the Water C lumn The Newsletter of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Vol. 20, No. 1 Celebrating the Work of Maine's Certified Citizen Lake Scientists Fall 2015 What’s Inside : President's Message ...... 2 President’s Lakeside Notes ...... 3. Littorally Speaking ...... 4. Quality Counts ...... 6 Under the Hand Lens ...... 7 Message Lakes Clearer, Less Clear, or Average? ...... 8 IPP Notes from the Front Lines ...... 10 Bill Monagle IPP Training Season in Review ...... 11 President, VLMP Board of Directors In Appreciation of our Generous Donors ...... 12 2015 Lake Monitoring Conference ...... 14 hen I reflect on the past year of issues confronting the program. Ensuring the Future of ME's Citizen Lake Scientists . . 16 Wat the VLMP, I see a year The group has met only once in- Water Quality Season at a Glance ...... 16 of both transition and progress. person as a committee; however, Lake Vulnerability Index Pilot Project ...... 17 During the year, the Board of individual members of the group VLMP Personnel Updates ...... 18 Directors experienced a significant have made themselves available Welcome New Certified Lake Monitors ...... 19 amount of turnover, with several when called upon to share their Easier than Ever to Become an IPPer ...... 20. Passings ...... 21 members resigning for either wisdom on a particular issue. The Notices ...... 18,. 22-24 health-related or other reasons, and full committee meeting, which took new members filling some of the place last November, was stimulating Cover Photo: Great Pond in Belgrade, courtesy of Ryan Burton respective vacancies. I would like and productive, and I’m hopeful that to truly thank those who resigned with their broad experience and from the board for your years of knowledge, as well as the energy they service to the VLMP and I wish you provide, another meeting will be all the best. I’m sure I speak for all scheduled in the near future. in saying that it has been a joy and VLMP Staff privilege working with each and I would also like to recognize Scott Williams Executive Director every one of you. And, I’d like to and thank the volunteer Regional Roberta Hill Invasive Species Program Director Coordinators and Data Coordinators Jonnie Maloney Program Coordinator thank newly-elected board members Christine Guerette Program Assistant for stepping up and helping to whose contribution to the program Board of Directors maintain a smooth transition. may fly a little under the radar, Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) but whose efforts are critical to Mary Jane Dillingham, Vice President (Auburn) This past year also witnessed helping maintain the certification Sibyl French, Treasurer (Raymond) increased activity on the part of the of volunteer monitors and the Susan Breau, Secretary (Portland) Malcolm Burson (Portland) VLMP Development Committee, reliability and proper handling of Robert French (Raymond) which is comprised of board the data that is collected. Last, but Paul Hunt (Portland) members, volunteers, and staff certainly not least, on behalf of the Marsha Letourneau (Kennebunkport) members. The committee’s main board of directors, staff, and program Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) charge is to develop and implement advisors, I would like to acknowledge Advisory Board a program aimed at ensuring the and express our deep gratitude to the Aria Amirbahman, PhD Firooza Pavri, PhD Dan Buckley, PhD Matt Scott, MS long-term fiscal viability of the thousands of VLMP lake monitors Holly Ewing, PhD Peter Vaux, PhD (Chair) program. The committee, under throughout Maine who continue C . Barre Hellquist, PhD Ken Wagner, PhD the leadership of board member their tireless collection of critical David Littell, JD Pixie Williams, MS Marsha Letourneau, has become lake data, keeping a watchful eye Steve Norton, PhD Karen Wilson, PhD more energized and focused over on our lakes and ponds, monitoring Editorial Staff the past year. There’s still much to water quality, and screening for Scott Williams Christine Guerette Roberta Hill Steve Lambert accomplish, but progress to date has aquatic invasive species. You are the Jonnie Maloney, Layout been very encouraging. backbone of this organization, as To Contact Us well as its future. 24 Maple Hill Road, Auburn, Maine 04210 The VLMP’s Advisory Committee (207) 783-7733 vlmp@mainevlmp org. is comprised of a diverse group of To all of those I’ve mentioned above, www .MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors .org citizens and members of the scientific as well as those of you who contribute Funding for this newsletter is made possible in part by grants from community with an interest in the to the program in other ways, we are the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department mission of the organization, and all deeply grateful to you for making of Environmental Protection, the Lake and River Protection Sticker Fund; individual donations and corporate underwriting. a willingness to share their ideas, Maine’s VLMP the preeminent lake This newsletter is printed on 50% post-consumer recycled paper; expertise and guidance on a variety monitoring program in the country! produced & mailed by Penmor Lithographers, Lewiston, Maine . 2 Lakeside Notes Gorgeous Fall Weather May Not Be Beneficial For Maine’s Lakes!

ne might expect that by early conducted by USGS Hydrologist Glenn ONovember, our thoughts of time Hodgkins and colleagues more than spent on lakes last summer taking a decade ago, it’s worth checking out: By Scott Williams Secchi readings, or searching for aquatic (me.water.usgs.gov/reports/OFR02-34. VLMP Executive Director invaders, would be rapidly fading. pdf). The take-home message is rather After all, frosty mornings and forecasts sobering, as is most of the substantial If the climatological outlook for the of snow in northern Maine/Western body of credible data pertaining to the future is accurate, we will likely see more Mountains have replaced summer threats effects of climate change on lakes. of this to come, and not just with the of thunderstorms and blazing heat. The “chronic bloomers”. Lakes that come very weather this Fall has been wonderful for Most of the Maine lakes that historically close to experiencing declining conditions spending time outdoors. But the outside experience chronic, severe algal blooms, during a “normal” summer may begin temperature today (November 6), to change more rapidly soon. An here in central Maine, is forecast overall increase in a lake’s biological to reach 65 degrees F– breaking productivity due to warmer water records for this date– one of many temperatures and more sunlight such days during the past two throughout the annual cycle, may months. Perhaps I shouldn’t have result in a greater future potential winterized my boat last weekend for higher cyanobacteria density because I’m curious about how during both summer and fall. the extended warm weather has There are a number of ways you affected several lakes I’ve been can help document changes to monitoring for decades. Maine’s lakes from climate change, Although Maine experienced a cold, including tracking the period of snowy winter and early spring in ice cover on your lake and taking 2015, with later ice-out dates than Secchi, temperature and dissolved Sabattus Pond experienced a late-season algal bloom in oxygen readings both earlier and in a number of recent years, the November, 2015 . Photo courtesy of Jeremy Deeds, Maine timing of ice cover on our lakes has Department of Environmental Protection. later in the season. Remember that been getting shorter on both ends. lake water is colder on both ends of This change alone could have a profound caused by bluegreen algae (cyanobacteria), the monitoring season, and fewer people effect on Maine lakes over time, because begin to improve in the fall due to are likely to be on or near the water in a shorter period of ice cover means that lower temperatures, reduced sunlight early spring and late fall. As always, safety lake water stays warmer longer, allowing and diminishing phosphorus availability. should be your highest concern. sunlight to penetrate lake water columns But several of those lakes started to For nearly 45 years, VLMP lake monitors for a longer period of time. The obvious bloom again this fall, very likely due have successfully tracked the health of implication is that there will be more to unusually warm weather, abundant Maine’s lakes. We are very fortunate to opportunity for aquatic plant growth, sunlight, and two intense rain events have a committed and experienced group both algae and rooted plants, including in late September and early October. of citizen lake scientists to help document invasive species. Maine DEP staff have confirmed that changes that may be taking place in our the dominant algae blooming now in lakes during this critical time. If you’ve not read the study on earlier these ponds are cyanobacteria. “ice-out” dates on Maine lakes and rivers, Save the Date! The 2016 VLMP Annual Lake Monitoring Conference is Saturday, July 30 3 Littorally Speaking When the Hunt for Aquatic Invaders Results in a ‘Find’ Maine’s latest confirmed infestation by Roberta Hill LMP Certified Invasive Plant best this day, but as a snorkeler, Dennis VLMP Invasive Species Program Director VPatroller, Dennis Roberge, who many was able to dip down below the surface of you may know through his superb and could see to depths ranging from he packaged and sent in for a confirmed underwater photos, was starting to wrap 5 – 8 feet. He was a couple hundred identification. Seeing that the survey up his busiest survey season ever. Dennis yards from the boat landing when he season was swiftly coming to an end, and surveys his home lake—Mousam Lake in spotted a plant that did not “look quite not wanting to lose any time, Dennis used York County—on a regular basis; he also right.” It was a naiad, of that he was sure, the collection visit as an opportunity to holds the record for the most waterbodies but there was something about it which survey an additional 400 yards of shoreline surveyed by an Invasive Plant Patroller in triggered his plant patroller instincts. He of Northeast Pond. During that survey a single season. Beating his own record by bagged the plant for closer examination he saw about 50 suspicious plants, but conducting surveys on forty waterbodies back home. The rest of the session went no dense or extensive growth. Most of this year, it was on the occasion of lake smoothly; several more of these odd what he observed was a diverse, dense number thirty-three that Dennis turned looking naiads were observed, but they community of native plants. Overall, he his highly-trained eyes toward a portion were few and far between. The plants thought, it could be worse. But there of nearby Salmon Falls River. In this were not large—about 18 inches tall— was still much uncertainty. To know the area, along the boundary of Milton, New and neither the size of the plants nor the full extent of the infestation, all three Hampshire and Lebanon, Maine, the sparse growth sent off any serious alarm ponds and their connecting streams would impounded river settles into three distinct, bells. Still, a nagging feeling persisted. need to be surveyed. Accomplishing this but interconnected, ponds, locally known before cold temperatures brought the Later that evening, Dennis sat down in survey season to an abrupt halt would as Milton Three Ponds. Northeast Pond, a pool of excellent light, at a table on at 685 acres, is the largest of the three and require swift mobilization and a major his porch organized for just this activity. collaborative effort. flows into smaller Milton Pond (395 acres) Surrounded by his plant identification to the south. Both straddle the ME/NH books, his hand lens, microscope, and In the meantime, the VLMP sent border. Townhouse Pond, similar in size to other implements of examination, he micrographs of key features—leaves, leaf Milton Pond, is situated west of Northeast poured the Salmon Falls River naiad out base, seeds—by email to Maine’s panel Pond and North of Milton Pond, and is into a tray. He was on the phone with of aquatic plant experts. Consensus came entirely in New Hampshire. fellow VLMP Certified Plant Patroller back within several days—there was no Dennis began his survey at the public Marsha Letourneau, at the time. As soon question about it: the plant was European boat landing. Water clarity was not the as the specimen dropped out of the bag and naiad, Najas minor. This find means that unfurled itself in the tray of water, Dennis Maine has another infested waterway, knew exactly what he was looking at. The bringing the total number of known leaves were slender and strongly recurved; infested water systems to twenty-five, serrations along the leaf edges were plainly encompassing 46 distinct waterbodies. visible, even without magnification. The (To learn more about how to identify leaf bases were blocky and serrated. “Uh European naiad, please see page 7.) oh Marsha,” he said, “this is a bad plant.” Confirmation of European naiad in Salmon And he was right. Falls River system set off a flurry of activity Following IPP protocol to a tee, Dennis at the state and local level. Laurie Callahan, immediately reported his find to the founder and coordinator of York County VLMP by email, attaching several clear, Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP) crisp photos of the plant spread out in took the lead on the response, coordinating the tray of water. A day or so later, an extensive survey of Milton Three Ponds and connecting waterways, to determine Beating his own record set in 2007, Dennis Roberge at the request of the VLMP staff, he conducted invasive aquatic plant screening returned to the original survey area to the extent to which the invader had spread. surveys on forty different waterbodies in 2015. collect additional live specimens, which In addition to Laurie, who serves as IPP Photo credit: Roberta Hill, VLMP. Regional Coordinator for York County, 4 the response team was comprised There is another important take away of VLMP/YCIASP Invasive Plant here: while much of the focus has been Patrollers: Dennis Roberge, Marsha on ‘milfoil' here in Maine, invasive Letourneau, Jeanne Achille, and Melissa milfoils are not the only threat to (Missy) Brandt, Three Ponds Protective Maine waters. The State of Maine Association volunteers, and personnel has officially listed eleven invasive from both the Maine Department aquatic plants that pose an imminent of Environmental Protection (DEP) threat to Maine waters; only three and New Hampshire Department of of the eleven are milfoils. Norman Environmental Services (DES). Turgeon, a board member of the The survey took place over a period Three Ponds Protective Association, of several weeks, starting in early put it succinctly, "Unfortunately, this September. It covered most of the one was off our radar." littoral zone of all three ponds and their Dennis admits that he has been connecting streams (please see map). somewhat conflicted about his find. With Laurie Callahan coordinating Though while he is out surveying he schedules, communications, and is always aware that he is hunting for documentation of the survey, the survey something he hopes never to find, team set to work scouring assigned most of the time he just gets caught up sections of the shoreline, recording the in the sheer joy of the work—being on locations of any invasive naiad plants and in the water on the finest days of encountered, and—in areas where the season, observing the plants and the plants were sparse—removing the wildlife, tallying up native plant species offending plants in accordance with found in each lake, discovering new established protocol. This map shows the portions of Milton Three Ponds that have lakes, spending time with fellow plant been surveyed in response to Dennis’s find. Map source: patrollers, and continually learning As the survey proceeded, it became Maine DEP. clear that European naiad plants something new. “After seven years of were scattered lightly (with a few organizers, and fisheries and warden surveying, however, it suddenly got dense patches) over an extensive area in services from both states were also notified. real. I had a moment when I started thinking . . . I’m not sure if I want to do Northeast Pond and the stream segment Officials from Maine and New Hampshire this anymore. I don’t want to find any locally known as “the river” that connects will be meeting with local stakeholders more bad plants.” Northeast to Milton Pond. Even more over the winter to come up with the best discouraging news came on September 27 strategy for controlling the infestation. Luckily for us and Maine lakes, that when DEP’s John McPhedran reported The strategy will no doubt include moment passed. Dennis says he is now that an extensive, well-established ramping up the Courtesy Boat Inspection “more determined than ever” to keep “mother-lode” of European naiad had program at area public boat landings. A doing what he does, because he knows been found growing densely along the targeted control effort—likely employing now, firsthand, just how important northeast (Lebanon, Maine) shore of one or more manual control methods— this work is. “Plant Patrollers really are Northeast Pond, just east of where the will be organized and activated. Careful making a difference here in Maine. We Salmon Falls River flows in. Additional monitoring will need to be ongoing in the can all be proud of that.” Dennis is right large dense patches were found near the area for the foreseeable future. The VLMP about this as well. Informed and alert Branch River confluence (on the New stands by to assist with IPP training. citizens are responsible for finding nearly Hampshire side). A more comprehensive all of Maine’s known aquatic infestations. Whatever the determined plan of action, management strategy will be needed to Early detection of a new infestation two things are certain: 1) trained volunteers address these more extensive areas. There provides the best hope of eradication. In will have an important role to play in all was some good news, too: to date, no cases where eradication is not possible, of these efforts; and 2) Dennis’s vigilance invasive naiad plants have been found in the earlier an infestation is detected, the as an Invasive Plant Patroller has greatly either Milton Pond or Townhouse Pond. greater the chance that the invasive plants increased the chances that efforts will can be managed effectively, and with the In addition to assisting with the survey, ultimately be effective. Who can say how least amount of collateral damage to the ME DEP and NH DES have distributed much further this invader would have native ecosystem. invasive species warning signs to be posted spread within Milton Three Ponds, or to at boat ramps, urging boaters to inspect nearby waterbodies, if it had remained for, and remove, plant debris before and undetected for another year, or two, or To learn more about how you can get after boating in the area. Boat ramp and even longer? involved in Maine’s Invasive Plant Patrol, other land owners, fishing tournament please contact the VLMP today!

5 QualityQuality Counts!Counts! Stowing Away Your Gear for Winter So You'll Be Ready to Go Next Spring! nother year of sampling behind tiny portion of the decal's center to make Aus… Thank you for the tremendous room for the decal to fit around the bolt. contribution you’ve made to understanding Clean the disk and allow it to dry. Peel by Linda Bacon Maine’s lakes! If you haven’t already turned the backing off to expose one-half of the VLMP Quality Assurance Officer; in your field sheets, please check them for decal, to the center opening you’ve made Maine Department of Environmental completeness, then sign and submit them for the eye-bolt. Carefully work the decal Protection, Aquatic Biologist to the VLMP as soon as possible, so that over the eyebolt, while holding the sticky we can get lake reports produced in a part of the decal off the disk. Align the scope and disk indoors, rather than in a timely manner. unexposed half of the decal carefully to the boat stored outdoors. On that note, I need to thank you all for disk. Then allow the sticky side to adhere Properly winterizing your dissolved oxygen your patience regarding the reports. The to the disk: start at the center-line, then meter will likely double the life of your last few years have been quite challenging gently smooth it down, working from the probe, and save money. First and foremost, for the Lake Assessment Section at DEP. center out towards the edge. Remove the REMOVE THE BATTERIES. If the At one point, with retirements and vacant backing from the second half of the decal batteries still have life in them, use them positions, we were down to one full-time and again, allow the sticky side to adhere in a flashlight or a child’s toy and plan to person, little old me, trying to keep all the to the disk, starting at the center-line, then install high quality, fresh batteries in the ‘balls in the air’, so to speak. Over the last smoothing out toward the edge. spring. Second, remove the membrane few years, all the vacancies have been filled or membrane cap from the probe. To do and I’m hopeful that the 2015 data will be this, unscrew the probe protector, then processed on schedule, and will include either remove the ‘O-ring’ and membrane, the creation of data reports and updates to or, unscrew the membrane cap. Rinse the many of the report narratives. Our goal probe with distilled water. Once dry, cover is to have most, if not all, of this done by the probe with a small plastic bag, and then the end of next February, which will allow store the meter in a dry location. If you Scott Williams and the VLMP staff time have an optical dissolved oxygen meter to produce a full annual report before field (ODO), the manufacturer recommends activities begin. replacing the cap at the beginning of each year. It is critical that these optical In addition to submitting your data, please probes never dry out, otherwise the cap take the time to care for your equipment will need replacement. So you can either properly. Your Secchi disk and Aqua-Scope plan to replace the ODO cap next spring, are simple to maintain. If the surface of or, you can come up with a creative way your disk is showing signs of wear, you to store the probe in distilled water so that can obtain a ‘freshen-up’ decal from the it doesn’t dry out. If you have room, one VLMP to install over the existing surface. possibility is placing the probe in a gallon Contact the VLMP and they will mail one Water quality monitoring 'tools of the trade' (L-R): jug of distilled water, then use electrical to you. The best way to install the decal dissolved oxygen meter with probe, view scope, tape (because it is easily removed and and Secchi disk with measuring tape . is to disassemble the disk, clean the disk does not leave much adhesive residue) to ® surface with Windex , allow it to dry, seal the opening around the mouth of the carefully remove the new decal's backing, The inside of your Aquascope should be cleaned with warm soapy water. You might jug and cable. Regardless of what storage adhere the decal to the disk, being careful method you decide to use, check the probe to make sure there are no wrinkles, trim need to get creative and attach a sponge to a stick to reach all the way to the bottom periodically to make sure the water level is off the excess, then reassemble the disk. adequate to cover the probe. If you are unable to remove the eye-bolt, of the scope to gently clean the clear ® the actual installation of the decal is a bit Plexiglas . Rinse out the soapy water and That’s all from me! Enjoy the ‘ice-on’ trickier – you might need a second pair allow the scope to dry. Once dry, cover the season, whether you head south or head to of hands to assist. Carefully cut a slit in open end of the scope with a plastic bag the mountains! And again, thank you for the center of the decal long enough to fit and secure it with an elastic or tape to keep your dedication to Maine Lakes! over the eye-bolt (3/4”–1”), then remove a out dust, spiders and mice. Store both the 6 Under European the Naiad Hand Lens: Najas minor

This aquatic invader can be tricky to recognize. Here is a quick primer Plants grow from slender roots, developing stems up to 2 5. meters long, that often branch profusely near the top. on some of the key characteristics to watch for.

Unlike most native naiads whose leaf serrations or spines The leaf arrangement is not strict: leaves may appear to be are virtually “invisible” to the unaided eye, the leaf opposite, sub-opposite, in whorls or clumps . The leaves are serrations of European naiad, though tiny, can usually be small (rarely more than 3 5cm. long) and very slender (0 3. observed without magnification. Tip: use a hand lens to – 0 5mm. wide), strap-shaped, gently curving with pointed find serrations, then take the lens away. Can you see the tips, and serrations along the outer margins. serrations? If yes, be suspicious!

Leaf base

Fruit

Leaf base

The base of the leaf is blocky or fan-shaped (as opposed to gently flaring). The upper margin of the leaf base is Like all naiads, European naiad is an annual. The flowers and finely-toothed or “fringed” in appearance. You may need to fruits are small, inconspicuous, and borne in the leaf axils . carefully pull the leaf away from the stem and use a hand The seeds are purplish, 1 5. to 3 0mm. long, spindle-shaped lens to see the base clearly .* and may be slightly curved, with rectangular indentations arranged in distinct, longitudinal rows. *Thread-like naiad (Najas gracillima), a less-common native naiad, also has visible serrations and blocky leaf bases. When in doubt always rule on the side of caution and treat the plant as a suspected invader, i.e., mark the location of the plant (ideally on a map and with a buoy), collect a specimen, and contact the VLMP for further instructions. 7 Was Your Lake Clearer, Less Clear,

or Average in 2015? By Scott Williams nce again, VLMP Certified Lake a significant correlation to precipitation. & OMonitors took several thousand Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between Linda Secchi transparency (water clarity) annual precipitation (January through July, Bacon readings on several hundred lakes in 2015! Portland, Maine) and the annual average imperfect or no—it is reasonable to assume The exact numbers will be available in early Secchi transparency for monitored Maine that, on average, a majority of Maine lakes will 2016, including summary information for lakes over a period of fourteen years. There be less clear during high-precipitation years, each lake monitored, following our intense is an apparent inverse correlation between especially if precipitation occurs the winter quality assurance review of all before and/or during the data submitted for the year. lake monitoring season. This process, which involves Why? Because lakes are VLMP Regional and Data the natural repository of Coordinators, VLMP and DEP much of the stormwater staff, takes a few months, all of runoff that results from which is necessary to ensure the precipitation events. As credibility of YOUR data to stormwater (including current and future users. snowmelt) moves across Figure 2 Stormwater runoff from developed lake watersheds contains nutrients and other the landscape, it picks There has been a fair amount pollutants that can cause reduced lake water clarity (Secchi Transparency) . Image: US EPA. of speculation during the past up pollutants that few months about how Maine lakes fared in the two variables; in other words, as annual can negatively impact water clarity, such 2015. As most seasoned lake monitors know precipitation increases, Secchi transparency as phosphorus—which stimulates algal from experience, one very powerful influence decreases in most, but not all, years. growth— and eroded soil particles. (See Figure 2 on the variability of lakes from one year to Preliminary statistics indicate that one-third .) the next is the weather. Temperature, wind, of the variation we see in lake transparency is A significant percentage of the annual sunlight, and precipitation also influence due to precipitation. phosphorus transported to Maine lakes the biology, chemistry and physical aspects The correlation is significant, but not typically occurs during the “spring runoff of lakes throughout the year. Understanding perfect by any means, due, no doubt to the period”, when the winter snowpack is how weather-related variability affects lakes interaction of many variables that make each melting, spring showers are taking place, and from year to year can be daunting. Factors lake somewhat unique, including the fact soils are often either frozen or saturated with include: 1) duration of ice cover, 2) long and that the precipitation data from the National water (resulting in greater runoff). short-term precipitation amounts, 3) storm Weather Service is from one region of the As suggested above, the correlation event intensity, 4) fluctuations of lake water State of Maine (Portland), whereas the Secchi between precipitation and water clarity is levels, 5) timing of the onset, and duration of average includes lakes throughout the state. not entirely straight forward. Qualitative thermal stratification, and others. Maine is a large state, and weather can vary factors, such as the timing and intensity Lake water clarity (and corresponding considerably from north to south, east to of storm events can have a strong bearing Secchi transparency readings) seem to have west, and in between. However, a substantial on the extent to which precipitation runs percentage of the lakes off, as opposed to filtering slowly into the Figure 1 represented in the VLMP ground. Frequent low-intensity rain events database are situated in the cause less soil erosion and phosphorus south/southwesterly area export to lakes than high intensity of Maine, relatively close storms, in which rain comes too fast to to Portland. A stronger filter through the soil, often resulting in correlation might exist if significant erosion and stormwater runoff the graph were to only to lakes. Also, for a relatively small group of represent lakes situated lakes that experience internal phosphorus within a short distance of recycling, frequent rain events—by where the precipitation regularly flushing phosphorus-laden water was measured. from the lake—may actually have the Given the correlation opposite effect, causing an improvement discussed above— in Secchi transparency.

8 Back to the question of the clarity of Maine the snow and rain slowly infiltrated into below average, and conditions on the lakes in 2015! Let’s begin by looking at the gradually warming soils. ground were becoming very dry. Once summary weather information from the Although May was unusually warm, again, very little stormwater runoff National Weather Service (NWS) for the precipitation was below normal, and with occurred in the area. During the month Portland, ME area from January through the exception of one storm that produced of August, a number of volunteer lake September, and use this information to make just under an inch of rain, much of what monitors reported “better than average” at least a partially-informed prediction about fell from the sky in May was likely to have Secchi readings for the month. how Maine lakes may have fared last spring, infiltrated into the soil. Warmer-than-average conditions persisted summer and fall. into September, and precipitation for the month was above normal, making it a notably wet month. However, much of the precipitation occurred in a 6 inch rain event on the 29th and 30th of September; too late to have any bearing on summer Secchi readings. In summary, weather conditions in the Portland, Maine area during the first several months of 2015 would likely have had a favorable influence on lakes in the region, as a result of 1) relatively slow warm-up and snowpack melt in the spring, followed by 2) average, to below average rainfall during the mid and late summer period, likely resulting in relatively little runoff and soil erosion from lake watersheds during the period. Synopsis: Note: The complete NWS narrative June was unusually cool, and although weather summary on which this None of us need to be reminded that the rainfall for the month was above normal, information is based can be viewed at: winter of 2015 was long, cold and very year-to-date precipitation was only .02 http://www.mainevlmp.org/wp-content/ snowy! However, precipitation in February inches above normal. uploads/2015/11/NWS-2015-Narrative- and March was below normal in Portland, Temperatures moderated in July, but Summaries.pdf. even though snowfall and the standing precipitation was substantially below snowpack was above normal during Now for some disclaimers: While the normal, being one of the driest Julys in conditions noted above could have an that period. Very little melting occurred 145 years! During such conditions, very in February, and March was also colder overall beneficial effect for many lakes, little, if any, stormwater runoff made it to weather is just one of a myriad of factors than normal, the net effect of this being Maine lakes. that in late winter/early spring, there was that determine how individual lakes will still a great deal of snow on the ground August was warmer than normal, but “behave” during the lake monitoring period. throughout much of the state. All of this precipitation for the month remained Moreover, Secchi transparency is only one set the stage for potential indicator of lake water flooding and heavy runoff quality – albeit a pretty in the spring– not the good one for gaging best scenario for lakes. the overall health of a lake. For every year Fortunately, April was when a relatively high only slightly warmer percentage of Maine than normal, and lakes are clearer than they precipitation—the first have been historically, rain since December— many are also less clear, was less than an inch as the two pie charts above normal. As a in Figure 3 illustrate result, the snowpack (note the differences continued to melt slowly, in precipitation for the with little flooding, and Figure 3 Percentage of more than 400 Maine lakes that were clearer, less clear, or unchanged from two years). minimal runoff to lakes their historical average for the years 2003 and 2006. Note variation in precipitation for the two from their watersheds, as years correlates with lake clarity . ...continued on page 20 9 Invasive Plant Patrol Notes from the Front Lines This issue of the Water Column features several stories that make clear the critical role that VLMP Invasive Plant Patrollers are playing in the effort to protect Maine waters from the threat of aquatic invaders. What is your story? What is the status of early detec- tion in your community? Your IPP experience may be invaluable to your fellow patrollers, as well as those considering getting involved. Please share your stories with us, so we can pass them along! Thank you all for helping to build one of the nation's most comprehensive invasive aquatic plant early detection programs.

Rangeley Area IPPs Takes Swift Action the team conducted a very thorough and In Response to Boat Launch Scare professional survey of the river to the north and south of the boat landing. By Ellie White In addition to Anthony and Ellie, the PPers from the Rangeley area formed response team was comprised of local Itheir own rapid response team earlier Certified IPPers: Willis White, Joan this year after a scare at the Cupsuptic boat Yankee, Brian and Laurrie Chandler, launch. (A suspicious milfoil fragment John and Claudia Scholz, Pam and Don was found on a boat about to launch Mantovani, and Bob and Janet Bissell. on a NH lake, and the boater reported To everyone’s relief, after three hours of that Cupsuptic River had been the “last intense searching, no plants of concern waterbody visited.”) Under the direction (L-R) Pam Manovani, Ellie White and Janet Bissel were found. Great job everyone! We are of Anthony Colello from RLHT and take a closer look at some milfoil look-alikes . Photo very proud of you!! courtesy of Ellie White. VLMP Regional Coordinator, Ellie White,

Androscoggin Lake "Eyes on the Water" wary eye out for suspicious plants, we are are now twenty-eight strong! We continue by John (Buddy) Cummings encouraging everyone to learn the native to encourage all our “Eyes” volunteers to aquatic plants, not just in their adopted become officially trained, certified, and e’ve been working very hard this segments, but throughout the lake. more active in the VLMP. Wsummer on growing our "Eyes on As coordinator for the program, I've now I recently hosted an end-of-season party the Water" program on Androscoggin Lake. provided training and ongoing mentoring for our "Eyes" volunteers at my home, and Our primary goal is to engage as many lake to over twenty Eyes on the Water volunteers. over 15 people attended. At one point, we residents as possible in effort to monitor I typically train only one or two persons at went around and asked everyone to talk the lake for aquatic invaders. In addition a time. We spend about an hour collecting about their experience in the program. To to asking residents to adopt a segment plants, while I talk about things like survey my delight, several people indicated that of the shoreline where they will keep a techniques, plant collection tools, and they've become hooked on aquatic plant how to mark and document suspicious identification ... wherever they are on the plants (using cell phones when possible). lake, they can't help but try to identify the We then spend another hour or two plants that they see. on-shore identifying plants. Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation (ALIC) provides each volunteer team with the Quick Key, ID Cards, Field Guide, a magnifier, and a handout providing links Members of the Eyes on the Water team to online resources. I tell people to start for Androscoggin Lake gathered at the end with the Quick Key, learn how to use it to of the season to celebrate their first year's rule out any possible invasives, then move accomplishments . Lake Leader Buddy Cummings hosted, assisted by veteran plant patroller Debbie on to the ID Cards, Field Guide, and Androscoggin Lake was well represented at Hite. View scopes made by the lake association’s online resources to actually identify both the 2015 Conference, sending eight IPPs to board member, George Bardaglio, were distributed the gathering. The ALIC board voted to fund among team members . Pictured are (back row, look-alikes and other natives. scholarships this year to encourage volunteers L-R) Buddy Cummings, Margaret Lane, Graham These newly-trained individuals have not yet certified to attend. Pictured (L-R) are Bill Pratt, Lesley Elway, a visitor, Jennifer Brown, Cousins, Debbie Hite, Sara Cummings, Patt Kathleen Cousins, Bill Cousins, Patt Koscinski, Bob greatly augmented the capacity of our Koscinski, Jennifer Brown, Buddy Cummings, Susan Clark, Allen Unrein, and (front row, L-R) Cynthia team. Between the new members and our and Bob Reed . Giguere, Gail Burke, and Debbie Hite . core group of VLMP certified patrollers, we 10 Invasive Plant Patrol 2015 Training Season Maine's Invasive Plant Patrol continues to grow by leaps and bounds! A variety of training opportunities were offered once again this year, including Introductory, Field Methods, and Manual Control workshops, Plant Paddles, a Scope Clinic, How to Conduct a Plant Paddle, Advanced Aquatic Plant ID, Milfoil Rapid Responder training, and the annual IPP Leadership Roundtable. Of the 280 people participating in one or more of seventeen training events, fifty individuals opted to become ‘certified’ through the program, bringing the total number of active, certified IPPs to 567. None of this would Uber-IPPers and IDEXX volunteers came together on have been possible without the generous efforts of our 2015 IPP Hosts. Many thanks to September 23 to conduct a Level-3 survey on Sand all who contributed to this enormously successful training season! Pond in Chesterville, at the request of this year’s IPP Tenacity Award recipient, Ellie Hopkins . The award qualified Ellie for “the expert services of some of Maine’s most experienced plant patrollers for one day, redeemable for whatever IPP services are seen as most-needed ”. No invasive plants were detected, and a good time was had by all!

VLMP’s Invasive Plant Patrol program has been widely adopted as a model for Invasive Aquatic Species early detection by our neighbors in Quebec and New Brunswick . Here, Donald Killorn and Danielle St. Louis from Eastern Charlotte Waterways experience IPP training first hand, participating in the Branch Lake Field Workshop . Scope master Ross Wescott passes along handy scope-making tips to novice scope builders at this year’s View Scope Clinic . This year’s two-day IAP Manual Control Training was held in Belgrade. Thirty-five individuals participated and qualified to become members of Maine’s certified IAP manual control team.

The Advanced Plant ID Workshop, this year held at the Belgrade Lakes Center, was once again a IPP Introductory Workshops provide attendees popular event for seasoned plant patrollers, with with everything needed to become effective 21 eager botany enthusiasts in attendance. Of early detectors, including hands-on plant those who opted to take the plant identification identification practice with live native and exam, eleven qualified for “Advanced Aquatic Plant invasive aquatic plants . Identification Proficiency” Certification. A great job was done by all . Congratulations!

IPP Field Methods Workshops provide an on-lake opportunity to learn and practice new survey skills. Plant specimens collected by participants during the workshop are sorted, screened for invasiveness, and identified.

Milfoil Rapid Responders training was offered for the first time in 2015, and we are very pleased with the results! Twenty-four people attended; The VLMP now offers Courtesy Boat Inspection eighteen opted for certification, and responders Students at Massabesic Middle School joined forces training as an optional add-on to an IPP Field have already begun taking action, finding and with local lake associations to increase the scope of Methods workshop . properly removing milfoil plants . regional early detection efforts. 11 Thank You! In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors

Peter Duffey Ed & Carol Knapp Mary Ryan Individuals Joel & Rosemarie Dulberg Chuck & Christine Lamb Matt D. Scaccia ~Anonymous Donors Sandra & Donald Dumont Norton Lamb Nancy Winetrout Schenck Pamela Albertsen Cynthia & Bob Dunlap Steve Lambert Bill Schenk Diane Anderson Ann M. Dyer David Larrabee Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Schilling Martin & Fiora Arnold Bruce & Sharon Eastman John E. Laskey Rich & Lonny Schneider Laura & Ed Atlee Walter C. Edgecomb, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. William P. Latham John & Claudia Scholz William & Mary Atwater David W. Edsall Betty P. Lee Matt Scott Leonard Bachman Jeff Ellinwood Evan Lelansky Robert Severance Linda Bacon Ron & Eileen Epstein Peter Leslie Tim & Danny Sholtis Susan P. Bailey Charlie Evans Marsha & Lee Letourneau Edward & Priscilla Simmons Marygrace & Peter Barber Josephine Ewing Ilene & Eli Leveston Lee Sligh Meg Barclay & John Scholz Laurence & Bonnie Faiman Ilene Leveston Sandra Small-Hughes Barbara R. Barnes Eileen Fair Mr. & Mrs. George B. Lewis Alison Smith Mary & Bill Bausch Denise & Larry Farley Stephen Lewis Debra Smith David & Nicole Becker Bruce Fenn & Susan Therrien-Fenn Robert & Gloria Limoges Jeanne & Mike Smith Mike Becker Jean S. Ferrari David Lind Jeff Smith Ewald & Susan Bender Thomas & Gail Finlay Elden & Deborah Lingwood Rick & Becky Southwick J. Scott Bernardy, DDS Maureen Flanagan David Littell Christie & Phil Souza Michael & Joanne Bernstein Katherine & Charles Flood Michael J. Little David & Diana Spahn James & Nancy Bisesti Richard & Cheryl Fortier Joseph L. Longtin Gene Spender Janet & Robert Bissell Ellen Frankel & Herbert Levine Scott A. Lowell Deborah Q. Spurlock John & Mary Bogar Robert & Sibyl French Heidi Lukas Lea & Ken Stabinski Beth Bond Kevin & Susan Frewert Mary Griffith Lynch Don & Ingrid Stanley Jim & Sue Bowersett Brian Friedmann Jonnie Maloney Rebecca Stanley & Charles Jacobs Dorothy A. Bowyer Rocco Fucetola Don & Pam Mantovani Dave & Beth Steele Lucinda Brandt & Dan Wheatley John & Carol Gabranski Norman & Barbara Marcotte Christine Ann Stevens Robert Breen Susan Gammon Betty Mason Ella L. Stevens Bert & Gloria Breton Yolande Gay Karen & Henry McFarland Ed & Bobbie Stevenson Hubene & Carlton Brodie Edward H. Gelina, Jr. Judith F. McGeorge Norman & Deborah Stiles Warren & Bethany Bryant Suzanne W. Gerry Carol & Bill McGuckin Carl & Sarah Stillwell Daniel E. & Mary L. Buckley Bob & Maureen Giffin Ron & Noël McPherson Nancy L. Stine Gary & Mary Bucklin George & Lorraine Gilbert Richard S. Meyer William & Sara Stockwell Malcolm Burson & Paul Gillis Paul Mitnik Rick Sullivan Eleanor Goldberg Michelle Glen Bill Monagle Larry Szendrei Mary Bussell Jim & Diane Gloriant Roger & Audrey Moody Michael & Donna Taflas Charlotte & John Calhoun Edward & Alexandra Graham Harry & Ellen Moore Marcie Teele Laurie Callahan Diantha & Don Grant Earl & Joanne Morse Eben B. & Susan Thomas Tom Carabine Katie & John Greenman Richard Morse Edward & Patricia Thomas Carol Carey Royce Alan Gregory Wynn & Sandra Muller Susan Thomas Liz Carter Dan & Lori Guerette Janet & Paul Murphy Hall Thompson Katie Carville John & Diane Hale Richard Neal Nathaniel P. Thompson Deborah Cayer Margaret Anne Hallee Gerry Nelson Jim & Janet Timmins Jim Chandler Thomas R. & Judy A. Hamilton Terry & Loralee Nelson Robert & June Tracy Charles Chapman Ian R. Hardesty Thomas & Marcia Nigro Mr. & Mrs. George Tranchemontagne David B. Clement Phoebe & Vaughn Hardesty Steve & Karen O'Bryan Woody & Susan Trask Patricia Clifford Jim & Martha Hart Whitney Wing Oppersdorff Brainard Tripp Louis & Dorli Cloutier Diane Harting Daniel J. Orino Rob & Tricia True Mike & Joan Cloutier Sue & Clayton Harvey James J. & Wanda Orino Kenneth D. Truscott, Jr. Denis M. Coffey Richard Haslip & Philip & Chrystal Ouellette Alexander Turbyne, III Jennifer & Jerrold Cohen Patricia McGillivary Donald & Barbara Paiton Thomas & Jeanne Tuttle Maurice R. Collin Elin Haugen Deborah & Michael Parkin Sue & Ted Van Leer Gerald & Susanne Colson Marilyn Heineman Terri & John Partridge Dennis & Leslie Volpe Marie Connolly Susan Hellewell Pamela Parvin Clyde D. Walton Carmen L. Coulombe Charlotte P. Henderson Barry A. Patrie Bob & Jackie Warren Dave Courtemanch Thomas D. Herman Rodger & Patricia Patterson Virginia Warren Richard & Catherine Cranston Barb Hildreth Elizabeth Payne Dana & Barbara Waugh John Crouch & Roberta Hill David & Diane Kew John & Cheryl Welch Poppy Connor-Crouch David & Janette Hodsdon Elizabeth Peltier Ross & Bunny Wescott Mrs. Claire E. Cullinane C. Richard Hoelz Barbara & Wally Penrod F. W. Weston, Jr. Jane & Libby Davis Ellie Hopkins Ron Perrone Lew & Miriam Wetzel Ronald Davis Richard & Jill Horr Larry Pilotte Roberta & Carl Weymouth Mal & Ellen Dawson Heidi & Gary Howden Mark Pokras Willis & Eleanor White Wendy Dennis Paula & Tom Hughes David A. Raye Mark Whiting & Catherine Fox George Derby Neil & Peggy Jensen Frank Read G.E. Mary Williams Mary Jane Dillingham Alan E. Johnson Wayne & Sharyn Reetz Robert C. & Ann Williams Thomas A. Dionis Rick & Louise Johnson Ginny Remeika & Jim Burke Scott Williams Millie Donahue Bambi Jones Linda Rice Tom Wilson Patrick Donahue Denise Joy & Fred Flammia Louise & Peter Riley Len & Mary Winsky Gary & Diane Donohue Peter & Linda Kallin Dennis Roberge Bob & Ursula Withrow Deidre & Michael Donovan Brigitte & Harold Kingsbury Lynn Roberge Ligay Gordon B. Wright Patti-Ann & Jim Douglas Tim Kinney Dr. Kenneth Rockwood Linda & Heinrich Wurm Norman A. Dudziak, Jr. & Barbara Kittredge Margaret Teele Rothberg Andrew Zuorski & Damaris J. Rohsenow Leslie Miller Kmiec Craig & Julie Rule Linda Hamilton

12 Thank You! In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors

Business & Community Supporters Charitable Foundations Anson-Madison Water District The AmazonSmile Foundation Auburn Water District Anonymous Donor Foundation Town of Casco Kay E. Dopp Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Clark Marine Roy A. Hunt Foundation Cyr Bus Lines IBM International Foundation DeLorme Maine Community Foundation Dunkin' Donuts The Nature Conservancy Epico USA, Inc. The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc. Town of Frye Island The Onion Foundation Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District The Fritz & Susan Onion Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Hancock Lumber Plum Creek Foundation Hannaford Supermarkets Ram Island Conservation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Highland Green Retirement Community Elmina B. Sewall Foundation KM Robbins Construction The Sue & Ted Van Leer Gifting Account at Schwab Charitable Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission Town of Lovell Market Basket Major Funding OceanView at Falmouth Retirement Community Major funding for the VLMP is made possible by grants Old Town Canoes & Kayaks from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Poland Spring Maine Department of Environmental Protection, through Port Harbor Marine at Jordan Bay Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. Town of Raymond Route 26 Antiques, Books, Collectibles & Furniture Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. In Kind Town of Standish And for those of you who have donated your time, The Umbrella Factory Supermarket expertise, and dedication to the work of the VLMP in Water Monitoring Equipment & Supply the past year – many thanks! West Marine

In Memory Of In Name Of Lucienne Cloutier; from Mike & Joan Cloutier A Gift Donation in the Name of Herb Thomson & Ernest Roland Johnson; from Shelley & Richard Rau Julie Erb; from Margaret Janco

Lake & Regional Watershed Associations

Abrams Pond Association Gull Pond Association Pleasant Lake & Parker Pond Assoc. Alamoosook Lake Association Howard Pond Preservation Association Pleasant River Lake Association Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corp. Island Falls Lakes Association Portage Lake Association Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance Kennebunk Pond Association Quantabacook Lake Association, Inc. Berry Dexter Wilson Ponds Watershed Assoc. Keoka Lake Association Raymond Pond Associates Bickford Pond Association Kezar Lake Watershed Association Raymond Waterways Protective Assoc. Brettuns Pond Association Lake Webb Association Rock Haven Lake Association Cathance Lake Association Lakeville Camp Owners Association Sabbathday Lake Association Clary Lake Association Little Ossipee Lake Association Sand-Locke Pond Association Clearwater Lake Improvement Assoc. Little Wilson Pond Improvement Assoc. Saturday Pond Watershed Association Clemons Pond Association Long Pond Association Sebasticook Lake Association Craig Pond Association Loon Lake Association Sheepscot Lake Association Crawford Lake Association Lovejoy Pond Improvement Association Silver Lake Campowners Association Crystal Lake Association Maranacook Lake Association Sokokis Lake Association Damariscotta Lake Watershed Assoc. Meddybemps Lake Association Square Pond Improvement Association Dexter Lakes Association Mirror Lake Association Summer Haven Lakes Association Echo Lake Association Mousam Lake Region Association Taylor Pond Association Embden Pond Association Muscongus Pond Association Thomas Pond Terrace Association, Inc. Estes Lake Association Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preservation, Inc. Thompson Lake Environmental Assoc. Five Kezar Ponds Watershed Association Panther Pond Association Toddy Pond Association Friends of Quimby Pond Parker Pond Association, Inc. Torsey Pond Association Friends of Walker Pond Pemaquid Watershed Association West Harbor Pond Watershed Assoc. Great East Lake Improvement Assoc. Piper Pond Association Wilson Lake Association Green & Mirror Ponds Association Pitcher Pond Improvement Association York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project

13 2015 Lake Monitoring Conference The VLMP's 2015 Lake Monitoring Conference was attended by a record-breaking 146 individuals! The Great Outdoors on Pleasant Pond in Turner continues to be the perfect venue, and thanks to the stellar volunteer crew in the kitchen, everyone was well-fed. Presenters covered a wide range of topics of interest to Maine lake monitors. Additionally, many volunteer monitors were recognized for their long-term commitment, and for unique contributions that they have made toward monitoring and protecting the health of their lakes!

Monitors for Manhanock Pond (L-R) Dick and Pat Bell and Middle Range Pond monitor Barry Kutzen (R) received awards for three decades of service!

John McPhedran, 10-Year Award Recipients (L-R) Becky & Rick Southwick, Debbie Hite, Barb Zamierowski, and John Scholz . Maine DEP Invasive Barre Hellquist, VLMP Advisory Board member, Aquatic Species unit walked us through the newest information leader, provided an pertaining to aquatic plant identification, update on the status focusing on plants VLMP Invasive Plant Patrollers of Maine’s battle to are likely to encounter . prevent the spread of aquatic invaders.

Development Committee members Jim Chandler has been on the Mike Cloutier (L) and Bob French (R) forefront of milfoil control present a fundraising challenge/match in Maine and was formally to conference attendees. Linda Bacon, the VLMP's liason recognized for his contribution to the Maine DEP and Quality to Maine lakes with the VLMP Generous donors lined up at the Assurance Officer, speaks to Outstanding Invasive Aquatic Challenge Match table to support the group . Plant Control Award . the work of volunteer lake monitors throughout Maine . A big thank you to all that participated!

captions Lake monitor Josephine The University of Maine's 'ASAP' crew Ewing is awarded for 25 demonstrates the new VLMP app prototype: Years of commitment on Maine Field Guide to Aquatic Phenomena. A rousing group cheer in support of Maine's citizen lake scientists! Sewall Pond .

14 2015 Lake Monitoring Conference

Nearly 150 of Maine's finest attended!

Dan Buckley, VLMP Advisory Board member, (ALIA) Annabessacook Lake discusses his research on thermal stratification The IPP Tenacity Award was presented to six intrepid IPPs; Improvement Association variability in Maine lakes . pictured (L-R) Dennis Roberge, Mousam Lake; Elin Haugen, West was recognized for its Harbor Pond; Roberta "Sookie" Weymouth, Lovejoy Pond; Charlie rapid response to a new Day, Worthley Pond; and Ellie Hopkins, Locke Pond . Award variable milfoil infestation winner Jeanne Achille, Wilson Lake is not in photo . with the IPP Team of the Year Award. Accepting for ALIA President Sue Neal, was Cobbossee Watershed District’s Wendy Dennis .

Steve Norton, member of the VLMP Advisory Board, Ellis/Roxbury Pond monitor, Ross Swain, presented his research results on the relationship Alexa Ortiz from Maine Audubon demonstrates erosion control projects he has between lake sediment geochemistry, and water quality . discusses lead-free fishing tackle and the designed for lake water quality protection. benefits to loons and other wildlife.

IPP Tenacity Award recipient, Ellie Hopkins, won a special prize drawing entitling her to a VLMP- Volunteer kitchen crew (L-R) Michelle Deblois, coordinated lake survey, with “expert 5-Year Award recipients (L-R) Charles Elvin, Charlie Day, Phoebe Hardesty, Sibyl French & Marsha services from some of Maine’s most Kevin & Susan Frewert, Christine Swain, Sue Carrington, Letourneau . Thank you! experienced plant patrollers ”. and Marygrace Barber .

15 Ensuring the Future of Maine's Citizen Lake Scientists in the Protection of Maine’s Lakes

hanks to the vision and generosity more citizen lake scientists, reach Tof one of Maine’s longest-standing new audiences, incorporate new volunteer lake monitors, a strategic technologies, and more. financial plan for the future of citizen lake science in Maine is well underway. In keeping with the VLMP collaborative spirit, the Board of Directors, Earlier this year, the VLMP launched its Development Committee, staff, and Guardian Angels initiative to provide an other friends of the VLMP have banded opportunity for major donors to play a key role together to form a “Community Angel.” in ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the organization. We welcome your participation in this visionary effort to secure the future of citizen lake science – and the health Funds raised through the Guardian Angel initiative will of Maine’s lakes. be used specifically to strengthen development capacity If you are interested in joining our Community throughout the organization. This, in turn, will allow Angel—your dollars being matched many times over the VLMP to meet a growing demand for services, by your fellow Guardian Angels—please contact VLMP explore new opportunities for collaboration, train Executive Director, Scott Williams, today. 2015 Water Quality Monitoring Season at a Glance ollowing a cold winter, and a Fseemingly interminable spring, VLMP lake monitors experienced unusually warm weather at the onset of the monitoring season in May. The weather, and conditions on the water, Ross Swain (Ellis/Roxbury Pond Certified Lake Monitor) takes a temperature and dissolved continued to improve through the oxygen profile in August. remainder of the summer. Bill and Beatty Watts (left and center), VLMP Four new water quality monitoring certified monitors on Sysladobsis Lake, and training workshops were held, at which Ellen McLaughlin, certified monitor on Norway, Keg, and Bottle Lakes, were among those who 72 individuals became certified lake attended the Washington County re-certification monitors. Thirteen new lakes were workshop in August on Lewy Lake in Princeton . added to more than 450 current lakes in the program. Two dissolved oxygen and temperature monitoring workshops were held, at which 21 experienced (Secchi certified) lake monitors received special training Several decades of experience and commitment and certification in the monitoring of are represented in this photo taken at the re- certification workshop on Pemaquid Lake: Steve these important indicators of lake health. O'Bryan (left), monitors Biscay and Paradise Ponds; former Knox and Lincoln Counties Twenty-three water quality re-certification Regional Coordinator, Peter Fischer (center), has workshops were held throughout Maine, monitored Biscay Pond since 1989; Ed Knapp at which 146 lake monitors updated (right), retiring Regional Coordinator for Knox/ Lincoln Counties, and McCurdy Pond monitor. All their quality assurance credentials. Over Roger Cady records temperature and dissolved are VLMP certified lake monitors. Ed will long be 100 individuals were re-certified online oxygen readings at a DO training workshop on remembered for his well-organized workshops Lake Auburn. Roger is a VLMP certified monitor and superior record-keeping . Thank you, Ed! using the Secchi Simulator. on Washington Pond .

16 VLMP Certified Lake Monitors and Lake Associations Participate in Pilot Project to Update and Refine Maine’s Lake Vulnerability Index Or – How to more accurately predict a lake’s “tipping point” by Scott Williams he VLMP, in collaboration with the sediment to determine the geochemistry interactions. She has designed surveys for TMaine DEP, the University of Maine, of lake-bottoms. This information will VLMP lake monitors and lake associations and the University of Southern Maine be combined with what is already known that are participating in the pilot study. The (USM), has received a grant from the George about the water quality of the pilot lakes survey results will serve as a starting point J. Mitchell Center for Sustainable Solutions. to further refine our ability to predict to enhance our understanding of how to The ultimate goal of the grant is to be able individual lake vulnerability or sensitivity best translate knowledge-to-stewardship to more accurately predict the sensitivity, or to increasing phosphorus over time from in lake communities throughout Maine. vulnerability, of individual Maine lakes to a watershed development, and also to In addition, we hope to evaluate how future decline in water quality. The initial climate change. local stewardship activities influence lake pilot project involves 24 Maine lakes, with VLMP Advisory Board members, and vulnerability. It will also allow us to explore plans to expand the numbers substantially University of Maine Professors, Steve Norton ways in which VLMP lake monitors, their over the next few years. (Emeritus) and Aria Amirbahman, have lake associations, and their larger lake conducted groundbreaking research that has communities and watershed organizations significantly improved our understanding may serve as catalysts in this process. of the relationship between lake sediment During the next several months, project geochemistry and the vulnerability of staff will conduct workshops with lakes to declining water quality. Steve’s participating lake monitors and lake presentation slides on this subject from the associations to discuss with them how 2015 VLMP Lake Monitoring Conference lakes function, what is known about their can be seen at: http://www.mainevlmp.org/ lakes, and how they might use a refined wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Phosphorus- index of lake vulnerability to enhance in-Lakes.pdf. stewardship in their lake communities. The information gathered through this VLMP Certified Lake Monitor, Dan Guerette (R), Of equal importance will be our attempt to and University of Maine Graduate Student, Kaci answer a very fundamental and poignant project will increase our understanding Fitzgibbon (L), sample water chemistry on Sabattus of lake vulnerability from an integrated Pond, one of 24 Maine lakes involved in this study question, and one that is frequently—and of lake vulnerability . reasonably—asked by lake stakeholders physical and social science perspective. and others who have an interest During the past several months, each of the in the health of our lakes: “How Factors Influencing Lake Vulnerability to Declining Water Quality ‘pilot lakes’ has been visited and sampled will such knowledge actually on multiple occasions. Lakes selected for Watershed Individual Lake benefit Maine lakes in the future?” Community Sensitivity to the study represent a wide range of trophic What is often missing in the Stewardship Phosphorus states (lake productivity, as measured by “knowledge=>awareness=>action” Secchi transparency, total phosphorus, paradigm is an understanding Geochemistry Existing chlorophyll-a, and other indicators) and of the capacity of individuals of Lake Water Sediments Quality a wide range of lake association activity, and organizations in individual from well-established to non-existent. lake communities to transform VLMP Certified Lake Monitors and lake dynamics and sensitivity their lake associations have been, and information into actual lake will continue to be, key players in this stewardship practices that benefit Watershed project, which involves their integration water quality over time. Growth Rate Existing with professional lake scientists, university Watershed USM Professor of Geography and Development faculty and graduate students. Each is VLMP Advisory Board member, playing a valuable role in the gathering Firooza Parvi, teaches and conducts Factors that influence individual lake sensitivity/vulnerability of information. Lake data gathered last to declining water quality . For the purposes of illustration, research with a focus on (among each factor is equally weighted. summer included not only indicators others) society-environment of water quality, but also samplings of Save the Date! The 2016 VLMP Annual Conference is Scheduled for Saturday, July 30 17 New IPP Instructor We are very pleased to have welcomed Alecia Tenney to the VLMP IPP Training Staff this year. Since earning her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and a Master’s degree in Environmental Education, Alecia he has been active in several environmental organizations in Maine. Most recently she served as Invasive Plant Control Coordinator for 30 Mile River Watershed Association, and Courtesy Boat Inspection Program Coordinator for Echo Lake Association. Alecia has been an active volunteer over the last six years, providing plant identification assistance to local lake organizations and individual volunteers in her local watershed, and helping to organize and conduct invasive aquatic plant surveys. Alecia, a native Mainer who grew up in the mid-coast region, now lives in Mount Vernon with her husband Mark. In addition to her love of lakes, Alecia loves to sail and hike the mountains of Maine.

Welcome New Advisory Board Member Firooza Pavri 2015 VLMP Intern Firooza Pavri is professor of geography in the Geography-Anthropology Bates College student, Nora Stoner, joined program at the University of Southern Maine. She is also currently the the VLMP as an intern this past spring. Her Chair of the Master's program in Policy, Planning, and Management at positive attitude and 'can do' spirit were a the Muskie School of Public Service. Firooza received great asset to the organization, as she helped her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of out with many tasks, including the upcoming Toledo and Ohio State University, respectively. She VLMP app, the Maine Field Guide to Aquatic is originally from India, and research and family take Phenomenon. We greatly appreciate your hard her back frequently. Firooza teaches and does research work and dedication, Nora! in the area of environmental geography, with a focus on society-environment interactions, natural resource conservation and policy, sustainable development, and geospatial technologies, including remote sensing and GIS. Her research uses remote sensing and other geospatial tools and techniques to monitor landscape changes across wetland, freshwater, urban, and forested ecosystems, both in the United States and India. She is the co-author of two books, Wetland Environments and Windscapes: A Global Perspective on Wind Power. More recently, her work has focused on examining the role of citizens and the public in conservation stewardship.

Save the Date! 2016 VLMP Annual Lake Monitoring Conference is Scheduled for SATURDAY, JULY 30

Remember to Document Your Lake's Ice Cover The winter season is upon us, so data, may improve our understanding please be sure to document your of the relationship between the lake's ice cover . The VLMP acts as a duration of ice cover and water state repository for ice-in and ice-out quality. You can report ice-in/out records, some stretching as far back as dates via e-mail directly to Christine@ the mid-1800's. Your lake's ice cover mainevlmp org,. or you can report by data, when paired with water quality phone at 207-783-7733 .

18 Welcome, New Lake Monitors! New Volunteer Lake Monitors Certified in 2015

Derek Abbott, Raymond Pond Tammy Heiselmeyer, Coffee Pond Dave Allen, 30 Mile River Watershed Lakes Billy Helprin, Somes Pond Jim Arsham, Pleasant Lake Rebecca Hotelling, Big Kennebago Lake Marygrace & Peter Barber, Pleasant Lake Kristy Johnson, Swan Lake Kathleen Baynes, Cold Stream Pond Jeffrey Jones, Coleman Pond Bridget Beaulieu, Rangeley Lake Robert Joslyn, Watchic Pond Raymond Bersch, Crescent Lake Kristal Karatsanos, Highland Lake Kelly Bickford, Twitchell Pond Gretchen Kimball, Big Bear Pond Patricia Bickford, Horseshoe Pond Kerry Kowalczyk, Togus Pond Bob Blake, Parker Pond Benny LaPlante, China Lake Meryl Bond, Cobbossee Watershed Lakes Sandra Larned, Kennebunk Pond Kristi Borst, Mousam Lake Nina Lawonn, Harriman Pond Sheila Bourque, Crescent Lake Benjamin Levesque, Little Ossipee Lake Jared Bragdon, China Lake Rob Lively, Wilson Pond Peter Brawn, Worthley Pond John Loomis, Salmon Lake Seth Bridges, Lake Sherburn Wyatt McCurdy, Rangeley Lake Maggie Burns, Kezar Lake Jessica McKenna, Rangeley Lake Ryan Burton, Cobbossee Watershed Lakes Paul McNulty, Watchic Pond Patrick Button, Mud Pond Jacob & Joan Meerman, Rangeley Lake Nic Buxton, Pinkham Pond Jeffrey Mellon, Little Ossipee Flowage Clarence Campbell, Adams Pond & Knickerbocker Pond Trevor Morin, Adams Pond & Knickerbocker Pond Dennis Capuano, Pemaquid Pond Sandra & Wynn Muller, Wilson Pond Jack Carson, Sebasticook Lake Dr. Jeremy Nettleton, Indian Lake, Hadley Lake, & Gardner Lake Laurrie Chandler, Mooselookmeguntic Lake Bruce Palmer, Adams Pond (Rock Haven) Don Collins, Nickerson Lake Lark & Lianne Parmalee, Panther Pond Jay Conway, Wesserunsett Lake Bruce Paster, Worthley Pond Cheryl Daigle, Phillips (Lucerne) Lake Tim Placey, Worthley Pond Ron Davis, Webb Lake Tom Prescott, Hosmer Pond Joel Deckler, Cold Stream Pond Audrey Puleio, Lake Auburn Wendy Dennis, Cobbossee Watershed Lakes Pat Robinson, Loon Lake Jim DeWachter, Raymond Pond Ed Roche, Kennebunk Pond Gavin Dixon, Little Ossipee Flowage Kevin Ryan, Kezar Lake Deidre Donovan, Little Ossipee Lake Bonnie Sammons, Mcgrath Pond Stephen Drossel, Blood (Duck) Pond Linda Sango, Wilson Lake Jamey Epstein, China Lake Constance Sasser, Pleasant Lake Brendan Fedrizzi, Little Ossipee Lake Donna Savastio, Middle Pond James & Laurie Fenwood, Cold Stream Pond Steve Seidell, Coleman Pond Lindsay Frazier, Little Ossipee Lake Deborah Shapiro, Pleasant Lake Greg Freeman, Little Ossipee Flowage Jeanne Silverman, Sand Pond Lynn & Sal Girifalco, North Pond Chris Smith, Sebec Lake John Gorham, Forest Lake Deb Thomas, Lower Narrows Pond Ed & Sandy Graham, Wassookeag Lake Ray & Sharon Thompson, Kennebunk Pond James Graul, Beaver Mountain Lake Amy Webb, Pinkham Pond Julia Gregoire, Little Ossipee Lake James & Judy Weber, Loon Pond Dacota Griffin, Lovewell Pond Allen Wicken, Gull Pond Dermot Groome, Locke Pond Jonah Wilson, Sebec Lake Carol Guiel, Rangeley Lake Rich Woodbury, Moose Pond Mike & Patty Gustafson, South Pond Callie Wronker, Dyer Long Pond Samantha & Nathan Hall, Little Ossipee Lake & Little Ossipee Flowage Heinrich Wurm, Kezar Lake David Hallee, McGrath Pond Stephen Zeeman, North Pond & Pennesseewassee Lake Dave Hanson, Indian Pond Matt Zetterman, China Lake Neera Harmon, Winnegance Pond

19 . . Lake Clearer, continued from page 9 Figure 4 represents Secchi readings taken in 2015 by a group of volunteer lake monitors who are participating in the VLMP’s “Near Real-Time Lake Data” (NRTLD) project. The 8 lakes represented here were chosen based on their relative proximity to the Portland, ME area. Within this group, several lakes show a deepening trend in Secchi readings of a few to several meters depth during the July-August-early September period, and one lake (Highland, which may have been experiencing internal phosphorus recycling) experienced substantially shallower readings. All 18 lakes participating in the NRTLD project can be viewed at: http://mainelakesdata.org/. If you would like to participate in the NRTLD project in 2016, please contact the VLMP office. By participating in this initiative, you will be able to immediately post your Secchi readings online for public viewing. Perhaps you already know whether Figure 4 2015 Secchi transparency readings for 8 lakes situated in relatively close proximity to Portland, ME. Data or not your lake was clearer in 2015 Source: VLMP NRTLD Website. than its historical average. But are you ready to make a prediction on summary information on the number of prediction, and post the information on a larger scale? Soon after VLMP and Maine Maine lakes that were clearer, less clear, or our Facebook page: https://www.facebook. DEP staff have reviewed and entered all unchanged from their historical average. In com/MaineVLMP/. Good luck! of the 2015 Secchi data, we will post the meantime, feel free to make your own

It's Easier than Ever to Become an Invasive Plant Patroller! he IPP Plant Paddle is a 3-hour Tguided exploration that takes place on shore and on the water. This is a fun, informal way to learn about the threat of invasive aquatic plants and the importance of early detection. For several years the VLMP has offered a train-the- trainer workshop for IPP leaders 2015 IPP Plant Paddle on Lake Messalonskee called How to Conduct an IPP Plant Paddle. This year, the VLMP piloted the idea of offering Plant Paddles directly to the public as an entry level course for prospective patrollers. The pilot was very successful! So—starting in 2016—IPP Plant Paddles will be considered the VLMP’s new IPP Introductory Workshop, and our comprehensive 6-hour IPP trainings (formerly billed as “introductory”) will have a new name: IPP Certification Workshop. By making it easier than ever to “get your feet in the water” as an early detector, we are hoping to greatly expand the numbers of trained eyes out there on Maine lakes. Meanwhile, plant paddlers who wish to continue their training will be encouraged to attend a 6-hour workshop as soon as they are able, at which time they will qualify for IPP certification. 20 John Joseph Bernazzani Passings John Bernazzani passed away in April, with his wife of years on Pequawket Lake, in Brownfield. From April to 68 years, Elizabeth, and their children at his side. John October, on a bi-monthly basis, John would check the will be remembered as a great dancer, committed tea clarity and depth of the water at its deepest point, and drinker, and a man who felt so blessed in every way a also check for invasive plants. John thoroughly enjoyed man could be in life. His family lovingly called him the project, and loved Pequawket Lake. "Pal." He was a volunteer lake monitor for several

Dr. Kenneth George Holt passed away at the age of 86, in late Kenneth George Holt 2014. After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bates College in 1951, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he was a volunteer lake monitor with the he actively served until 1953, and then served with the Marine VLMP, a long-time member of their Board Reserve Corps until his Honorable Discharge in 1959. In 1957 of Directors, and also served as a Regional he received his Masters Degree in Education from the University Coordinator. He was extremely dedicated of Connecticut. He was most proud of receiving his PhD in to the Bear Pond Improvement Association, Education from the Graduate School of Boston College. before retiring from the annual loon count in 2011. He is survived by several nieces, In 1969 he purchased a cottage on Bear Pond in Hartford, Maine nephews and extended family throughout where he would "summer" for the rest of his life. For many years the country.

E. Roland Johnson After a long career, Roland retired to Maine in 1997. He loved woodworking and will always be remembered for being an avid Roland Johnson passed away at the outdoorsman who enjoyed cycling and running in his earlier days. age of 83, in October. He is survived He spent his retirement years at his camp on Sandy Bottom Pond, by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara, in Turner, where he was also a volunteer lake monitor, for many and their many descendants. He was years. He was well-known for being humble and patient, because a graduate of Everett Vocational High of his strong faith and love of God. Roland was a wise man, full School in 1950, and then in May, of integrity, friend and mentor to many, and will be sorely missed 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and proudly served his country on the pond. while stationed in Germany during the Korean War, until 1954.

Mary “Meg” Frances Nelson passed away at her home on Mary Frances Nelson Cushman Pond in Lovell, Maine in January, after a long illness. photographers, and won many awards for Meg is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gerry, as well as their their work. They were also dedicated to the three children and one stepson, and their offspring. sport of fly tying and fly fishing. Meg’s spirit and positive attitude about any new adventure was Upon retirement, they volunteered for infectious, and her beautiful character will be remembered by the Town of Lovell, the State of Maine all who came in contact with her. She and Gerry were noted for and, in particular, the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, their profound interest in a variety of activities. They were licensed serving as Directors, as well as lake monitors on Cushman Pond, private sailplane pilots, had an active interest in geology, were avid for many years.

Paul D. Porter College, where he was a member of the R.O.T.C. program, and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Following Paul D. Porter passed away at the age of active duty, Paul began a long career in education, and received 81, in January. Paul is survived by his the Master Award for outstanding teaching. wife of 59 years, Glynn, their two sons and four grandchildren, and his sister Paul retired to Maine in 1998, became very active in many local and two nieces. organizations, and was well-known for his wood-turning skills. He was a dedicated volunteer lake monitor on Nickerson Lake Paul was valedictorian of the Class of 1951 at Houlton High in Aroostook county for nearly 15 years. School. He earned a degree in mathematics from Bowdoin

We care deeply about Maine's volunteer lake monitors. If you would like to share news of a monitor's passing, please contact us.

21 Maine Citizens' Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plant Management

Cyr Bus Line supports the work of the Maine Cyr Bus Line Once an infestation has been Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. 153 Gilman Falls Avenue confirmed, rapid response PO Box 368 Cyr Bus Line is 4th generation family owned Old Town, ME 04468 is crucial. The prospects for & operated, providing motorcoach and school Tel: 207.827.2335 bus charters for school and athletic groups, effective management or Toll Free: 1.800.244.2335 conventions, clubs and private outings. even eradication, is greatly

Cyr Northstar Tours offers tour packages to increased by swift, well- destinations throughout the Eastern United States planned, and properly executed controls. The purpose of the and Canada. Maine Citizens’ Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plant Management is to provide the information necessary to effectively manage invasive aquatic plant (IAP) populations, to prepare for WANTED: such an eventuality, and to address all associated activities. Methods described in this Guide are based upon tested Volunteer Water Quality best-management practices for controlling aquatic plants Regional & Data Coordinators effectively and in a manner that protects wildlife and habitat. Help with activities such as scheduling re-certification To view and/or download this new publication, please visit the VLMP website at www.mainevlmp.org/citizensguide. workshops, communicating with volunteers, and lake data entry. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-783-7733. FREE T-Shirts for Reminder to all Certified Lake Monitors! Volunteer Lake Monitors: Certified lake monitors are Help ensure the 2015 Maine Lakes Report will eligible for one of these be complete by sending any late data now! beautiful t-shirts, free-of- charge! T-shirts are currently available, and may be picked Sponsorship and up at any water quality re- certification workshop, IPP Underwriting Opportunities workshop, or other VLMP event, including our annual conference . in the Water Column If you are unable to pick up your Front The value of Maine’s lakes to the state’s economy is substantial; t-shirt, we can arrange to have one studies have shown that our lakes conservatively generate 3.5 sent to you for the cost of shipping billion dollars in economic activity annually. An increasing and handling . number of Maine businesses—companies who not only see Don't miss out! Please contact the connection between clean lakes and economic prosperity, the VLMP with your shirt size, 1 but who also understand the value of volunteer “match” — either by email or phone, at now support the work of the VLMP. It is in this spirit of vlmp@mainevlmp .org, or mutually-beneficial collaboration that we welcome this issue’s 207-783-7733 . corporate sponsors. Thank you to our corporate If you, or your company, are interested in supporting the sponsor, YSI Incorporated, whose Back work of the VLMP through sponsorship or underwriting, generous support made these please contact us. Underwriting notices will be accepted at t-shirts possible! the discretion of the staff and VLMP Board of Directors.

1 . Every dollar donated to the VLMP is matched at least 10 times over by Show Off Your Pride as a VLMP volunteer support! Certified Lake Monitor! 22 23 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lewiston, ME Permit # 82 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

If you would like to go green and receive the Water Column in electronic format, please contact the VLMP at vlmp@mainevlmp .org . Support comes in many forms - Become a 'Friend of the VLMP' today!

The VLMP is a uniquely volunteer-powered organization. Most volunteers are committed to the critically important task of monitoring the health of Maine lakes. But there are many other off-the-water tasks that need to be done in order to keep the entire statewide lake monitoring enterprise moving forward smoothly. As the organization grows, these essential behind-the- scenes tasks are also increasingly being shared by our volunteers. Friends of the VLMP lend their time, talents and creativity to help us build and maintain one of the largest and most active citizen- based lake monitoring programs in the nation. With their much- needed and greatly-valued help, the organization is better able to meet the demands of Maine’s ever-growing statewide network of volunteer lake monitors. Interested? We are eager to help YOU find and/or expand your special niche in the VLMP. We can use your help with a wide range of seasonally-variable tasks, from data entry and assembling bulk mailings, to helping with yard work and making repairs to the property. Please contact us today to learn more!