disk readings The NRTLD website can be accessed through the VLMP website landing, at the other end of the lake. important to note the good news here. compare to other lakes throughout Maine, the VLMP “Near at www.mainevlmp.org, and click on the "View Current Water I Sadly, Annabessacook Lake was now to The level-3 survey findings suggest that Real-Time Lake Data” (NRTLD) website offers viewers an Quality Conditions on Maine Lakes" button. be added to the list of Maine lakes with the rooted VWM population may very opportunity to observe Secchi (water clarity, or transparency) known infestations. well be limited to two discrete areas readings taken on 11 lakes during the spring, summer and fall The direct link to the NRTLD website is: Training of the Annabessacook Lake IPP Team in the lake. With luck, the process that lake monitoring season. Participating lake monitors posted Secchi www.mainevlmp.org/near-real-time-lake-data/ continued with on-the-water instruction and The Maine DEP mobilized immediately guided practice. began when the CBI spotted a suspicious readings for their lakes during the period, usually within 24 hours upon receiving the DNA results, and on plant floating near the boat launch in of taking the reading. September 24 they deployed SCUBA This story cannot be properly told divers who carefully removed the known 2013, and continued with the activation The NRTLD website provides an overview of water quality without mentioning the vital role played VWM patch in the northern cove. They of ALIA’s Invasive Plant Patrol team, has conditions on a select group of Maine lakes throughout the by Maine's IPP Rapid Response Team: also investigated suspicious milfoil plants resulted in a timely, early-detection of the monitoring season. Secchi readings, which vary notably across this certified IPP volunteers who have agreed in the shallows beyond the public boat infestation. We know from experience geographically-varied group, are automatically graphed as they are to be on-call should a new infestation be that early detection has been key to posted to the site. Lake monitors also have the opportunity to identified in Maine. Not only did many the successful management of variable elaborate upon their findings with relevant comments. of these seasoned “IPPs from away” travel milfoil in a number of cases in Maine. If across the State to attend trainings and the infestation in Annabessacook Lake Detailed information about each of the participating lakes is also support the novice patrollers, they also proves to be as limited in scope as these easily accessed from the NRTLD website. signed on as volunteer region leaders, early findings suggest; if actions are taken lending their considerable expertise, swiftly and deliberately; if the successful Additional lakes will be highlighted on the website in 2015. experience and mentorship skills to collaboration that began in 2013 Volunteer lake monitors who are interested in participating must the survey effort. When members of continues, the prospects for successfully meet the following requirements: The Maine DEP mobilized immediately upon Maine’s IPP Rapid Response Team were receiving the DNA results, deploying SCUBA divers addressing the Annabessacook infestation introduced at the survey kick-off meeting, who carefully removed several large patches of are very good indeed. • Certification requirements must be up to date VWM from the lake. they were met with a resounding standing Photos for this article were provided by The Cobbossee Watershed District. • Secchi readings must be taken from May through September at two-week intervals

The Don'twinter season Forget is upon us, to so Keepbe sure to Track keep ofmay Yourimprove ourLake's understanding Ice ofCover! the relationship Save the Date! track of your lake's ice cover. The VLMP acts as a between the duration of ice cover and water quality. state repository for ice-out records, some stretching You can report ice-in and ice-out via e-mail directly 2015 VLMP Annual Conference is Scheduled as far back as the mid-1800's. Your ice-in (and ice- to [email protected], or you can report by for SATURDAY, JULY 25 out) data, when paired with water quality readings, phone at 207-783-7733. 20 5 Welcome, New Lake Monitors! QualityQuality Counts!Counts! New Volunteer Lake Monitors Certified in 2014 Kent Ackley; Annabessacook Lake Bruce MacEwan; Labrador Pond Harmful Algal Blooms, Nuisance Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins Sarah Adams; Pettingill Pond Shawn McLane; Jordan Pond, Upper & Lower Hadlock Ponds Mary Adley; Embden Pond Bob McLaughlin; Wesserunsett Lake (…lions and tigers and bears, oh my!) Arne Aho; Pemaquid Pond Laurie Medeiros; Annabessacook Lake Gary Allison; East Pond Sue Mello; Knickerbocker Pond lgae are primary producers– aerial photo). Often blue-green species are Ron Armontrout; Thompson Lake Jeni Menendez Aphotosynthetic organisms that controlling transparency in East Pond from Donald Atkinson; Annabessacook Lake Robert and Judy Miller; West Grand Lake convert sunlight into biomass. They are late spring into mid-fall. Blue-green species by Linda Bacon Hannah Atwood; Embden Pond Ian Miller; Embden Pond ubiquitous – found in rivers, lakes, ponds, are the most likely to produce cyanotoxins VLMP Quality Assurance Officer; Jim Bailey; Crawford Pond Steve Moland; Figure 8 Pond/Silver Lake Taylor Bartlett; Embden Pond Bill Moore; Pequawket Lake/Horne Pond streams, oceans and even on snow, soil and in Maine lakes. Maine Department of Environmental in puddles. Situated at the base of both Misty Beck; David Pond Scott Mrazik; Mousam Lake & Square Pond Blue-greens are well adapted to be fierce Protection, Aquatic Biologist Janet Bissell; Mooselookmeguntic Lake Douglas Munsey; Annabessacook Lake aquatic and terrestrial food webs, algae and effective competitors. Blue-green Abby Blakeley; Megunticook Lake Patrick Nichols; Embden Pond are essential to higher forms of life. In growth is favored when nutrients are John Bonsall; Wesserunsett Lake Jeff Orchard; Meddybemps Lake general, algal populations are controlled by plentiful - especially phosphorus. They Andrew Bowman; Embden Pond Dayle Owen; Farrow Lake light and nutrient availability, particularly are able to ‘fix’ nitrogen in heterocysts, Samantha Burgie Betty & Dave Parsons; Toddy Pond the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Ryan Caster; Highland Lake Bobbie Peacock; Embden Pond structures similar in function to root Robert & Susan Chapin; Thomas Pond Amy Peterson; Embden Pond In lakes, algae can be single cells or nodules in terrestrial legumes. Thus when colonial, can be pelagic (living in open Betty & Paul C. Chesley; Annabessacook Lake Shannon Power; Cobbosseecontee Lake & China Lake nitrogen becomes the limiting factor Corinna Cole; Spaulding Pond David & Ellen Randall; Pocasset Lake water), benthic (living on the bottom, for green algae, blue-greens have the Nancy & Peter Cornwell; West Grand Lake & Peter Rees; Webb Pond attached to rocks, woody debris, or competitive edge. By using gas vesicles Upper Oxbrook Lake Sharon & Wayne Reetz; Wilson Lake docks) or epiphytic (attached to plants). – like internal life vests – they control Doug Covell; Loon Lake Ed & Sue Reinke; Annabessacook Lake Colonies may be free floating or may form Mel Croft; East Pond Mike Remillard; West Grand Lake, First - Fifth Machias Lakes, their buoyancy and maximize exposure Rob Crosby; The Basin Wabassus Lake filaments and appear stringy. Some form to sunlight. They thrive when lake water mats on the sediment surface. In most of Miriam Daniel; Pleasant Lake Willard Richards; Crescent Lake temperatures are at their highest and Donna Davis; Province Lake John Richey; Portage Lake Maine lakes, phosphorus concentrations sunlight is plentiful. And they take Jane Denner; Horseshoe Pond Deanne Sainati; Farrow Lake control the density of algal populations, advantage of calm periods. They can Brandon Dixon; Embden Pond Paul Sallie; Abrams Pond which ultimately control transparency produce resting cells which are deposited Dale Doughty; Parker Pond Matt D. Scaccia; Pinkham Pond (Hidden Lake) (water clarity); when water transparency, in the sediment and can germinate when Deborah Ellis; Embden Pond Billy Schenk; Mattawamkeag Lake Debbi Farrell; Cobbosseecontee Lake Linda Schier; Great East Lake measured with a Secchi disk, falls below 2 conditions are favorable. The resting meters due to algal populations, the lake is George Fergusson; Clary Lake Doug Sears; Embden Pond stages of some species can accumulate Trish Fournier; Crescent Lake Lee Schneller Sligh; Hosmer Pond said to be supporting an ‘algal bloom’. phosphorus for use later – known as Catherine Fox; Branch Lake Sandra Small-Hughes; Annabessacook Lake Lakes experience a seasonal succession of luxury consumption of phosphorus. Chelsey Frank; Clearwater Pond Cassandra Smith; Embden Pond major groups of algae. Early and later in Zooplankton, microscopic animals that photosynthetic bacteria – or Cyanobacteria Stephen Geranian; Great East Lake Debra Smith; Crystal Lake Shelly Gerstein & Gale Mettey; Maranacook Lake Ron Snyder; Wassookeag Lake the season, diatoms (Bacillariaphyta), eat phytoplankton (algae), also known as (cyano referring to their photosynthetic David Goodwin; Pequawket Lake/Horne Pond Sarah-Jane Snyder; Wassookeag Lake which do well in colder water, dominate the the ‘cows of lakes,’ don’t care to graze on pigment). The toxins that they produce are Evan Gorr; Embden Pond David & Diana Spahn; Wilson Lake water column. Generally spring diatoms blue-greens. Cyanotoxins. In most areas of the country, Tayelor Gosselin; Lake Auburn Nan Sprague; West Grand Lake are followed by greens or Chlorophytes; Those of you who have studied the when blue-green populations reach high John & Katie Greenman; Alamoosook Lake Deanna St. Pierre; Great East Lake blue-green populations become most major algae groups may recall that blue- densities, it is referred to as a Harmful Greg Guerette & Jo Harmon; Pequawket Lake Kate Stevens; Embden Pond Jill Halligan; Annabessacook Lake Morgan Steward; Embden Pond abundant later in the summer – the timing greens were originally considered algae. Algal Bloom or HAB because there is the being dependent on nutrient levels, water possibility that the bloom will result in Dorothy Hamory; Alamoosook Lake David Stonebraker; Big Kennebago Lake However, genetics has revealed that they Martha & Peter Haskell; Portage Lake John Strassenreiter; Quantabacook Lake temperature, and other factors. This are more closely related to bacteria. So, cyanotoxin production. Keith Heavrin, Jr.; Toddy Pond Rick Sullivan; Little Sebago Lake general pattern can shift in both time and now technically blue-greens are considered To put this in perspective, Maine has one April Hopkins; Leonard Lake Mark Tappan & Lyn Mikel Brown; Pleasant Lake magnitude (algal abundance) depending statutory classification for lakes: Class GPA. Gary & Penny Jaskalen; Pleasant Pond Yvette Tenney; Toddy Pond on conditions in individual lakes. Bambi Jones; Little Dyer Pond Barbara Tewksbury; Mousam Lake The GPA classification considers lakes that Donna Kincer; Portage Lake Olivia Tewksbury; Embden Pond The image to the right is that of two have transparencies of 2 meters or less, due Patricia Koscinski; Androscoggin Lake Charles Towle Maine lakes: North and East Ponds in the to algae growth, as having a pelagic (open Jennifer Lacombe; Webber Pond Adrienne Tracy; Maranacook Lake Belgrade chain. At the time this was taken, water) nuisance algal bloom. Maine Steve Lambert Liz Trouant; Meddybemps Lake East Pond, on the right, was experiencing has about 30 lakes that support such algal Mariah Langton; Embden Pond Ted Van Leer; Alamoosook Lake an algal bloom and from the air, was almost blooms nearly every year and another 15-20 Spencer Lawler-Sidell; Embden Pond Kristen Wedin; Phillips/Lucerne Lake as green as its surroundings. If we look that bloom occasionally using this definition. Paul Leeper; Megunticook Lake Lindsay Wheaton; West Grand Lake Zach Lemelin; Mousam Lake & Square Pond Doreen Whitmore; Embden Pond at how algal populations may compare It is important to note that the term ‘bloom’ Mike Levey; Annabessacook Lake Janice Whynot; Annabessacook Lake between North Pond and East Pond, major is used rather loosely by some. Lake users Stephen Lewis; Horseshoe Pond Christine Williams; Sebago Lake differences are apparent (figure following may use the term to describe cotton-candy Vince Lobosco; Big Lake Melvin (Ike) Winchester; Meddybemps Lake Image from Google Earth 6 19 Photo by Scott Williams shaped masses of cells observed in near-shore and humans. Human symptoms include areas (aka metaphyton), or stringy growth skin/sinus irritations, vomiting, diarrhea, The Hunt attached to rocks and docks. According to and gastroenteritis. For the GPA classification, these other growth Neurotoxins affect the nervous system. forms do not indicate impaired water quality, Anatoxin-a is the most toxic form and but are naturally occurring in most Maine is referred to as the ‘Very Fast Death Aquatic lakes, and do not technically constitute an Factor’. It acts in a similar manner to algal bloom. carbon monoxide and hemoglobin where hemoglobin oxygen-receptors will Invaders permanently bind with carbon monoxide Set upon the backdrop of one of Maine’s most extraordinary The Hunt may be viewed (and linked to) on both the VLMP and can cause death. The lower portion Severe algal bloom on Sabattus Pond in 2013. lakes, The Hunt for Aquatic Invaders takes the viewer on a very website and VLMP YouTube channel. DVDs are also of the diagram below illustrates how different kind of outdoor adventure, one that not only speaks available for $10 plus shipping and handling. Please help normal communication occurs between along a tributary to Sebasticook Lake to the urgency of the task at hand—preventing the spread of us share this powerful, uniquely-Maine story with audiences nerves and muscle. On the lower left side, in the 1960s. Last year a dog became ill aquatic invaders in Maine—but also provides guidance and across the state and beyond! Contact us at 207-783-7733 or acetylcholine transmits the message for a after drinking water from Province Lake in inspiration as it explores the vital role that volunteers can [email protected] to order your DVD. muscle to contract from the nerve to the Parsonsfield. Most of this lake is situated play in local and statewide early detection efforts. muscle. It binds to sites meant for it on the in New Hampshire, but a corner of it is in muscle then dissociates from the receptor Maine. The dog recovered, and its owner and is broken down by enzymes. Anatoxin chose not to have it tested for anatoxin, so Seeking Candidates for the VLMP Board of Directors binds to sites meant for acetylcholine we will never know exactly what caused as shown in the lower right. In fact, the illness. Another cyano-neurotoxin is he VLMP is seeking to fill two positions on our Board of Maine. Meetings typically take place on a weekday morning, and For years, limnologists considered three genus’ anatoxin-a’s affinity for these receptors BMAA (Beta Methyl Amino L Alanine) Directors. Ideal candidates will have some experience with may last until early afternoon. Committee meetings often are T responsible for most pelagic nuisance algal is about 20-times that of acetylcholine which has very long-term effects. It is nonprofit organizations; a basic understanding of the work of scheduled for the same day. Members of the Board of Directors blooms: Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, and and it does not come off, thus causing an thought to play a role in diseases such the VLMP, and share our belief in the importance agree to be active in at least one subcommittee. Microcystis, and nicknamed these ‘Annie, irreversible blockage to neuromuscular as ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and of the VLMP’s mission. We are particularly Please contact VLMP Executive Director, Scott Fannie and Mike’. The genus Oscillatoria, or communications. Symptoms include perhaps Alzheimers, MS and Parkinson’s. interested in bringing on new board members Williams, if you are interested in a position on the Ozzy, has been recently added to this list of muscle twitching, decreased movement, It mimics an amino acid our bodies use to who have knowledge and experience in the VLMP Board, or if you have questions. Following suspects. As mentioned earlier, the acronym collapse, cyanosis, convulsions and death. build proteins but prevents the resulting areas of marketing, fundraising and program an initial discussion, candidates will be screened HAB stands for Harmful Algal Bloom. This Anatoxins have been responsible for pet protein from functioning properly. A development. These are volunteer positions. and interviewed by the Board of Directors, who will term is used worldwide to describe blooms that and livestock deaths. It is thought that great deal of research is being conducted The VLMP Board of Directors meets 4-6 times act upon all applications. produce toxins. To the best of our knowledge, anatoxin was responsible for cow deaths in NH, where ALS clusters are situated annually at the VLMP Lakes Center in Auburn, Image from www.gias.org cyanotoxin production in near lakes that support blue- most Maine nuisance pelagic green algal blooms. The (open water) algal blooms is research includes the testing 2014 VLMP Interns Maine Citizens' Guide low; however, algal scums of aerosols from these lakes. Daniel Goettel and Emma Blakely constructed bucket to may produce measurable Skin and mucous membrane concentrations of toxins. viewing scopes for future Invasive Plant Patrol monitors irritations may also be caused Invasive Aquatic by blue-greens, which are earlier this year, as part of their internship with the VLMP. Cyanotoxins fall into two toxin Plant Management relatively minor as compared Daniel is attending the University of Maine, pursuing a classes: Hepatotoxins and to the previous two effects. Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering. Emma is Once an infestation has been Neurotoxins. As the name in the Environmental Studies program at Bates College. confirmed, rapid response implies, hepatotoxins generally The table on page 17 lists Thanks for your hard work, Emma & Daniel! is crucial. The prospects for affect the liver. Microcystin- the toxins produced by algal effective management or even LR is the most toxic variant. genus and toxin type. Annie, eradication, is greatly increased Symptoms may be observed Fannie, Mike and Ozzy are by swift, well-planned, and from hours to days and can be on the list. You’ll notice that properly executed controls. acute or chronic. The diagram Gloeotrichia is also on this The purpose of the Maine to the right represents the list as it is showing up in Citizens’ Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plant Management is breakdown of cytoskeleton more and more Maine lakes. to provide the information necessary to effectively manage in liver cells by Microcystin- In the early 1990s, ‘Gloeo’ invasive aquatic plant (IAP) populations; to prepare for LR, which results in the liver might be observed in one such an eventuality; and to address all associated activities. becoming flooded with blood. out of 100 lakes; now it’s not Methods described in this Guide are based upon tested best- The upper portion of the unusual to find it in 15-20 management practices for controlling aquatic plants effectively adjacent diagram illustrates of 100 lakes. Great Pond and in a manner that protects wildlife and habitat. To view this effect. Microcystin-LR and Long Pond in Belgrade, and/or download this new publication, please visit the VLMP has been implicated in deaths and Lake Auburn have well website at www.mainevlmp.org/citizensguide. of livestock, pets, birds, fish, ...continued on page 17 18 7 Photo courtesy of Rob Crosby ...Harmful Algal Blooms, continued from page 7 Looking for established populations of Gloeotrichia. It is also a skin irritant particularly around elasticized areas of bathing suits. The VLMP trains lake monitors to identify and Additional Ways quantify ‘Gloeo’ in their lakes. Also on this list is Cylindrospermopsis which is more common in southern areas of the country. There are challenges that go along with to Monitor and figuring out how to deal with HABs and cyanotoxin production. Unlike poison ivy – where if you are allergic to it, you will Protect Your Lake? develop a rash when you come in contact with it – cyanotoxins are a bit enigmatic. ust as there are a wide range of programs, services, technologies, Invasive Aquatic Species – Invasive plants and animals One would expect that if you scooped and methods for monitoring human health (both at the are moved about in complex and often unseen ways, and new up a container with 10 million cells J introductions can quickly explode into an ecologically and in it today, the amount of toxin in individual level and the community level), the VLMP supports a The Maine DEP has been gathering data to better characterize Central Maine economically disastrous infestation. Once an invader is well- the container would be the same if wide array of lake monitoring options for volunteers. Most types microcysin data since 2008. This lakes as part of a regional effort led by EPA; established, eradication is extremely difficult and costly, if not you scooped up the same amount of monitoring require only minimal training and equipment. information has been shared with when results are available, we will again impossible. Prevention is the first step to fighting such invasions, tomorrow or next week. But that is In addition to free training, the VLMP provides access to the Maine CDC and drinking water share them with the appropriate agencies but no matter how comprehensive and aggressive our statewide not how it works. In fact, researchers standardized protocols, data forms, ongoing technical support, program. In 2008 and 2009, we obtained and the VLMP. DEP collected more prevention effort, chances are some invasive organisms will slip are still trying to understand spatial, and other resources—everything needed to fully engage in this approximately 45 samples from lakes than 400 samples from approximately 30 through the cracks. In such cases, it is crucial that the invaders temporal and environmental factors important work. experiencing algal blooms. Open water lakes as part of the 2014 EPA/Region I are detected as early as that trigger cyanotoxin production. samples included 4 hits above the collaboration. The goals include gathering If you have a keen interest in your lake, have a talent (or simply possible, before they have Cell concentration, age of cells, bloom WHO standard of 1 ug/L. Samples additional data on levels of microcystin an inclination) for careful observation, and are willing to record had an opportunity to cause stage, climate and weather conditions from surface scums ranged from 11 to in local blooms, to establish a regional and share your findings, you have all the prerequisites needed significant damage or to are all thought to play a role. to become an effective, fully-qualified, and highly-valued spread to other waterbodies. nearly 12,000 ug/L, levels well above the dataset, and to guide monitoring in 2015. Microcystin-LR is the most toxic citizen lake scientist. The VLMP is currently seeking volunteers WHO standard. Most of the scums occur Because most regional monitoring, at and most prevalent cyanotoxin in the to assist in the monitoring of the following indicators of lake Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) near or at the shore. These scums pose least at the screening level, uses indicators northeast. New England states respond health throughout the State of Maine: Introductory Workshops teach the greatest risk to pets and livestock, other than expensive toxin testing, Learn how to identify Maine’s 11 participants how to recognize to HABs in a variety of ways, issuing because most humans would likely avoid EPA decided to purchase Fluorometers most unwanted invasive aquatic advisories based on surrogates for toxins, Water Quality – Many options are open to those interested the invasive aquatic plants swimming under such conditions. that measure phycocyanin – one of the plants. Here is Maine’s most abundant such as cell-counts, Secchi transparency, in monitoring water quality. Emerging technology is providing aquatic invader—Variable water- (IAPs) on Maine’s “eleven As a result, a list of precautions was pigments characteristic of blue-greens – milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). and/or chlorophyll concentrations. new opportunities every year for ways in which information about most unwanted” list, how posted on the DEP website: and chlorophyll. These units were loaned to Photo courtesy of Dennis Roberge. Maine has no specific response at this lake water quality can be gathered. The VLMP is embracing the to distinguish these invaders the states. The sampling protocol included time. New Hampshire posts lakes with • Avoid contact with water where algae new, while continuing to from their native Maine look-alikes, and how to efficiently and collection of water from three open-water advisories and has a well-established are visible (e.g., pea soup, floating make use of simple, low effectively conduct an IAP screening survey. A variety of advanced sites, three near-shore sites and three from HAB program and website. At this mats, scum, etc.). tech tools that provide IPP training opportunities are also offered. algal scums if present. Samples containing time, the United States does not have valuable information and • Do not let pets or livestock swim or the highest phycocyanin levels were frozen a microcystin standard for drinking insight into the health of Lake Watersheds – Lakes are inseparable from their drink where you see foam, scum, or for actual toxin analysis under the Surface water or recreation in/on the water, our lakes. Many options watersheds! Nearly all of the characteristics that make each mats of algae on the water. Water Ambient Toxics (SWAT) monitoring but expects to issue guidelines in 2015. program. Maine also performed routine exist for those who are lake unique are the result of natural watershed influences. But • If you or a pet swims or wades in water EPA does recognize the World Health analyses for transparency, dissolved oxygen/ interested in monitoring the cumulative effect over time that has dense algae present - rinse off with Organization (WHO) standard for temperature, chlorophyll, total phosphorus some aspect of lake of human influence in lake fresh water and soap, if available, ASAP. drinking water of less than 1 ug/L for water quality, from the watersheds can have a negative and general chemistry from each of microcystin-R. Maine has no direct • Do not drink lake water during a simple, quick, low-cost, effect on lake health. The use of these lakes. Ultimately, we would like to standards or criteria yet, partly because bloom. Take short showers to avoid low-tech Secchi disk, to simple conservation practices expand the monitoring effort to VLMP New volunteers are introduced to one of the ecological factors that cause toxin breathing aerosols in lake water (note that the simplest and most effective tools for the use of sophisticated can help to offset these negative lake monitors, using a smart phone app monitoring water quality—the Secchi disk. production in a blue-green bloom have domestic water treatment systems are not sampling equipment and effects. The VLMP conducts currently being developed that would rely not been well identified, and links to guaranteed to remove algal toxins). cell phone apps that allow us to look at lakes in totally different an annual workshop for lake on photo documentation. Stay tuned! chronic issues are unclear - thus difficult ways than has been done historically. The VLMP provides training, monitors, lake associations and During the summer of 2014, the DEP Lake others interested in learning how Learn how to identify, record, for our toxicologists to nail down. guidance and support for all options pertaining to monitoring lake and mitigate land use problems Assessment Section gathered additional water quality. to monitor and improve the in your watershed that affect lake health of their lake watersheds by water quality. Photo courtesy of conducting a watershed survey. Ellis/Roxbury Pond Watershed Survey. Save the Date! The 2015 VLMP Annual Conference is Scheduled for Saturday, July 25 8 17 Photo courtesy of Rob Crosby ...Harmful Algal Blooms, continued from page 7 Looking for established populations of Gloeotrichia. It is also a skin irritant particularly around elasticized areas of bathing suits. The VLMP trains lake monitors to identify and Additional Ways quantify ‘Gloeo’ in their lakes. Also on this list is Cylindrospermopsis which is more common in southern areas of the country. There are challenges that go along with to Monitor and figuring out how to deal with HABs and cyanotoxin production. Unlike poison ivy – where if you are allergic to it, you will Protect Your Lake? develop a rash when you come in contact with it – cyanotoxins are a bit enigmatic. ust as there are a wide range of programs, services, technologies, Invasive Aquatic Species – Invasive plants and animals One would expect that if you scooped and methods for monitoring human health (both at the are moved about in complex and often unseen ways, and new up a container with 10 million cells J introductions can quickly explode into an ecologically and in it today, the amount of toxin in individual level and the community level), the VLMP supports a The Maine DEP has been gathering data to better characterize Central Maine economically disastrous infestation. Once an invader is well- the container would be the same if wide array of lake monitoring options for volunteers. Most types microcysin data since 2008. This lakes as part of a regional effort led by EPA; established, eradication is extremely difficult and costly, if not you scooped up the same amount of monitoring require only minimal training and equipment. information has been shared with when results are available, we will again impossible. Prevention is the first step to fighting such invasions, tomorrow or next week. But that is In addition to free training, the VLMP provides access to the Maine CDC and drinking water share them with the appropriate agencies but no matter how comprehensive and aggressive our statewide not how it works. In fact, researchers standardized protocols, data forms, ongoing technical support, program. In 2008 and 2009, we obtained and the VLMP. DEP collected more prevention effort, chances are some invasive organisms will slip are still trying to understand spatial, and other resources—everything needed to fully engage in this approximately 45 samples from lakes than 400 samples from approximately 30 through the cracks. In such cases, it is crucial that the invaders temporal and environmental factors important work. experiencing algal blooms. Open water lakes as part of the 2014 EPA/Region I are detected as early as that trigger cyanotoxin production. samples included 4 hits above the collaboration. The goals include gathering If you have a keen interest in your lake, have a talent (or simply possible, before they have Cell concentration, age of cells, bloom WHO standard of 1 ug/L. Samples additional data on levels of microcystin an inclination) for careful observation, and are willing to record had an opportunity to cause stage, climate and weather conditions from surface scums ranged from 11 to in local blooms, to establish a regional and share your findings, you have all the prerequisites needed significant damage or to are all thought to play a role. to become an effective, fully-qualified, and highly-valued spread to other waterbodies. nearly 12,000 ug/L, levels well above the dataset, and to guide monitoring in 2015. Microcystin-LR is the most toxic citizen lake scientist. The VLMP is currently seeking volunteers WHO standard. Most of the scums occur Because most regional monitoring, at and most prevalent cyanotoxin in the to assist in the monitoring of the following indicators of lake Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) near or at the shore. These scums pose least at the screening level, uses indicators northeast. New England states respond health throughout the State of Maine: Introductory Workshops teach the greatest risk to pets and livestock, other than expensive toxin testing, Learn how to identify Maine’s 11 participants how to recognize to HABs in a variety of ways, issuing because most humans would likely avoid EPA decided to purchase Fluorometers most unwanted invasive aquatic advisories based on surrogates for toxins, Water Quality – Many options are open to those interested the invasive aquatic plants swimming under such conditions. that measure phycocyanin – one of the plants. Here is Maine’s most abundant such as cell-counts, Secchi transparency, in monitoring water quality. Emerging technology is providing aquatic invader—Variable water- (IAPs) on Maine’s “eleven As a result, a list of precautions was pigments characteristic of blue-greens – milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). and/or chlorophyll concentrations. new opportunities every year for ways in which information about most unwanted” list, how posted on the DEP website: and chlorophyll. These units were loaned to Photo courtesy of Dennis Roberge. Maine has no specific response at this lake water quality can be gathered. The VLMP is embracing the to distinguish these invaders the states. The sampling protocol included time. New Hampshire posts lakes with • Avoid contact with water where algae new, while continuing to from their native Maine look-alikes, and how to efficiently and collection of water from three open-water advisories and has a well-established are visible (e.g., pea soup, floating make use of simple, low effectively conduct an IAP screening survey. A variety of advanced sites, three near-shore sites and three from HAB program and website. At this mats, scum, etc.). tech tools that provide IPP training opportunities are also offered. algal scums if present. Samples containing time, the United States does not have valuable information and • Do not let pets or livestock swim or the highest phycocyanin levels were frozen a microcystin standard for drinking insight into the health of Lake Watersheds – Lakes are inseparable from their drink where you see foam, scum, or for actual toxin analysis under the Surface water or recreation in/on the water, our lakes. Many options watersheds! Nearly all of the characteristics that make each mats of algae on the water. Water Ambient Toxics (SWAT) monitoring but expects to issue guidelines in 2015. program. Maine also performed routine exist for those who are lake unique are the result of natural watershed influences. But • If you or a pet swims or wades in water EPA does recognize the World Health analyses for transparency, dissolved oxygen/ interested in monitoring the cumulative effect over time that has dense algae present - rinse off with Organization (WHO) standard for temperature, chlorophyll, total phosphorus some aspect of lake of human influence in lake fresh water and soap, if available, ASAP. drinking water of less than 1 ug/L for water quality, from the watersheds can have a negative and general chemistry from each of microcystin-R. Maine has no direct • Do not drink lake water during a simple, quick, low-cost, effect on lake health. The use of these lakes. Ultimately, we would like to standards or criteria yet, partly because bloom. Take short showers to avoid low-tech Secchi disk, to simple conservation practices expand the monitoring effort to VLMP New volunteers are introduced to one of the ecological factors that cause toxin breathing aerosols in lake water (note that the simplest and most effective tools for the use of sophisticated can help to offset these negative lake monitors, using a smart phone app monitoring water quality—the Secchi disk. production in a blue-green bloom have domestic water treatment systems are not sampling equipment and effects. The VLMP conducts currently being developed that would rely not been well identified, and links to guaranteed to remove algal toxins). cell phone apps that allow us to look at lakes in totally different an annual workshop for lake on photo documentation. Stay tuned! chronic issues are unclear - thus difficult ways than has been done historically. The VLMP provides training, monitors, lake associations and During the summer of 2014, the DEP Lake others interested in learning how Learn how to identify, record, for our toxicologists to nail down. guidance and support for all options pertaining to monitoring lake and mitigate land use problems Assessment Section gathered additional water quality. to monitor and improve the in your watershed that affect lake health of their lake watersheds by water quality. Photo courtesy of conducting a watershed survey. Ellis/Roxbury Pond Watershed Survey. Save the Date! The 2015 VLMP Annual Conference is Scheduled for Saturday, July 25 8 17 Monitoring the Effect of Climate Change on Lakes – Other Aquatic Phenomena – Lakes are complex systems, The Volunteer Perspective Climate change has the and though much is known about how they function in general, ~ potential to overshadow, and there is far more that we do not know, especially when it comes ision is perhaps the most fundamental way through which the VLMP would connect me with some great people and in many cases, amplify, the to what makes each lake a unique individual! How many distinct Vwe connect with each other and the physical world. In enable me to contribute to something that I believe in. Lo and known threats to our lakes. native plant species occur in your lake? Which species are most 2011 I became legally blind as the result of a degenerative eye I visited the VLMP that December. Jonnie Maloney, another It also has the potential to dominant; which most rare? Are the plant communities in your disease, ‘Retinitis Pigmentosa’ (decreasing peripheral and loss member of the VLMP staff, and her beautiful dog, Luna, gave obfuscate our ability to detect lake changing in response to global climate change? Do any of night vision), which ended my 32 years of work for a local us a tour, and since then I have been volunteering in an ever- trends in lake health. Many invasive aquatic animals such as Chinese mystery snails or rusty manufacturing facility. I had been adjusting with diminishing expanding capacity. I am learning what Jonnie, Christine, of the traditional methods crayfish occur here? Why do some types of algae seem to be vision for several years, but “retiring” left me feeling essentially Roberta and Scott need, as they find what I am capable of doing used to monitor lakes are well- increasing (the green “clouds” of metaphyton, or the tapioca-like disconnected, lost. Realizing my growing sense of isolation, to assist them. This process is challenging, humbling, gratifying, suited to monitor the effects of Recording “ice-in” and “ice-out” dates spots of Gloeotricia, for example)? The period of ice cover on reconnecting with people became really important to me. exciting and fun. for your lake and submitting this data climate change on lake systems, to the VLMP is a simple way to make Maine lakes is growing shorter. At what rate is this phenomena including lake transparency, a valuable contribution to climate occurring? How is this change affecting water quality, and overall In late August of 2013, my wife, Lo, and I visited St. Agatha, I love what the VLMP does, preserving or improving the quality change research in Maine. Maine to check out some northern lakes on which we of our lakes and watersheds using sound science, through the temperature and dissolved lake health? VLMP citizen scientists monitor an increasingly- thought we might someday like to live. While kayaking on generous contribution of many, many talented and dedicated oxygen profiles, phosphorus concentrations, water color, and wide range of aquatic phenomena, ranging from ice-out dates to Long Lake, Lo noticed some “stuff” floating in the lake and volunteers (whose qualifications are very impressive to me), that others. Monitoring the length of the open water season is a simple crayfish; from native plant communities to aquatic snails. With wondered why the water was not clearer. When we returned are trained, certified and supported by the organization’s staff process that provides very helpful information about climate change your help we can begin to answer these questions and much more! home I began researching Long Lake and inadvertently and in partnership with the ecologically-minded communities influences. Conducting invasive aquatic species surveys is becoming increasingly important, as changing water temperatures and longer To learn more about monitoring initiatives and how to get involved, connected with Christine Guerette, a staff with which they are associated. please visit www.mainevlmp.org, or call 207-783-7733. member at the VLMP, who explained to growing season increase the potential for invaders to thrive in our lakes. Volunteering with the VLMP makes my life me what the VLMP Below are some examples of "Other Aquatic Phenomena"being monitored by VLMP volunteers. is all about, and gave so much richer. I cannot think of a better way me some information to spend my time than in partnering with on Long Lake. these wonderful people, supporting them in any way that I can. Members of the staff are By the time I spoke always thanking me. with Christine, I had I do not think they been struggling for realize how much about a year to find Friend of the VLMP and the VLMP gives "Handyman Extraordinaire" Steve a meaningful path. Lambert has been busy making to me, and how Nothing seemed to repairs and improvements at the grateful I am to have VLMP Lakes Center, in addition to fit. Suddenly, with no discovered them. Metaphyton is a group of filamentous algae that serving on board sub-committees. While the tapioca-like bluegreen algae, Gloeotrichia Many VLMP citizen lake scientists also participate hesitation at all, I felt echinulata, is not new to Maine lakes, it appears to in Maine Audubon’s annual loon count. For more form blooms in shallow (littoral) areas of lakes. Thank you so much for your care ~ Steve Lambert The blooms are often described as having the that volunteering with and dedication, Steve! be increasing significantly in some. Monitoring information on The Maine Loon Project, please visit “gloeo” (pronounced glee-o) in your lake is quite maineaudubon.org. Photo courtesy of Rob Crosby. appearance of green or yellow/green cotton simple, and can provide researchers with the candy. The VLMP has developed a process to allow data needed to better understand this changing volunteers to identify, document and track the phenomenon, and the implications for Maine lakes. growth of metaphyton in Maine lakes and ponds. 2014 Workshop Season in Review Photo courtesy of Dennis Roberge. he 2014 Water Quality program workshop season got off to a delayed start, due to a Tvery rainy May, but we persevered and went on to have a great season. Four New Water Quality training workshops were held, where 45 new water quality monitors were trained, and 19 new lakes were added to the program. Strong interest in Advanced Dissolved Oxygen monitoring resulted in two workshops being held this year, resulting in 19 new certified DO monitors.

Approximately 200 individuals attended six Introductory Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) workshops and three on-the-water IPP Survey Field Methods workshops, conducted across the state. The Advanced Plant ID workshop, this year held in Rangeley, was packed to capacity with 25 participants. Forty-four individuals One of the fringe-benefits of becoming an completed training in invasive aquatic plant removal during VLMP’s The VLMP is working to track the spread of experienced Invasive Plant Patroller is learning this large invasive aquatic snail in Maine. more about the native plants that grow in your two-day Invasive Aquatic Plant Manual Control Methods training. Rusty crayfish is one of several invasive You can assist in this important effort by lake. Native plant inventories collected by IPP fauna species that threaten Maine lakes. reporting Chinese mystery snail sightings and volunteers are being used by researchers to greatly In partnership with USM researcher, Dr. The Watershed Survey Training Workshop was a big hit again this submitting voucher photos, such as this one, enhance our knowledge of Maine’s native plant Karen Wilson, VLMP monitors have started to the VLMP. Photo courtesy of Karen Coluzzi. communities. Photo courtesy of Dennis Roberge. year, with a packed house at the VLMP of 25 attendees. Volunteer collecting valuable data concerning the leadership trainings conducted in 2014 were also well-attended. For distribution of native and non-native all available VLMP workshops, please visit www.mainevlmp.org. crayfish species in Maine.

16 9 NEW LAKE MAPS !! Highlights hether you are a water quality monitor, invasive plant - Surrounding roads and road names Wpatroller, or simply someone who loves to spend - Total lake surface acreage of the 2014 Lake time on Maine lakes, you will be very pleased with our new and improved lake maps! Developed by DEP Geographic - Page number where the lake can be found in the DeLorme Information System (GIS) wizard, Doug Suitor, the new maps Maine Atlas & Gazeteer Monitoring Conference provide lots of useful information, including the following: - MIDAS number (unique identification number for the lake; The 2014 Annual Lake Monitoring Conference, held atThe Great Outdoors on Pleasant Pond used on all VLMP field forms) - Improved shoreline accuracy (based on aerial photography) in Turner, was attended by nearly 110 individuals. Speakers and presenters covered a wide range Friends of the VLMP awards were presented of topics of interest to lake monitors throughout Maine. In addition, many volunteer lake to outstanding volunteers Mike Cloutier, - Location of deep stations marked, with coordinates shown Expected date of availability is January 1, 2015. The new monitors were recognized for their long-term commitment, and for unique contributions that Steve Underwood, Randy Richardson, in decimal degrees lake maps will be available on both the VLMP and Lakes of Dennis Roberge, and Steve Lambert. Maine websites. Click on the 'Search for Your Lake' button to they have made toward monitoring and protecting the health of their lakes! - Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife lakewide depth data access the maps.

“Super-uber-IPPers” Bunny & Ross Mike Cloutier accepts the IPP Team Wescott and Bob & Sibyl French Monitor Rob Crosby won the kayak! share the 2014 IPP of the Year award. of the Year award on behalf of his Hats off to Bob Susbury, for 40 exceptional team. years of lake monitoring!

Dr. Emmanuel Boss demonstrates Judy Potvin (formerly of Maine 10-Year Lake Monitors (L-R) Mike Cloutier, DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho the optical properties of water DEP) receives Special Recognition Claudia Scholz, Jackey Bailey, Lew Wetzel, and discusses the value of volunteer and discusses how they pertain for Outstanding Support to Maine's Fred Cummings. lake data to the State of Maine. to lake water quality monitoring. Volunteer Lake Monitors.

Lake maps will be available in two versions: one shows aerial photo imagery detail, the other is a simplified line-map, leaving space for field notes. 5-Year Monitors (L-R) John Cummings, Dan Fred Cummings (R) discusses how his Hutchins, Steve Mendrzychowski; (back row) DEP's Wendy Garland reviews lake association won the fight against Marsha Letourneau, Jeanne Achillie, John Welch, the importance of volunteers in Clyde Walton receives a Lifetime milfoil in Pleasant Lake/Parker Pond and Michele Windsor. watershed surveys. Achievement Award. VLMP Executive Director, with lake monitor Richard Offinger. Scott Williams, Recognized by US EPA arth Day, 2014 (April 22) – Executive Director Scott Williams was Erecognized by the US EPA for his longstanding efforts to protect Maine’s lakes through the work of the Maine VLMP. The award was presented at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston by EPA Region 1 officials, and by Maine DEP (L-R) VLMP Board Member Mary Jane Dillingham, Maine DEP Jacolyn Bailey was recognized Exhibitor Keith Williams goes Commissioner, Patricia Aho, who spoke of Scott’s extraordinary commitment Commissioner Patricia Aho, EPA Region 1 Deputy Director Deb for her extensive work related to over the finer points of making 15-Year Monitor 20-Year Monitors (L-R) Szaro, VLMP Invasive Species Program Director Roberta Hill, the understanding and control of Exhibitor Ken Hotopp discusses to Maine’s lakes through the training of hundreds of citizen scientist lake herbarium sheets. Heidi Chadbourne. Dave Drouin & Ross Swain. VLMP Executive Director Scott Williams. aquatic invaders. freshwater mollusks. monitors in Maine over a period of nearly two decades. 10 15 Volunteer Watershed Survey of or ? What to do when you find a suspicious aquatic plant Friend By Christine Guerette Ellis/Roxbury Pond Successfully Completed Foe With wider awareness of the threat of invasive aquatic plants, more people are looking into their lakes and wondering what’s lurking ~ Article contributed by Laura Crossley, Americorps/Maine beneath the surface. The VLMP is here to help anyone, from highly trained volunteers to first-time visitors to Maine, identify any Conservation Corps Member serving with the Maine DEP suspicious aquatic plants you may encounter and provide guidance on next steps, if necessary. This service is free, easy, and open itizens of Roxbury, Byron, and Andover, who were to all. Cconcerned with changes to Ellis Pond’s water quality, got in contact last year with VLMP and the Maine Following the procedures outlined below will help ensure the timely, accurate identification of your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to discuss specimen. You may email us a digital photo or send us live plant material. First, however, you’ll need to ways to protect their lake’s water quality. In the fall of 2013, collect a specimen. a localized algae bloom occurred, which further inspired When collecting samples from a live lake plant, please be sure not to remove the whole plant. Snip residents to take action. In January, 2014, I started an off one or two pieces of stem from the plant (roughly 8 to 12 inches long) including as many different AmeriCorps/Maine Conservation Corps term with DEP Volunteer surveyors for the Ellis/Roxbury Pond survey pose for a photo before features as you can (flowers, fruits, leaves, etc.). Mark the plant with a buoy and on a map. In the event as the survey project coordinator for the Ellis (Roxbury) heading out into the watershed. that your plant is invasive, this will help the DEP quickly locate the infestation and take proper action. Pond Watershed Survey. This group of about 20 concerned In the end we received donations from individuals, all three Keep your plant specimen in water, in a cool place (e.g., refrigerator). This will help keep it fresh until Example of a marker buoy citizens became the Steering Committee for the survey. you can make at home. towns, SLCOA, and a local contractor who had worked on you are ready to photograph or ship. Funding for the survey project came from a variety of sources. fixing the main road in Roxbury. Some of these donations Members of the Steering Committee, several of whom are were used to hire private consultants as technical leaders for IMPORTANT: Depending upon the plant, a photograph may not be adequate. We may need to see the physical specimen, so please also members of the Silver Lake Camp Owner’s Association the survey, or to pay for postage for mailings to landowners. do not discard it until you hear from us. (Be sure to keep it fresh, as described above.) (SLCOA), sent solicitations to their members. People used Maine DEP donated my time and technical assistance to the their social capital to get their friends and neighbors to group. This included making maps, organizing the survey Send us Digital Photos Send us a Live Plant Specimen support the survey. training, coordinating volunteer survey outings, facilitating Taking your photo/s – Contact the VLMP – The staff is often out in the field Flyers were posted meetings, writing press releases, landowner outreach letters, during the summer, and it is important that someone be at key locations to and creating a flyer. Volunteers logged more than 400 1 Gently clean off any attached debris from your specimen. let residents know here to receive and process your plant properly. combined hours and identified 191 sites that are impacting 1 Float the plant in a tray of water long enough to stretch about the survey and the water quality of Ellis Pond. And we had a good time the sample out fully, with enough water for the plant to float Package your plant – to request donations. doing it! All of this was completed without grant funding. freely. The tray bottom should be white (or clear and placed on Put your sample in a Press releases that Now the Steering Committee is on the way to apply for 319 a white surface). resealable plastic bag. included a request for grant funding, which is provided under the Clean Water Include some water 1 Put something in photos to show scale e.g., a ruler or coin. Severe erosion problems were identified and donations were sent Act and managed by DEP, in order to restore and repair to cushion it during documented by volunteer surveyors. out to local papers. impacted waters. Photos provided by the Ellis/Roxbury Pond Watershed Survey. 1 Take a high-resolution digital picture. shipping. Be sure to seal the bag tightly. Place the 1 The image must be in focus and show the greatest amount of bag in a small box with detail possible. Adjust lighting to minimize glare. enough packing material A Huge Thank-You to Maine’s Volunteer Lake Monitors! 1 If possible, take close-ups of specific features, such as to prevent movement. individual leaves, a single whorl of leaves, flowers, fruits or hank you doesn’t begin to convey the gratitude, the contributions to everyone’s understanding of not only the lake Include a Suspicious Plant Form – The form can be other structures. Tappreciation, the recognition of value that is due to all of that you monitor, but of all Maine lakes! And the better we downloaded from our website at www.mainevlmp.org. If you, who do now, and have done for so many years, so much understand our lakes, the more likely it is that we will be able you need help finding or filling out the form, call us at on behalf of Maine’s lakes. Whether you are taking Secchi disk to effectively protect them. 207-783-7733. readings, conducting an invasive aquatic species screening The Maine VLMP, which includes every one of you, is the Ship your plant specimen – survey, documenting Gloeotrichia density, reporting the “ice- longest-standing, statewide citizen-scientist lake monitoring Plants should be shipped early out” date for your lake, serving your lake community as a program in the nation. Is it coincidental that our lakes are in the week. Plants mailed local lake expert, or helping to identify and resolve sources of also among the clearest and cleanest in the world? We don’t later in the week may arrive on pollution in your lake watershed, you are making very valuable think so! Saturday, when no one is here to process them. Submitting your photo/s – Send the image/s by email to [email protected]. Write “Plant ID” in the subject line. If you ever have any questions regarding submitting a Include the following information in the body of the message: suspicious plant, always feel free to contact the VLMP at your name and contact info; waterbody name and town; date [email protected] or 207-783-7733. the plant was collected. Documenting your submission – Visit the VLMP website and complete an online Suspicious Plant Form. This will alert VLMP staff to the fact that you have submitted photos via email, and provide us with the information needed to record your find in the statewide aquatic plant database. 14 11 Thank You! To Our Recent Generous Donors Individuals ~ Anonymous Donors Cynthia & Bob Dunlap Peter & Kathleen Leslie Lynn Roberge Ligay Pamela Albertsen Ann M. Dyer Marsha & Lee Letourneau Debra Roe Diane Anderson Bruce & Sharon Eastman George B. Lewis Margaret Teele Rothberg Laura & Ed Atlee David W. Edsall Stephen Lewis Philip Roy William & Mary Atwater Carol & Jeff Ellinwood Robert & Gloria Limoges Craig & Julie Rule Steve Austerer Joe Emerson David Lind Dianne Sample Leonard Bachman Ron & Eileen Epstein David Littell Nancy Winetrout Schenck Linda Bacon John P. Erdman Joseph L. Longtin Rich & Lonny Schneider Susan Bailey Josephine Ewing Scott A. Lowell John & Claudia Scholz Pat Baldwin Laurence & Bonnie Faiman Heidi Lukas John Scholz & Meg Barclay Marygrace & Peter Barber Bruce Fenn & Susan Therrien-Fenn Mary Griffith Lynch Pat & Robert Severance Barbara R. Barnes Jean S. Ferrari Bruce & Rebecca Mailloux Ralph & Ellen Shapiro Skip & Claudette Bartosch Katherine & Charles Flood Jonnie Maloney Keith & Ellen Shaughnessy Mary & Bill Bausch Robert & Sibyl French Bill & Michelle Mann Tim & Danny Sholtis Mike Becker Kevin & Susan Frewert Edith K. Manns Edward & Priscilla Simmons J. Scott Bernardy, DDS Brian Friedmann Pam & Don Mantovani Jeanne & Mike Smith Lee & John Bernazzani Rocco Fucetola Amy March Nancy Smith Michael & Joanne Bernstein John & Carol Gabranski Norman & Barbara Marcotte Rick & Becky Southwick Raymond Bersch & Carol Friend Susan Gammon Betty Mason Lea & Ken Stabinski James Bisesti Jean W. Gardner Dale & Bruce McCubrey Christine Ann Stevens Janet & Robert Bissell Ed Gelina Karen & Henry McFarland Ed & Bobbie Stevenson Bill Blaine William Gies, II Judith F. McGeorge Norman & Deborah Stiles Ray Boies Robert & Maureen Giffin Carol & Bill McGuckin Carl & Sarah Stillwell Phil & Claudette Boissonneault George & Lorraine Gilbert Karen & Dan McLean Nancy L. Stine Beth Bond Michelle Glen Ron & Noël McPherson William & Sara Stockwell George H. Bouchard Jim & Diane Gloriant Bret & Sandra Meck Bob & Peggy Susbury Kathleen & James Boutselis Don Goodrich Christine Merchant Kathi Sutton Jim & Sue Bowersett Edward & Alexandra Graham Richard S. Meyer Ozzie & Donna Swett Lucinda Brandt & Dan Wheatley Alan & Cathy Gregory Paul Mitnik Larry Szendrei Anne & Rich Bray Christine Guerette & Matt Vachon Bill Monagle Tom Szepsy Robert Breen Dan & Lori Guerette Roger & Audrey Moody Michael & Donna Taflas Hubene & Carlton Brodie Phyllis & Dan Guerette Earl & Joanne Morse Jan Tarbuck Warren & Bethany Bryant Diane & John F. Hale, Jr. Susan Motley Karen Tayler Daniel E. & Mary L. Buckley Bob & Janet Hall Wynn & Sandra Muller Barbara & Pat Tedesco Gary & Mary Bucklin Peggy & Neal Hallee Janet & Paul Murphy Marcie Teele Joe Bukata Thomas R. & Judy A. Hamilton Steve & Melanie Ness Dick & Jo Thibodeau Yvonne Burckhardt Phoebe Hardesty Steve & Karen O'Bryan Eben B. & Susan Thomas Malcolm Burson & Eleanor Goldberg William & Virginia Hart Susan Onion Nat Thompson Mary Bussell Diane Harting Whitney Wing Oppersdorff Jim & Janet Timmins Charlotte & John Calhoun Tacy Hartley Daniel J. Orino Robert & June Tracy Tom Carabine Marilyn Heineman James J. & Wanda Orino Mr. & Mrs. George Tranchemontagne Liz Carter Susan Hellewell Jody & Tom O'Rourke Woody & Susan Trask Katie Carville Thomas D. Herman Philip & Chrystal Ouellette Rob True Robert & Susan Chapin Roberta Hill Karen & David Packhem Kenneth D. Truscott, Jr. Charles Chapman Roberta Hodson Donald & Barbara Paiton Alexander Turbyne, III Trudy Christian Ellie Hopkins Deborah & Michael Parkin Thomas & Jeanne Tuttle David & Sharon Clement Neil & Peggy Jensen Kathy Parlee Stephen Underwood Mike & Joan Cloutier Al Johnson Janet Parmalee Sue & Ted Van Leer Jennifer & Jerrold Cohen Rick & Louise Johnson Amne Parsons Kay & Ned Van Woert Dake 'Ian' Collins Joseph & Diane Jordan Terri & John Partridge Clyde D. Walton Gerald & Susanne Colson Denise Joy & Fred Flammia Pamela Parvin Bob & Jackie Warren Marie Connolly Peter & Linda Kallin Elizabeth Payne Beatty & Bill Watts Kathleen & William Cotter Brigitte & Harold Kingsbury David & Diane Kew Dana & Barbara Waugh Carmen & Jacob Coulombe Warren & Barbara Kinsman Barbara & Wally Penrod John & Cheryl Welch Dave Courtemanch Leslie Miller Kmiec Ron Perrone Carden & Ann Welsh Richard & Catherine Cranston Ed & Carol Knapp Dennis & Sandy Phillips F. W. Weston, Jr. Jane Crosen Washburn Mike Krysko Waldo & Carolyn Preble Lew & Miriam Wetzel Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cullinane Barry M. Kutzen, M.D. Jim & Joan Proctor Lorraine White Joan & Charles Dattelbaum Bill & Lucy LaCasse Lea & José Ramirez Dick & Barb Wigton Ronald Davis Chuck & Christine Lamb Jeanne E. Raymond G.E. Mary Williams Mary Jane Dillingham Norton Lamb Frank Read Robert & Ann Williams Thomas A. Dionis Steve & Lo Lambert Dan & Martha Reeve Scott Williams Millie Donahue Ann & Jeff Lamothe William Reid Pat & Tom Willis Deidre & Michael Donovan David Landry Ginny Remeika & Jim Burke Len & Mary Winsky Marsh Drucker Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Landry Linda Rice Bob & Ursula Withrow Norman A. Dudziak, Jr. & Ron & Diane Langworthy Doug & Laurie Rich Stan Wood Damaris J. Rohsenow John E. Laskey Christy Richardson Gordon B. Wright Joel & Rosemarie Dulberg Mr. & Mrs. William P. Latham Louise & Peter Riley Callie Wronker Sandra & Donald Dumont Betty P. Lee Dennis Roberge Thank You! To Our Recent Generous Donors

Major Funding In Memory Of In Kind

Major funding for the VLMP is made possible Rich & Lonny Schneider; And for those of you who have by grants from the US Environmental In Memory of J. Philip Davis donated your time, expertise, and Protection Agency and the Maine Little Wilson Pond Improvement Assoc.; dedication to the work of the VLMP Department of Environmental Protection, in the past year – many thanks! In Memory of Sydney A. Rowe through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

Charitable Foundations AmazonSmile Foundation The Benevity Community Impact Fund A Component Fund Grant of the Maine Community Foundation Giovanella Family Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Roy A. Hunt Foundation Ram Island Conservation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation The Ann and Carden Welsh Charitable Fund given with Vanguard Charitable

Business & Community Supporters Ambiance Day Spa Lewiston-Auburn Harley Davidson Auburn Water District Town of Lovell, Maine The Birches Resort Maine Water Utilities Association Cabela's Market Basket Town of Casco, Maine Moosehead Marine Museum DeLorme OceanView at Falmouth Retirement Community FB Environmental Old Town Canoe Company Grass Road, LLC Poland Spring, Inc. Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District Port Harbor Marine at Jordan Bay Hancock Lumber Portland Water District Hannaford Supermarkets Rosemont Market & Bakery Harraseeket Inn Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. Highland Green Retirement Community Town of Casco, Maine The Highlands Retirement Community The Umbrella Factory Supermarket Indian Hill Trading Post Water Monitoring Equipment & Supply K M Robbins Construction York County Soil & Water Conservation District Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission

Lake & Regional Watershed Associations Abrams Pond Association Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed Pattee's Pond Association Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance, Inc. Friends of Wilson Pond Area Pemaquid Watershed Association Allen Pond Improvement Association Green & Mirror Ponds Association Pitcher Pond Improvement Association Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corp. Green Lake Association Pleasant Lake & Parker Pond Association Annabessacook Lake Improvement Assoc. Hobbs & Fish Ponds Association Pleasant Pond Protective Association Bauneg Beg Lake Association, Inc. Howard Pond Preservation Association Pleasant River Lake Association Berry Dexter Wilson Ponds Watershed Assoc. Island Falls Lakes Association Portage Lake Association Bickford Pond Association Kennebago Lake Camp Owners Assoc. Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust Brettuns Pond Association Kennebunk Pond Association Rattlesnake Association of Brownfield Cathance Lake Association Keoka Lake Association Raymond Waterways Protective Association Citizens Association of Liberty Lakes Lake Webb Association Sabbathday Lake Association Clary Lake Association Lake Wesserunsett Association Sand-Locke Pond Association Clearwater Lake Improvement Assoc. Lakeville Camp Owners Association Sheepscot Lake Association Clemons Pond Association Little Ossipee Lake Association Square Pond Improvement Association Cold Stream Campowners Assoc., Inc. Little Wilson Pond Improvement Assoc. Summer Haven Lakes Association Craig Pond Association Long Pond Association Taylor Pond Association Crawford Lake Association Loon Lake Association Thompson Lake Environmental Association Crescent Lake Watershed Association Lovejoy Pond Improvement Association Toddy Pond Association Dexter Lakes Association Meddybemps Lake Association Washington Lakes Watershed Association Echo Lake Association Mirror Lake Association West Harbor Pond Watershed Association Embden Pond Association Mousam Lake Region Association Whitmore Landing Lake Association Five Kezars Watershed Association Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preservation, Inc. Wilson Lake Association Friends of Quimby Pond Panther Pond Association Volunteer Watershed Survey of or ? What to do when you find a suspicious aquatic plant Friend By Christine Guerette Ellis/Roxbury Pond Successfully Completed Foe With wider awareness of the threat of invasive aquatic plants, more people are looking into their lakes and wondering what’s lurking ~ Article contributed by Laura Crossley, Americorps/Maine beneath the surface. The VLMP is here to help anyone, from highly trained volunteers to first-time visitors to Maine, identify any Conservation Corps Member serving with the Maine DEP suspicious aquatic plants you may encounter and provide guidance on next steps, if necessary. This service is free, easy, and open itizens of Roxbury, Byron, and Andover, who were to all. Cconcerned with changes to Ellis Pond’s water quality, got in contact last year with VLMP and the Maine Following the procedures outlined below will help ensure the timely, accurate identification of your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to discuss specimen. You may email us a digital photo or send us live plant material. First, however, you’ll need to ways to protect their lake’s water quality. In the fall of 2013, collect a specimen. a localized algae bloom occurred, which further inspired When collecting samples from a live lake plant, please be sure not to remove the whole plant. Snip residents to take action. In January, 2014, I started an off one or two pieces of stem from the plant (roughly 8 to 12 inches long) including as many different AmeriCorps/Maine Conservation Corps term with DEP Volunteer surveyors for the Ellis/Roxbury Pond survey pose for a photo before features as you can (flowers, fruits, leaves, etc.). Mark the plant with a buoy and on a map. In the event as the survey project coordinator for the Ellis (Roxbury) heading out into the watershed. that your plant is invasive, this will help the DEP quickly locate the infestation and take proper action. Pond Watershed Survey. This group of about 20 concerned In the end we received donations from individuals, all three Keep your plant specimen in water, in a cool place (e.g., refrigerator). This will help keep it fresh until Example of a marker buoy citizens became the Steering Committee for the survey. you can make at home. towns, SLCOA, and a local contractor who had worked on you are ready to photograph or ship. Funding for the survey project came from a variety of sources. fixing the main road in Roxbury. Some of these donations Members of the Steering Committee, several of whom are were used to hire private consultants as technical leaders for IMPORTANT: Depending upon the plant, a photograph may not be adequate. We may need to see the physical specimen, so please also members of the Silver Lake Camp Owner’s Association the survey, or to pay for postage for mailings to landowners. do not discard it until you hear from us. (Be sure to keep it fresh, as described above.) (SLCOA), sent solicitations to their members. People used Maine DEP donated my time and technical assistance to the their social capital to get their friends and neighbors to group. This included making maps, organizing the survey Send us Digital Photos Send us a Live Plant Specimen support the survey. training, coordinating volunteer survey outings, facilitating Taking your photo/s – Contact the VLMP – The staff is often out in the field Flyers were posted meetings, writing press releases, landowner outreach letters, during the summer, and it is important that someone be at key locations to and creating a flyer. Volunteers logged more than 400 1 Gently clean off any attached debris from your specimen. let residents know here to receive and process your plant properly. combined hours and identified 191 sites that are impacting 1 Float the plant in a tray of water long enough to stretch about the survey and the water quality of Ellis Pond. And we had a good time the sample out fully, with enough water for the plant to float Package your plant – to request donations. doing it! All of this was completed without grant funding. freely. The tray bottom should be white (or clear and placed on Put your sample in a Press releases that Now the Steering Committee is on the way to apply for 319 a white surface). resealable plastic bag. included a request for grant funding, which is provided under the Clean Water Include some water 1 Put something in photos to show scale e.g., a ruler or coin. Severe erosion problems were identified and donations were sent Act and managed by DEP, in order to restore and repair to cushion it during documented by volunteer surveyors. out to local papers. impacted waters. Photos provided by the Ellis/Roxbury Pond Watershed Survey. 1 Take a high-resolution digital picture. shipping. Be sure to seal the bag tightly. Place the 1 The image must be in focus and show the greatest amount of bag in a small box with detail possible. Adjust lighting to minimize glare. enough packing material A Huge Thank-You to Maine’s Volunteer Lake Monitors! 1 If possible, take close-ups of specific features, such as to prevent movement. individual leaves, a single whorl of leaves, flowers, fruits or hank you doesn’t begin to convey the gratitude, the contributions to everyone’s understanding of not only the lake Include a Suspicious Plant Form – The form can be other structures. Tappreciation, the recognition of value that is due to all of that you monitor, but of all Maine lakes! And the better we downloaded from our website at www.mainevlmp.org. If you, who do now, and have done for so many years, so much understand our lakes, the more likely it is that we will be able you need help finding or filling out the form, call us at on behalf of Maine’s lakes. Whether you are taking Secchi disk to effectively protect them. 207-783-7733. readings, conducting an invasive aquatic species screening The Maine VLMP, which includes every one of you, is the Ship your plant specimen – survey, documenting Gloeotrichia density, reporting the “ice- longest-standing, statewide citizen-scientist lake monitoring Plants should be shipped early out” date for your lake, serving your lake community as a program in the nation. Is it coincidental that our lakes are in the week. Plants mailed local lake expert, or helping to identify and resolve sources of also among the clearest and cleanest in the world? We don’t later in the week may arrive on pollution in your lake watershed, you are making very valuable think so! Saturday, when no one is here to process them. Submitting your photo/s – Send the image/s by email to [email protected]. Write “Plant ID” in the subject line. If you ever have any questions regarding submitting a Include the following information in the body of the message: suspicious plant, always feel free to contact the VLMP at your name and contact info; waterbody name and town; date [email protected] or 207-783-7733. the plant was collected. Documenting your submission – Visit the VLMP website and complete an online Suspicious Plant Form. This will alert VLMP staff to the fact that you have submitted photos via email, and provide us with the information needed to record your find in the statewide aquatic plant database. 14 11 NEW LAKE MAPS !! Highlights hether you are a water quality monitor, invasive plant - Surrounding roads and road names Wpatroller, or simply someone who loves to spend - Total lake surface acreage of the 2014 Lake time on Maine lakes, you will be very pleased with our new and improved lake maps! Developed by DEP Geographic - Page number where the lake can be found in the DeLorme Information System (GIS) wizard, Doug Suitor, the new maps Maine Atlas & Gazeteer Monitoring Conference provide lots of useful information, including the following: - MIDAS number (unique identification number for the lake; The 2014 Annual Lake Monitoring Conference, held atThe Great Outdoors on Pleasant Pond used on all VLMP field forms) - Improved shoreline accuracy (based on aerial photography) in Turner, was attended by nearly 110 individuals. Speakers and presenters covered a wide range Friends of the VLMP awards were presented of topics of interest to lake monitors throughout Maine. In addition, many volunteer lake to outstanding volunteers Mike Cloutier, - Location of deep stations marked, with coordinates shown Expected date of availability is January 1, 2015. The new monitors were recognized for their long-term commitment, and for unique contributions that Steve Underwood, Randy Richardson, in decimal degrees lake maps will be available on both the VLMP and Lakes of Dennis Roberge, and Steve Lambert. Maine websites. Click on the 'Search for Your Lake' button to they have made toward monitoring and protecting the health of their lakes! - Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife lakewide depth data access the maps.

“Super-uber-IPPers” Bunny & Ross Mike Cloutier accepts the IPP Team Wescott and Bob & Sibyl French Monitor Rob Crosby won the kayak! share the 2014 IPP of the Year award. of the Year award on behalf of his Hats off to Bob Susbury, for 40 exceptional team. years of lake monitoring!

Dr. Emmanuel Boss demonstrates Judy Potvin (formerly of Maine 10-Year Lake Monitors (L-R) Mike Cloutier, DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho the optical properties of water DEP) receives Special Recognition Claudia Scholz, Jackey Bailey, Lew Wetzel, and discusses the value of volunteer and discusses how they pertain for Outstanding Support to Maine's Fred Cummings. lake data to the State of Maine. to lake water quality monitoring. Volunteer Lake Monitors.

Lake maps will be available in two versions: one shows aerial photo imagery detail, the other is a simplified line-map, leaving space for field notes. 5-Year Monitors (L-R) John Cummings, Dan Fred Cummings (R) discusses how his Hutchins, Steve Mendrzychowski; (back row) DEP's Wendy Garland reviews lake association won the fight against Marsha Letourneau, Jeanne Achillie, John Welch, the importance of volunteers in Clyde Walton receives a Lifetime milfoil in Pleasant Lake/Parker Pond and Michele Windsor. watershed surveys. Achievement Award. VLMP Executive Director, with lake monitor Richard Offinger. Scott Williams, Recognized by US EPA arth Day, 2014 (April 22) – Executive Director Scott Williams was Erecognized by the US EPA for his longstanding efforts to protect Maine’s lakes through the work of the Maine VLMP. The award was presented at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston by EPA Region 1 officials, and by Maine DEP (L-R) VLMP Board Member Mary Jane Dillingham, Maine DEP Jacolyn Bailey was recognized Exhibitor Keith Williams goes Commissioner, Patricia Aho, who spoke of Scott’s extraordinary commitment Commissioner Patricia Aho, EPA Region 1 Deputy Director Deb for her extensive work related to over the finer points of making 15-Year Monitor 20-Year Monitors (L-R) Szaro, VLMP Invasive Species Program Director Roberta Hill, the understanding and control of Exhibitor Ken Hotopp discusses to Maine’s lakes through the training of hundreds of citizen scientist lake herbarium sheets. Heidi Chadbourne. Dave Drouin & Ross Swain. VLMP Executive Director Scott Williams. aquatic invaders. freshwater mollusks. monitors in Maine over a period of nearly two decades. 10 15 Monitoring the Effect of Climate Change on Lakes – Other Aquatic Phenomena – Lakes are complex systems, The Volunteer Perspective Climate change has the and though much is known about how they function in general, ~ potential to overshadow, and there is far more that we do not know, especially when it comes ision is perhaps the most fundamental way through which the VLMP would connect me with some great people and in many cases, amplify, the to what makes each lake a unique individual! How many distinct Vwe connect with each other and the physical world. In enable me to contribute to something that I believe in. Lo and known threats to our lakes. native plant species occur in your lake? Which species are most 2011 I became legally blind as the result of a degenerative eye I visited the VLMP that December. Jonnie Maloney, another It also has the potential to dominant; which most rare? Are the plant communities in your disease, ‘Retinitis Pigmentosa’ (decreasing peripheral and loss member of the VLMP staff, and her beautiful dog, Luna, gave obfuscate our ability to detect lake changing in response to global climate change? Do any of night vision), which ended my 32 years of work for a local us a tour, and since then I have been volunteering in an ever- trends in lake health. Many invasive aquatic animals such as Chinese mystery snails or rusty manufacturing facility. I had been adjusting with diminishing expanding capacity. I am learning what Jonnie, Christine, of the traditional methods crayfish occur here? Why do some types of algae seem to be vision for several years, but “retiring” left me feeling essentially Roberta and Scott need, as they find what I am capable of doing used to monitor lakes are well- increasing (the green “clouds” of metaphyton, or the tapioca-like disconnected, lost. Realizing my growing sense of isolation, to assist them. This process is challenging, humbling, gratifying, suited to monitor the effects of Recording “ice-in” and “ice-out” dates spots of Gloeotricia, for example)? The period of ice cover on reconnecting with people became really important to me. exciting and fun. for your lake and submitting this data climate change on lake systems, to the VLMP is a simple way to make Maine lakes is growing shorter. At what rate is this phenomena including lake transparency, a valuable contribution to climate occurring? How is this change affecting water quality, and overall In late August of 2013, my wife, Lo, and I visited St. Agatha, I love what the VLMP does, preserving or improving the quality change research in Maine. Maine to check out some northern lakes on which we of our lakes and watersheds using sound science, through the temperature and dissolved lake health? VLMP citizen scientists monitor an increasingly- thought we might someday like to live. While kayaking on generous contribution of many, many talented and dedicated oxygen profiles, phosphorus concentrations, water color, and wide range of aquatic phenomena, ranging from ice-out dates to Long Lake, Lo noticed some “stuff” floating in the lake and volunteers (whose qualifications are very impressive to me), that others. Monitoring the length of the open water season is a simple crayfish; from native plant communities to aquatic snails. With wondered why the water was not clearer. When we returned are trained, certified and supported by the organization’s staff process that provides very helpful information about climate change your help we can begin to answer these questions and much more! home I began researching Long Lake and inadvertently and in partnership with the ecologically-minded communities influences. Conducting invasive aquatic species surveys is becoming increasingly important, as changing water temperatures and longer To learn more about monitoring initiatives and how to get involved, connected with Christine Guerette, a staff with which they are associated. please visit www.mainevlmp.org, or call 207-783-7733. member at the VLMP, who explained to growing season increase the potential for invaders to thrive in our lakes. Volunteering with the VLMP makes my life me what the VLMP Below are some examples of "Other Aquatic Phenomena"being monitored by VLMP volunteers. is all about, and gave so much richer. I cannot think of a better way me some information to spend my time than in partnering with on Long Lake. these wonderful people, supporting them in any way that I can. Members of the staff are By the time I spoke always thanking me. with Christine, I had I do not think they been struggling for realize how much about a year to find Friend of the VLMP and the VLMP gives "Handyman Extraordinaire" Steve a meaningful path. Lambert has been busy making to me, and how Nothing seemed to repairs and improvements at the grateful I am to have VLMP Lakes Center, in addition to fit. Suddenly, with no discovered them. Metaphyton is a group of filamentous algae that serving on board sub-committees. While the tapioca-like bluegreen algae, Gloeotrichia Many VLMP citizen lake scientists also participate hesitation at all, I felt echinulata, is not new to Maine lakes, it appears to in Maine Audubon’s annual loon count. For more form blooms in shallow (littoral) areas of lakes. Thank you so much for your care ~ Steve Lambert The blooms are often described as having the that volunteering with and dedication, Steve! be increasing significantly in some. Monitoring information on The Maine Loon Project, please visit “gloeo” (pronounced glee-o) in your lake is quite maineaudubon.org. Photo courtesy of Rob Crosby. appearance of green or yellow/green cotton simple, and can provide researchers with the candy. The VLMP has developed a process to allow data needed to better understand this changing volunteers to identify, document and track the phenomenon, and the implications for Maine lakes. growth of metaphyton in Maine lakes and ponds. 2014 Workshop Season in Review Photo courtesy of Dennis Roberge. he 2014 Water Quality program workshop season got off to a delayed start, due to a Tvery rainy May, but we persevered and went on to have a great season. Four New Water Quality training workshops were held, where 45 new water quality monitors were trained, and 19 new lakes were added to the program. Strong interest in Advanced Dissolved Oxygen monitoring resulted in two workshops being held this year, resulting in 19 new certified DO monitors.

Approximately 200 individuals attended six Introductory Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) workshops and three on-the-water IPP Survey Field Methods workshops, conducted across the state. The Advanced Plant ID workshop, this year held in Rangeley, was packed to capacity with 25 participants. Forty-four individuals One of the fringe-benefits of becoming an completed training in invasive aquatic plant removal during VLMP’s The VLMP is working to track the spread of experienced Invasive Plant Patroller is learning this large invasive aquatic snail in Maine. more about the native plants that grow in your two-day Invasive Aquatic Plant Manual Control Methods training. Rusty crayfish is one of several invasive You can assist in this important effort by lake. Native plant inventories collected by IPP fauna species that threaten Maine lakes. reporting Chinese mystery snail sightings and volunteers are being used by researchers to greatly In partnership with USM researcher, Dr. The Watershed Survey Training Workshop was a big hit again this submitting voucher photos, such as this one, enhance our knowledge of Maine’s native plant Karen Wilson, VLMP monitors have started to the VLMP. Photo courtesy of Karen Coluzzi. communities. Photo courtesy of Dennis Roberge. year, with a packed house at the VLMP of 25 attendees. Volunteer collecting valuable data concerning the leadership trainings conducted in 2014 were also well-attended. For distribution of native and non-native all available VLMP workshops, please visit www.mainevlmp.org. crayfish species in Maine.

16 9 Photo by Scott Williams shaped masses of cells observed in near-shore and humans. Human symptoms include areas (aka metaphyton), or stringy growth skin/sinus irritations, vomiting, diarrhea, The Hunt attached to rocks and docks. According to and gastroenteritis. For the GPA classification, these other growth Neurotoxins affect the nervous system. forms do not indicate impaired water quality, Anatoxin-a is the most toxic form and but are naturally occurring in most Maine is referred to as the ‘Very Fast Death Aquatic lakes, and do not technically constitute an Factor’. It acts in a similar manner to algal bloom. carbon monoxide and hemoglobin where hemoglobin oxygen-receptors will Invaders permanently bind with carbon monoxide Set upon the backdrop of one of Maine’s most extraordinary The Hunt may be viewed (and linked to) on both the VLMP and can cause death. The lower portion Severe algal bloom on Sabattus Pond in 2013. lakes, The Hunt for Aquatic Invaders takes the viewer on a very website and VLMP YouTube channel. DVDs are also of the diagram below illustrates how different kind of outdoor adventure, one that not only speaks available for $10 plus shipping and handling. Please help normal communication occurs between along a tributary to Sebasticook Lake to the urgency of the task at hand—preventing the spread of us share this powerful, uniquely-Maine story with audiences nerves and muscle. On the lower left side, in the 1960s. Last year a dog became ill aquatic invaders in Maine—but also provides guidance and across the state and beyond! Contact us at 207-783-7733 or acetylcholine transmits the message for a after drinking water from Province Lake in inspiration as it explores the vital role that volunteers can [email protected] to order your DVD. muscle to contract from the nerve to the Parsonsfield. Most of this lake is situated play in local and statewide early detection efforts. muscle. It binds to sites meant for it on the in New Hampshire, but a corner of it is in muscle then dissociates from the receptor Maine. The dog recovered, and its owner and is broken down by enzymes. Anatoxin chose not to have it tested for anatoxin, so Seeking Candidates for the VLMP Board of Directors binds to sites meant for acetylcholine we will never know exactly what caused as shown in the lower right. In fact, the illness. Another cyano-neurotoxin is he VLMP is seeking to fill two positions on our Board of Maine. Meetings typically take place on a weekday morning, and For years, limnologists considered three genus’ anatoxin-a’s affinity for these receptors BMAA (Beta Methyl Amino L Alanine) Directors. Ideal candidates will have some experience with may last until early afternoon. Committee meetings often are T responsible for most pelagic nuisance algal is about 20-times that of acetylcholine which has very long-term effects. It is nonprofit organizations; a basic understanding of the work of scheduled for the same day. Members of the Board of Directors blooms: Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, and and it does not come off, thus causing an thought to play a role in diseases such the VLMP, and share our belief in the importance agree to be active in at least one subcommittee. Microcystis, and nicknamed these ‘Annie, irreversible blockage to neuromuscular as ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and of the VLMP’s mission. We are particularly Please contact VLMP Executive Director, Scott Fannie and Mike’. The genus Oscillatoria, or communications. Symptoms include perhaps Alzheimers, MS and Parkinson’s. interested in bringing on new board members Williams, if you are interested in a position on the Ozzy, has been recently added to this list of muscle twitching, decreased movement, It mimics an amino acid our bodies use to who have knowledge and experience in the VLMP Board, or if you have questions. Following suspects. As mentioned earlier, the acronym collapse, cyanosis, convulsions and death. build proteins but prevents the resulting areas of marketing, fundraising and program an initial discussion, candidates will be screened HAB stands for Harmful Algal Bloom. This Anatoxins have been responsible for pet protein from functioning properly. A development. These are volunteer positions. and interviewed by the Board of Directors, who will term is used worldwide to describe blooms that and livestock deaths. It is thought that great deal of research is being conducted The VLMP Board of Directors meets 4-6 times act upon all applications. produce toxins. To the best of our knowledge, anatoxin was responsible for cow deaths in NH, where ALS clusters are situated annually at the VLMP Lakes Center in Auburn, Image from www.gias.org cyanotoxin production in near lakes that support blue- most Maine nuisance pelagic green algal blooms. The (open water) algal blooms is research includes the testing 2014 VLMP Interns Maine Citizens' Guide low; however, algal scums of aerosols from these lakes. Daniel Goettel and Emma Blakely constructed bucket to may produce measurable Skin and mucous membrane concentrations of toxins. viewing scopes for future Invasive Plant Patrol monitors irritations may also be caused Invasive Aquatic by blue-greens, which are earlier this year, as part of their internship with the VLMP. Cyanotoxins fall into two toxin Plant Management relatively minor as compared Daniel is attending the University of Maine, pursuing a classes: Hepatotoxins and to the previous two effects. Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering. Emma is Once an infestation has been Neurotoxins. As the name in the Environmental Studies program at Bates College. confirmed, rapid response implies, hepatotoxins generally The table on page 17 lists Thanks for your hard work, Emma & Daniel! is crucial. The prospects for affect the liver. Microcystin- the toxins produced by algal effective management or even LR is the most toxic variant. genus and toxin type. Annie, eradication, is greatly increased Symptoms may be observed Fannie, Mike and Ozzy are by swift, well-planned, and from hours to days and can be on the list. You’ll notice that properly executed controls. acute or chronic. The diagram Gloeotrichia is also on this The purpose of the Maine to the right represents the list as it is showing up in Citizens’ Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plant Management is breakdown of cytoskeleton more and more Maine lakes. to provide the information necessary to effectively manage in liver cells by Microcystin- In the early 1990s, ‘Gloeo’ invasive aquatic plant (IAP) populations; to prepare for LR, which results in the liver might be observed in one such an eventuality; and to address all associated activities. becoming flooded with blood. out of 100 lakes; now it’s not Methods described in this Guide are based upon tested best- The upper portion of the unusual to find it in 15-20 management practices for controlling aquatic plants effectively adjacent diagram illustrates of 100 lakes. Great Pond and in a manner that protects wildlife and habitat. To view this effect. Microcystin-LR and Long Pond in Belgrade, and/or download this new publication, please visit the VLMP has been implicated in deaths and Lake Auburn have well website at www.mainevlmp.org/citizensguide. of livestock, pets, birds, fish, ...continued on page 17 18 7 Welcome, New Lake Monitors! QualityQuality Counts!Counts! New Volunteer Lake Monitors Certified in 2014 Kent Ackley; Annabessacook Lake Bruce MacEwan; Labrador Pond Harmful Algal Blooms, Nuisance Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins Sarah Adams; Pettingill Pond Shawn McLane; Jordan Pond, Upper & Lower Hadlock Ponds Mary Adley; Embden Pond Bob McLaughlin; Wesserunsett Lake (…lions and tigers and bears, oh my!) Arne Aho; Pemaquid Pond Laurie Medeiros; Annabessacook Lake Gary Allison; East Pond Sue Mello; Knickerbocker Pond lgae are primary producers– aerial photo). Often blue-green species are Ron Armontrout; Thompson Lake Jeni Menendez Aphotosynthetic organisms that controlling transparency in East Pond from Donald Atkinson; Annabessacook Lake Robert and Judy Miller; West Grand Lake convert sunlight into biomass. They are late spring into mid-fall. Blue-green species by Linda Bacon Hannah Atwood; Embden Pond Ian Miller; Embden Pond ubiquitous – found in rivers, lakes, ponds, are the most likely to produce cyanotoxins VLMP Quality Assurance Officer; Jim Bailey; Crawford Pond Steve Moland; Figure 8 Pond/Silver Lake Taylor Bartlett; Embden Pond Bill Moore; Pequawket Lake/Horne Pond streams, oceans and even on snow, soil and in Maine lakes. Maine Department of Environmental in puddles. Situated at the base of both Misty Beck; David Pond Scott Mrazik; Mousam Lake & Square Pond Blue-greens are well adapted to be fierce Protection, Aquatic Biologist Janet Bissell; Mooselookmeguntic Lake Douglas Munsey; Annabessacook Lake aquatic and terrestrial food webs, algae and effective competitors. Blue-green Abby Blakeley; Megunticook Lake Patrick Nichols; Embden Pond are essential to higher forms of life. In growth is favored when nutrients are John Bonsall; Wesserunsett Lake Jeff Orchard; Meddybemps Lake general, algal populations are controlled by plentiful - especially phosphorus. They Andrew Bowman; Embden Pond Dayle Owen; Farrow Lake light and nutrient availability, particularly are able to ‘fix’ nitrogen in heterocysts, Samantha Burgie Betty & Dave Parsons; Toddy Pond the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Ryan Caster; Highland Lake Bobbie Peacock; Embden Pond structures similar in function to root Robert & Susan Chapin; Thomas Pond Amy Peterson; Embden Pond In lakes, algae can be single cells or nodules in terrestrial legumes. Thus when colonial, can be pelagic (living in open Betty & Paul C. Chesley; Annabessacook Lake Shannon Power; Cobbosseecontee Lake & China Lake nitrogen becomes the limiting factor Corinna Cole; Spaulding Pond David & Ellen Randall; Pocasset Lake water), benthic (living on the bottom, for green algae, blue-greens have the Nancy & Peter Cornwell; West Grand Lake & Peter Rees; Webb Pond attached to rocks, woody debris, or competitive edge. By using gas vesicles Upper Oxbrook Lake Sharon & Wayne Reetz; Wilson Lake docks) or epiphytic (attached to plants). – like internal life vests – they control Doug Covell; Loon Lake Ed & Sue Reinke; Annabessacook Lake Colonies may be free floating or may form Mel Croft; East Pond Mike Remillard; West Grand Lake, First - Fifth Machias Lakes, their buoyancy and maximize exposure Rob Crosby; The Basin Wabassus Lake filaments and appear stringy. Some form to sunlight. They thrive when lake water mats on the sediment surface. In most of Miriam Daniel; Pleasant Lake Willard Richards; Crescent Lake temperatures are at their highest and Donna Davis; Province Lake John Richey; Portage Lake Maine lakes, phosphorus concentrations sunlight is plentiful. And they take Jane Denner; Horseshoe Pond Deanne Sainati; Farrow Lake control the density of algal populations, advantage of calm periods. They can Brandon Dixon; Embden Pond Paul Sallie; Abrams Pond which ultimately control transparency produce resting cells which are deposited Dale Doughty; Parker Pond Matt D. Scaccia; Pinkham Pond (Hidden Lake) (water clarity); when water transparency, in the sediment and can germinate when Deborah Ellis; Embden Pond Billy Schenk; Mattawamkeag Lake Debbi Farrell; Cobbosseecontee Lake Linda Schier; Great East Lake measured with a Secchi disk, falls below 2 conditions are favorable. The resting meters due to algal populations, the lake is George Fergusson; Clary Lake Doug Sears; Embden Pond stages of some species can accumulate Trish Fournier; Crescent Lake Lee Schneller Sligh; Hosmer Pond said to be supporting an ‘algal bloom’. phosphorus for use later – known as Catherine Fox; Branch Lake Sandra Small-Hughes; Annabessacook Lake Lakes experience a seasonal succession of luxury consumption of phosphorus. Chelsey Frank; Clearwater Pond Cassandra Smith; Embden Pond major groups of algae. Early and later in Zooplankton, microscopic animals that photosynthetic bacteria – or Cyanobacteria Stephen Geranian; Great East Lake Debra Smith; Crystal Lake Shelly Gerstein & Gale Mettey; Maranacook Lake Ron Snyder; Wassookeag Lake the season, diatoms (Bacillariaphyta), eat phytoplankton (algae), also known as (cyano referring to their photosynthetic David Goodwin; Pequawket Lake/Horne Pond Sarah-Jane Snyder; Wassookeag Lake which do well in colder water, dominate the the ‘cows of lakes,’ don’t care to graze on pigment). The toxins that they produce are Evan Gorr; Embden Pond David & Diana Spahn; Wilson Lake water column. Generally spring diatoms blue-greens. Cyanotoxins. In most areas of the country, Tayelor Gosselin; Lake Auburn Nan Sprague; West Grand Lake are followed by greens or Chlorophytes; Those of you who have studied the when blue-green populations reach high John & Katie Greenman; Alamoosook Lake Deanna St. Pierre; Great East Lake blue-green populations become most major algae groups may recall that blue- densities, it is referred to as a Harmful Greg Guerette & Jo Harmon; Pequawket Lake Kate Stevens; Embden Pond Jill Halligan; Annabessacook Lake Morgan Steward; Embden Pond abundant later in the summer – the timing greens were originally considered algae. Algal Bloom or HAB because there is the being dependent on nutrient levels, water possibility that the bloom will result in Dorothy Hamory; Alamoosook Lake David Stonebraker; Big Kennebago Lake However, genetics has revealed that they Martha & Peter Haskell; Portage Lake John Strassenreiter; Quantabacook Lake temperature, and other factors. This are more closely related to bacteria. So, cyanotoxin production. Keith Heavrin, Jr.; Toddy Pond Rick Sullivan; Little Sebago Lake general pattern can shift in both time and now technically blue-greens are considered To put this in perspective, Maine has one April Hopkins; Leonard Lake Mark Tappan & Lyn Mikel Brown; Pleasant Lake magnitude (algal abundance) depending statutory classification for lakes: Class GPA. Gary & Penny Jaskalen; Pleasant Pond Yvette Tenney; Toddy Pond on conditions in individual lakes. Bambi Jones; Little Dyer Pond Barbara Tewksbury; Mousam Lake The GPA classification considers lakes that Donna Kincer; Portage Lake Olivia Tewksbury; Embden Pond The image to the right is that of two have transparencies of 2 meters or less, due Patricia Koscinski; Androscoggin Lake Charles Towle Maine lakes: North and East Ponds in the to algae growth, as having a pelagic (open Jennifer Lacombe; Webber Pond Adrienne Tracy; Maranacook Lake Belgrade chain. At the time this was taken, water) nuisance algal bloom. Maine Steve Lambert Liz Trouant; Meddybemps Lake East Pond, on the right, was experiencing has about 30 lakes that support such algal Mariah Langton; Embden Pond Ted Van Leer; Alamoosook Lake an algal bloom and from the air, was almost blooms nearly every year and another 15-20 Spencer Lawler-Sidell; Embden Pond Kristen Wedin; Phillips/Lucerne Lake as green as its surroundings. If we look that bloom occasionally using this definition. Paul Leeper; Megunticook Lake Lindsay Wheaton; West Grand Lake Zach Lemelin; Mousam Lake & Square Pond Doreen Whitmore; Embden Pond at how algal populations may compare It is important to note that the term ‘bloom’ Mike Levey; Annabessacook Lake Janice Whynot; Annabessacook Lake between North Pond and East Pond, major is used rather loosely by some. Lake users Stephen Lewis; Horseshoe Pond Christine Williams; Sebago Lake differences are apparent (figure following may use the term to describe cotton-candy Vince Lobosco; Big Lake Melvin (Ike) Winchester; Meddybemps Lake Image from Google Earth 6 19 most sectors covering roughly 1000-feet ovation. A palpable sigh of relief spread Maine’s Volunteer Lake Monitors to be Highlighted in North American of shoreline. As surveyors signed on to across the room and someone cheered, Lake Management Society Annual Symposium in Tampa, Florida the new Annabessacook IPP Team, they "The cavalry has arrived!" either adopted, or were assigned, one or Over the course of the next two weeks— aine’s outstanding citizen lake scientists will be highlighted the VLMP at the gathering of lake scientists, more survey sectors. thankfully, with full cooperation from Min November at the Annual Symposium of the North citizen monitors, lake associations and The preliminary survey activity by the the weather—the level-3 survey of American Lake Management Society (NALMS) in Tampa, others in Tampa. An article based on the DEP revealed yet another challenge. Annabessacook Lake was completed Florida. The Maine VLMP is the longest-standing statewide presentation will be featured in an upcoming Annabessacook Lake was home to three without a hitch. Several significant patches Maine's IPP Rapid Response Team played a vital citizen lake monitoring program in the nation, as well as one of edition of the NALMS journal, LAKELINE. native milfoil species, all similar in of milfoil were indeed encountered by role in the survey. Team Members participating in the Annabessacook survey included: Diane Clay, the largest, with more than 1,000 active citizen lake scientists who appearance to VWM. The presence of surveyors. Was this invasive milfoil? Maine’s dedicated volunteer monitors, many Bob and Sibyl French, Carol Fuller, Susie Wilding- monitor the health of over 550 lakes throughout the state. these and other native look-alikes would None of the specimens looked glaringly Hartford, Marsha Letourneau, Dennis Roberge, Lea of whom have been continuously active certainly complicate things, especially suspicious; but neither did they present Stabinski, and Ross and Bunny Wescott. Pictured Matt Scott, who is widely considered to for several decades, and who have inspired above are Diane (L) and Susie (R). for novice patrollers. Survey planners the features needed to confidently rule be the founding father of Maine’s VLMP, lake stewardship not only in addressed this challenge by teaming more out the target invader. The patches were former director of the DEP lakes program, Maine, but across the nation, landing channel, a patch recently discovered experienced patrollers—acting as “region properly marked and mapped, and former President of NALMS, and a member will be recognized in the by alert CWD staff during routine water- leaders”—with the novice patrollers specimens were collected. Once again, we of the VLMP Advisory Board, will present November presentation. quality monitoring. DNA analysis later in their assigned areas. The team had would have to rely upon DNA analysis. information on the history and successes of confirmed VWM in this area, as well. now grown to thirty-six members, the A few weeks later, the DNA results DEP and CWD returned to the boat- majority of whom were trained and arrived: two of the twelve specimens landing area on October 17, and a number The VLMP Takes a Giant LEAP FORWARD . . . certified IPP volunteers. came back with a positive identification of additional, well-established milfoil of Myriophyllum heterophyllum, invasive patches were found. The characteristics Volunteers Are Posting Data Online in NEAR REAL-TIME! variable water-milfoil. One specimen of these newly-discovered plants precisely had been taken from a growing patch in matching those of confirmed VWM, they Providing a direct portal to current water quality conditions in Maine the northern inlet cove; the other was a were also removed. floating fragment found near the boat Despite this disconcerting result, it is f you’ve been wondering how your 2014 Secchi disk readings The NRTLD website can be accessed through the VLMP website landing, at the other end of the lake. important to note the good news here. compare to other lakes throughout Maine, the VLMP “Near at www.mainevlmp.org, and click on the "View Current Water I Sadly, Annabessacook Lake was now to The level-3 survey findings suggest that Real-Time Lake Data” (NRTLD) website offers viewers an Quality Conditions on Maine Lakes" button. be added to the list of Maine lakes with the rooted VWM population may very opportunity to observe Secchi (water clarity, or transparency) known infestations. well be limited to two discrete areas readings taken on 11 lakes during the spring, summer and fall The direct link to the NRTLD website is: Training of the Annabessacook Lake IPP Team in the lake. With luck, the process that lake monitoring season. Participating lake monitors posted Secchi www.mainevlmp.org/near-real-time-lake-data/ continued with on-the-water instruction and The Maine DEP mobilized immediately guided practice. began when the CBI spotted a suspicious readings for their lakes during the period, usually within 24 hours upon receiving the DNA results, and on plant floating near the boat launch in of taking the reading. September 24 they deployed SCUBA This story cannot be properly told divers who carefully removed the known 2013, and continued with the activation The NRTLD website provides an overview of water quality without mentioning the vital role played VWM patch in the northern cove. They of ALIA’s Invasive Plant Patrol team, has conditions on a select group of Maine lakes throughout the by Maine's IPP Rapid Response Team: also investigated suspicious milfoil plants resulted in a timely, early-detection of the monitoring season. Secchi readings, which vary notably across this certified IPP volunteers who have agreed in the shallows beyond the public boat infestation. We know from experience geographically-varied group, are automatically graphed as they are to be on-call should a new infestation be that early detection has been key to posted to the site. Lake monitors also have the opportunity to identified in Maine. Not only did many the successful management of variable elaborate upon their findings with relevant comments. of these seasoned “IPPs from away” travel milfoil in a number of cases in Maine. If across the State to attend trainings and the infestation in Annabessacook Lake Detailed information about each of the participating lakes is also support the novice patrollers, they also proves to be as limited in scope as these easily accessed from the NRTLD website. signed on as volunteer region leaders, early findings suggest; if actions are taken lending their considerable expertise, swiftly and deliberately; if the successful Additional lakes will be highlighted on the website in 2015. experience and mentorship skills to collaboration that began in 2013 Volunteer lake monitors who are interested in participating must the survey effort. When members of continues, the prospects for successfully meet the following requirements: The Maine DEP mobilized immediately upon Maine’s IPP Rapid Response Team were receiving the DNA results, deploying SCUBA divers addressing the Annabessacook infestation introduced at the survey kick-off meeting, who carefully removed several large patches of are very good indeed. • Certification requirements must be up to date VWM from the lake. they were met with a resounding standing Photos for this article were provided by The Cobbossee Watershed District. • Secchi readings must be taken from May through September at two-week intervals

The Don'twinter season Forget is upon us, to so Keepbe sure to Track keep ofmay Yourimprove ourLake's understanding Ice ofCover! the relationship Save the Date! track of your lake's ice cover. The VLMP acts as a between the duration of ice cover and water quality. state repository for ice-out records, some stretching You can report ice-in and ice-out via e-mail directly 2015 VLMP Annual Conference is Scheduled as far back as the mid-1800's. Your ice-in (and ice- to [email protected], or you can report by for SATURDAY, JULY 25 out) data, when paired with water quality readings, phone at 207-783-7733. 20 5 Littorally Speaking Passings John B. Banton Milfoil in Annabessacook Lake John B. Banton, of Weld, Maine and Canyon of Maine, Orono. John is survived by his wife a cautionary yet hopeful tale of prevention, Lake, Texas, died in July, 2013, peacefully at Annabelle Hall Banton, sons Donald, Michael, early detection, and rapid response the age of 88, at home in Weld with his beloved Steven and Russell and daughter Susan. John daughter by his side. He was a WWII Vet, monitored both Secchi and Dissolved Oxygen on ate in the summer of 2013, a vigilant by Roberta Hill born in Bangor, the son of Nellie Banton. He Webb Lake in Weld. Courtesy of Meader & Son LCourtesy Boat Inspector (CBI) VLMP Invasive Species Program Director graduated from Bangor High and University Funeral Home, Rumford, Maine. stationed on Annabessacook Lake spotted a single milfoil fragment floating near launched in June with an IPP Plant Edward P. Ketchen Paddle led by Friends of Cobbossee the public boat landing. DNA testing Edward P. Ketchen passed away in March of Chief Petty Officer in 1945. Ed never forgot confirmed the plant to be variable Watershed staff. This engagement-level this year, at age 94, with family at his side. those who gave their all for their country, and he water-milfoil (VWM, scientific name: event helped to spur local interest in Ed was the Meddybemps lake monitor for never stopped honoring all those who served. Myriophyllum heterophyllum), the most the Annabessacook survey project and over 25 years, loon counter, bird counter, prevalent invasive aquatic plant in Maine. to encourage participation in the more Prior to leaving the military, Ed married his Though Annabessacook Lake was not extensive trainings to follow. The IPP general wildlife observer/expert, float plane sweetheart Joan Dripps, and after the war Intro Workshop and IPP Survey Field pilot, and story teller. He will be sorely known to be infested, it is in fairly close Is this invasive milfoil? Lacking the vibrant red stem ended, they moved to Meddybemps where proximity to several waterbodies that do that is often associated with this invader, none of Methods Workshops, which took place missed! He directed the Lake Meddybemps they would build their life together and have known VWM infestations. Were the milfoil plants found in Annabessacook Lake in July, were both well-attended, resulting Association for many years, and became raise their family. Ed and Joan Ketchen looked glaringly suspicious; but neither did they in a formidable cadre of well-trained, Director Emeritus about 10 years ago. He the wayward fragments left behind by a present the features needed to confidently rule were truly members of Tom Brokaw's certified, locally-based patrollers. The visiting boat, or did they originate from out the target invader. This “plain-Jane” milfoil also taught the younger generations of his "Greatest Generation." a new—as yet undetected—infestation in specimen was indeed confirmed as VWM. Annabessacook IPP team was born! family the importance of lake monitoring. Ed was a member of the Meddybemps Annabessacook Lake? lake plants in Maine are fully mature and While VLMP and ALIA were busy with Ed served in the US Navy aboard the aircraft Christian Church, and helped with church easiest to view and identify from mid the trainings, Maine DEP staff began The only way to answer this question with carrier Wasp in the Pacific theater during activies when he was able. His favorite to late summer. But in Annabessacook conducting preliminary surveys of the areas certainty was to conduct a comprehensive WWII, before being honorably discharged as hymn was, "This is My Father's World." “level-3” survey of the lake's entire littoral Lake, the growth of planktonic algae closest to the public boat landing. A local leadership team was formed, comprised of zone (all shallow areas of the lake, anywhere in late August can significantly reduce We care deeply about our volunteer lake monitors. that sunlight reaches the bottom and rooted water clarity, and potentially impede one representative from each of the local If you would like to share news of a monitor's passing, please contact us. plants may grow). Conducting a level-3 survey visibility, thus shrinking the survey partners: CWD, FOCW and ALIA. This survey on a lake that is nearly 1500 acres window of opportunity. In a nutshell, the group took on the task of organizing the in size, with over 17 miles of shoreline, can local community had barely half a year to full, lake-wide survey, and working out be challenging in the best of circumstances. plan, gather the resources, and build the the various logistics needed to ensure its Lake Monitoring Gear Available In the case of Annabessacook Lake, volunteer capacity needed to accomplish a success. The necessary survey equipment n recent years, a number of used dissolved enough to go from the surface to the bottom the challenge was intensified by several high-quality, comprehensive survey within was gathered and/or constructed. A series Ioxygen (DO) meters have been donated of the lake at the deep monitoring station. factors: 1) DNA analysis of the milfoil a very short (one-to-two-week) timeframe. of public and private launch sites were to the VLMP. The condition of individual If you’re monitoring a lake with a maximum fragment found by the CBI took longer A coalition of project partners quickly identified around the lake; in the case meters ranges from “unknown” to “working/ depth of 60 feet, a DO meter with a 50 foot than usual. When the results finally arrived assembled and mobilized. The VLMP’s of the private launches, permission to serviceable”. Some of the equipment is of the cable isn’t long enough! Most DO meters in December 2013, it was too late to role in the alliance, which included launch was sought and obtained. Nine older analog type (still perfectly accurate), consist of three components: Meter, Cable conduct even a cursory survey. This delay Annabessacook Lake Improvement survey regions were delineated, each with other units are of the newer digital type. and Probe. It is possible to “mix and match” would significantly cut into greatly needed Association (ALIA), Friends of Cobbossee its own launch site. Each region was Parts may still be available –new or used– the components of some units (within the planning and preparation time. 2) Though Watershed (FOCW), Cobbossee Watershed divided into several smaller sectors, with for the older equipment. The meters are same manufacturer), but only for certain invasive aquatic plant (IAP) screening District (CWD) and the Maine Department available at no cost (at our discretion) to models. survey activity was being done regularly on of Environmental Protection (DEP), was Just some of the used DO monitoring equipment certified water quality monitors. We are in In order to submit temperature and Annabessacook Lake, these surveys were primarily to assist in informing, engaging, now available through the VLMP. the process of reconditioning some of the dissolved oxygen data for your lake, you generally limited in scope. Conducting training, and activating a local team of equipment, after which it will be available at whatever cost was must first be certified to monitor Secchi transparency, following a full level-3 survey would require a trained citizen Invasive Plant Patrollers. incurred in restoring the individual units. Some of the equipment which, you should plan to attend a DO training workshop, offered significant increase in survey capacity. With Annabessacook Lake Improvement is being dismantled to be used for parts that are no longer available annually at the VLMP Lakes Center in Auburn. Volunteer DO The community elected to accomplish this Association playing the vital role of through manufacturers. monitors must be certified with the meter that they use to gather by building a locally-sustainable volunteer workshop host—securing workshop If you are interested, be aware that the process of selecting a and submit data. DO re-certification is required annually. Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) team, an venues, organizing food, publicizing the temperature/dissolved oxygen meter for monitoring your lake undertaking that would require a good deal VLMP’s Roberta Hill teaches Annabessacook Lake If you are interested in a potentially low-cost (relative to a workshops locally, etc., the IPP training typically involves consideration of a number of factors, not the of local outreach, and the development of a volunteers how to recognize an aquatic invader new unit) piece of equipment for monitoring temperature and program was rolled out through the when they see it. least of which is ensuring that the cable/probe assembly is long comprehensive training program. 3) Most summer of 2014. The program was dissolved oxygen in your lake, contact Scott Williams. 4 21 FREE T-Shirts for Certified Lake Monitors! Lakeside Notes Certified lake monitors are Maine’s Citizen Lake Monitors: eligible for one of these beautiful t-shirts, free-of- There When You Need Them! charge! T-shirts are currently available, and may be picked Most of you are probably aware that evolution of the program, because it has up at any water quality re- from the 1970’s through the mid allowed the organization the freedom certification workshop, IPP 1990’s, the VLMP was capably managed of flexibility and experimentation as it By Scott Williams workshop, or other VLMP event, by the Maine DEP. Budget cuts in has moved into the future. The success VLMP Executive Director including our annual conference. state government in the 90’s were the of the VLMP through the years has program to expand the number of lakes If you are unable to pick up your Front impetus for a group of individuals who been due in no small part to strong t-shirt, we can arrange to have one had a vested interest in the program inclusive collaborative partnerships that monitored, we would need a strategy sent to you for the cost of shipping to explore options for the future. This have been formed with the Maine DEP to recruit new lake monitors. It didn’t and handling. steering group included staff from and other natural resource agencies, take long for me to realize, much to my the DEP lakes program, a group of local and regional lake and watershed pleasant surprise, that I was mistaken. Don't miss out! Please contact experienced volunteer lake monitors associations, County Soil and Water I had not fully appreciated how deeply the VLMP with your shirt size, committed people are to protecting our Volunteer Water Quality who recognized the many ways in which Conservation Districts, academic either by email or phone, at a citizen-scientist lake monitoring institutions, citizen lake monitoring lakes. During the past two decades, Regional & Data Coordinators [email protected], or organization had benefited their lakes programs in other states (and countries) there have been very few occasions Help with activities such as scheduling re- 207-783-7733. during the past two decades, lake and of course, the rapidly growing when it has been necessary to search certification workshops, communicating Thank you to our corporate association representatives, academics number of volunteer citizen lake for new lake monitors for new lakes, or with volunteers, and lake data entry. For sponsor, YSI Incorporated, whose from Maine’s educational institutions, scientists here in Maine. to replace retiring monitors. In fact, at more information, please contact us at Back times it has been a challenge to keep up [email protected] or 207-783-7733. generous support made these and others. t-shirts possible! with public interest in the program. Continuous, strong growth of the Show Off Your Pride VLMP benefits Maine lakes in so many Become a Friend of the VLMP! ways. These extend well beyond the The VLMP is a uniquely volunteer-powered organization. Most as a VLMP Certified obvious benefit of gathering credible VLMP volunteers are committed to the critically important task scientific data concerning the health of monitoring the health of Maine lakes. But there are many Lake Monitor! of our lakes. In addition to becoming other off-the-water tasks that need to be done in order to keep local lake experts, VLMP citizen lake the entire statewide lake monitoring enterprise moving forward scientists play a crucial stewardship role smoothly. As the VLMP grows, these essential behind-the- scenes Sponsorship and in their lake communities. With over tasks are also increasingly being shared by our volunteers. Underwriting Opportunities 550 lakes in the program, that’s a lot of Friends of the VLMP are lending their time, talents and creativity committed people who bring experience, to help us build and maintain one of the largest and most active in the Water Column knowledge, and understanding to citizen-based lake monitoring programs in the nation. With The value of Maine’s lakes to the state’s economy is substantial; During the 43 years that the VLMP has been growing and their communities about the nature their much-needed and greatly valued help, the VLMP is better studies have shown that our lakes conservatively generate 3.5 of the threats to our lakes, how those able to meet the demands of Maine’s ever-growing statewide billion dollars in economic activity annually. An increasing evolving, one thing has not changed: how deeply committed threats can be monitored, and ways network of volunteer lake monitors. number of Maine businesses—companies who not only see in which watershed residents can use Interested? We are eager to help YOU find and/or expand your the connection between clean lakes and economic prosperity, people are to protecting the health of Maine lakes. lake-friendly practices to ensure that 1 special niche in the VLMP. We can use help with a wide range but who also understand the value of volunteer “match” — It took several months for the group to When I first assumed the responsibility Maine will continue to have among the of seasonally variable tasks, from data entry and assembling bulk now support the work of the VLMP. It is in this spirit of explore – among other options – the – and distinct honor – of working for clearest and cleanest lakes in the nation! mailings, to helping with yard work and making repairs to the mutually beneficial collaboration that we welcome this issue’s potential for the VLMP to exist as a the VLMP nearly two decades ago, Thanks to all of you, who do so much property. Please contact us today to learn more! corporate sponsors. free-standing nonprofit organization. It I made a few assumptions about the for so many, on behalf of Maine’s If you, or your company, are interested in supporting the was a decision that carried some risks, nature of the challenges the organization exceptional lakes! Reminder to all work of the VLMP through sponsorship or underwriting, but today it is widely acknowledged would likely face in the future – one Volunteer Lake Monitors: please contact us. Sponsorship notices will be accepted at the as having been a pivotal point in the of which was that in order for the discretion of the staff and Board of Directors. Help ensure the 2014 Maine Lakes Report will 1. Every dollar donated to the VLMP is matched at least 10 times over by be complete by sending in your data now! volunteer support! 22 3 What’s Inside : President's Message ...... 2 President’s Lakeside Notes: Monitors There When You Need . . .3 Littorally Speaking: Milfoil in Annabessacook . . . . . 4 Quality Counts: Harmful Algal Blooms ...... 6 Additional Ways to Monitor Your Lake ...... 8 Message New Lake Maps ...... 10 EPA Recognizes Scott Williams ...... 10 Bill Monagle What to Do When You Find a Suspicious Plant . . .11 President, VLMP Board of Directors Thank You to our Generous Donors! �������������� 12 Watershed Survey Successfully Completed . . 14 hen I reflect on the twelve or along with a committed Board of Thank You to Maine's Lake Monitors! �������������� 14 Wso years (but who’s counting?) Directors, has maintained focus on 2014 Lake Monitoring Conference ������������������ 15 I’ve been a member of the VLMP the program’s priorities and adroitly The Volunteer Perspective ...... 16 Board of Directors, I am truly made necessary adjustments to stay 2014 Workshop Season in Review ...... 16 amazed at how far the Program has on course with our mission. And, Welcome, New Lake Monitors! . . ����������������� . 19 come, both in terms of the increased as the organization’s name implies, Monitors Highlighted at NALMS Symposium . . . . 20 Near Real-Time Lake Data Website ...... 20 number of volunteer monitors, and at the foundation of the program Passings ...... 21 in the overall scope of the program. are the volunteer contributions of Notices ...... 5, 18, 20-24 Over this time, the VLMP has time and effort by the hundreds Cover Photo . . . Ellis/Roxbury Pond by VLMP Lake Monitor Ross Swain greatly expanded its outreach of certified citizen lake scientists efforts through the development who monitor the water quality of of the VLMP and Lakes of Maine our lakes and ponds, patrol their websites–both valuable as sources of aquatic plant communities to seek essential lake and program-related out invasive species to enable early information, produced numerous detection and swift mitigation, and VLMP Staff printed and on-line publications help identify and resolve sources of Scott Williams Executive Director Roberta Hill Invasive Species Program Director that inform and guide individuals pollution in their lake watersheds. Jonnie Maloney Program Coordinator and organizations on an array Christine Guerette Program Assistant of lake related topics, developed In my own humble opinion, there Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) the increasingly vital Invasive isn’t a more capable or effective Board of Directors Species Program, and established a statewide lake organization than the Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) permanent home base at the VLMP Maine VLMP, and given the bounty Mary Jane Dillingham, Vice President (Auburn) Lakes Center, a stone’s throw from of lakes and ponds in Maine and Lew Wetzel, Treasurer (Casco) what is at stake environmentally, Sibyl French, Secretary (Raymond) Lake Auburn, and the list goes on. Malcolm Burson (Portland) Exciting stuff! economically, and aesthetically, the Paul Hunt (Portland) program is vitally important, now Marsha Letourneau (Kennebunkport) These accomplishments over the more than ever before. There are Advisory Board years have been absolutely necessary certainly challenges and obstacles to Aria Amirbahman, PhD Matt Scott, MS to enable the VLMP to confront be overcome, but with the continued Dan Buckley, PhD Peter Vaux, PhD (Chair) the persistent and increasing threats support from individual volunteers Holly Ewing, PhD Ken Wagner, PhD C. Barre Hellquist, PhD Pixie Williams, MS to our treasured lake resources. and strong funding support from David Littell, JD Karen Wilson, PhD Fortunately, the skilled and both the public and private sectors, Steve Norton, PhD dedicated staff, under the direction of I’m confident the future of Maine’s Editorial Staff Executive Director, Scott Williams, lakes and ponds will be bright. Scott Williams Jonnie Maloney, Layout Roberta Hill Christine Guerette Steve Lambert, Volunteer To Contact Us VLMP Mission Statement 24 Maple Hill Road, Auburn, Maine 04210 The Mission of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program is to help protect (207) 783-7733 [email protected] Maine lakes through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health. The Funding for this newsletter is made possible in part by grants from VLMP trains, certifies and provides technical support to hundreds of volunteers the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department who monitor a wide range of indicators of water quality, assess watershed of Environmental Protection, through Section 319 of the Clean health and function, and screen lakes for invasive aquatic plants and animals. Water Act, the Lake and River Protection Sticker Fund, and individual In addition to being the primary source of lake data in the State of Maine, VLMP donations and business sponsorships. volunteers benefit their local lakes by playing key stewardship and leadership This newsletter is printed on 50% post-consumer recycled paper; roles in their communities. produced & mailed by Penmor Lithographers, Lewiston, Maine. 2 23 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lewiston, ME the Permit # 82 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Water Column A Publication of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Vol. 19, No. 1 Fall 2014

If you would like to go green and receive the Water Column in electronic format, please contact the VLMP at [email protected]. Looking for Other Ways to Support the VLMP?

When you clean out your attic, purchase a newer version of an item, or inherit something useful you don't have room for, please consider donating to the VLMP!

Here is a list of some items we could use. If you would like to donate an item to the VLMP, please contact us before doing so, to make sure it is a good fit for the organization. The VLMP is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so all donations to us are tax-deductible.

Tools Ladder Large Coffee Urn Filing Cabinets Floor & Desk Lamps Shelving Units Small Computer Desk Picnic Table Brooms Silverware Gift Cards to Lowe's or Home Depot

We are also seeking lake-oriented artwork or photos, suitable for framing (or already framed).

If you shop at Amazon.com, please consider making your purchases through Smile.Amazon.com, and selecting the Maine VLMP as your recipient charity. The AmazonSmile Foundation will then donate 0.5% of your purchase price to the VLMP.

Thank You for your support!