Vol. 13, No. 2 Provided free of charge to our monitors and affiliates Fall 2008 Inside Lake Watershed Connections • Page 4 New Volunteers • Page 10 Welcome Aboard Spring Donations Help Train More Volunteers • Page 14 New Lake Monitors VLMP Conference Overview & Awards • Page 17

Eurasian water-milfoil found in Salmon Lake strengthens the case for early detection: page 8 What’s Inside President's Message ...... 2 Lakeside Notes ...... 3 President’s Message Lake and Watershed Connections 4 Quality Counts! ...... 7 Littorally Speaking ...... 8 Welcome New Monitors . . . . 10 Moosehead Initiative ...... 12 Thank You ...... 14 Brackett Center News ...... 16 VLMP Conference Summary & Volunteer Awards ...... 17

Bill Monagle VLMP President

Well, another summer is behind us This past June, I attended the annu-

VLMP Staff as we turn now to enjoy our beauti- al conference of the New England Scott Williams Executive Director ful, but brief Maine autumn, and Chapter of the North American Lake Roberta Hill Program Director begin preparing for our longest sea- Management Society (NEC-NALMS) VLMP's Center for son, winter. But before we go trading in Lake Morey, VT. The main confer- Invasive Aquatic Plants Secchi disks for snow shovels, I feel ence theme was a celebration of the Jim Entwood Program Coordinator Tania Neuschafer Development Coordinator it is incumbent upon me to recog- 30th anniversary of Vermont’s Lay Jackey Bailey IAS Program Assistant nize and thank the hard working staff Monitoring Program, as well as rec-

Christine Guerette Program Assistant of the VLMP, the VLMP Board of ognition of other New England pro- Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) Directors, and the hundreds of vol- grams, including the Maine VLMP

Board of Directors unteer monitors and supporters for (the longest-running such program Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) another great year. It would be hard to in the U.S.; at 37 years!). Our own Tamara Lee Pinard, Vice President (Westbrook) imagine Maine’s many beautiful lakes Roberta Hill was there demonstrat- Lew Wetzel, Treasurer (Casco) Mary Nelson, Secretary (Lovell) and ponds maintaining their reputa- ing and promoting the VLMP’s vir- George Cross (Sangerville ) tion as some of the most pristine in the tual Secchi re-certification program, Mary Jane Dillingham (Auburn) nation if not for the attention paid to as well as the newly updated Maine Peter Fischer (Bristol) the health of our lakes by the VLMP Field Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants. Phoebe Hardesty (New Gloucester) over the past 37 years. I received many comments from other Gerry Nelson (Lovell) Kirsten Ness (Waterville) attendees about how impressed they Under the direction of Executive Peter Vaux (Orono) were with these new products and Clyde Walton (Fayette) Director Scott Williams, the VLMP how on the “cutting edge” the Maine staff of Roberta Hill, Jim Entwood, Editorial Staff VLMP is. It really made me proud to Scott Williams Richard Jennings Tania Neuschafer, Jackey Bailey, be associated with such a great organi- Roberta Hill Jim Entwood, Layout Christine Guerette, and Linda Bacon zation. I’m sure most, if not all of you (DEP Technical Advisor), as well as To Contact Us feel the same way. And so, when you 24 Maple Hill Road interns and office volunteers represent receive your copy of this edition of the Auburn, Maine 04210 the drivetrain of arguably the finest 207-783-7733 Water Column and read this message, non-profit lake protection organiza- [email protected] I anticipate hearing a collective round tion in the nation. And the VLMP www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org of applause no matter how distant you is fortunate to have such exceptional, may be! Funding for this newsletter is made possible by grants dedicated directors from diverse back- from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, through grounds that offer their time to pro-

Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. vide support and guidance to the staff, Printed on Recycled Paper by: as well as serving on one or several Curry Printing & Graphics - Auburn, Maine committees to tackle specific issues. Cover: Invasive Plant Patrollers pause for group photo dur- ing IPP Field Methods workshop on Damariscotta Lake 2

Lakeside

Notes

Connecting Volunteer Lake Monitoring

Scott Williams Data with the Watershed VLMP Executive Director

As you may know, the water quality quality data. From a scientific perspec- What Can You Do?

data you collect not only reflects the tive, lakes and their watersheds are one Community understanding of the lake conditions in the lake, but also gauges interconnected physical, chemical and and watershed connection is funda- the health of the surrounding water- biological ecosystem. mental to virtually all efforts to protect

shed—the land mass and tributaries lake water quality. As a volunteer lake Over the years, the VLMP has helped that drain into the lake. Watershed monitor, you have the potential to support the work of hundreds of vol- development can alter the natural bal- greatly facilitate and heighten local unteer monitors in their efforts to ances that help maintain stable lake awareness by sharing your experiences protect the lakes that they monitor. water quality. As a VLMP monitor, and knowledge with individuals in The consistent, science—based message to you are trained to measure indicators your watershed communities, includ- volunteer monitors and their communi- of lake water quality that are affect- ing members of local lake associations, ties has always emphasized that water- ed by changes in the watershed. For conservation commissions, planning shed stewardship is the primary means of example, Secchi disk readings measure boards and others. ensuring long term lake health. the abundance of algae in lake water, Another way in which you can add which is largely determined by the As a volunteer lake water quality mon- help to make the connection between concentration of phosphorus in the itor, you may already know a fair your lake data and the watershed is by lake. The amount of phosphorus in amount about the watershed of the helping to organize, and participat- individual lakes is influenced by both lake that you monitor, including which ing in a watershed survey—a project natural and human factors in lake towns are completely or partially con- that is focused on identifying specific watersheds. tained in the drainage area, and the sources of phosphorus in the water- overall expanse of the land area that You may have become interested shed that can pollute stormwater run- drains into the lake. You may also be in monitoring your lake because of off that flows to the lake. In recent aware of the location of the water- questions you had about changes in years, dozens of such surveys have been shed boundaries, tributary streams, your lake’s water quality. And you conducted in lake watersheds through- wetlands, and a good deal more. might have quickly discovered that the out Maine. The information gained answers to those questions could be traced to factors external to the lake. Water Quality In fact, most discussions about lake Monitoring Data water quality invariably shift to the

Protecting Lake Raising Community watershed, because what we observe in the water is determined in no small Water Quality Awareness way by the land area that drains into the lake. Nearly all of the water in a lake travels through some portion of

the watershed before it reaches the Implementing Watershed

lake basin, where we take Secchi disk Conservation Assessment readings and gather additional water Practices 3 from a watershed survey is a great way lake monitors in helping their communi- to play in helping watershed com- to heighten community awareness of ties connect lake data with the watershed. munities understand the connection lake and watershed connections, and it Whenever possible, we will guide vol- between, and the influence of water- can be an important first step toward unteers toward existing programs that sheds on lakes. We encourage you to fixing watershed problems, improving are already working to help protect lake learn more about those connections, lake water quality, and providing long- water quality, such as the Watershed and to use your knowledge to help term protection for the lake. Stewards program at the University your community better understand the of Maine Cooperative Extension, the link between the data you collect and You can also play a valuable role in work of the many County Soil and your lake watershed. communicating information to water- Water Conservation Districts through- shed community residents concerning For more information see the fol- out the state, and the Maine DEP’s the use of lake-friendly conservation lowing article on Lake and Watershed LakeSmart program. practices, such as vegetated buffers, Connections. which can very effectively filter pol- As a volunteer lake monitor, you are lutants like phosphorus and sediment trained to collect objective scientific from stormwater runoff. water quality data on your lake. But there is also an important science- Starting in 2009, the VLMP will more based stewardship role for volunteers actively encourage and assist volunteer

Lake and Watershed

Connections By Scott Williams

The Basics Every lake and pond has a watershed, which in its most simple form, can be thought of as the bowl-shaped land area surrounding a lake that drains to the low spot in the landscape where all of the water in the bowl eventually flows A lake’s watershed encompasses all the —the lake. surrounding land that drains into it. Human activities on the land within the watershed

can affect water quality as pollutants Watershed boundaries are defined by high points in the ter- such as soil and fertilizers are carried rain surrounding the lake, such as ridges and hilltops. Water into the lake by stormwater runoff. that falls on the land on the inner side of the boundary flows toward, and will eventually reach the lake (unless it shoreline into nearby communities. For example, the direct evaporates along the way). Outside of the watershed bound- watershed for Damariscotta Lake (Figure 1) encompasses ary, water flows to another body of water—another lake, or an area greater than 75 square miles, extending into five a stream or river. All water ultimately flows to the sea. towns. Our focus is on lake watersheds, because watersheds are an Direct and Indirect Watersheds integral component of lake ecosystems, and conditions in A direct watershed consists of the land area that drains the watershed influence conditions in the lake. Watersheds directly to a lake, without first draining to another lake. come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, depending entirely All lakes have a direct watershed. However, some lakes also on the lay of the land surrounding individual lakes. A water- have indirect watersheds, because one or more upstream shed boundary may follow the general shape of the lake, (higher elevation) lakes discharge into the direct watershed extending only a short distance from the shoreline, though of the downstream lake. In such cases, the watershed of that is not generally the case. The surrounding terrain may the upstream lake(s) is the indirect watershed of the down- be such that the watershed extends miles away from the stream lake. 4 Figure 1 The concept of direct into the towns of Norway and Raymond. This map does Damariscotta Lake Watershed and indirect watersheds not show topographic contours, but the major streams that is pretty straightfor- flow through the watershed are shown to help illustrate how ward. Imagine a “chain land that is situated several miles away drains to the lake. If of lakes”, in which the included on this map, the topographic contours would con- water that flows out firm the location of the watershed boundaries, as well as the of one lake at a higher stream channels, but all of this information would be dif- elevation eventually ficult to sort out in black and white. Thompson Lake has a flows into another lake surface area of 4,225 acres. The direct watershed area for the that is situated lower lake, which is the light shaded area that surrounds the lake, in the landscape. The measures about 35.3 square miles. The indirect watershed, chain might consist which also includes the watersheds of Saturday, Moose and of just two, or several Sand Ponds, measures 39.3 square miles. The dark shaded interconnected lakes. area that surrounds these three small ponds denotes their The indirect watershed direct watersheds, which are included in the indirect water- for the lake at the bot- shed of Thompson Lake, because all three discharge into tom (lowest elevation) Thompson Lake. Note that each of the smaller ponds has a of the chain would include the watersheds of all of the lakes surface elevation higher than that of Thompson Lake. situated at higher elevations (upstream). But the

lake at the top of the chain would have only a direct Figure 2 watershed, because there are no further upstream Saturday Pond Watershed lakes.

Figure 2 illustrates the direct watershed for Saturday Pond in the Town of Otisfield. Saturday Pond has a surface area of about 171 acres. The direct watershed (the boundary of which is drawn with the heavy shaded line that surrounds the pond) encompasses an area of 1.31 square miles. All of the Saturday Pond watershed is situated relatively close to the lake. In this illustration, the boundar- ies are drawn on a topographic map that shows the contours of the terrain. A close look at the eleva- tion of the contours on the map (numbers drawn

on the lines, indicating feet above sea level) shows that the watershed boundary follows the highest

points in the terrain surrounding Saturday Pond. The low point in the watershed is Saturday Pond

itself, which has an elevation of 531 feet above sea level. All of the terrain in the watershed is higher,

as shown by the map contour elevations. Water that falls inside of the boundary of the Saturday Pond

watershed will eventually reach the pond, unless it evaporates along the way. Note that the only point

where the watershed boundary intersects the shore- line of the pond is where the water is flowing out of Saturday Pond, thus leaving the watershed.

Figure 3 illustrates both the direct and indirect watersheds for Thompson Lake, a much larger lake, with a much larger watershed. The lake is situated in the towns of Oxford, Poland, Casco and Otisfield, but the watershed extends further 5 Indirect watersheds can be very large. For example, the indi- can be dramatically altered by development. The creation rect watershed for Sebago Lake measures 361 square miles, of roads, residential and commercial buildings and other which includes many lakes and ponds, each with their own structures, parking areas, agricultural land and virtually watershed, eventually draining into Sebago. This watershed everything else associated with all forms of development, includes portions of 23 towns. changes the ways in which water flows through the water-

shed. Development typically causes increases in both the

Figure 3 volume and the velocity of stormwater runoff, resulting in Thompson Lake Watershed increased soil erosion, higher concentrations of phosphorus in stormwater runoff, as well as the introduction of other

pollutants in the water travelling to lakes.

In addition to the quantitative changes (increases in) storm-

water runoff from developed areas in lake watersheds,

changes in quality also occur. When compared to runoff from similar undeveloped areas, stormwater runoff from developed watersheds typically contains higher concentra-

tions of substances that can cause lake water quality to

decline, such as phosphorus, and sediment from soil erosion. A study conducted by the Maine DEP in the 1980's found that stormwater runoff from residential development may contain

up to 5-10 times more phosphorus than runoff from similar

undeveloped watersheds. The findings of this Maine study were similar to those of similar research conducted in other areas of the country.

Protecting lake watersheds from the effects of watershed develop- ment protects lake water quality because lake ecosystems include

the watershed. The use of conservation practices to minimize

the effects of both new and existing development is essential to the long-term health of our lakes. For lakes with complex indirect watersheds, the greatest “bang for the buck” can

be achieved by addressing issues in the direct watershed. If

problems in all of the direct watersheds can be resolved, then the indirect watershed issues are also addressed. Future articles on this topic will cover more specific infor- mation about how both natural and human factors in lake watersheds influence lake quality, and case histories of watershed assessment and stewardship projects, in which Watershed Influences on Lakes volunteer lake monitors have played key roles. Watersheds influence lakes in a number of ways. Natural Thanks to Kristen Feindel, Maine DEP for help in preparing the features of lake watersheds have a strong bearing on the basic watershed maps for this article. chemistry of lake water, including the availability of nutri- ents like phosphorus. The size of the watershed, relative to the volume of water in the lake affects how often the water is exchanged, or “flushed” during the year. Other natural factors include soil types, steepness of terrain, the location of wetlands, the types, density and location of vegetation that absorbs and filters water and recycles nutrients, and the natural pathways (tributaries) by which water travels down through the watershed. Lake water quality is also strongly affected by human factors, because the natural watershed influences described above

6 Quality Counts! Recertification Blues www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/recertify ne of the frequently asked questions To access this tool, go to the web address we get is ‘Why do we need to be above. At the top, you may log in to the recertified so often?’ This is often fol- system and begin the official recertification Olowed up with something like ‘I’ve been doing process, or near the bottom, there is a “Try it these readings for 12 years, I should have it Out” option. down by now.’ We realize that it takes time and When you begin the online recertification seems like a bother, but it is the foundation the process, you are asked to choose conditions VLMP sits upon. And the foundation has a that best represent your lake: clear, intermedi- By Linda Bacon new addition… Maine DEP Technical ate, productive, dystrophic (highly colored), Recertifications are an integral part of this dystrophic and productive. Be sure to read the Advisor program. It assures that data collected by vol- descriptions that accompany each lake type to

unteers is reliable. It also provides volunteers help choose a lake similar to the one you moni- The Secchi Simulator with the opportunity to provide feedback to tor. An interactive animation will appear. Use has multiple lake types to test your technique program staff on everything from an address the up and down arrow keys to raise and lower change to how the data was used at a town the disk. When you think you are at the exact meeting, and even to whine about having to point where the reading should be taken, take a Clear Lake spend the better part of a day getting recer- reading and submit the result. The next screen tified. As you likely know, certifications for tells you what the target reading was, how close Secchi Disk Transparency are required every you were and if you were within tolerance. It is three years while Certifications for Dissolved really a great tool. You can try it out just for fun Oxygen and other advanced monitoring tech- or use it to satisfy your recertification require- niques are required annually. The annual cer- ment. If you choose to use the tool for the latter, tifications will continue to occur as they not there is a short review of the technique for you only allow us to check the techniques used by to read and a short quiz to take as well. monitors but allow us to check the equipment Intermediate Lake This tool has gotten great reviews by folks being used with the hope that equipment mal- running volunteer organizations across the functions will be identified early in the season country and most importantly, great reviews by before a volunteer has invested lots of time and monitors in the program: energy acquiring dissolved oxygen data. There is nothing worse than spending ones precious “I had to try it out! VERY Impressive! This is time gathering numbers and then being told going to be a huge time and money saver for they are no good. all involved. Great job.”Terri Marin

The good news is that we have been hearing “This is awesome!” Peter Vaux Productive Lake your dismay about the time and travel (includ- “Wow! How cool!” Jennifer Jespersen ing gasoline expense) required for Secchi recer- tifications and have introduced an online tool “I just finished the re-certification (disc) that may be used to satisfy the Secchi recerti- on line and want to commmend every- fication requirement. Our Secchi Simulator one involved for streamlining the process. went online in June of 2008. This tool was Thanks for your always appreciated hard built by ASAP Media Services students in work.” Barry Kutzen Orono who viewed video tape footage of a Secchi disk being lowered in a variety of water So please give the simulator a try! It is a ‘green types then constructed animations to simulate tool’ in more ways than one! a variety of conditions.

7

Littorally Speaking

Strengthening the case for early detection: Eurasian water-milfoil in Salmon Lake

By Roberta Hill

Program Director, VLMP's Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants

On August 4, 2008, Eurasian water- ing to Great Pond. Three days later, milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), one on August 8, a DEP dive team was of Maine’s “eleven most unwanted dispatched to remove all visible plants. invasive aquatic plants” was confirmed Simultaneously a team comprised of to be present in Salmon Lake (also local residents, State agency person- known as Ellis Lake) in Belgrade. nel, trained Invasive Plant Patrollers, Widely known as one of the most University of Maine Farmington fac- aggressive invasive aquatic plants in ulty and students, and VLMP staff

North America, Eurasian milfoil was The infestation of Eurasian water- was organized and set to the task of previously known to occur in only one milfoil in Salmon Lake (located near surveying Salmon Lake and adjacent other Maine waterbody: Pleasant Hill the public boat launch in an area waters to determine if the plant had known locally as Kozy Cove) was Pond, a small quarry pond in Scarbor- detected early and the response spread beyond the Kozy Cove area. As ough. was swift and well executed, all of of this writing no additional infested which bodes well for future efforts to areas have been found. Unlike Pleasant Hill Pond, which has control its spread.

no public access, sees little if any favorable outcome for Salmon Lake. In addition to these actions, state offi-

recreational activity, and has limited The entire course of events set in cials have deployed buoys identify-

connectivity to other Maine waters, motion by the “early detector” Kurt ing plant sites, improved signage at

Salmon Lake has an active public Lakin—the vacationing Tennessee the nearby boat ramp, communicated

boat ramp, supports a wide range of fisheries biologist who first noticed with lake shore residents on appro-

recreational activities, and is a primary the suspicious plants—functioned like priate boat usage, and increased the

headwater to a major chain of lakes. clockwork. Shortly after the suspicious hours of Courtesy Boat Inspections

But thankfully (for Salmon Lake and plants were detected, specimens were occurring at the boat ramp. Local

all of us) there is another big difference. collected and brought to the VLMP residents and conservation groups have

The earlier infestation in Pleasant Hill Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants for met to begin discussing strategies to

Pond had almost entirely overtaken the species confirmation. Within hours of guide future prevention, early detec-

available habitat in that waterbody by documentation, the Departments of tion, rapid response, management and

the time the infestation was detected. Environmental Protection (DEP) and monitoring efforts in light of the newly

The infestation in Salmon Lake, by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) identified infestation. DEP divers have

contrast, was detected relatively soon began to mobilize their Rapid Response conducted three more “search and

after introduction, before it became Plan. By August 5th, four days after destroy” missions in the cove, remov-

widespread in the waterbody. It is this the discovery of the infestation, DEP ing any additional plants found (either singular fact —the fact that the offend- biologists had surveyed the site where undetected earlier, or newly sprouted; ing invader was detected early rather the plants were first detected, and any tiny stem or root fragment left than late in the process of establishing had determined that the infestation behind can quickly produce a new itself in the waterbody, that tips the bal- was sparsely distributed throughout a plant). A total of roughly one hundred ance in favor of Salmon Lake. shallow cove, roughly seven acres in stems have now been removed from

size. The area, known locally as “Kozy Salmon Lake, and though new stems Early detection was of course not the Cove,” is between the public boat ramp are found each time the divers look, only factor working to help assure a off Route 8 and an outlet stream lead- there is good reason to believe that the 8 day will come in the not too distant ence of aquatic invaders, and to do the future when no Eurasian milfoil plants job right, all Maine waters should be are found. And the hope, of course, is surveyed routinely and repeatedly for that regular monitoring over time will the foreseeable future. But every year provide Salmon Lake with a continued we make significant progress. Every year clean bill of health. more and more of you join the ranks of Maine’s Invasive Plant Patrol. Every Nonetheless, the fact remains… had Help the year more waterbodies are screened. the infestation in Salmon Lake gone With your continued involvement and unnoticed for one, two or three years support, we will continue to build VLMP Bring more, all the while spreading quietly upon what is already seen as one of the within Salmon Lake and into adjacent most effective citizen-based early detec- waters, the efficacy of the subsequent New Lakes tion teams in the US. “rapid response,” no matter how swift and well executed, would have been Toward this end, there is one thing Onboard significantly diminished. Like a seri- that all of you could do, starting today, ous illness or epidemic, the earlier an that would help immeasurably… and infestation is detected, the better the that is, simply tell others what you Do you know someone chances are for effective remediation. are doing. Spread the word to friends, who might be interested family, local schools, and communi- in becoming a water In addition to providing a model of ty, any time the opportunity arises. quality monitor or plant superbly executed rapid response, Describe your work as an Invasive patroller? Let us know recent events at Salmon Lake have Plant Patroller. Share what you enjoy and we'll send you infor- given us important, concrete evidence about the work and what inspires you of the critical importance of building mation and an applica- to continue. Send those who are inter- a strong, sustainable, statewide early tion form to pass along. ested in learning more about the threat detection team. Thanks to all of you Or we can contact them of invasive aquatic plants, and perhaps who have participated in one or more directly if you'd prefer. in becoming involved in Maine’s early Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) workshops We can also send you a detection effort, to the VLMP web- and have spent time monitoring the packet of information in- site at: www.mainevolunteerlakemoni- waters of Maine for aquatic invaders, cluding an article for your tors/mciap/ipp. There are no limits to we are well on track in this regard. lake association newslet- the power of this kind of face-to-face ter to help recruit new Consider the following… public outreach. If each of you could volunteers.  Nearly every known infestation encourage just one person to attend

in the State of Maine has been an IPP workshop next year, we could The VLMP relies primarily detected by an informed and alert double the number of trained eyes out on word of mouth from citizen. on Maine waters in a single summer! individuals and associa-

 Roughly seventy percent of the And considering all that is at stake here tions to recruit new volun-

invasive aquatic plant survey in our beautiful water-rich state, that teers and bring new lakes would be no small achievement. activity being conducted in Maine into the program. We is now being done by trained greatly appreciate your volunteers. help with this effort and

 welcome any questions The number of waterbodies with reported surveys has increased or inquiries. nearly four-hundred percent since the IPP program began.

There is, of course, much yet to be done. There are still thousands of lakes and ponds, and tens of thousands of Staff from DEP survey for invasive Eurasian miles of stream habitat in Maine that water-milfoil in Salmon Lake.

have never been surveyed for the pres-

9 Welcome New Certified Water Quality Monitors

Over 40 new Water Quality Monitors were certified this year. Water Quality Monitors collect data twice a month from May through September. They receive training and certification for measuring water clarity with a Secchi disk and collect water samples to measure Total Phosphorus. Some monitors also volunteer for advanced training to measure Dissolved Oxygen and additional indicators of water quality. Their data is certified by the VLMP and used by State and Federal Agencies, municipalities, regional and local associations, educational institutions and others.

Susan Gramlich: Chemo Pond, Bradley

Jessica Harold: Various Lakes

Elin Haugen: West Harbor Pond, Boothbay Harbor

Dan Lagueux: North & Little Ponds, Rome

Stephen Martin: Hutchinson Pond, Albany Twp

Davis Martin: Hutchinson Pond, Albany Twp

Bill Messer: Androscoggin Lake, Leeds

Paula Monaghan: Collins Pond, Windham

Susan Moore: Raymond Pond, Raymond

Ray O'Hara: Little Purgatory Pond, Litchfield

John Orne: Adams & Knickerbocker Pond, Boothbay

Alice Phillips: Damariscotta Lake, Jefferson

David Richardson: Plymouth Pond, Plymouth

Penny Appleby: Pleasant Pond, Turner Kurt Rockafellow: Plymouth Pond, Plymouth

Charlie Baker: Chemo Pond, Bradley Mike Rowland: Norcross Pond, Chesterville

Matthew Brettler: Upper Range Pond, Poland Lois Ruff: Bryant Pond, Woodstock

Mike Bridges: Megunticook Lake, Camden Joe Saunders: Cochnewagon Pond, Monmouth

Chip Byrne: Bauneag Beg Lake, North Berwick John Scholz: Loon Lake, Dallas Plt

Halina Byrne: Bauneag Beg Lake, North Berwick Ray Snedeker: Little Pennesseewassee, Norway

Jen Chase: South & Round Ponds, Greenwood Carl Stillwell: Damariscotta Lake, Jefferson

Cayce Dalton: Various Lakes Jim Timmins: Pleasant Lake, T04 R03 WELS

Bev Daniels: Raymond Pond, Raymond Bill Watts: Lower Sysladobsis Lake, T05 ND BPP Michelle Deblois: Various Lakes Beatty Watts: Lower Sysladobsis Lake, T05 ND BPP Larry Esancy: Washington Pond, Washington Jim Wescott: Unity Pond, Unity Megan Facciolo: Various Lakes Elizabeth Whitmore: Walker Pond, Brooksville Larry Gaudreau: Bauneag Beg Lake, North Berwick Fran Zambella: Torsey Pond, Mount Vernon Nelson Gouterman: Sand Pond, Denmark

The 2008 volunteer training workshops were made possible thanks to the generous contributions of individuals, local and regional lake and watershed associations who contributed to our recent spring appeal, and from recent grants from the:  Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the US EPA  Roy A. Hunt Foundation  Horizon Foundation  The Betterment Fund  Maine Community Foundation's Kay E. Dopp Fund through the Community Building Grant Program  John Sage Foundation  Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust 10 Welcome New Certified Invasive Plant Patrol Monitors

Out of the 190 individuals who attended one or more IPP workshop in 2008, 42 new volun- teers became officially certified. The goal of the IPP Certification Program is to encourage and support individual and group commitment to the annual collection and submission of invasive aquatic plant screening survey data. To become a Certified Plant Patroller, you must have participated in at least on Introductory IPP workshop (or equivalent training), complete an application and sign a statement of commitment. In addition to the materi- als distributed to workshop attendees (including the Field Guide and IPP Handbook) VLMP provides all certified patrollers with standardized data forms, an ID card, a bucket scope, annual updates and ongoing technical assistance. If you have recently attended an IPP workshop and are conducting invasive aquatic plant screening surveys and would like to be certified, please contact us. Application forms are available on line at www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/mciap/IPPCertForm.pdf

Sharon Abair: Damariscotta Lake, Jefferson Sally LaVertu: Green Lake, Dedham

Biff Atwater: Anasagunticook Lake, Hartford Patricia Levesque: Sand Pond & Little Sebago Lake,

Charla Bansley: Green & Branch Lake, Dedham/Ellsworth Litchfield/Windham

Bill Bausch: Biscay Pond, Damariscotta Patricia J. Macfarlane: Graham Lake, Mariaville

David Bradbury: Watchic Pond, Standish Connie Mahaffey: Donnell Pond, T09 SD

Michelle Broyer: Lovewell Pond, Fryeburg Jim Olson: Damariscotta Lake, Jefferson

Mike Caiola: Forest Lake, Windham Ivan Ossander: Forest Lake, Windham

Michael Camacho: Clearwater Pond, Industry Pamela Parvin: Eagle Lake, Bar Harbor

Kathleen Cotter: Abrams Pond, Eastbrook Adrien Polky: 30 Mile-river Watershed Association

Buzz Crostou: Anasagunticook Lake, Hartford Helen Presz: Horne Pond, Limington

Megan Devine: Clearwater Pond, Industry Joseph Presz: Horne Pond, Limington

Alan Dorr: Donnell Pond, T09 SD Donald Richardson: Crystal Lake, Gray

Donald Drew: Watchic Pond, Standish Lidie Robbins: Parker Pond, Fayette

Rocco Fucetola: Georges Pond, Franklin Duncan Smith: Forest Lake, Windham

Meghan Goff: Lakes in Acadia National Park Carroll D. Snyder: Branch Lake, Ellsworth

Janene Gorham: Forest Lake, Windham Nancy Stine: Walker Pond, Brooksville

Karen Hall: Forest Lake, Windham Fred Stine: Walker Pond, Brooksville

Carolyn Hardman: Damariscotta Lake, Jefferson Alecia Tenney: 30 Mile-river Watershed Association

Adeline Harris: Clearwater Pond, Industry Tom Tuttle: Pitcher Pond, Northport

Roberta Hodson: Thompson Lake, Oxford Ted Webersinn: Lower Patten Pond, Surry

Ed Keenan: Forest Lake, Windham Bud Weiland: Branch Lake, Ellsworth

Tom Larned: Kennebunk Pond, Lyman

11

Moosehead Lake Volunteer

Monitoring Initiative Update

s many of you know, the VLMP Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants

recently received a major grant from The Betterment Fund to launch

an exciting project in the Moosehead Lake region. The primary goals

Aof the Moosehead Lake Volunteer Monitoring Project are:  to lay the foundation for an ongoing, volunteer-based, invasive aquatic plant prevention and early detection program in the Moosehead Lake region  to engage trained volunteers in the largest invasive aquatic plant screen- ing survey ever attempted in Maine  to screen the entire littoral area of Moosehead Lake for the presence of

The 2008 Moosehead Lake Survey Team, invasive aquatic plants over the next two field seasons comprised of trained volunteers, agency personnel and VLMP staff, was superb. Not all  collect baseline information on Moosehead Lake's native aquatic plant team members could participate the entire communities week, but at maximum capacity the team was a dozen strong. From left to right Jackey Bailey, With the first year nine months of the Moosehead Lake Initiative and an Elin Haugen, Bunny Wescott, Christine Guerette, Roberta Hill, Bob & Sibyl French, Keith Williams extraordinarily active and exciting field season behind us, it is a good time and Ross Wescott. Absent from this photo are to review progress to date. Mark Whiting, Kelly Stewart, and Sally Breen (who volunteered to be the team chef!) The first thing to note is that some elements of the project have not par-

ticularly gone according to plan. The initial plan for 2008 called for hold-

Once everyone had settled in to ing advisory committee meetings and IPP workshops in the Greenville area

“base camp” a daily routine fell into this summer, organizing an IPP team comprised of trained local volunteers,

place— by six o’clock AM the kitchen VLMP staff, agency personnel and others, and then launching one of the

was humming with activity… preparing most comprehensive invasive aquatic plant screening surveys ever attempted breakfast… packing lunches. Then the in Maine. And while tremendous progress has been made on all of these table was cleared… maps out… team fronts this past summer—outreach, organization, and survey activity—the meeting to determine the portion of the lake to be surveyed that day and way things played out was somewhat different than initially envisioned. the strategy for achieving the task. Dwight D. Eisenhower put his finger on it when he quipped that “plans are Generally these discussions included nothing; planning is everything.” This project has been a case in point. By such things as how the team du jour continually adapting the original plan to address real life challenges on the would be broken into smaller survey units; sector assignments; access ground, the Moosehead Initiative has not only met initial expectations; it strategy; transport needs and logistics, has, in a number of ways, already far exceeded them. etc. Then, ready the gear… break into One challenge was finding a mutually agreeable date, time and place for a units… travel to survey sites… launch boats… survey all day long. (The sun geographically dispersed group of interested but tremendously busy indi- shone gloriously every day, even on the viduals to meet formally as an advisory committee. This challenge was day of the giant thunderstorm.) Next overcome by shifting to more flexible forms of communication and collabo- it was wrap up the data entry… pack ration, including phone conferencing, email exchanges and daylong trips to up boats and gear… return to base the region for individual face-to-face meetings, etc. camp for a big family-style dinner… clear the table, trays out for "botany Meetings with local community leaders, in turn, brought a second challenge fest" (a spirited show and tell involving to light—the plan to offer IPP workshops in the Greenville area during the the native plants collected that day)… first year of the project was premature. As one local contact put it, “until a and finally… rest… and (if we had the person has a sense that there is a serious problem at hand, it is unrealistic to energy) a rousing game of “Pictionary.” expect that he or she may want to step forward to be part of the solution.” 12 This reality check led to rescheduling the workshops for place. “Moosehead Lake Survey Week” was on its way to 2009 and redirecting efforts toward more direct and funda- becoming a reality; and as far as progress goes, Survey Week mental forms of awareness building. could not have been a more resounding success. And so it has gone. Every challenge has given way to The accomplishments of Moosehead Survey Week were new opportunities; each of these opportunities, in turn, many. Here are just some of the highlights: has opened up new pathways to advancement. Here is  The littoral areas of roughly half of the lake were surveyed. an example of one such ripple effect… When informed (The focus of2008 was on the southern half of the lake; through an email notice about the goals of the Moosehead 2009 will cover the more northerly portions.) Initiative, a reader suggested we make contact with DIFW  No invasive species were observed. Warden Michael Favereau. The subsequent meeting with  The survey included a native plant inventory. An

Michael at his office in Greenville led to the creation of inventory of this magnitude had never been attempted

an invasives educational outreach kit to be displayed at on Moosehead Lake. A total of 55 aquatic plant species DIFW Greenville headquarters visitor center and also in were identified including five native milfoil species. the Department’s "Operation Game Thief" unity a travel-  Daily survey activity generated a great deal of local ing display that is viewed by hundreds of area residents interest. Many of the people we met expressed an and visitors each summer. At that meeting Michael also eagerness to attend IPP trainings next year and to become suggested that VLMP staff take part in Greenville’s Fourth more directly involved in ongoing survey activity. of July festivities, one of the area’s most well attended com-  Interest has also grown, and planning has begun, for the munity events. This suggestion was further elaborated upon establishment of a Courtesy Boat Inspection program by Greenville Chamber of Commerce Director, Bob Hamer for the area. who added that one of the best ways to bring attention  Importantly, we have made many new friends among

to the cause would be to enter a float in the parade. The team members and within the Moosehead community. resulting Beware of Aquatic Invaders “float” (comprised of Survey week, and the planning that proceeded it, has also VLMP’s own Christine Guerette sporting a plant-infested produced an intriguing spin off … In the process of working hat and sandwich board) caught the eye of many along the out how best to tackle the particular task at hand (establish- parade route including Bill Fletcher, owner of Beaver Cove ing a viable citizen-based monitoring program on Maine’s Marina. Bill and his wife Sandy have been concerned about largest lake), we have hit upon a what we believe is a unique

the threat of aquatic invaders for some time and had been and potentially highly-effective model for jump-starting

looking for ways to promote prevention practices at their lake-wide monitoring programs elsewhere in the State, par-

marina. Christine’s interaction with Bill led to an invitation ticularly on lakes that have special state-wide significance,

to VLMP staff to make a presentation on the Moosehead but where current citizen-based monitoring is limited or

Initiative at the marina’s upcoming National Marina Day non-existent. (Indeed, we have already been urged by our

Festival. And Roberta Hill’s talk, providing an introduction colleagues at Acadia National Park to bring the VLMP’s

to the threat of aquatic invaders to marina staff and festival new “IPP jump-start unit” to the Park as soon as it becomes

goers, resulted in many new connections to the community, feasible to do so.) The possibilities seem endless here, but

and interest in next year's workshops. a good many details are yet to be worked out, so please stay

Another ripple nudged us toward the door of Kineo View tuned. As always, we welcome your input and involvement

Motor Lodge owners George and Diane Edmondson. It in the development of this exciting new idea.

was that meeting and the Edmondson’s

subsequent offer to allow the VLMP to rent

their lakeshore condominium at a greatly

discounted price, that made possible what

may prove in time the most auspicious

stroke of good of luck of all. Before these

gracious accommodations were secured,

the prospects for conducting an effective

and efficient volunteer survey of Maine’s

largest lake seemed far more daunting. But

once we had a suitable base of operations For more on the Moosehead Initiative please visit the online

for strategizing and mobilizing daily forays, photo journal at:

everything else seemed to fall perfectly into www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/photos/Moosehead

13 Thank you Successful spring fundraising campaign trains volunteers to monitor more lakes in Maine, including

those "at risk", and provides continued technical

“Thank you to all who support to volunteer monitors. contributed to this special spring fundraising campaign.

Your gift really made a The following list of individuals and lake and watershed associations difference in helping us train volunteers to monitor more reflects donations received as of October 7, 2008 toward the spring lakes in Maine this year. We fundraising campaign. hope you can make a gift to our upcoming Annual Fund A list of all contributions received in 2008 will be posted in our winter Drive, coming in November. Each year, this Annual Fund 2009 newsletter and our 2008 Maine Lakes Report. Drive raises the essential operating funds we need to If you feel there are any errors or omissions to this list, please contact conduct and expand our work. Tania at (207) 783-7733. Thank you so much, for your generous We value your support!” support of our work—together we are helping to ensure the future Tamara Lee Pinard, VLMP Board health of our lakes. of Directors & Development Committee Chair

Lake and Watershed Associations Alford Lake/Lermond Pond Association Lake Anasagunticook Assocition Bear Pond Improvement Association Lake Moxie Campowners Association Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance Little Ossipee Lake Association Berry Dexter Wilson Ponds Watershed Association Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association Boyden Lakes Association Loon Lake Association

Branch Pond Association Madison Water District

Bunganut Pond Association Mousam Lake Region Association

Camp Searsmont Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preservation, Inc

Cathance Lake Association No Name Pond Watershed Management Association Citizens Association of Liberty Lakes Papoose Pond Landowners Association Clearwater Lake Improvement Association Parker Pond Association, Inc. Clemons Pond Association Pemaquid Watershed Association Cold Stream Campowners Association, Inc. Pickerel Pond Association Craig Pond Association Pitcher Pond Improvement Association

Crystal Lake Association Pleasant Lake Parker Pond Association

Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association Pleasant Pond Protective Association Dexter Lakes Association Portage Lake Association Embden Pond Association Sabattus Pond Watershed Partnership Five Kezars Watershed Association Sabbathday Lake Association Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed Sebasticook Lake Association Green & Mirror Pond Association Summer Haven Lakes Association Howard Pond Preservation Association Swan Lake Association Hidden Lake Association Taylor Pond Association Kennebec Water District Wilson Lake Association Kennebunk Pond Association Worthley Pond Association Keoka Lake Association 14 Individuals Bill Gies, II Joe Potts Bob Hall Buddy Potts Adsert Technologies, Inc. Tom & Judy Hamilton Waldo Preble Martin Arnold Phoebe Hardesty Jeanne Raymond Pat Baldwin Ken Hodsdon William Reid Skip Bartosch Kenneth Holt Dennis Roberge Mike Becker Ellie Hopkins Meg Rothberg Forrest Bell- FB Environmental Ms. Joan R. Jagolinzer Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Schaefer

Scott Bernardy Neil & Peggy Jensen Richard Schneider Michael & Joanne Bernstein Richard A. Johnson Claudia & John Sholz Don Blodgett Denise Joy & Fred Flammia Ron Schutt Joel W. Bloom Roberta Hill Matt Scott Mr. George Bouchard Robert & Patricia Keeler Rick & Becky Southwick Kathy Boutselis Dr. Barry Kutzen Lea & Ken Stabinski James & Susan Bowersett Mr. & Mrs. Marc E. Lasky Bud & Doe Stewart Anne & Rich Bray Melissa Legg & Richard Reeves Eben B. Thomas Leon Bresloff & Mary Bayer Peter M. Leslie Bob Tracy Peter & Bette Briggs Steve Lewis Mr. & Mrs. George Tranchemontagne Warren H. Bryant Robert & Gloria Limoges Brainard Tripp Charlotte & John Calhoun Eldin Lingwood Kenneth D. Truscott Rob Caron Joanne A. Luppi Alexander Turbyne, III Deborah Cayer Mary G. Lynch Thomas & Jeanne Tuttle Carmen & Jacob Coulombe Betty & Bert Mason Peter Vaux Robert E. Crawford James & Jean McIntyre Herman & Nancy Voigt Jane Crosen Washburn Suzanne Uhl-Melanson & Jeff Melanson Clyde D. Walton George A. Cross, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Meyer Bob Warren Mary Jane Dillingham Bill & Grace Monagle John Wasileski Fred Dillon Bob & Susan Moore Michael & Penny Weinstein Thomas Dionis Earl & Joanne Morse F. W. Weston, Jr. Claire Drew Wynn Muller Lew & Miriam Wetzel Sandra Dumont Richard Neal Mark Whiting Bruce & Sharon Eastman Kirsten Ness Stanton Whitman Jim Easton & Melissa Evers Tania Neuschafer Paul Wight Joe & Ruth Emerson Steve & Karen O'Bryan Nancy Willard Dr. Roy Farnsworth James J. Orino Ann K. Williams Bruce Fenn & Susan Therrien-Fenn Barbara & Donald Paiton Mary (Pixie) Williams Carrol Florkiewicz Elizabeth Payne Scott Williams Ken Forman Wally & Barb Penrod Pat & Tom Willis Yolande Gay Tamara Lee Pinard Robert Giencke

Upcoming Annual Fund Drive to Raise

Essential Operating Funds We know these are challenging times in our economy. We early detection of aquatic invaders, resulting in a rapid re- feel it, as do our funders. But our work to ensure the health sponse to this threat to Maine’s lakes. VLMP data are even of Maine lakes continues regardless of economic times. We being used to help document climate change. Ultimately, still need to use our boats to take Secchi disc readings, con- VLMP volunteer data help to secure the future quality of duct volunteer trainings, and screen for invasive aquatic Maine’s lakes and ponds, so that we can continue to rely on plants. We still need to administer the lake data of over 500 our lakes for swimming, fishing, drinking water and natural lakes in the program to be sure that this lake data is available beauty. to the state, lake groups, town planners and communities. We value your support for our program. And we hope that And, we still need to ensure that our training and certifica- you will consider making a contribution next month to our tion programs continue to qualify volunteers to gather cred- annul fund drive. Each year, this annual fund drive pro- ible lake data that is relied upon by these groups. vides essential operating funds that we rely on to continue The essential lake data collected by VLMP volunteers is used to expand and conduct our basic work—protecting Maine's to help these, and other groups to make decisions concern- beautiful lakes and ponds. Every donation directly con- ing lake protection, including creating local and state storm- tributes to ensuring the health of Maine’s lakes. Thank water management standards and watershed development you so much, in advance, for continuing your support of controls. Our lake monitoring efforts also help to ensure our program. 15

Certified Monitors Recruited by University Passings Fank Perkins of Maine to Participate in Survey Certified Volunteer Lake Monitors — Here is an opportunity for you to provide important information about your lake and its watershed, to be used for re- search that could benefit all Maine lakes in the future. Please keep an eye on your mail box for the survey from the University of Maine.

Lakes and the landscape of Maine are of, and the built environment around, changing before managers have a solid lakes in Maine. Volunteer lake monitors understanding of the drivers and con- are an important source of water quality sequences of change. Researchers from data, as well as other kinds of ecological Frank Perkins was a VLMP water the University of Maine are conduct- and social science data. In a short period quality monitor for 31 years, dur- ing a sustainable lake management re- of time you may receive a survey in the ing which time he monitored search project examining issues related mail. Certified monitors are encouraged Square Pond in Acton and Wiley to recreational use of lakes, residential to fill out the survey as soon as possible. Pond in Boothbay. Frank’s thirty development, water quality and inva- This is your opportunity to supply infor- years of monitoring Maine lakes sive plants and fish. This project hopes mation about residential development, with the VLMP is a statement of to help managers better understand the recreation and land use around your lake. commitment that stands on its implications of changes in the landscape Thank you for helping to create a more own. But it only touches on his surrounding lakes. They need your help complete picture of Maine lakes! lifelong work to protect Maine’s to improve knowledge of recreational use water resources. He worked for many years with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Brackett Environmental Center News Maine Department of Marine VLMP's Statewide Training Facility for Lake Monitors Resources in Boothbay, then with the Maine Department of As many of you know, dio visual equipment. These, and other Environmental Protection. He the VLMP was for- improvements, including a draft plan for also taught Marine Biology, in tunate to have estab- demonstrating conservation projects for which he had a Ph.D. lished its current home protecting lake water quality from storm- a few years ago at the water runoff, were made possible thanks In the early days of the VLMP, By Kirsten Ness, Brackett Center on to a generous contribution from Poland Frank often helped construct VLMP Board of Directors and Maple Hill in Auburn. Spring. Secchi disks and scopes, and Building Committee The Brackett Center is repaired and maintained other Chair Upcoming projects for the building, de- owned by the Auburn pendent on additional funding, include: monitoring equipment for DEP Water District (AWD), staff and new volunteers, which upgrading the electrical system, fixing a to whom the property was left by Barbara leaky window on the second floor, reduc- is how he first became involved Brackett, who desired that it be used as an in the program. More recently, ing moisture in the basement, and estab- environmental center. VLMP has a great lishing the Center as a demonstration site he could always be counted on to working relationship with AWD and in attend recertification workshops, for additional conservation practices to 2001, developed a long term lease to es- protect lake water quality from stormwa- where he shared many personal tablish the Bracket Center as its statewide stories with fellow monitors and ter runoff, serving as a model for hom- training facility, as well as the home of- eowners visiting the training Center. VLMP staff. Frank was friendly, fices for the VLMP. gracious and humble, and always If you are interested in getting involved quick to acknowledge the work of If you have visited the Brackett Center in the VLMP Building & Maintenance others. Frank was recognized at the in the last few months you might have Committee, please contact us. And, as VLMP’s 2007 Lake Monitoring noticed our new sign, a new paint job, always, we look forward to seeing you Conference for his many years of and the replacement of badly deterio- at the VLMP Brackett Center soon for volunteer service. We will miss rated garage doors. You also might have one of our trainings or a public outreach him. had the opportunity to see our new au- event. 16

VLMP 2008 Lakes Conference

Highlights

See video from the conference panelists on the VLMP website Gerry Nelson www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/videos Cushman Pond

The 2008 VLMP Lake Monitoring Conference focused on the question: How have Maine lakes benefited from 37 years of volunteer monitoring? A panel of presenters (above from left to right: Roy Bouchard, John McPhedran, Scott Williams, Jami Fitch and Wendy Dennis) shared their perspectives on the value of volunteer lake monitors and their data. We also heard from many volunteers (right) about how their work has directly benefitted their lake. Bill Allanach Thompson Lake

Joe Emerson (center) received an award Scott Williams (left) and VLMP President On behalf of the VLMP, Scott Williams

for 35 years of service as a water quality Bill Monagle (right) presented the received the Jewel of the First

monitor on Upper Narrows Pond from volunteer service award for 10 years Water award from the Maine Lakes

Scott Williams (left) and Cobbossee to Bob Francis on Parker Pond (2nd to Conservancy Institute's Executive Director Watershed District's Wendy Dennis (right). left) and the award for 25 years to John Shippen Bright. The annual award is given Laskey on Tripp Pond (2nd to right). to the, "individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to understanding, preserving, and sustaining the health and values of Maine's lakes and their communities."

We thank the following businesses This was the first year that we Oops! Award for their generous in-kind gifts presented the Oops! Award to the for volunteer prize drawings volunteer with the best story about an unusual experience that occurred Belgrade Canoe & Kayak “in the line of duty.” This year's winner (based on vote from the audience) DeLorme was Fred Cummings who shared Farmingdale Canoe & Kayak a story about a planned beaver Patagonia dam demolition that was thwarted by a nest of black watersnakes. 17 2008 Lake Conference Volunteer Awards Outstanding Water Quality Monitor Invasive Plant Patroller of the Year—Dennis Roberge Award—Keith Williams Dennis always wanted to snorkel dif- ferent lakes in Maine, and started do- The 2008 Outstanding Water Quality Moni- ing so in the summer of 2006. He was tor Award is presented to Highland Lake on the fifth lake (Lake Arrowhead) monitor Keith Williams. We can't begin to do and met a Courtesy Boat Inspector justice to his “above and started talking about the invasive and beyond the call milfoil in the lake. He decided that if of duty” volunteer he was going to snorkel Maine's lakes work on Highland he should know what the invasive Lake and its water- plants look like. He attended his first Dennis Roberge and Roberta Hill shed. Keith moni- IPP workshop in the late summer and tors a wide range was hooked. of indicators of lake water quality, he is In 2007, Dennis single-handedly surveyed thirty four Maine waterbod- a relentless Invasive ies, and along the way took thousands of exquisite photographs of life be- low the surface, which he has generously offered to share with the VLMP. Plant Patroller, he Keith Williams Many are now posted on our website and I encourage all of you to check has been a major them out if you have not already done so: player in volunteer www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/LakeLife watershed surveys and remediation projects,

he has served on his local planning board, and Asked what motivates him, Dennis says that basically it is the realization

Keith has even developed mathematical mod- of how easy it is for an invasive plant to take over a lake. (The lake he els that look at the relationship between an- spent time on in NY was heavily infested with Eurasian milfoil, curly leaf

nual lake water quality for Highland lake and pondweed and water chestnut!) Having learned that the best hope for

building permits in the watershed. For those of eradication is early detection, Dennis says he could clearly see the impor-

you who don’t know Keith, he is a very color- tance of getting involved in Maine’s early detection effort.

ful individual, who doesn’t just talk the talk Dennis grew up in the Bronx in NY which he describes as “all apart- when it comes to protecting Highland Lake, ment buildings, concrete and blacktop.” He spent summers as a child on

where he practices responsible watershed con- Mousam Lake with his family, an experience he describes as “heaven.” He

servation and stewardship. would go snorkeling with his father and brother every day and fish, catch

turtles and frogs, and pick wild blueberries. In Dennis’ words, Mousam

was a place where “all was right with the world.” When it was time to

leave Maine, Dennis would fill a jar with lake water and plants to take

some of Mousam back to the Bronx. Last year Dennis made his per-

manent home on Mousam Lake. He says it still seems like a dream and

hopes it will always stay that way.

Invasive Plant Patrol Team of the Year—Crystal Lake Association CLA was originally formed in 1970, Crystal Lake Association co-hosted an and the VLMP promptly received the and an attempt to revive the association IPP workshop in the region in 2007 report we always hope for: no invasive was made in 1990 with limited success. and several members later participated plants were found.

In 2001 a fragment of Eurasian water- in an IPP field methods workshop. CLA has also launched a CBI program,

milfoil was removed from a boat about Once trained, this small but extreme- is working to expand the volunteer to launch into Crystal Lake, and the ly motivated group comprised of two pool, and plans to have 4 teams on the public beach on the lake was closed due teams: John and Cheryl Welch cover- lake conducting IAP surveys in 2008. to high levels of e. coli. These two inci- ing one half of the lake and, Don Rich- dents helped to galvanize the lake com- ardson and Harvey Gerry covering the munity. Roughly 50% of the shorefront other, took on the task of completing a

property owners now actively support thorough, level-three survey of Crystal

the lake association. Lake. The mission was accomplished,

18 2008 Lake Conference Volunteer Awards

Outstanding Invasive Aquatic Plant Control Effort—Pleasant Lake and Parker Pond Association

Variable water-milfoil (Myriophyllum By the summer of 2008, only 12 in- heterophyllum) was first documented dividual plants could be found in the in Lily Brook in August of 2000. By entire stream. Each plant was carefully August 2001, the Lily Brook variable removed and the removal sites were water-milfoil population had roughly covered by small benthic mats. Just this doubled in size, and a pioneer colony month, Lew Wetzel and Fred Cum- was observed in the small outlet cove of mings surveyed the entire stream using

Pleasant Lake. Lew's underwater video camera, and Volunteers with the Pleasant Lake and "no milfoil was observed anywhere!" Parker Pond Association (PLPPA) re- Left to right: Scott Williams, Fred Cummings, Monitoring will continue, but PLPPA sponded to this disconcerting news with Lew Wetzel, Joel Bloom & Roberta Hill is now cautiously optimistic that com- an aggressive and comprehensive action Their methods have included: plete eradication of variable milfoil plan aimed at controlling the variable  using Courtesy Boat Inspectors to from Lily Brook, if not yet entirely milfoil in Lily Brook and the Pleasant prevent milfoil from spreading into achieved, is very close at hand.

Lake outlet cove. Having been cau- Parker Pond and further into Pleas- Our warmest congratulations to PLPPA tioned that eradication of an invasive ant Lake for their outstanding achievements in aquatic plant, once well-established, is  frequent screening and mapping invasive plant control on Lily Brook.

rarely possible, PLPPA decided to move surveys to monitor plant growth systematically, with determination, to-  using manual harvesting of plants

ward complete eradication. In 2001, with SCUBA divers PLPPA formed a ten-member commit-  and using benthic barriers to

tee to develop and provide guidance for smother large plant colonies

the management effort.

Invasive Aquatic Plant Prevention Award—Raymond Waterways Protective Association

 Raymond Waterways Protective As- conducts lake-wide invasive plant from a boat entering Sebago Lake; sociation (RWPA) has worked to pro- surveys on all the “smaller” lakes in 2006—removed 23 VWM frag- tect the lakes, ponds, and streams in Raymond and sections of Sebago ments from boats exiting Sebago

the Town of Raymond for over thirty Lake each year to ensure no new Lake years through water quality monitor- invasives have been introduced In addition to IAP prevention RWPA ing and watershed education. There are  works to control variable water- is working hard to protect water qual- seven lakes in the Town of Raymond, milfoil with volunteers at six sites ity the lakes and ponds in the Town of including part of Sebago Lake. In 2001, on Sebago Lake. They have had the Raymond, by supporting Water Qual- RWPA began to expand their efforts to most success at Dingley Brook— ity Monitors in Raymond. They have include invasive plant surveys, invasive after six years of remediation, no completed watershed surveys on the 4 plant removal projects, boat inspections, rooted or floating fragments were main smaller lakes in Raymond. RWPA and erosion remediation projects. With visible at the end of the 2007 sea- is managing two federal 319 grant this expansion, RWPA transitioned son. It remains 90% clear to date Conservation Projects to reduce erosion from a volunteer organization to hir- and RWPA intends to maintain the impact to Panther Pond and Raymond ing part-time staff. RWPA now has one control effort with one dive per sea- Pond with plans to manage similar proj- part-time year round staff person and son. ects on other Raymond lakes. five summer Courtesy Boat Inspectors  Runs a CBI program some high-

(CBIs). Financial support comes from lights… 2004—removed invasive For these reasons and more besides, the

local donors, the town, and grants. Curly leaved pondweed from a 2008 Invasive Aquatic Plant Prevention

boat entering Sebago Lake; 2005— Award goes to Raymond Waterways Here is a quick summary of RWPA’s ac- removed Eurasian water-milfoil Protective Association complishments. RWPA:

19 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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Vol. 13, No. 2 Provided free of charge to our monitors and affiliates Fall 2008 Inside Lake Watershed Connections • Page 4 New Volunteers • Page 10 Welcome Aboard Spring Donations Help Train More Volunteers • Page 14 New Lake Monitors VLMP Conference Overview & Awards • Page 17

Eurasian water-milfoil Volunteers—Please send in your data! found in Salmon Lake strengthens the case Please remember to send in your field forms from the 2008 season. for early detection:  Water Quality Monitors by October 15 to your Regional Coordinator  Invasive Plant Patrollers by November 1 to the VLMP office page 8