A Publication of the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Vol. 14, No. 2 Provided free of charge to our monitors and affiliates Winter 2010 Inside Reflections on 2009 • Page 2 Weclome New Monitors! • Page 8 National Lakes Thank You Supporters • Page 10 Algal Toxins • Page 13 Assessment

2 Boats, 2 Motors, 2 Men Paddling See story inside… What’s Inside President's Message ...... 2 President’s Message Lakeside Notes ...... 3 Scaling Back the Spring Packet . . 4 Now's Not the Time to Blink National Lake Assessment . . . 4 Littorally Speaking ...... 6 don’t know about you, but for me New Volunteers ...... 8 the first decade of the new millenni- Thank You! ...... 10 Algae Toxics ...... 13 um sure did seem to go by in a flash. Passings ...... 15 IIt seems like only yesterday that we were being barraged with predictions of a Y2K techno-meltdown, watching ner- vously as the ball was dropped in Times Square that New Year’s Eve. In some ways, it doesn’t seem like a whole lot has Bill Monagle changed during the past decade, but in VLMP President VLMP Staff other ways it does. I’ve been privileged Scott Williams Executive Director Roberta Hill Program Director to serve on the VLMP Board of Direc- VLMP's Center for tors for most of the ‘0’s’ decade, and on one hand, that time has flown by Invasive Aquatic Plants in a blink of an eye—but on the other hand, when I reflect on the degree Jim Entwood Program Coordinator Christine Guerette Program Assistant to which the VLMP has changed and progressed during that time, it seems Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) like, well, eons.

Board of Directors The advances I’ve witnessed at the VLMP have been driven by the need to Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) keep pace with the increasing and expanding threats to Maine’s lakes and Tamara Lee Pinard, Vice President (Westbrook) ponds, be they invasive aquatic species or nonpoint source pollution. New Lew Wetzel, Treasurer (Casco) Phoebe Hardesty, Secretary (New Gloucester) programs, such as the Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP), a state-or-the-art web site that enables the VLMP to provide better outreach and access to lake George Cross (Sangerville ) and watershed related information, a real home base in the Bracket Cen- Mary Jane Dillingham (Auburn) Peter Fischer (Bristol) ter, and an expanded corps of volunteer monitors to collect increasingly Gerry Nelson (Lovell) diverse data from more Maine lakes and ponds than ever before. None of Mary Nelson (Lovell) these would have been possible without the tremendous support of those Kirsten Ness (Portland) Elizabeth Payne (Orono) who volunteer their time and effort to the VLMP’s cause, and of those Peter Vaux (Orono) providing financial support. But regardless of all that has been accom- Clyde Walton (Fayette) plished, we cannot drop our guard now. This past year, the VLMP Board of Directors, Executive Director Scott Williams, and the staff concluded that the current level of services provided by the VLMP cannot be scaled Editorial Staff Scott Williams Richard Jennings back, eliminated or sacrificed in any way if we are to continue to provide Roberta Hill Jim Entwood, Layout the necessary support to address the myriad threats to Maine lakes. On behalf of the VLMP Board of Directors, I’d like to express our deep ap- To Contact Us 24 Maple Hill Road preciation to all of you who regularly contribute, or have contributed, to Auburn, Maine 04210 the VLMP programs and to the organization in general. I would also like 207-783-7733 to thank you in advance for your continued and much needed support as [email protected] www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org we train and support the good —and essential—work of volunteer lake monitors throughout Maine. Funding for this newsletter is made possible by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

Printed on Recycled Paper by: Curry Printing & Graphics - Auburn, Maine

2 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Lakeside Notes Looking Forward, Looking Back, and Counting Our Blessings

Our expectations for 2010 began to take shape over a more volunteer lake monitors period of several weeks last summer. Like so many other were trained and certified last nonprofit organizations throughout the country, ever since summer than in any other year the economy started to go south about eighteen months ago in the 38 year history of the we have been bracing ourselves for lean economic times. program! Record numbers of Accordingly, in early 2009, we developed and began to volunteers signed up for and carry out a plan to reduce program costs wherever possible attended VLMP water qual- – which was not particularly easy to do on an already “bare ity and invasive plant patrol bones” budget. But it had to be done, and we’re continuing training workshops through- By Scott Williams to make changes to ensure that the VLMP will have the VLMP Executive Director out the summer. resources necessary to continue to carry out its mission. Private donations to support Prior to the onset of the volunteer training workshops last the work of the VLMP also exceeded all previous records last spring, we found ourselves pondering the potential implica- year. Individuals and lake associations came forward in tions of a faltering economy on people’s interest in monitor- record numbers with donations to show their support for ing lakes. Given the many ways in which so many people’s monitoring and protecting the health of Maine’s lakes. This lives have been affected would volunteers continue to be generosity could not have come at a better time, because as willing and able to take the time to become trained, and to the number of volunteer lake monitors increases, so do the monitor their lakes several times during the summer? And, costs involved in training, equipping, and supporting both of course, we were concerned about how hard times could new and existing volunteers. affect donations to support the work of the VLMP. Last year at this time we were concerned about the future Frankly, we were surprised and very pleased with the of the program. But our spirits were buoyed by the con- answers to both questions, which became apparent as the tinued passion that volunteers throughout Maine showed lake monitoring season progressed last summer. In short— for monitoring their lakes and for financially supporting the community of which we are all members. That On the Cover community has persevered for nearly four decades, Photo & Caption by volunyeer IPP Sibyl French having withstood the periodic ravages of hard eco- nomic times. The last day of our trip with VLMP to And so, thanks to all of you, our outlook for the we were going out to do sur- veying, the destination was New Year is pretty darned positive! Your message has Tomhegan Cove, which was been clear: We must continue to do what has been quite a distance from the done for all of these years, in order to ensure that base camp. In order to get there quickly, Bob (with the volunteer lake monitors have the resources that they more powerful motor) was need to accomplish their good work. To all of you going to tow Keith's boat in Maine’s volunteer lake monitor community who (with the slower, smaller are working to help make this possible, we offer our motor). (Note the tow rope between the two boats.) Please note the large buoy in the background. This buoy marked the deepest thanks. outside edge of the very shallow, very dangerous shoals. The motors were not able to be used until they reached deeper wa- ter outside of that marker. So, the motors were raised and they were paddling out to reach that deeper water. Once there, they lowered Bob's motor (the front boat), started his motor and Bob towed Keith to the destination. Keith rode in the front boat with Bob until they got to Tomhegan.

3 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 EPA’s National Lakes Assessment Study

By Scott Williams

he EPA has published the draft were included in the study, as the map future surveys of this type will help to findings of the first-ever base- below shows. advance our understanding of impor- line study of the nation’s lakes. tant regional and national patterns in A wide range of indicators of lake TThe National Lakes Assessment (NLA) lake water quality. health were assessed in the study, provides estimates of the condition including water quality (nutrients, dis- Findings and Implications for the of both natural and man-made lakes, solved oxygen and algal density); bio- Nation’s Lakes ponds and reservoirs greater than 10 logical indicators (algae and zooplank- While it is certainly good news that acres in surface area and at least one ton); recreational indicators (pathogens 56% of the lakes in the U.S. are in meter deep. The draft study rated 56% and toxins from algae), and physical relatively good condition, the fact that of the lakes in the United States as good, habitat (lakeshore and shallow water the remaining 44% are in fair or poor and the remainder as fair or poor. This habitat cover). Peter Silva, Assistant condition is a dramatic and troubling study marks the first time that EPA Administrator for EPA’s Office of finding. Why are so many of our lakes and its partners have used a nationally Water, indicated that the NLA is a in trouble? consistent approach to survey the eco- first step in evaluating how success- logical water quality of lakes. A total Degraded lakeshore habitat, which was ful efforts have been to protect and of 1,028 lakes were selected at random rated “poor” in 36% of the lakes in the restore the quality of lakes through- for the study, which took place during study, was the most significant of the out the country. Silva also stated that the summer of 2007. Ten Maine lakes problems that were assessed. The removal of critical buffer vegetation, including trees and shrubs along shoreline and riparian areas, and the construction of docks, marinas, homes and other structures along lake shores contrib- uted to the findings. The study con- cluded that: “Poor biological health is three times more likely in lakes with poor shoreline habitat.” The second biggest problem for U.S. lakes is high nutrient levels, with about 20% of the lakes in the study having high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. Lakes with excess nutrients are two and a half times more likely to have poor biologi- cal health, and are likely to experience algae blooms, excess weed growth, reduced water clarity and other prob- lems, such as adverse impacts on a NLA continued on page 15

4 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Customize Your Spring Monitoring Packet 3 Options to Choose From

Each spring Certified Invasive Plant Patrol and Water Qual- The good news for studious volunteers that do not have in- ity Monitors receive an individualized packet with virtually ternet access is that you can request a full Comprehensive everything they will need to monitor their lake for the year. Packet be mailed to you. In 2010, we plan to scale back the mailing and cut out some We are walking the tine line of ensuring QA/QC by encour- of the instructions that monitors had received previously at aging monitors to review instructions, guidelines and any training workshops, or in last year’s packet. All those ma- other information that monitors need, while reducing pa- terials have been moved online in a new one stop page for per consumption and improving efficiency. Please consider monitors found at the Volunteer Links on the left of our the options below and let us know which packet fits your website. needs. This is not a step that we take lightly as our past surveys of Let us know your preference by March 15, otherwise by de- internet use show mixed opinions among volunteers. But fault we will send you the Standard Packet. At any time, initial discussions with volunteers (who will remain anony- monitors seeking additional information and instruction mous) have revealed that—brace yourself—not every page forms can either call us at 207-783-7733 and we will gladly in the spring mailing is read because some of the info in the mail you a set, or you can go online to www.MaineVolun- packets is repeated from year to year. As budgets tighten and teerLakeMonitors.org and click on Volunteer Links. the number of volunteers has grown to over 800, we are re- thinking the necessity of mailing everyone a 14 page packet. Let us know your preference by March 15! Comprehensive or Standard or E-Packet

Comprehensive Packet Standard Packet E-Packet Complete set of instructions, Essential data forms, return Online & Email only. Everything updates, data forms, and envelopes and personal that you need can be reports with return envelopes. info only downloaded and printed from the VLMP website Call 207-783-7733 or email [email protected]

The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 5 Littorally Speaking VLMP’s Invasive Plant Patrol: 2009 Training and Field Season in Review (WOW!)

trol background and fundamentals, and providing instruc- tion and practice in the use of manual removal and benthic barriers, the other providing training and practice in the use We have now heard the State of of the diver assisted suction harvester. the State, and the State of the In September, hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) was confirmed in Union addresses… both quite Damariscotta Lake. Hydrilla, often referred to as the “worst sobering to say the least. Ready of the worst” invasive aquatic plant threatening aquatic for some good news? Please read ecosystems worldwide, was discovered in a small cove along on! The State of Maine’s Invasive the western shore of Damariscotta Lake, by VLMP Invasive Aquatic Plant Early Detection By Roberta Hill Program Director Plant Patroller, Dick Butterfield. (Dick had been trained System has never been better! VLMP's Center for by the VLMP only weeks before.) VLMP assisted the DEP Invasive Aquatic Plants with the initial assessment of the infestation and also helped the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA) Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) Workshops organize an “emergency first responder” survey team. Despite the unrelenting persistence of the cool rainy weath- Twenty-seven trained invasive plant patrollers (many trav- er, and widespread economic uncertainty that challenged eling from distant corners of the state) participated in the most Mainers during the summer of 2009, the VLMP’s intense search that followed Dick’s discovery. Though the Invasive Plant Patrol program has just experienced one of survey season ended before the team could cover the entire the most exciting and productive seasons in the history of littoral zone of Damariscotta Lake, survey results to date the IPP program. provide hope that Mr. Butterfield may have indeed detected the pioneer colony. Though the number of workshops was down a bit from previous years (two were utterly rained out), the num- The efforts of Dick ber—and level of commitment—of attendees and was way Butterfield, DLWA, and up. Of the 307 individuals who attended one or more the exceptional team of regular workshops in 2009, 107 became certified plant IPP “first responders” patrollers (roughly double the annual average), and 10 who dropped what they became certified members of Maine’s rapid response team. were doing to join the An additional 73 individuals (including 23 Maine teachers) hunt for additional signs participated in abbreviated IPP training sessions, bringing of the invader, present us the total of number trained this year to 380. To date, the with the most concrete VLMP has trained over 2,000 individuals through the IPP evidence to date of the program! Maine now has 361 active certified invasive plant VLMP Invasive Plant Patroller critical and invaluable patrollers, committed to annually surveying 152 lakes, and Dick Butterfield with a sample of role that IPP volunteers 62 individuals, primarily SCUBA divers, certified in rapid hydrilla taken from what is be- can (and do!) play in lieved to be the pioneer colony response. in Damariscotta Lake protecting the waters of Maine from the threat The workshops once again spanned the state, from York of aquatic invaders. A to Aroostook County. We conducted 15 Invasive Plant single early detection—a single lake saved from ecological catas- Patrol (IPP) workshops in 2009, including 11 introductory trophe—provides the people of Maine with an enormous rate workshops, 1 survey methods workshop, and 2 abbreviated of return on any and all investments of time and resources that training sessions. Two distinct manual control workshops may have been put into this effort to date. were also offered, one covering invasive aquatic plant con-

6 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 attributed to IPP Figure 1 Maine Waterbodies With Reported volunteers! IAP Survey Activity (Cumulative) No matter how you slice the data, the mes- sage is undeni- able… together we are making a huge difference! We have stepped up to the chal- lenge, and have made great prog- ress toward the goal protecting Maine waters IPP First Responder Dennis Roberge surveys the shallows of Damariscotta Lake from from the threat vulnerable waters of the State, we have dockside, while taking a well deserved break of aquatic invaders. But our work is to train many, many more eyes to be on from the numbing fall water temperatures. clearly not done; in fact we still have the lookout. With this (yes, I suppose a very long road ahead of us. Maine somewhat sobering) thought in mind, Invasive Aquatic Plant Screening is home to roughly 6000 lakes and we here at the VLMP have already Surveys ponds and thousands of miles of stream started planning next season’s workshop Not only are more and more individu- habitat. The number of infested lakes schedule. It looks like we are going to als becoming trained to recognize an continues to grow; two more lakes were be very busy once again, traveling from aquatic invader when they see it, more added to the list of infested lakes in one end of this beautiful state to the and more are becoming active IPPs in 2009: Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson other, and joining forces with some of their communities, conducting, leading (hydrilla), and Legion Pond in Kittery its very finest citizens! We look forward and organizing invasive aquatic plant (European naiad). If we are to suc- to seeing all of you in 2010! (IAP) screening surveys on their local ceed in establishing a highly effective lakes, ponds and streams. The bulk of prevention and early detection system the 2009 IAP screening survey data has in Maine, one that encompasses all now been checked for quality assurance recorded and tabulated, and the results are quite astounding. Three-hundred- eighty-five IAP screening surveys were reported in 2009. Up from 252 sur- veys in 2008, this dramatic increase in reported survey activity over the course on one year is the greatest leap by far since the first IAP survey was reported in 2001. Twenty-seven new waterbod- ies were added to the list of “waterbod- ies reporting survey activity in 2009,” bringing the total number of Maine waterbodies with reported IAP survey activity to 406. (Fig. 1) Again, the critical role played by vol- unteers here, cannot be overstated. In 2009 a whopping 92% of all reported IAP survey activity can be directly Amazing stuff! Come see for yourself when you attend an IPP workshop in 2010!

The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 7 Welcome Aboard New Monitors!

New Certified Water Quality Monitors in 2009

Lee Bernazzani on Pequawket Lake Edward Farwell on Green Lake Glen Bridges on Sandy Pond Bob Folsom on Umbagog Lake David Bridges on Sandy Pond Ed Gelina on Piper Pond Joe Bukata on Holbrook Pond Dick Greenan on Long Pond Jack Butler on Holland Pond Thomas Greene on Whetstone Pond Sam Campbell on Watchic Pond Charlie Hudson on Stevens Pond Richard Cayer on Long Lake Norman Kalloch on West Carry Pond Wade Colby on Ell Pond Levi Ladd on Big Indian Pond Brendan Curran on Davis Pond, Six Christina Lahaye on Ward Pond Ponds #4 & Wassataquoik Lake Vernita Leins on Chemo Pond Robert Leins on Chemo Pond David Lind on French Hill Pond Connie Mahaffey on Donnell Pond Dennis Mancine on Brettun's Pond Shawn McLane on Lower Hadlock & Jordan Ponds Joseph P. McMenimen on Lower Kimball HL Whitney on Little Pond Pond Willy Wilmoth on Little Pond Steve Mendrzychowski on Harlow Pond Michele Windsor on Keys Pond Carolyn Miller on Chemo Pond Mike Wisher on First Roach Pond Sara Paradise on Big Wood Pond Dot Young on Brettun'S Pond Kathy Parlee on Upper Cold Stream Pond Renee Rawinski on Sebec Lake Julie Rumrill on Somes Pond Nick Davidson on Lyndsey Smith on Bryant Pond George Derby on Stanley Pond Nancy Staples on Halfmoon Pond Richard Dodge on Alamoosook Lake John Stetson on Stevens Pond Kyle Emery on Pitcher Pond Crista Straub on Walker Pond Chris Everett on Embden Pond Elwood Trask on Taylor Pond Gloria Wheaton on Beech Hill Pond

8 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Welcome Aboard New Monitors!

New Certified Invasive Plant Patrol Monitors in 2009

Cheryl Abbott on Great Pond Richard McKeen on Echo Lake Rich Jeanne Achille on Wilson Lake Melanson on Horn Pond Dorothy 'Dot' Adams on Howard Pond Robert Meyer on Mcgrath Pond Charlie Anderson on Moosehead Lake Cathy Meyer on Mcgrath Pond Gayle Aspinwall on Long Pond Carolyn Miller on Chemo Pond Dwight Aspinwall on Long Pond Christian Oren on Songo River Roy Bagley on Holland Pond Tyler Oren on Songo River Terry Bellman on Pushaw Lake Cheryl Parziale on Multiple Ponds Lerryn Besancon on Thompson Lake Laura Peakes on Wassookeag Lake Daniel Bishop on Songo River Gerard Plourde on Long Lake Barbara Boardman on Duckpuddle Pond Susan Poole on Moosehead Lake Leslie Bowe on Jean Proach on Great East Lake Mike Bowe on Annabessacook Lake Laurie Rich on Kidney Pond Casey Bowie on Square Lake, Eagle, Laurie Rich on Daicey Pond Mud, Long Lake & Cross Lakes Julie Rumrill on Long Pond & Somes Pond Joan Boyce on Beech Hill Pond Susan Sebestyen on Crystal Lake Melissa Brandt on Alligator Lake Phyllis Heineman on Little Pushaw Pond Nancy Smith on Great East Lake David Brown on Panther Pond Ellie Hopkins on Locke Pond Brian Smith on Mcgrath Pond Dick Butterfield on Damariscotta Lake Joanne Howard on Beech Hill Pond Diane Smith on Mcgrath Pond Joe Callahan on Holland Pond Dan Hutchins on Wassookeag Lake James Smith on Clearwater & Wilson Louis Cloutier on Pushaw Lake Carolyn Johnston on Beech Hill Pond Ponds Dorothy Cloutier on Pushaw Lake Larry Johnston on Beech Hill Pond Beverly Smith on Ponds in Casco Maurice Collin on Long Lake Peter Kallin on Long Pond Pam Stephens on Embden Pond Rose Marie Collin on Long Lake Dee Kasprzak on Great East Lake Jack Stephens on Embden Pond Marie Connolly on Panther Pond Peggy Kaufman on Wassookeag Lake Christine Stevens on Little Pushaw Pond Doug Crane on Wassookeag Lake Tom 'Rusty' Knight on Anasagunticook Adrienne Strout on Wassookeag Lake Neil Crane on Wassookeag Lake Lake Pat Theisen on Great East Lake Vernon Crane on Wassookeag Lake Tom LaCrosse on Long Lake Rob True on Salmon Lake Retha Crawford on Wassookeag Lake Jon Lawton on Brewer Lake Martin Velishka on Beaver Mountain Lake, John Cummings on Androscoggin Lake Charlotte Lawton on Brewer Lake Dodge , Quimby & Round Ponds Linda Daigle on Long Lake Vernita Leins on Chemo Pond Anthony Violette on Moosehead Lake Pamela Green on Androscoggin Lake Robert Leins on Chemo Pond Thomas Warren on Center Pond Mal Dawson on Salmon Lake Fred Leisentritt on Up. Cold Stream Pond Bill Watson on Damariscotta Lake Richard DiBiase on Alamoosook Lake Marsha Letourneau on Square Pond Priscilla Watson on Damariscotta Lake Brenda Dickey on Center Pond David Lind on French Hill Pond John Welch on Crystal Lake Ray Dickey on Center Pond Kathleen Lukas on Pushaw Lake Gloria Wheaton on Beech Hill Pond Mickey Dipesa on Dick Martin on Salmon Lake Matt Whitegiver on Beech Hill Pond Amy Dodge on Branch Lake Lloyd Mason on Great East Lake Bill Williamson on Damariscotta Lake Sandi Duchesne on Pushaw Lake Jana Wood on Wassookeag Lake Rob Eaton on Flanders Pond Betsy Enright on Salmon Lake Cindy Fahey on Long Pond Mark Fahey on Long Pond Eric Falconer on Linda Fish on Minnehonk Lake Kim Gass on Crescent Lake Sal Gebbia on Kennebunk Pond Austin Georgiades on Lake Terramungus, CT Thomas Greene on Whetstone Pond Pamela Griffith on Little Pushaw Pond Roger Griffith on Little Pushaw Pond Gisele Hall on Long Lake Glenda Hargreaves on Porter Lake Kyle Hargreaves on Porter Lake

9 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Thanks to Supporters for 2009 Successes 2009 Lake & Watershed Appeal n behalf of the VLMP Abrams Pond Association Loon Lake Association Development Committee and Alford Lake/Lermond Pond Assoc. Madison Water District Allen Pond Improvement Association Megunticook Watershed Association Board, heartfelt thanks to Bear Pond Improvement Association Muscongus Pond Association Oall who contributed to the VLMP in Association and Bel- Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preserva- grade Regional Lakes Alliance tion 2009. This thank you comes with the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alli- Parker Pond Association, Inc. ance Pemaquid Watershed Association recognition that these are hard times Brettuns Pond Association Pequawket Lake Preservation As- Cathance Lake Association sociation and contributions, at all levels, are Citizens Association of Liberty Lakes Pickerel Pond Association generous. Clearwater Lake Improvement Assoc. Pitcher Pond Improvement Assoc. Clemons Pond Association Pleasant Pond Protective Association The Spring and Fall Appeals totaled Craig Pond Association Portland Water District Crystal Lake Association Sabbathday Lake Association approximately 25% of VLMP income Dexter Lakes Association Sebasticook Lake Association Embden Pond Association Summer Haven Lakes Association for 2009. This is substantial. Your Five Kezars Watershed Association Taylor Pond Association support has allowed the VLMP to Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed Thompson Lake Environmental Assoc. Great East Lake Improvement Assoc. Wilson Lake Association complete one of the most productive Green & Mirror Pond Association Webb Lake Association Hancock & Sand Ponds Association and successful seasons in the history Hebron Water Company of the organization. A record Howard Pond Preservation Assoc. Kennebunk Pond Association number of new volunteers and new Keoka Lake Association Lake Auburn Watershed Protection lakes have been brought into the Commission program, including the volunteer who Lake Moxie Campowners Association Lake Wesserunsett Association discovered the hydrilla infestation in Lakeville Camp Owners Association Damariscotta Lake. Little Ossipee Lake Association Little Wilson Pond Improvement Assoc. This year the VLMP will be facing Long Pond Association 2009 General Donations similar economic challenges of reduced Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance state and federal funding support. The Community Credit Union VLMP Development Committee and Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District Board look forward to your continued Herbert & Mary Adams Bill Bausch and thoughtful support in 2010. Susan & Douglas Boyd Kyle Emery David Lind Scott Lowell Richard & Lauré McKeen Tamara Lee Pinard Lea & Ken Stabinski Clyde D. Walton Virginia & Paul Warren

2009 In Kind Donations Beaver Cove Marina Ross & Bunny Wescott Clark Marine Lew Wetzel Dunkin’ Donuts of Auburn Stan Wood Heidi's Brooklyn Deli Maine Bucket Company Portland Water District Reggie’s Kawasaki Ski-Doo Roopers Redemption & Beverage Center Tamara Lee Pinard Symantec Corporation Chair, VLMP Development Committee Water Monitoring Equipment & Supply

10 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Thanks to Supporters for 2009 Successes 2009 Fall Appeal as of Jan 31, 2010 Portage Lake Association Sandra & Donald Dumont Joe Longtin Rudolph & Marguerite Stanzel Damariscotta Lake Watershed Cynthia & Bob Dunlap Mary Griffith Lynch Norman & Deborah Stiles Association Ann M. Dyer Norman & Barbara Marcotte Carl & Sarah Stillwell Madison Water District Joe Emerson Bert & Betty Mason William & Sara Stockwell Anonymous (2) Jim & Aubrie Entwood Christine Merchant & Gordon Stuart Sharon Abair Owen & Ruth Evans Wayne Davis Bob & Peggy Susbury Dorothy Adams Eileen Fair Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Meyer Marcie Teele Matt & Stefany Arsenault Dr. Roy & Ruth Farnsworth Robert & Cathy Meyer Eben B. & Susan Thomas Laura & Ed Atlee Lawrence & Dianne Fleury Bill & Grace Monagle Catherine & Robert Thorpe William Atwater Katherine Fricker Thomas & Brenda Mower Jim & Janet Timmins Susan Bailey John & Carol Gabranski Wynn & Sandra Muller Woody & Susan Trask Pat Baldwin Yolande Gay Richard Neal Peter & Elizabeth Trouant Marygrace & Peter Barber Bill Gies II Gerry & Meg Nelson Alexander Turbyne, III Skip & Claudette Bartosch Diane & Jim Gloriant Steve & Karen O'Bryan Thomas & Jeanne Tuttle Mike Becker Ralph Gould Whitney Wing Oppersdorff Peter Vaux Gene Bergoffen Dan & Lori Guerette Daniel Orino Clyde D. Walton Kerry & Doug Black Christine Guerette James J. & Wanda Orino Bob & Jackie Warren Bill Blaine Thomas R. & Judy A. Hamilton Donald & Barbara Paiton Barbara & Dana Waugh John & Mary Bogar Phoebe Hardesty Pamela Parvin Carden & Ann Welsh Mr. George Bouchard Elin Haugen Rodger & Patricia Patterson F. W. Weston, Jr. Anne & Rich Bray David Hodsdon Elizabeth Payne Lew & Miriam Wetzel Leon Bresloff & Mary Bayer Ken Hodsdon Barbara & Wallace Penrod Paul Wight Mike Bridges & Kenneth Holt Roscue 'Russ' Perham Bob & Ann Williams Maureen Flanagan Ellie Hopkins John & Shirley Pierce Marcia Williamson Charles & Halina Bryne Jane Ice Tamara Lee Pinard Pat & Tom Willis Daniel E. Buckley Richard Jennings Buddy Potts Len & Mary Winsky John & Mary Bussell Gilliam Johnston Joseph J. & Kathleen A. Potts Mike & Joan Wisher Michael R. Cannon Denise Joy & Fred Flammia Waldo Preble Gordon Wright Rob Caron Steve Kahl Jim & Joan Proctor Callie Wronker Katie Carville Donald Kale Lea & José Ramirez David Clement Robert & Patricia Keeler Dan & Martha Reeve Robert E. Crawford Brigitte & Harold Kingsbury William Reid Retha T. Crawford Robert Kramer Dennis Roberge John Crouch & Dr. Barry Kutzen John Sanders Poppy Connor-Crouch David & Lisa Ladd Rich & Lonny Schneider Joan & Charles Dattelbaum Chuck & Christine Lamb John & Claudia Scholz Jane & Libby Davis David Landry Ron Schutt Mal & Ellen Dawson John Laskey Keith & Ellen Shaughnessy Thomas A. Dionis Peter M. Leslie Carolyn & Warner Slack Deidre & Michael Donovan George & Charlotte Lewis Christie Souza Joel & Rosemarie Dulberg Robert & Gloria Limoges Don & Ingrid Stanley

2008 Annual Fund Donors Previously Unlisted 2009 Agency & Foundation Support Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust Boyden Lakes Association Horizon Foundation Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association Maine Community Foundation Pattee Pond Association Maine Department of Environmental Protection Anne & Rich Bray Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Rob Caron Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc Robert E. Crawford Roy A. Hunt Foundation Thomas & Gail Finlay US Environmental Protection Agency Steve Lewis William Wharton Trust Bob & Susan Moore Tamara Lee Pinard Dennis Roberge Bob Tracy Peter & Elizabeth Trouant Stanton Whitman Pat & Tom Willis

11 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Thank you, Thank you! — To our 2009 Spring Appeal donors. A record number of new volunteers joined the VLMP last sum- We met, and exceeded the $7,000 Spring mer, and your generous support was essen- Appeal matching challenge! tial to our being able to provide them with high-quality training and equipment.

2009 Spring Appeal Anonymous (3) Maple Hill Farm B&B and Conference Debbie Mitchell Martin & Fiora Arnold Center Paul Mitnik Laura & Ed Atlee Lesley Devoe Earl & Joanne Morse William Atwater Thomas A. Dionis Wynn & Sandra Muller John Atwater, Jr. Deidre & Michael Donovan Richard Neal Susan Bailey Joel & Rosemarie Dulberg Steve & Karen O'Bryan Pat Baldwin Bruce & Sharon Eastman Karen & David Packhem Howard & Sally Barter R. Dennis Ellis Donald & Barbara Paiton Skip & Claudette Bartosch Joe Emerson Kathy Parlee Mike Becker Jim & Aubrie Entwood Barry & Donna Patrie Scott Bernardy Josephine Ewing Rodger & Patricia Patterson Roy R. Bischoff Dr. Roy & Ruth Farnsworth Barbara & Wallace Penrod Bill Blaine Bruce Fenn & Susan Therrien-Fenn Charles J. & Frances Pichette Virginia S. Bourne Robert & Sibyl French John & Shirley Pierce Kathleen & James Boutselis John & Carol Gabranski Joseph J. & Kathleen A. Potts James & Susan Bowersett Bonnell & Jean Gardner Jim & Joan Proctor Robert Breen & Deborah Wade Larry R. Gaudreau Randy Richardson Leon Bresloff & Mary Bayer Robert Giencke Karen M. Robbins Betsy Brisk Bill Gies II Dennis Roberge Warren H. & Bethany Bryant Ed & Sandy Graham Meg Rothberg Charlotte & John Calhoun Dan & Lori Guerette Carol Rothenberg Deborah Cayer Bart & Mary Ann Hague John Sanders Carmen & Jacob Coulombe Bob Hall Gerry & Christie Saunders Charlotte Hallett Arthur Schilling Ken Hodsdon Spring Challenge Fund Contributors Rich & Lonny Schneider Ellie Hopkins Ron Schutt Richard Jennings Matt Scott Three-decade Lake Monitor & Neil & Peggy Jensen Ralph & Ellen Shapiro Owner of Ocean View at Falmouth Rick Johnson Rick & Becky Southwick Denise Joy & Fred Flammia Ella L. Stevens VLMP Board Contributors Steve Kahl Nancy & Fred Stine Linda Bacon John & Polly Kaiser William & Sara Stockwell George A. Cross, Jr. Donald Kale Bob & Peggy Susbury Mary Jane Dillingham Robert & Patricia Keeler Marcie Teele Peter Fischer Ed & Carol Knapp Dick Thibodeau Phoebe Hardesty Ralph G. Knowles Brian & Meredith Thomas Gerry & Meg Nelson Carol Lafond Mr. & Mrs. George Tranchemontagne Bill & Grace Monagle Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Landry Brainard Tripp Kirsten Ness David Landry Rob True Tamara Lee Pinard John Laskey Herman & Nancy Voigt Peter Vaux John & Susan Laslie Bob & Jackie Warren Clyde D. Walton William & Christina Latham Beatty & Bill Watts Lew & Miriam Wetzel Betty P. Lee Barbara & Dana Waugh Melissa Legg & Richard Reeves Michael & Penny Weinstein Additional Challenge Fund Donors Victor Lerish Ross & Bunny Wescott Center Pond Improvement Assoc. Elden & Deborah Lingwood F. W. Weston, Jr. Mary Griffith Lynch Pleasant Lake Parker Pond Assoc. Robert L. Wheeler Bert & Betty Mason Steve & Melanie Ness Paul Wight Judith R. McGeorge Bob & Ann Williams Scott Williams & Roberta Hill Robert & Delphine McLean Len & Mary Winsky Suzanne Uhl-Melanson & Jeff Melanson Andrew Zuorski Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Meyer photo: Sibyl French Sibyl photo:

12 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 Algal Toxins in Maine Lakes? Volunteer Lake Monitors Assist DEP in Two Year Study Monitoring Maine Lakes for Algae Toxins S.W. uring the summers of You may be surprised to learn that, although algae are vital to virtually all forms of life in lakes and ponds, 2008 and 2009 , Maine under certain circumstances they can be very DEP monitored a total toxic. Documented toxic blue-green algal blooms Dof 31 lakes, 10 of them mul- (aka: cyanobacteria) have been reported in North tiple times and all at least once America for many years, and toxic algae, in general, have actually been documented dating back to in August for a total of more ancient Rome. than 80 open water samples. But recently, perhaps due to a number of circum- All of them have a history of stances, which may include the effects of climate By Roy Bouchard supporting dense cyanophyte change (milder winter temperatures, reduced ice Maine DEP, Lakes (“blue-green” algae) blooms in cover and warmer summers), algal blooms in the Assessment Biologist the recent past. United States and Canada have been on the increase, as have poisonings of wildlife and domestic Typically, samples were composited from 2-3 stations within 1/4 animals, fish, and aquatic biota from toxic blooms. mile of our standard open water monitoring stations at the deep- Cyanotoxins, the toxic compounds that are formed est part of the lake. Our standard protocol calls for an integrated by cyanobacteria, have also been implicated in epilimnetic (composite surface layer) sample which is filtered human illness, and even death. Toxic blooms prob- ably have negative economic impacts on water and frozen to preserve toxins present in plankton. Additionally, uses—certainly drinking water—and property values, surface scums were sampled when encountered (seven samples). as well. In a position paper on toxic cyanobacteria Toxin analyses were performed at ESF-Syracuse by Dr. Greg blooms, the North American Lake Management Society states: “The human health, ecological, and Boyer's lab, which used PPIA analysis to detect total algal toxin economic impacts of cyanobacteria blooms can be microcystin (MC) LR-equivalents (all activity of microcystin very high.” (see NALMS Position Statement 8: congeners and nodularins combined). Above a response of 0.5 www.nalms.org/nalmsnew/userfiles/file/nalms_posi- ppb, these samples were also run on HPLC-MS to differenti- tion_8_cyanobacteria.pdf) ate major microcystin congeners and 7 variants of nodularins. Cyanobacteria blooms occur in all freshwater sys- Algal toxins anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin were run by tems, including lakes and ponds. However, the intensity and duration of an algal bloom very likely high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry determines the extent to which compounds associ- (HPLC-MS: chromatography physically separates the molecules ated with the algae reach unhealthful toxic levels. by size, shape and electric charge, and MS gets signals about Because the degree to which algal blooms occur is how each piece of the mix responds to a signal.. Certain chemi- related to the availability of nutrients, like phospho- rus, in the water, the large majority of Maine’s clear, cal groups show up as separate peaks as they react in a magnetic low nutrient lakes may be at somewhat lower risk of field). 2009 results for PSP and BMAA are pending. In addition experiencing algal toxins than bodies of water in the to toxin analysis we analyzed water samples for Total Phosphorus, southern part of the U.S. Although the algae/bac- teria that form blooms most often accumulate in Nitrogen (TKN and NO2-NO3), and Chlorophyll_a. “scums” that are visible on the water surface, in a wide range of colors from bright blue to brown, some of the bacteria that produce toxins do not form sur- face scums. There is still much to be learned about why some blooms produce more toxins than others. In an effort to determine potential levels of cyanotoxins in Maine lakes that have a history of significant algal blooms, the Maine DEP sampled 31 lakes during the summers of 2008 and 2009. VLMP volunteers who monitored lakes on the list assisted DEP staff with this project. The following summary of the algae toxins monitoring project was prepared late in 2009 by DEP Biologist Roy Bouchard.

Algal surface scum in a lake experiencing a "bloom" 13 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 What We Found in 2008 2008-09 Microcystin Positive Lake Samples No samples tested positive for less common toxins (Anatoxins or Cylindrospermopsin). Saxitoxin was not analyzed in this year’s sam- World Heath Organization ples, but is highly unlikely. However, we did Drinking Water Standard find microcystins in 13 of the 41 core (epilim- netic) samples from open water. The detected concentrations ranged from 0.27 ug/L to 1.05 ug/L. (micrograms per liter —or ug/L is equivalent to parts per billion—or ppb) These low levels were a bit unexpected, since we had a number of days when the Secchi readings were below 1.5 meters and some lakes were The graph shows the concentration of algal toxin microcystin for the samples taken below 1 meter the day we sampled. Other from Maine lakes in 2008 and 2009. Only a few of the samples exceeded the World states report similar levels in their better qual- Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. Most of the samples were well below that level. ity waters. However, they often report much higher microcystin levels compared with our ing limit. Results for microcystins show MC above detec- “worst case” situations since their total phosphorus can be tion limit on detect on 32 of 43 open water samples rang- an order of magnitude higher and many bloom conditions ing from 0.029 to 1.93 ug/L. Three were above the World sampled are far worse than ours. Health Organization (WHO) drinking water advisory The lab noted that in a number of cases, the detection limit standard of 1 ug/L. for MC was at or above 0.1 ppb, due to the relatively low The six surface scum samples contained high levels of concentration and limited amount of material presented on microcystins and ranged from 11 to almost 12,000 ug/L on each filter. With higher sensitivity, it is probable that more a wet weight basis and 1.7 to 451 ug/g dry wt. detects would have been reported. All of the toxicity in samples run by LCMS was attributed to As expected, four of the six surface scums (sampled by vol- microcystin-LR and no nodularin was identified. No sam- unteers or our staff) had moderate to high concentrations ples were positive for Anatoxin -a or Cylindrospermopsin. of microcystins (324-21,476 ppb dry weight). These values The laboratory report notes that in their experience "…less are in line with what is reported from studies all around the than 4% of all samples analyzed test positive for anatoxin-a, world. Unfortunately, these are usually expressed in terms homo-anatoxin or its metabolites. Even fewer test positive of % microcystins by weight of dried material and thus can’t for cylindrospermopsin, which is extremely rare in northern easily be related to open water numbers referenced above. latitudes." What We Found in 2009 Open water sample microcystin concentrations for both This year our samples were submitted as paired filters for years are shown below. When complete, a project summary analysis, increasing the sensitivity and lowering the report- will be posted at www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docmonitoring/lake

Save the Date Conference highlights from 2010 VLMP Lake 2009 including volunteer Monitoring awards and presentation slides Conference are on the VLMP website Saturday July 31, 2010 www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/conference Pleasant Pond in Turner

14 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 NLA Continued from page 4 wide range of aquatic life, drinking water and Passings recreation. The NLA also looked at how lakes that were Bertrum A. Mason impacted by wastewater in the 1970’s (particu- Bertrum "Bert" Mason, Jr. a long-standing larly direct discharges to lakes, which are now steward of Little Wilson Pond passed away virtually nonexistent) were affected by treatment on December 10, 2009. Bert touched many systems and other pollution control activities. It lives during his vibrant 84 year life and the found that 75% of that group of lakes had either members of the Little Wilson Pond com- improved, or showed no change since that time, munity consider themselves fortunate to have suggesting that investments in systems to treat known him and to have benefited from his wastewater discharges to lakes since that time efforts to protect their cherished pond. Bert appear to be working, even as lakes and their was a pioneer in water quality management. watersheds have become more populated. He was actively involved with the Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association since its inception in 1962 and for numerous years Bert The survey findings suggest that our lakes are vul- served as president and director of the pond association. Bert was a nerable to excess human disturbances, and it sup- straight talker who respected the need to balance recreational oppor- ports reports from state lake management programs tunities around the pond with responsible water quality protection. throughout the country which increasingly report Bert set an example for future watershed protectors to follow and he that development pressures on lakes are steadily will be fondly remembered. growing. In tribute to Bert the Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association The survey also suggests that degraded shoreline has made a donation to the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. habitat causes significant stress to lake systems, which in turn makes the case for a need for stronger management of lakeshore development. Jay H. Vreeland The NLA looked at lakes and their shorelines, Jay Vreeland was a water quality monitor on Crystal Lake in Gray. including the effects of shoreline development We first met Jay a few years ago at a training workshop, at which on lakeshore habitat. It did not directly assess time it became clear that he knew more about the dynamics of light the effect of watershed development, which also attenuation in the process of measuring lake transparency than all has a strong influence on the health of lake eco- the rest of us combined. Jay was a physical chemist by profession, systems. However, it is reasonable to assume that but we soon learned that he had a wide range of skills and knowl- the water quality findings of the survey reflect edge that greatly enhanced his work as a volunteer lake monitor. He conditions in lake watersheds, as well. was affable and generous with his expansive knowledge of science. The conclusions reached in the National Lakes Assessment do not come as a great surprise! In fact, they vindicate efforts used in Maine for four decades William L. Daniels by the Maine DEP and VLMP volunteers to moni- “Doc” Daniels was a water quality monitor on Pleasant Lake in tor, assess and protect the State’s lakes and ponds. Island Falls. He was a most unforgettable individual, from his warm personality to his insatiable curiosity about the natural world. A It is important to note that the NLA survey physician with many accomplishments, he was recognized by the describes the target group of lakes that were Maine Osteopathic association as General Practitioner of the year in sampled, and makes general conclusions about 1957. He cross country skied to the age of 86, and was widely rec- the nation’s lakes. Information for this article was ognized for his remarkable bird carvings. A trip to Island Falls for a extracted from EPA summaries of the NLA sur- workshop always included an engaging conversation with Doc. We vey, and from an overview of the study prepared will all miss him. by EPA Scientist, Neil Kamman. The draft NLA study is available online at: www.epa.gov/lakessurvey

15 The Water Column—Maine VLMP's Winter 2010 Newsletter online at: www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/WCWinter2010 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION Maine Volunteer U.S. POSTAGE Lake Monitoring Program PAID LEWISTON, ME 24 Maple Hill Rd PERMIT 96 CURRY PRINTING Auburn, Maine 04210

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