The Water C Lumn

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID the Lewiston, ME Permit # 82 Water C lumn ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED The Newsletter of Lake Stewards of Maine - Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Vol. 23, No. 1 Celebrating the Work of Maine's Citizen Lake Stewards Winter 2018-19 Climate Change...

What can you find onwww.LakesOfMaine.org ? And Lakes Search lakes throughout the State of Maine and discover… • Physical characteristics • Fish, wildlife and plant diversity • Water quality, present and historical • Invasive aquatic species survey findings • Active Lake Stewards throughout Maine • Maps of all types • Conservation efforts in lake watersheds • Watershed management efforts • Published lake research documents • Graphic representation of lake data And much more! 36 What’s Inside : President's Message ...... 2 Lakeside Notes ...... 3 President’s Littorally Speaking ~ Invasive Species & Climate Change . . . 4 Quality Counts ...... 6 Under the Hand Lens ~ European Frog-bit . . . . 7 Connecting the Drops ~ LSM Sustainability . . . 8 Message Development Team Tidbits ...... 9 Citizen Lake Science: Water Quality & Climate Change . . . 10 Bill Monagle IPP Notes from the Front Lines ...... 12 President, LSM Board of Directors Near Real-Time Lake Data ...... 15 Tips For IPPers ...... 16 ake Stewards of Maine the full board meets 5 times/year, Seeking Board Members ...... 17 L(LSM) is a fitting new name but the schedule for individual Thank You to our Generous Donors! ...... 18 for our organization. It speaks subcommittee meetings (in-person Beyond Clean, Drain, Dry: Advanced Protocols . . . 21 directly to the awesome efforts of or virtually) may take place on an Maine Lakes Water Quality Year in Review . . . . 22 Matt Scott - Goodwill Lake Ambassador . . . 24 Maine’s volunteer lake monitors. as-needed basis. Members of the 2018 Annual Conference ...... 26 This name change is just one of board serve three-year terms, which Meet the 2018 Interns ...... 28 several steps that we are taking to can be renewed. Cyanotoxin Update ...... 30 make the continued work of our We are looking for potential Welcome to our New Lake Stewards! ...... 31 organization as clear, compelling Passings ...... 32 Directors who will bring a range Document Your Lake's Ice Cover ...... 33 and robust as possible. of experiences and knowledge to Building & Maintenance Committee ...... 34 As the organization continues the LSM board, including general Grant Funding for Watershed Surveys ...... 34 Lew Wetzel Dedication ...... 34 to grow, we are also focused on program development, social media expanding our Board of Directors. marketing, strategic financial LSM Staff Scott Williams Executive Director Toward that end, we have created a planning, volunteer and community Roberta Hill Invasive Species Program Director “Board Optimization Committee”, engagement, website design and Alison Cooney Development Coordinator the primary focus of which is to implementation, and more. Jonnie Maloney Program Coordinator solicit and vet potential board LSM’s Board champions Maine’s Christine Guerette Project Facilitator members. The committee is Steve Lambert Development Associate citizen lake scientists! If you’re Spencer Harriman Logistical Support Coordinator specifically seeking individuals interested in learning more about who have a strong alignment with Board of Directors becoming an LSM Director, please Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) LSM’s Mission, and are willing to contact us. A member of our Board Barb Welch, Vice President (Whitefield) commit the time and energy asa Optimization Committee will be in Sibyl French, Treasurer (Raymond) working board member. Typically, Phoebe Hardesty, Secretary (New Gloucester) touch with you! Robert French (Raymond) Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) LSM Mission Statement Advisory Board The Mission of Lake Stewards of Maine is to help protect Maine lakes through Aria Amirbahman, PhD Firooza Pavri, PhD widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible (Co-Chair) (Co-Chair) scientific information pertaining to lake health. LSM trains, certifies and provides Roy Bouchard, MS Matt Scott, MS technical support to hundreds of volunteers who monitor a wide range of indicators Dan Buckley, PhD Peter Vaux, PhD of water quality, assess watershed health and function, and screen lakes for invasive Holly Ewing, PhD Ken Wagner, PhD aquatic plants and animals. In addition to being the primary source of lake data in the C . Barre Hellquist, PhD Pixie Williams, MS State of Maine, LSM volunteers benefit their local lakes by playing key stewardship and David Littell, JD Karen Wilson, PhD leadership roles in their communities. Steve Norton, PhD Editorial Staff Funding for this newsletter is made possible in part by This newsletter is printed on 50% Scott Williams Alison Cooney grants from the Maine Department of Environmental post-consumer recycled paper, Roberta Hill Christine Guerette Protection, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and is produced and mailed Jonnie Maloney; Steve Lambert the Lake and River Protection Sticker Fund, individual by Penmor Lithographers, Layout & Design Spencer Harriman donations and corporate underwriting. Lewiston, Maine. Cover Photo: Long Pond in Livermore, by Jonnie Maloney the Water Column ©2019 Lake Stewards of Maine If you would like to go green and receive the Water Column in electronic format only, or if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please contact LSM at (207) 783-7733 or [email protected].

To Contact Us (207) 783-7733 Stewards@LakeStewardsME org. 24 Maple Hill Road, Auburn, Maine 04210 www LakeStewardsOfMaine. org. | www LakesOfMaine. org. 2 35 Building & Maintenance Committee Headlines By Steve Lambert Lakeside Notes he LSM Center for Citizen Lake Science experienced LSM Development Associate, Building & Maintenance Committee Ta major facelift this summer. After years of aspiring Winter 2018-19 to improve the worn appearance of our headquarters, and ver time, we have had many It also became obvious that “lake months of planning and fundraising efforts, we finally had conversations about changing monitoring” isn’t exactly a self- our wishes realized. O the name of this organization. Earlier explanatory term. Most people outside Over the course of the summer, the aged and tired siding this year, following discussions of the organization who have known was replaced with new red cedar clapboards, which have with many of you, written surveys us only by our name have not had a By Scott Williams been stained a light gray. The arches that distinguish the provided by lake monitors, and a clue about what we do. A number of LSM Executive Director structure were rebuilt, and all the trim was wrapped in few trial balloons, the decision was alternatives were considered, including white aluminum. The garage windows were replaced with made to change the Maine Volunteer Citizen Lake Scientists of Maine, or Lake Stewards of Maine is easy to energy efficient and maintenance-free vinyl counterparts. Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) some combination of this wording, remember. It’s not a tongue twister, and We added a storm door to Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM). none of which addressed all of the the name broadly characterizes the great to the unprotected front We anticipated a certain amount of issues mentioned above. work that you all do, year after year. entrance, and corrected confusion and pushback, but much to Maybe you’re attached to “VLMP”, and drainage issues in back The LSM Center for Citizen Lake Science got a facelift last fall with new red- don’t want to let go? Well, that’s OK too. cedar clapboards . our relief, little to none occurred. of the main building. Full disclosure: we, too, were reluctant to If you have been a Certified “Volunteer To top it all off, a new let go of the old name completely, and installed on the large central chimney. The place looks Lake Monitor” for multiple decades, stainless steel cap was “Maine VLMP” has been retained as beautiful, and is well-protected from the elements. you may know that this is the second part of the legal, but generally unspoken, Thanks to the ongoing passion and dedication of our time that the name has been changed name of the organization. Thanks to all volunteer lake stewards, who inspire all of us to ensure the or modified in nearly 50 years. From of you who have taken the time to share fulfillment of our mission, we were able to find the means 1971 to when the organization became your thoughts with us about making to make the above-mentioned facilities improvements, an independent nonprofit organization the change. ensuring the long-term integrity of the historic building twenty-two years ago, the name that houses LSM's Center for Citizen Lake Science. was simply “Volunteer Monitoring In honor of our new name and all that Program” – a good start, but it lacked it represents, we are working to put Grant Funding Available to Lake Groups for Conducting Watershed Surveys information about who we are and Two years ago we learned from surveys together a multi-media compendium what we do. Adding Maine and Lakes completed by a diverse group of of lake stories, which we intend to SM anticipates a continuation of the citizen lake watershed of the pollutants phosphorus and sediment - to Maine’s to the name helped to address that our constituents that many of you share in a variety of ways. Stay tuned survey small grants program to lake associations and lakes. Details concerning the process of conducting a survey for more details. Lcommunities in 2019. More information will be forthcoming can be viewed at: www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/ shortcoming, but it created another consider your good work on behalf of early in the year. materials/lakewsurveyguide.pdf. one, which was a lengthy name that Maine’s lakes to fall within the realm There is no question that the exceptional didn’t exactly roll off the tongue. of “stewardship”. Various definitions Lake watershed surveys conducted by community volunteers Citizen (volunteers) Watershed surveys are a very effective commitment and dedication of People mangled it in every conceivable of stewardship include “the careful and are an effective tool for identifying and resolving land use component for building community support for long-term LSM volunteers over the past 48 manner. One of my favorite examples responsible management of something problems that may be having a negative influence on lake lake protection. Bringing together individuals with diverse years has substantially added to our occurred when a four-decade entrusted to one's care”, an example of water quality. Watershed surveys also increase overall public ecological, economic, recreational and social perspectives, has understanding of Maine lakes, and has awareness about threats to lake health. Citizen surveys of been shown to enhance long-term lake stewardship. Interested lake monitoring veteran was being which might be “the act of making wise greatly enhanced our ability to protect lake watersheds have been successfully conducted for many representatives from lake communities (lake associations, interviewed for a short video, in which use of the natural resources provided them for future generations. Many Maine lakes during the past three decades. The surveys are conservation commissions, road associations, etc.) should he referred to us as “The voluntary by the earth”. Stewardship is broad- thanks for your continued exceptional intended to identify relatively easy-to-detect and resolve contact Scott Williams at LSM for additional information. monitoring organization for Maine’s based, easily understood, and it has a commitment and dedication! lake waters”. positive connotation. problems associated with soil erosion – a significant source Onward!

Lew Wetzel Dedication Would You Consider Sponsoring an LSM Summer Intern? ast July, a granite bench was dedicated on the lake, as well as Director Emeritus on You or your business can provide a college student with an unforgettable summer experience supporting Lto Lew Wetzel, who first discovered that the LSM Board of Directors. Through the volunteers who are working to monitor and protect Maine’s lakes, while building on academic and career the Pleasant Lake dam in Casco was leaking, years, his outstanding commitment to many interests! Our internships offer opportunities to explore Maine lakes through real-life work experiences in and whose efforts played a significant role in community and statewide lake conservation lake and social science, public education, volunteer training, nonprofit organization operation, and social the replacement of the dam. Lew has been efforts has always been innovative. He is media marketing. Sparked your interest? Please contact LSM at (207) 783-7733. a long-time LSM Certified Lake Monitor pictured with his wife, Mimi.

34 3 Please Remember to Document and Report Your Lake's Ice Cover! Littorally Speaking The winter season is upon us, so please document your lake's ice cover . LSM acts as a state repository for ice-in and ice-out records, some stretching as Climate Change is Changing Everything, far back as the mid-1800's . Lake ice cover data, when paired with water quality data, may improve our understanding of the relationship between Including the Threat of Invasive Species the duration of ice cover and water quality . You can report ice-in/out dates to LSM by phone at 207-783-7733, or via e-mail directly to Christine@ LakeStewardsME.org . View a map of ice coverage data online at https:// hen it comes to invasive aquatic by Roberta Hill Wspecies (IAS), Maine is better off LSM Invasive Species Program Director www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/near-real-time-lake-data/ . We will be than most of the rest of the country. For actively updating the map of reported ice-in/out dates on our website as starters, less than one percent of Maine’s All of the changes described above part of the Near Real-Time Lake Data initiative . Submit ice-in/out dates, lakes and ponds are currently known to pose serious challenges for lakes. More including your name, the lake's name and related town, to have your data be infested with an invasive aquatic plant, precipitation in the winter and spring included in the statewide map on the LSM website . (a remarkable record compared to the (when water uptake by the trees and double-digit percentiles of most other other vegetation in the watershed is at a states). Maine also has a comprehensive, FIGURE 2 robust and effective IAS action plan and Maine is Getting Wetter – This graph shows total a dedicated funding mechanism, both annual precipitation (averaged across Maine) from of which allow State agency staff to 1895-2014 . The dotted black trend-line indicates that precipitation increased six inches, or about work in concert with lake associations, 13%, over the record period . 2 conservation groups (including LSM), municipalities, professionals, and a need not only to continue expanding and multitude of dedicated volunteers, to fend improving upon our current efforts with ME Lakes Water Quality... continued from page 25 year--owing in large part to the efforts of badly as it has in recent years, though off a host of invaders seen as imminent regard to prevention, early detection and footage captured by a local resident Highland Lake Association ‘sparkplug’, transparencies were reduced. Come what threats to the waters of our State. rapid response- but we also need to be and the duration of the spill, it is Rosie Hartzler--a monitoring plan was may, there is every expectation that new aware of--and responsive to--the ways FIGURE 4 likely that many more gallons reached developed and volunteer working groups insights will be gleaned from the data a warming climate will change aquatic Period of Ice Cover on Maine Lakes is Getting Puffers Pond. This violation of Maine’s were assembled. The groups included a that was gathered this year, while the Shorter - Smoothed lines show ice-out dates GPA classification standard for lakes habitats and vectors for plant movement, over time for the eight lakes in New England with water quality research team, with LSM uniquely collaborative monitoring effort and the new challenges these changes the longest periods of record . The top four lines and ponds has resulted in impending volunteer extraordinaire Keith Williams, will undoubtedly continue. represent lakes in northern and western Maine DEP enforcement. Fortunately, the spill pose to our lakes. DEP Biologists Jeff Dennis and Linda Maine is truly fortunate to have so many and the bottom four lines represent lakes in occurred late in the summer when fewer Climate science is complex and still southern Maine . Bacon, Dr. Karen Wilson and three of beautiful lakes and ponds; it is luckier still, people were on the pond and water evolving; however, the basic facts are largely her USM students, Pete Countway from to have so many LSM-certified monitors temperatures were dropping. Relocation settled. We now have sufficient data to minimum) leads to increased runoff and Bigelow Labs, and Drs. Steve Norton and keeping an eye on the health of our lakes! of the sewer access will hopefully prevent Aria Amirbahman from UM, Orono. To FIGURE 1 know with a high degree of certainty that, a higher risk of eroded soils and nutrients When asked for a word that best describes being washed into lakes. These runoff this from happening again. ensure researchers had sufficient data to Maine is Getting Warmer – This graph shows like much of the northeast, Maine is getting the work they do and why they do it, mean annual temperatures (averaged across warmer, experiencing wetter winters and challenges are only exacerbated by the Highland Lake in Windham properly analyze the phenomena, LSM a majority of our volunteers who were Maine) from 1895-2014 . The dotted black trend- & Falmouth has experienced trained an additional team of volunteers line indicates a temperature increase of 3oF over springs, drier polled replied “stewardship.” It is this 1 from the Highland Lake community. the record period . summers, and picocyanoplankton blooms over the sense of ‘taking responsibility for protecting more frequent last few years. Picocyanoplankton are Analysis of the data gathered during something that is cherished for future Given our well-established programs extreme weather extremely tiny phytoplankton that the past several months will be taking generations,’ that underlies LSM’s citizen and capacity for action, with continued events (including are difficult to see using standard place through the winter. Many lake scientists’ extraordinary commitment vigilance and concerted statewide effort, floods and microscopes; recent literature indicates samples were collected to ultimately to observing and documenting the health there is a very good chance indeed droughts). The that these organisms are becoming more characterize the food web in the lake. of our lakes, year after year. And it is the that Maine could keep the majority of shifting climate prevalent in marine systems, presumably Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately, continued growth of our lake steward high-risk aquatic invaders at bay for the is causing our due to warming ocean temperatures given the formidable team that had family, that most gives us hope for the foreseeable future. But unfortunately, all growing seasons and adequate nutrients, and may be been assembled to capture and study the future of Maine lakes! things are not remaining stable. Climate in Maine to increasing in freshwaters as well. Last phenomena) the lake did not bloom as change is here, and its impacts upon become longer, vulnerable ecosystems such as lakes and and the periods of FIGURE 3 ponds, are already being observed. ice cover on our Save the Date! lakes to become Maine’s Growing Season is Getting Longer – This graph shows mean monthly If we are to succeed in preventing the temperatures (averaged across Maine) from 1895-2014, and future projected 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference spread of aquatic invaders in Maine, we shorter. temperatures from 2035-2054 . Will Be Held On Saturday, July 27th 4 33 increased frequency of extreme weather for brook trout, warmer-water species Donald J. Bushnell, Jr. was an avid events--torrential rains, floods, and such as non-native smallmouth are well Passings boater, and took great pride in earning even periods of drought that can make poised to displace them. Warmer average his Master 100-ton captain's license some soils more impermeable (and less water temperatures will also strongly We care deeply about Maine's volunteer lake monitors. If you would from the U.S. Coast Guard. However, absorptive), and others less consolidated, favor some aquatic plants over others. like to share news of a monitor's passing, please contact us. his fondest captaining responsibilities setting loose the finer particles that According to climate scientists, the were those cruising with his closest are most likely to carry phosphorus Phil Boissonneault earned a friends and family along the British further north one is, the faster the Boats and related gear are a primary vector for and sediment to lakes. Phosphorus is annual minimum temperatures will new introductions. With a significantly longer degree in biology from St. Francis Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys, Casco the limiting factor for planktonic algal boating season, the potential for new invasive warm. Here in Maine, these winter introductions will also grow. Xavier University in 1965. Bay (Maine), Long Island Sound and growth in most Maine lakes. With an He worked at the Portland Water North Pond (Maine), where he was Don Bushnell minimums are tremendously important increase in phosphorus, many of our biologically, providing natural And, unfortunately, there is more. We all District for 38 years, starting as a also a lake monitor. lakes will soon be greener. chemist, and retired as a water quality protection for native plants and animals know that the exceptional water quality advisor. He was also active in the Janie Rosie Crowell grew up in (including us!). As growing seasons found in many of Maine’s lakes and ponds Maine Water Utilities Association. Maine, spending nearly every summer shift and the climate warms, plants and is largely dependent upon the health of Phil and his wife, Claudette, moved of her life on Craig Pond in East animals, including invasive species, that their heavily-forested watersheds. (Our Orland, where she became a lake were once prevented from becoming forests are also magnificent carbon sinks, Phil Boissonneault to Panther Pond in Raymond in 1968 and raised three sons. monitor in 2003, and recorded data established here due to our severe by the way, the woody bits storing carbon He enjoyed all aspects of living on a lake, including for well over a decade. She graduated winters, will no longer be constrained. in biomass, the leafy bits drinking up Maine loons are already feeling the impact of greenhouse gasses through productivity.) boating, water and cross-country skiing, skating, fishing, from Ellsworth High School and mercury contamination. Warmer water may This climate-driven range expansion is the UMaine School of Animal and exacerbate this threat . Photo by Billy Helprin, already happening-- think deer ticks But our forests too, are being threatened swimming and snowshoeing. He was also very active in courtesy of Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary. the Panther Pond Lake Association, and later became a Janie Crowell Veterinary Sciences. She loved the and possums--and the implications for by the changing climate. Maine’s native lake monitor and steward. outdoors and considered sunsets, moonrises, loons on the Longer periods of ice-off and higher aquatic ecosystems are very serious. hemlock trees, for example, are now lake, a turtle warming in the sun, an owl on a low hanging average water temperatures also pose Invasive aquatic plant species such as threatened by the invasive hemlock Beth Bond embraced life fully. Some bough and the croak of frogs at Craig Pond to be daily gifts. threats to lakes. Warmer water temps water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). This of her happiest times were spent on affect the solubility of gasses and the water primrose (Ludwegia grandiflora), non-native insect would not have been Sheepscot Lake in Palermo, where Susan R. Gammon was raised in bioavailability of toxins. The warmer once thought to pose minimal threats able to survive here just a few short she and her husband, Mike, enjoyed East Livermore, and later married the water, the less oxygen it can hold, here due to their cold-intolerance, are decades ago when our winters were 30 summers. Beth loved canoeing, and moved to a farm in Canton. a condition which puts stress on expected to be able to thrive here within more severe. Now, because of Maine’s and she and her sister, Lynda, would She received a Bachelor’s Degree many native lake inhabitants. Warmer a few decades. Currently Maine has warming climate, not only is this cold- often spend joyous hours paddling on in Education from UMaine, and water also, ultimately, increases the eleven invasive aquatic plant species intolerant invader poised to decimate the lake or close-by rivers. Wanting while she only taught for a short bioavailability of toxins such as lead on its list of ‘most imminent’ threats. our hemlocks (and their carbon- to help preserve the pristine beauty time, her true passion was working and mercury, and increases the risk But according to scientists at UMass capturing biomass), it will also further Beth Bond of the lake, Beth joined the Sheepscot outside. She worked as a geologist that these toxins (already causing harm Amherst and UNH1 there are literally compromise native brook trout habitat. Lake Association Board. She spent countless hours The shade that hemlocks provide during for the state of Maine, and later Susan Gammon to lake dwellers such as loons, and hundreds of new plant species (both monitoring the water quality of Sheepscot, officially retired from Androscoggin Valley necessitating consumption warnings for terrestrial and aquatic) headed our way. the spring along many of our streams, reporting the data, and continued her advocacy to Soil and Water Conservation District, where she received those of us who like to fish) will be Not all will pose serious risks to our is critical to keeping waters cool during preserve the healthy lake environment. awards for her dedication to developing programs for Maine taken up in even greater quantities by native ecosystems and our economy, but trout spawning season. And hemlock farms. Her camp on Burgess Pond in Fayette was her happy aquatic life. (Please see Scott Williams’ as the climate shifts, we can certainly woolly adelgid is only one of the threats George Henry Bouchard, Jr. was place, where she spent many hours kayaking on the lake, and article on page 10 for much more expect the list of plant species that do to our forests being aided by climate a devoted husband, father, and was a lake monitor for several years. on the relationship between climate pose such risks, to grow significantly. change. Warmer minimum temps and grandfather. He grew up in Ipswich, change and lake water quality.) more frequent, more prolonged periods MA, where he was active in Boy James William Watts, III, aged 76, of drought will also benefit emerald ash It is expected that some organisms, Scouts and later became an Eagle was known for his deep intellect, wry borers, southern pine beetles, and other especially those that are naturally Scout, which led to his lifelong love sense of humor, integrity, and kindness serious forest pests. adapted to a wide range of conditions of nature that included many trips toward others. He obtained a PhD (this includes most aquatic invaders), And finally, there are the ‘sleeper species,’ to Pequawket Lake in Steep Falls. in chemical engineering from Tulane will be quite resilient to these changes, the non-native plants and animals George studied chemistry at several University and had a career for 40+ years and even able to exploit them to their that, due to the current environmental George Bouchard universities, and later landed his in the oil industry in Houston, TX. In advantage. Others, including many of limitations upon their growth, do not dream job at Scripps Oceanographic Institute. He traveled 2000, Bill and his wife Beatty purchased our more finicky native species, will not. behave in an invasive manner. Rather the world on scientific research ships, visiting Antarctica Bill Watts a camp in Lakeville on Lake Sysladobsis. Native cold-water species such as wild than being called ‘invasive,’ these less several times, and discovered the Bouchard Seamount in Summers spent on the lake became Bill's favorite time of year. brook trout, for example, may become FIGURE 5 aggressive species are commonly referred the Pacific Ocean. He monitored Pequawket Lake for a He enjoyed fishing, boating, bird watching, and particularly disadvantaged in a warming Maine. to as ‘naturalized.’ Climate change may number of years, and also served as the LSM (then VLMP) spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was Scientists project that Maine will be a ‘hot spot’ for In marginal habitats especially, where future invasive plant introductions . Plant species create new, more favorable growing Regional Coordinator for York County. an LSM water quality monitor for 10 years. include both terrestrial and aquatic invaders . temperatures are already less than ideal Littorally Speaking... continued on page 29 32 5 Welcome, New Lake Stewards! QualityQuality Counts!Counts! New Volunteer Lake Monitors Certified in 2018 Alyssa Andrews; Rangeley Lakes Region Lakes Holly LeBlanc; Pleasant Lake Sarah Andrus; Chickawaukie Pond William Lerman; Pattee Pond Are You Measuring Lake Vital Signs Accurately? Anne Argast; Cold Stream Pond Brian Levesque; Unity Pond Charles Baeder; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes Jim Linsley; Highland (Duck) Lake magine… you’re on thermometer was reading low by 3 Glenn Ball; Meddybemps Lake Jim Littlefield; Kennebunk Pond Ithe way to the doctor’s degrees, maybe their recommendations John Bickford; Horseshoe Pond Dave Lovejoy; Varnum Pond office… you haven’t would have been different?’ You Kirk & Tammy Bickford; Crystal Lake (Dry Pond) Jonnie Maloney; Long Pond Jesse Bosdell; Long Pond & Great Pond Sharon Mann; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes felt well for a few days… it’s go home, have some chicken by Linda Bacon Alan Brearley; Bauneag Beg Lake Kelly Margolis; Wood Pond not a cold… it could be the soup and rest, still puzzled. LSM Quality Assurance Officer; Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg; Great Pond Isobel Michaud; Wilson Lake flu, or something that needs I don’t believe this type of Aquatic Biologist, Maine Department of Maddie & Rob Brookings; Phillips (Lucerne) Lake Douglas Miller; Togus Pond antibiotics. You are generally negligence happens at many Environmental Protection Amy Brown; Saturday Pond Olivia Mills; Lakes Environmental Association Lakes Kaylin Brown; Messalonskee Lake Sadie Mills; Tolman Pond diligent when it comes to medical facilities. But if it did, 2005. At that time, DEP was given the Christine Bunyon; Kezar Lake David Nadeau; Highland (Duck) Lake health care concerns. Your we’d all be in trouble! Quality Jacob Camnett; Holland (Sokosis) Pond Lindsay Nelsen; Tacoma Lakes option of creating an ‘umbrella’ QAPP morning blood pressure is assurance checks must be Kathleen Campbell; Togus Pond Donna Nelson; Holland (Sokosis) Pond or requiring each entity to submit its around 109/72 – quite good. performed on such important Emily Carman; 30 Mile River Area Lakes James O'Brien; Norway Area Lakes own QAPP. The latter choice was really Marci Casas; Rockport Area Lakes Lauren Olson; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes And your weight is 160 pounds equipment at a regular frequency. not a good option giv en that more than Jim Clark; Bauneag Beg Lake Kelly O'Neil; Webb Lake – also good for your age and Jake Cockrell; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes Steve & Tina Osborn; Branch Lake As a volunteer water quality monitor, 500 volunteers were collecting lake height. But you’ve taken your Duncan Coles; Rangeley Lakes Region Lakes Lee Owens; China Lake you are akin to a medical ‘first data. It would have been an onerous Steven Corbett; Chemo Pond John Paradiso; Sebago Lake temperature 6-7 times over responder’. The readings,task for 500 individuals to submit Edward Damm; Graham Lake Eric Parker; Allen Pond the past 24 hours and you’ve Emma Dennison; Highland (Duck) Lake Nadya Pearson; North Gorham Pond measurements and samples 500 separate QAPPs, so the decision gotten readings between 101.5 Lisa Deschenes; Moose Pond Elizabeth Peele-Haidinger; Meddybemps Lake you take are designed to provide was made to take the ‘umbrella’ and 103.2! So you know you are not Patricia Dugan; Norway Area Lakes William Penney; Kennebunk Pond the information needed to evaluate approach. This QAPP documents the Laura Duran; Highland (Duck) Lake Chris and Dominic Perkins; Moose Pond imagining symptoms. the health of your lake. Thus, it is training new volunteers receive, the Nathan Durant; Messalonskee Lake & Webb (Weld) Lake Marie Phero; Georges Pond At the doctor’s office when they weigh incredibly important to obtain the Susan Fenn; Sewall Pond Lauren Pickford; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes frequency of parameter-specific re- Larry Fleury; Pattee Pond Carol & Sonny Pierce; Mooselookmeguntic Lake you, the scale reads about 15 pounds highest quality data possible. The certifications, frequency of obtaining Paul Fontaine; Flying Pond Maurice Plante; Pattee Pond more than yours. When they take your Maine Department of Environmental duplicate readings and samples, who Ryan Frati; Mount Desert Water District Lakes Richard Qualey; Highland (Duck) Lake blood pressure, it is 153/93! Then Protection and Lake Stewards of does what, and many other details. Kelsie French; Clary Lake (Pleasant Pond) David Randall; Pleasant Lake Sue Fulshaw; Cushman Pond Chris Ricardi; Sabbathday Lake they take your temperature; magically Maine work closely with the federal Re-certifications are particularly David Gay; Long Pond Jesse Ricardi; Sabbathday Lake & Great Pond it appears to have fallen to 97.6 since Environmental Protection Agency to important. Eyesight changes need Lucas Govert; Great Pond & Long Pond Lloyd Roberts; Chickawaukie Pond you took it this morning. They send assure that lake data collected in to be documented and procedures Beth Graham; Flanders Pond Marissa Rossi; 30 Mile River Area Lakes you home with instructions to reduce Maine are so reliable that they Ulrike Guthrie; Alamoosook Lake Gene Roy; Pattee Pond reviewed. Expensive meters need Ben Hall; Chamberlain Lake & Telos Lake and Round Pond Kristin Schroder; Trickey Pond salt in your diet and to lose 30 pounds, would stand-up to scrutiny in a to be checked for accuracy. Logan Hallett; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes Ryan Schutt; 5 Kezars Ponds with no mention of treatment for the court of law! This is necessary, Sample collections must be done Susannah Hammersley; Branch Lake Paul Shook; Norway Area Lakes flu-like symptoms. otherwise neither federal nor to assure no contamination of the Sarah Hammond; Moosehead Lake Sierra Simpson; 5 Kezars Ponds & Bryant Pond George Haselton; Lilly Pond Amy Soper; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes As you are getting into your car, you state resources could be awarded sample. So when re-certification Tim Hawkins; Highland (Duck) Lake Ken Sparkes; McCurdy Pond shake your head thinking ‘this doesn’t through grants to partially fund workshops are advertised next Eric Hoffmann; Unity Pond Cheryl & Kirk St . Peter; Cross Lake Rosemary Holdsworth; Georges Pond Kirsten Stemmler; Lakes Environmental Association Lakes add up…I still feel awful’, and you the program. There is actually spring, proudly and willingly a law stating that all data used in Karen Holmes; Cathance Lake John & Paula Titus; Maces Pond & Rocky Pond begin to wonder about the accuracy of sign up, knowing that you are the first Francis Hopcroft; Seal Cove Pond Dawn & John Towey; Quimby Pond your scale, blood pressure monitor and environmental decision making must responder for your lake and your lake Valyrie Ice; Branch Lake Kathy Trenholm; Chemo Pond thermometer. You also wonder about be collected under a Quality Assurance monitoring trainings are akin to First Cary James; Meddybemps Lake Terry Turner; Panther Pond Program/Project Plan, or a QAPP! Aid and CPR for your lake! Robert Johnston; Allagash Lake Cathy Watson; Watchic Pond those devices at the doctor’s office. How Susan Kaagan; Parker Pond Cynthia Westlund; Kezar Lake often are they checked for accuracy? Maine’s first lake monitoring QAPP Joseph Kellogg; Trickey Pond Dian White; Tacoma Lakes Would that make a difference? If their was submitted to EPA by DEP in Andrea King; Bunganut Pond Kim White; Highland (Duck) Lake & Lower Narrows Pond Ian Kiraly; various lakes Lisa Willey; Highland (Duck) Lake Heidi Kleban; Moose Pond Karen Wilson; Highland (Duck) Lake Save the Date! Lora Laffan; Grassy Pond Robert Winship; Bradley Pond Anna Lampman; various lakes John Wolanski; Panther Pond 2019 VLMP Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Harriet Harriet Langley; Bryant Pond Jane Woodbury; Farrington Pond David DaLaPointe; Turner Pond (Mirror Lake) Will Be Held On Saturday, July 27th 6 Listings by lake can be found online at www.LakesOfMaine.org 31 by Linda Bacon LSM Quality Assurance Officer; Cyanotoxin Update Aquatic Biologist, Maine DEP A new invader to the state of Maine, European frog-bit, was recently discovered in Cobbossee Lake. Under n 2015, Environmental Protection Floating at the surface, or stranded among the European IAgency (EPA) established Drinking emergent vegetation, European frog-bit’s clumps of the Water Criteria for the algal toxins small, heart-shaped leaves may not exactly ‘jump Frog-bit microcystin and cylindrospermopsin, out’ to the untrained eye. It’s time for a quick and in December of 2016, EPA refresher on some of this plant’s key characteristics! Hand released draft recreation criteria for both of these toxins. Samples collected Lens: Hydrocharis by volunteers and Department of morsus-ranae Environmental Protection staff from blooming lakes nearly 10 years ago This aquatic invader can indicated that microcystin was present in some Maine lakes that bloom. Since be tricky to recognize. Here is a quick primer 2014, DEP’s Lake Assessment Section on some of the key characteristics to watch for. has been obtaining samples from both blooming lakes and lakes that do not 1. European frog-bit is a small, free-floating aquatic support blooms to better characterize plant. When afloat, it’s small, rounded kidney- or heart- risk of algal toxins in Maine lakes. shaped leaves (1 .5 to 6 .5 cm long) are not anchored to the bottom sediments. Once established, the plants multiply The protocols followed by DEP align rapidly, much like strawberry plants in your garden, each with those being implemented by the individual plant sending out multiple ‘baby’ plants on slender runners or stolons . Cyanobacteria Collaborative, headed- the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) you tell me about a specific lake?” is a up by Hilary Snook of EPA. Samples and the Drinking Water Program have link to a list of lakes that have had at are collected from open water, near the taken place to discuss developing a least one bloom in the past. These 122 shore, and if scums are present, from possible Maine advisory. Because there lakes have been evaluated for bloom the scums themselves. These locations is so much variation in what we’ve frequency and risk of future blooms. were chosen to characterize conditions seen for microcystin concentrations Eventually we are likely to have a list 4 . When stranded along the shore, the dangling tendrils related to use of the lake for drinking from year to year and during algal of lakes that have exceedances of the may anchor into the mud, like roots . Tip: Binoculars may water, recreation in boats, swimming, blooms, and because the state’s ability microcystin criteria posted as well. come in handy if you wish to do a more careful visual Inset photo courtesy of Jouko inspection of hard-to-reach shoreline areas. and consumption by pets and livestock. to conduct comprehensive continuous https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/ Lehmuskallio - NatureGate. Approximately half of the samples have monitoring for toxins is so limited lakes/bloomrisk.html. 2. Leaves with unique vein pattern, (each on its own been analyzed thus far, and we expect to given the number of lakes in Maine, Fortunately, Maine has been managing elongated, 4-6 cm long, stalk) occur in bouquet-like rosettes. wrap up sample collections in 2019. it is likely that a statewide advisory its lakes for HABs (Harmful Algal Maine currently uses the EPA advisories approach will be taken, similar to the Blooms) indirectly for decades because as guidelines. Multiple meetings with fish consumption advisory for mercury. the Class in statute, “GPA”, includes The Maine DEPthe phrase “shall be free from culturally website has a induced nuisance algal blooms”. Maine webpage dedicated statute defines nuisance algal blooms to cyanobacteria as Secchi transparency readings of that includes a list of less than 2 meters; preliminary data precautions lake users suggest that most lakes that produce should take when microcystin during a bloom, are less blooms exist. https:// clear than this. Photo courtesy of Meghan Johnstone, Acadia Park Invasive Plant Patrol. www.maine.gov/ Thanks to the persistent good work of 3. Small flowers, consisting of three white petals arrayed 5. Root-like tendrils, resembling slender bottle brushes, dep/water/lakes/ LSM citizen lake monitors, we generally around a yellow center, may occur during the summer . dangle below the floating rosette. cyanobacteria.html. know when a lake is approaching the When in doubt, always rule on the side of caution and treat the plant as a suspected invader, i.e., mark the location Near the bottom of bloom threshold. this page, under “Can of the plant (ideally on a map and with a buoy), collect a specimen, and contact LSM for further instruction.

30 7 Connecting the Drops Littorally Speaking... continued from page 5 glory for our children’s children to enjoy, you, my fellow lake stewards! I have come conditions for some naturalized species, have an enormous challenge before us. to think of you as some of the most Cultivating Relationships and Building Community to Sustain LSM's Programs prompting at least some of them to In addition to doing what we are already capable, self-motivated, resourceful, can- by Alison Cooney ‘awaken’ and become more aggressive. doing, we must work to meet the new do, people on the planet. I know from LSM Development Coordinator challenges of a changing climate head experience what you can do when you Any forecast of the future carries with on, doing all we can as individuals, in set your minds to it, and this gives Historical Funding annual operating expenses combined it some uncertainty, but the scientific through a Community Guardian Angel. our communities, and in our watersheds me confidence that, working together, with declining Government grant funds consensus is strong on the following hen Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) With a goal of $50,000, Board members, to minimize potential for climate-related we will make serious progress on this required a focused effort to diversify point: in Maine’s new warmer, more started out as Maine Volunteer Lake individuals and lake associations have harm. At the same time, we need to urgently important front as well. W and broaden LSM’s fundraising base. extreme-weather-prone climate, ‘there Monitoring Program, it was a fully-funded already contributed over $33,000 to the take action to address the root causes A designated Development staff person will be winners, and there will be losers.’ Looking for some next steps? Please stay state program. The program was conceived Community Guardian Angel! of our current climate problem: excess was much needed, however, financial Science (and common sense) tells us that tuned! LSM will be sharing much more by a group of visionaries, including LSM carbon in the earth’s atmosphere and the support for a new position was not Future Development the most adaptable species--including information in the weeks and months Advisory Board member, Matt Scott, who continued increase in carbon emissions feasible at the time. those we now consider most invasive-- to come, on what each one of us can do oversaw volunteer lake monitoring when We are pleased to announce that the associated with the burning of fossil fuels. the Maine Department of Environmental Guardian Angel Initiative is moving will rank high among the winners. to help save Maine’s extraordinary clear, “Just as ripples spread out The good news is there is much each one clean lakes from the most harmful effects Protection came into being in 1971. The forward as envisioned. With the help and There is no soft-pedaling any of this. when a single pebble is of us can do to help on both fronts, and, of climate change. program transitioned to non-profit status dropped into water, the commitment of our generous donors, Those of us who love our lakes and wish therefore, much reason for hope! High in 1996 when funding was reduced. actions of individuals can we have achieved our initial fundraising them to be here in all their wonder and among my personal rays of hope are all of Initially, LSM relied on government goals, a Development Coordinator have far-reaching effects.” Citations: grants to cover the majority of the annual has been hired, and efforts are well ~ Dalai Lama Figs . 1, 2, 3 - Fernandez, I J. ;. C V. . Schmitt; S D. . Birkel; E . Stancioff; A J. . Pershing; J T. . Kelley, J A. . Runge; G L. . Jacobson; and P A. . Mayewski . 2015 . budget. Staff consisted of one person, underway to expand and increase LSM’s Maine’s Climate Future: 2015 Update . Orono, ME: University of Maine . 24pp . Scott Williams, who was (and still is) not development capacity. The Guardian Angel Initiative, aimed Fig . 4 . Hodgkins, Glenn A ,. James II, Ivan C ,. Huntington, Thomas G . 2005 . Historical Changes in Lake Ice-Out Dates as Indicators of Climate Change only the Executive Director, but also the in New England, 1850-2000 . U S. . Geological Survey . at seeking and leveraging several large The resulting changes within the organization’s Limnologist (lake scientist). Fig . 5 . - Bradley, Bethany A ,. University of Massachusetts Amherst; Allen, Jenica M ,. University of New Hampshire . 2016 . Out of the weeds? donations, was a concept developed by organization are already quite profound. With limited time to devote to fundraising Reduced plant invasion risk with climate change in the continental United States . Biological Conservation, Volume 203, November 2016, Pages 306- LSM volunteer, John Wasileski. The Having a designated Development efforts, Scott discovered grant writing and 312 purpose of the initiative is to ensure Coordinator on staff has greatly enhanced 1 was very successful with filling in budgetary Bradley and Allen . long-term growth and sustainability for our ability to: connect with new and existing gaps through awarded grants. Lake Stewards of Maine through the donors, reach out to new stakeholders, Notes from the Front Lines... continued from page 13 As the public interest in LSM’s workshops strengthening and expansion of LSM’s strengthen ties with our many collaborators, continued, additional staff was hired development capacity, starting with the research and prepare foundation grants, Highlights of the 2018 IPP Season - by Roberta Hill to assist with the growing number and to discover (and more fully benefit hiring of a new Development Coordinator. • With the help of our wonderful • It was a banner year for UAO of citizen lake scientists being added The Guardian Angel Initiative concept from) exciting new opportunities and IPP hosts and partners, LSM (unidentified aquatic objects)! annually to LSM’s programs. Over the became a reality when OceanView at collaborations. It has also resulted in the course of two decades, staff increased to Falmouth Retirement Community added benefit of freeing up other LSM staff, conducted fourteen IPP training Approximately 200 specimens were 4 full-time and 1 part-time employees. committed to be LSM’s first “Guardian allowing them to devote more attention events from York to Washington submitted to us this summer for Grant writing, annual appeals, thank Angel”. OceanView’s dedication to to the essential work of the organization: County. Approximately 270 identification. This is nearly double you letters, donor engagement, all duties LSM’s Mission helped secure additional training and providing ongoing technical individuals attended one or more what we typically see in a given generally assigned to Development staff, Guardian Angels (please see next page). support to our volunteers! trainings in 2018. year, perhaps due to increasing were shared responsibilities among LSM LSM’s Board of Directors also pledged to Lake Stewards of Maine accomplishes an Newly-trained IPPers on the shore of beautiful ease of taking and submitting • The new Field Guide to Invasive Lake St . George . Board members and employees. Rising fulfill a “Guardian Angel” commitment immense amount of work on a very tight Aquatic Plants finally made it to digital photos. (Nearly half of the 2018 submissions were sent the printer, and hundreds of copies Betty, Upper Breakneck, Lower electronically via email.) Income Expenses have already been distributed! Breakneck, Beaver Dam, and The Other Field Guides are distributed free- Tarn. This marks the completion • The Pixie Williams Herbarium is 1% Development of-charge to all newly-certified lake of a three-year project, conducted really coming together! As far as we Individual Government & Fundraising monitors. in partnership with Acadia know, this is Maine’s only herbarium 6% Grants 14% Water Quality* • The Acadia Jump Start Project is National Park and Somes Meynell devoted exclusively to aquatic and Corporate 43% 43% complete! Nineteen of Maine’s Wildlife Sanctuary, that brought wetland plants. All herbarium Support* Watershed Survey most experienced Invasive Plant IPP volunteers from across Maine sheets are being scanned at high 14% Assessment together with newly-trained locals resolution, and will eventually be Foundations Patrollers (we lovingly refer 2% Invasive Species* made available online, including at Lake Communities & Grants to them as the ‘Uber-IPPers’) to screen all waters of Mount 41% the Consortium of New England 3% 33% participated in the 2018 survey, Desert Island for the presence of covering ten ponds: Jordan, Witch aquatic invaders, while helping to Herbaria website. The Herbarium Current annual budget * Includes donations, short-term initiatives, * Includes training, certification and on-going lifetime jump-start a local citizen-based will soon be open to the public by underwriting and sponsorship support for Lake Steward volunteers Hole, Lakewood, Bubble, Aunt < $500,000 early detection program. appointment, as well. 8 29 budget, thanks to a small, but very dedicated We are deeply grateful to LSM’s Meet Our 2018 Interns staff and hundreds of volunteer lake stewards who play key leadership roles within the Guardian Angel Initiative supporters: his past summer was an ristan Taber began organization. We are proud of our ability to Textraordinary experience This work with Lake meet the growing demands and interests of that I was thankful to have Stewards of Maine (then the public. However, we are bursting with had. Lakes Stewards of Maine VLMP) in January of 2018. innovative ideas and approaches that will allow has a special place in my He is a current graduate us to expand our programs even more; efforts heart; a huge part of my student at the University of that can only be achieved by jumping to the childhood was spent either at Southern Maine (USM) in next level of financial security. or on a lake. I learned from the biology program. His Although significantly growing LSM’s a young age that the lakes in research is focused upon annual budget is a daunting task, we are Maine are special, and that biomorphic properties in salt Sarah Hammond Tristan Taber confident that we can meet the challenge. a lot of people had a deep marsh species, wave energy Our development expansion goals include passion for them; working with LSM only reinforced that attenuation, pollutants, and potential aspects related to increasing individual donors, major funders idea. Not only did I have the utmost pleasure of working sea level rise and climate change resiliency. This research and business contributions, as well as launching with the core staff, but the interaction with the volunteers should be concluding in the summer of 2019. Tristan's an annual campaign. We know that we can was a true gift. I admire the ability of this organization other projects and research include a dam removal in accomplish all of this with a little help from to bring people together under one common goal, the Iowa, and during his undergraduate degree in landscape our friends. THANK YOU for connecting us preservation of Maine lakes. architecture, developments in urban farming for the World with potential resources, offering creative ideas I’m currently studying Environmental Sciences and Health Summit 2010, and stable isotope analysis as a and supporting us to the best of your ability! Economics at the University of Maine Orono, and this metric for salt marsh restoration. Other work has included Keep the ripples going! internship was the first time I was able to apply what I am hydrologic restoration activities and salt marsh monitoring learning in a workplace. I’m concentrating on sustainability with Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, teaching at USM, and natural resource management, and have learned that and work with Maine Department of Environmental community-based conservation is one of the most effective Protection. Tristan is a member of: the executive board Peter Fischer Joins Team Coffee with Alison ways to tackle environmental issues. for the New England Estuarine Research Symposium, the New LSM Development If you are an individual or The work I did with LSM was rewarding, and the skill set fraternal organization of Phi Kappa Psi, and the Union Team member, Peter Fischer, business who is interested in of Concerned Scientists. He is originally from Bangor, I took away is something I’ll always cherish. From aiding (center) accompanied by LSM discovering opportunities for Maine, and is a current resident of Hallowell. “It was a with the IPP 101 workshops, to helping coordinate the Development Coordinator, supporting Lake Stewards of great pleasure working with the generous and friendly folks production of the annual conference, to drilling holes Alison Cooney and E.D. Scott Maine, please contact Alison. into trunk scopes, I am thankful for it all. I am grateful to of VLMP (now LSM). Their work is clearly important, but laborious. I want to thank them for their efforts and I was Williams. Peter is a long-time She is always looking for a good have had the chance to work with and be a part of such a water quality monitor, and reason to go out for coffee! dedicated, kind, passionate team of people that care deeply glad I could assist for a while.” former President of the Board [email protected] about the work they do. of Directors. (207)783-7733

proliferate in warmer water with higher Summer intern Sarah Jesse Wheeler (L) of Acadia National Wendy Dennis was concentrations of phosphorus. Longer Hammond channeled Park and Billy Helprin (R) of Somes- honored for 40 Years 'American Gothic' while Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary accepted of devotion to the annual growing seasons associated Congrats to 10 Year Service Awardees (L-R) - Joe handing out prizes to their award for Outstanding IAP lakes in the Cobbossee Saunders, Biff Atwater, Jenn Chase, Janene Gorham The Challenges with a warming climate may result Photo of a tornado (waterspout) on Sebago Lake, deserving lake stewards . Prevention on Mount Desert Island. Watershed District . taken by Bob Zimmerman in 2018 . aine’s lakes face an increasing in a more complete breakdown, and Mand unprecedented number of solubility of organic matter, making it lake water over a relatively short period threats and challenges, ranging from the easier for this matter to be mobilized of time. introduction and detection of invasive and transported in stormwater runoff, potentially significantly increasing Storms such as the one shown above aquatic species, to nutrient enrichment (one of four such storms recorded (primarily phosphorus) in runoff from the concentration of phosphorus and organic matter in lakes. in Maine on that day) are becoming watershed development, and an increase increasingly common, and are often in the occurrence of harmful algal associated with heavy rain that can cause blooms (HAB’s). These, as well as more severe soil erosion in lake watersheds, subtle changes, such as the gradual loss washing sediment, phosphorus and of coldwater fishery habitat that may LSM Invasive Species Program Maine's preeminent geochemist, Dr . Steve Norton, other pollutants into Maine’s lakes. reported on recent studies of Lake Auburn's occur in some lakes, caused by declining Director, Roberta Hill, discussed the LSM Lake Steward and Development Team member The Value of Widespread, Long-Term, importance of healthy vegetated unusual lake sediment . Mike Cloutier spoke with LSM Lake Steward and late summer dissolved oxygen levels, are buffers to a rapt audience. Board Member Bob French about the importance all being exacerbated by the effects of a High-Quality Scientific Information of fundraising . warming climate. It has been said that the first step in solving a problem is to recognize that there is one. This is where Maine’s lake stewards come in! LSM volunteers have been at the national forefront of the citizen lake science movement since 1971! During the past half century, volunteer lake monitors have monitored the health of hundreds of lakes throughout the state of Maine, Many thanks to our fabulous kitchen crew: (L-R) generating an enormous volume of Thanks to our generous sponsors, LSM Volunteer Em McAlpine, LSM Board members Scott Williams delivers a talk on The Variability of many items were available at our silent Phoebe Hardesty and Sibyl French, and LSM scientifically-credible information Secchi Transparency in Maine Lakes in Recent Years . auction, which was a big success! Volunteer Bev Haas . annually. On some lakes, the collection of water quality data has been continuous Change in distribution of areas where stream over a period of multiple decades. This temperature supports different fisheries under volunteer-generated information has the Reference scenario using IGSM-CAM climate added significantly to our understanding model . Results are presented for the 8-digit Extreme weather events associated with hydrologic unit codes (HUCs) of the contiguous of lake ecosystems and their response to climate change typically produce higher U.S. For more information, visit EPA's "Climate various threats. Change in the United States: Benefits of Global volumes and velocity of stormwater Action" at www.epa.gov/cira. runoff. These combined factors increase Of similar, if not greater, importance as the Water clarity is the most highly valued the likelihood that watershed sediment extensive quantity of lake attribute in Maine. One likely effect and nutrients (primarily phosphorus) will data gathered by LSM of a warming climate on lakes will be an be transported to lakes. Such “perfect volunteers, is the quality of overall increase in the abundance of algae storm” conditions may cause a substantial the information being obtained. Quality in lake water, resulting in declining clarity. increase in the concentration of algae in 10 27 Assurance (QA) is achieved through supplemented with a comprehensive, high-level process comprehensive 2018 Lake Monitoring Conference that assures all users of volunteer data baseline sampling that the information is credible, and is by DEP staff. Solid on-par with similar data gathered by historical data provide professional lake scientists. (For more on an important reference LSMs Quality Assurance Project Plan, point, compared to please see Quality Counts on page 6.) which future changes A 2012 peer-reviewed study conducted by can be identified and the University of Florida of side-by-side documented. comparisons of data gathered by trained When lake Secchi Jesse Wheeler (L) of Acadia National Park and Billy New members of the milestone monitoring club are 5 Year Helprin (R) of Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer lake monitors in the Florida readings decline to a Service Awardees (L-R) Sally Smith (next to LSM Board reported on their locally-sustainable citizen-based John Laskey (R) received his LakeWatch Program and professional lake depth of 2.0 meters or 35-Year Service Award for his how lakes respond to a warming climate, President Bill Monagle), David Edsall, Arthur Jacobson, Jane program to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic scientists, demonstrated that the two were less (the DEP standard), a severe algal and Ron Snyder . species on Mount Desert Island . dedication to Tripp Lake. the role of trained volunteer monitors is indistinguishable, as the graphics from the bloom may be occurring. An algal bloom more valuable and essential than ever! study illustrate (see below). The image on is typically a lakewide event, during which the top shows comparisons of Secchi disk About the Data the water color may turn various shades of readings, and total phosphorus sampling & What We Are green leading up to, and during the bloom. results on the bottom. The training, Learning A multi-colored sheen or scum may form support and QA oversight provided to on the surface, especially along downwind The venerable Secchi Volunteers in the LakeWatch Program is shoreline areas. The tiny organisms most disk continues to very similar to LSM’s training and quality often responsible for severe blooms during be one of the most assurance protocols. the heat of summer are the Cyanobacteria– reliable, inexpensive, bacteria that are capable of photosynthesis– Oustanding Regional IPP Leadership Award presented rapid and accurate to Raymond Waterways Protective Association. (L-R) - IPPers were eager to test their aquatic plant referred to in the past as “bluegreen algae” Peggy Jensen, Bob French, Sibyl French, Ross Wescott, devices for estimating identification skills. Awarded for 15 Years of lake dedication or “cyanophytes”. are (L - R) Rich and Lonny Schneider, and Bunny Wescott, Neil Jensen, Lisa Hall. planktonic algae Edward Simmons . growth in lakes. The The Secchi disk can be used to determine device is used extensively by professional not only when a bloom is taking place, lake scientists, as well as volunteer but also to track the intensity and monitors. Several hundred LSM lake duration of a bloom, and to determine monitors throughout Maine collectively the point at which the bloom subsides. obtain several thousand Secchi readings While the Secchi disk is the quickest and annually on hundreds of Maine lakes! Citizen Lake Scientists... continued on page 14 Secchi readings taken throughout the Lake Stewardship in Song & Verse: A Parody summer season (May of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' by lake LSM Development Coordinator, steward Bunny Wescott. Singers are (L-R) Alison Cooney, spoke about various through September, or Roberta Hill, Jeff Dennis, Bunny Wescott, and fundraising initiatives and thanked our There were many prizes to be had by certified Lake longer) provide a very Stewards, thanks to our generous conference sponsors! Scott Williams on guitar. generous donors . good overall picture of both seasonal and Thank You to our Generous Conference Sponsors! annual changes in lake water quality, and these readings will likely provide the first indication of climate-induced change for many Canfield, D; Brown, C; Bachmann, R; Hoyer, M; Basic Response for Majority of Lakes: University of Florida: Volunteer Lake Monitoring: lakes. The historical Dryer years => less watershed runoff => less sediment and Testing the Reliability of Data Collected by the Florida water quality data for phosphorus loading to lakes => clearer lake water LakeWatch Program . many Maine lakes Wetter years => greater watershed runoff => more sediment and consists primarily phosphorus loading to lakes => reduced transparency With dwindling funds from government of Secchi disk sources available to support the gathering of Timing of precipitation is a factor (January-July is likely most relevant) readings, periodically research data needed to better understand However, this relationship does not apply to all lakes….. 26 11 ME Lakes Water Quality... continued from page 23 occurred from double digit readings Invasive Plant Patrol phosphorus in the past when dissolved to 4 meters (not a nuisance bloom as oxygen levels have been depleted; this defined in Maine statute). For context, Here we shine the spotlight on some of the many ways LSM Invasive likely occurred in 2018 as well. Basin competes with Pleasant Pond in Notes from the Front Lines Plant Patrollers are working to protect Maine waters from the threat of Abrams Pond in Eastbrook approached Caratunk and Jordan Pond on MDI for aquatic invaders. What is your story? What is the status of early detection in your community? Your IPP experience may bloom conditions again last summer. the deepest transparency readings in Maine each year. The long-term average for this be invaluable to your fellow patrollers, as well as to those who may wish to become more involved. Please share your stories Extensive water quality documentation lake is 12 meters, with occasional 16 meter with us, so we can pass them along! Thank you all for helping to build one the most comprehensive invasive aquatic plant in this small lake by LSM certified lake monitors Bill and Kathleen Cotter have readings. The dramatic change in 2018 is early detection programs in the nation! troublesome! Relatively few algae could Photo of October, 2013 algae bloom in Ellis Pond, helped us understand the dynamics of courtesy of LSM Lake Steward, Ross Swain . the bloom cycles that have occurred be seen through the microscope. It is therefore possible that picoplankton have Maine’s Newest Invader - Adapted from Maine DEP Press Release in Abrams Pond for the past several water, thus no documentation of the years. Volunteers like the Cotters help made their presence known in North and conditions takes place. The blooms t was not long after the initial "Admittedly, this latest discovery is a identify problems in lakes early on, Basin Ponds. Samples have been sent to typically last a very short time before Idiscovery of Eurasian water milfoil in tough one-two punch for Cobbossee thereby facilitating the work of research Dr. Jim Haney at UNH to be scanned the algae die and form a visible residue/ Cobbosseecontee Lake in Manchester, Lake. We don't know how the plant agencies (DEP) and LSM staff in the for fluorescence, which if present, would scum on the surface. Depending on that the Maine Department of arrived in the lake but we have already coordination of additional investigation, indicate that picoplankton may be the weather conditions, the surface residue Environmental Protection (DEP) begun the challenge of managing and engaging the lake community in the issue in these two ponds. may be evident for a few days, or confirmed the presence of a second it," said John McPhedran, DEP identification and mitigation of causative only a few hours. LSM certified lake state-prohibited invasive aquatic plant Biologist. "The plant was discovered factors in the watershed. monitor, Ross Swain has documented this phenomenon in Ellis Pond on in the lake. The plant, European frog-bit August 10, 2018, surveyed August 13 North Pond in Smithfield had its worst multiple occasions, augmenting (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), is native to and removal began August 14. I am algal bloom ever last year. The lake was Cobbossee Yacht Club volunteers, removing his observations with excellent Europe and northern Asia, and is a confident that DEP's collaboration hit hard by a severe storm that occurred European frog-bit from the northeastern inlet of photographs. Samples collected by popular water garden and aquarium Cobbossee Lake . with Cobbossee Watershed District a year ago, with the west shore losing Ross confirmed the presence of plant. First intentionally introduced to and Friends of Cobbossee Watershed many trees. North Pond is relatively microcystis, a cyanobacteria that has and sheltered coves. The Cobbossee shallow; high water temperatures around a water garden in Canada in 1932, the will result in reducing this infestation. the potential to produce algal toxins. population was first spotted in a the fourth of July likely contributed to plant was found in a New York river in But we also need to be realistic: Ross captured another such brief event stream-outlet cove in the northeast the bloom as well as some intermittent 1974 and continues to expand its range. real control will require continued last summer. corner of the lake. Subsequent surveys commitment and will occur over phosphorus release from bottom The Cobbossee find is the first Photo of 2018 Gloeotrichia bloom at Meduxnekeag revealed that the plant was well sediments on windless days, and possibly Little Kennebago Lake - LSM lake known occurance of this plant in years, not days or months." (Drews) lake taken by Doug Suitor (Maine established in patches throughout the evaporation. Thanks to data collected Department of Environmental Protection). monitors Willis and Ellie White reported Maine. European frog-bit grows lake, suggesting it has been present in Please see page 7 for a closer look at Maine's by LSM volunteers (see list below), over the effects of severe weather in early newest invader. Meduxnekeag (Drews) Lake in best in shallow, slow-moving water Cobbossee for some time. a period spanning nearly five decades, summer in the Little Kennebago Lake Aroostook County we know that Secchi readings last fell experienced an watershed. A “microburst” in the area below 2 meters in 2010; we also know unexpected severe Gloeotrichia bloom resulted in extensive damage to trees Hancock County Notes - by Catherine Fox & Mark Whiting that the 2018 bloom was the sixth time last summer. LSM certified lake monitors, and severe soil erosion. Otherwise clear Tana Mcnutt and Cara O’Donnell streams were said to be running “black” he IPP effort continues to grow in response team” (thanks Billy Helprin County. Please e-mail us at our new the lake has bloomed during the period documented the very unusual conditions with soil particles. Such events are Hancock county. for organizing that!), and a group survey address of LSMHancockCounty@mail .com of record. T in this lake, which in recent years has taking place more frequently throughout of Donnell Pond (special thanks Shari and let us know if you are interested in North Pond, Smithfield volunteer monitors: In 2018 we conducted a successful experienced improving, and above- Maine, ostensibly due to climate change. LaTulippe, Lucy Leaf and Billy Helprin). joining the effort, and/or if you have any Early 1970s – Dr . Ron Davis and company test run of our new “local emergency 1978-81 Charles Scott average Secchi readings. By September, The storms can result in significant We also conducted Level-3 surveys (for thoughts or suggestions to share. 1983-84 Robert Williams Secchi readings had dropped to 2.9 phosphorus loading to lakes in a very the first time since 2004) of the hard- 1990-99 Bob Joly (also monitored East Pond) meters, and Gloeotrichia density was “off short period of time. to-reach but very important wilderness 1999-2002 Jim Demchak the chart”. DEP staff visited the lake and 2003-04 Harvey Chesley Puffers Pond in Dexter had a sewage lakes, Nicatous (thanks Keith Williams) confirmed the conditions. Once again, 2005-06 Charles Murdock/Nick Hadley spill directly into the lake in September. and Spectacle (thanks Lucy Leaf). We’re 2008-09 Daniel Lagueux LSM volunteer data provided critical early A new school was constructed within hoping to make the 2019 season even Since then: DEP and UMaine, Orono staff & detection of this unusual phenomenon. BRCA (Now 7 Lakes Alliance)/Colby College have the last decade, and the engineering more comprehensive. Plans are being collected a great deal of data . Ellis (Roxbury) Pond in Western plan for hooking into the municipal made to kick off the season with an Maine has experienced bursts of algae sewer district, was flawed. As a result, informal “drop-in, bring-a-picnic, ask/ Basin Pond in Fayette was an growth associated with late summer when the nearby pump station fails, discuss-anything, everyone-invited” unexptected surprise! While Secchi turnover/mixing in recent years. Such sewage flows into the lake! The sewer event at a local shallow (wading depth) (L-R) Alex Dowess & Billy Helprin of Somes-Meynell Regional Volunteer Coordinator for Hancock Wildlife Sanctuary, with Volunteer IPP Regional readings didn’t drop to 2 meters, a events often take place late in the district estimated that 500-700 gallons County, Mark Whiting, leads a group of volunteer pond where aquatic plants are two weeks Hancock County Coordinators Mark Whiting and season (September or October) when flowed into the lake, but given the video Invasive Plant Patrollers on Alamoosook Lake . Catherine Fox . significant reduction in transparency in advance of anywhere else in Hancock few people spend time on or near the ME Lakes Water Quality... continued on page 33 12 25 Matt Scott, Maine’s Goodwill Lake Ambassador, Screening for Invasive Bivalves - by Laurie Callahan, Director, York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP) Addresses Lake Association Meetings Across Maine nvasive freshwater clams and mussels when water temperatures were cooler Ihave not yet been found in Maine than optimal, so results (all negative att Scott is one of Maine’s best known, and most Matt represented LSM at six lakes and rivers, but they have been for IAS) may not have been reliable. Mexperienced lake professionals. A member of LSM’s meetings last summer, extensively found in waterbodies in adjacent states The procedure at each launch site took Advisory Board, Matt was the primary architect, and long- travelling the length and breadth and provinces. (Zebra mussels and Asian approximately 15 minutes, and the time leader of the Maine DEP lakes program when the agency of the State. The theme of his clams are present in Quebec and in equipment and supplies needed were came into being in the early 1970’s. He played a critical role presentations was “All Maine Lakes Matt Scott,LSM Advisory Board Massachusetts, and Asian clams have very simple and easy to obtain. in supporting and shaping the VLMP (now LSM) when it was are Vulnerable, Some More-So than been found in several locations in So, please stay tuned! YCIASP will have part of the DEP. Matt also served as Deputy Commissioner Others”. His expertise and knowledge of Maine fisheries was a New Hampshire.) Asian clams, once more information about its Asian clam of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and was big drawing factor. established, are difficult to control and screening protocol and surveys to share Chair of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection, and His first presentation was at Nickerson Lake in Aroostook practically impossible to eradicate. in 2019. And hopefully the surveys will President of the North American Lake Management Society. County, where he ran into a few old acquaintances and Preventing their introduction to also provide information about native Although Matt is now retired, he continues to be active as colleagues, discussed the lake fishery and addressed watershed waterbodies is the most effective approach. The best time to sample is in midsummer when mollusk species that are present! a fisheries and lake water quality consultant, and he works runoff concerns. Next, Matt travelled to Long Pond in Identifying waterbodies where they occur water temperatures are optimal for this species. The sampling is done in about 2-3 feet of water, closely with LSM and other lake groups throughout Maine. Parsonsfield, a lake that has experienced severe algal blooms is an important part of that strategy. where the substrate is sandy or gravelly/sandy . Last summer, Matt offered to represent LSM at lake association for the past two years. A large, and receptive crowd benefitted The sieve is used to scoop into the substrate to a depth of about 3-inches. Using lake water to flush, meetings throughout Maine. Given the busy summer schedule, from Matt’s perspective. From southern to northern Maine, as needed, the finer material is sifted through and knowing that lake groups are always looking for a featured Matt then travelled back to Aroostook (aka: The County) to the mesh, leaving the larger bits which are then examined for the presence of Asian clams . Photo speaker at their annual summer meetings, we readily accepted speak to a group at Drews (aka: Meduxnekeag) Lake, which courtesy of WAMC Midday Magazine. his generous offer and publicized his availability. was also experiencing an algal bloom. Sebec Lake in the Dover-Foxcroft area of Piscataquis County YCIASP is in the process of adapting was Matt’s next trip, where he met with an energized group existing protocols developed in New to discuss ways to ensure that the excellent water quality of Hampshire and New York to create the lake would be maintained. Then it was off to Unity Pond its own Asian clam screening survey (Winnecook Lake) in Waldo County – another lake that has protocol to start using in 2019. The sampling method will detect young to mature Asian clams (several mm to 3 5. cm) Juveniles experienced chronic severe algal blooms. Matt’s extensive The most essential piece of equipment for the This past season, practice runs were less than 2 mm in diameter will pass through the historical experience with this lake provided an important Asian clam screening protocol is a standard sieve performed at several public launches in mesh of the sieve . For greatest assurance that Nickerson Lake perspective to attendees. He touched on topics ranging from with size 10 mesh (2 millimeters). Can you find the these invaders are not present in the waterbody, 3 Asian clams in this picture? Photo courtesy of NH York County. The sampling was done sampling should be done annually . Photo courtesy DDT fish-kills to outlet dam concerns. Finally, Matt met with Department of Environmental Services. in late September and early October of NH Department of Environmental Services. Meduxnekeag Lake a group representing the Sysladobsis chain of lakes, including Upper and Lower Dobsis, Junior, Duck and West Grand Lake in Penobscot County, where he discussed fisheries, dam Student Water Challenge Takes on Invasive Species - Priscilla Carnaroli and Shaylee Davis ownership, paper company land transitions, and the value of Saint Joseph's College freshman, organized by EPSCoR (Established lake association capacity in addressing the concerns raised. Priscilla Carnaroli, and sophomore Program to Stimulate Competitive Sebec Lake Sysladobsis Lake At each meeting, Matt indicated that he “would not always be Shaylee Davis, chose to focus their Research) and Maine Campus politically correct or appropriate, but would be scientifically 2018 Maine Student Water Challenge Compact—awards $350 stipends to accurate”, based on his extensive experiences and knowledge. project on developing curriculum to meritorious higher-education students. The crowds appreciated his wry humor and honesty. teach K-12 students about the threat of All challenges are aimed at solving Winnecook Lake "Home Base" Matt has already received requests to speak at meetings next invasive aquatic plants (IAP). We were water-related problems in Maine. Belgrade summer. We hope he will continue to have the time to share pleased to learn that their curriculum Priscilla is studying medical biology and Saint Joseph’s College students Priscilla Carnaroli included LSM’s Friend or Foe Kit his rich expertise as Maine’s Goodwill Lakes Ambassador. and Shaylee Davis delivered a presentation about minoring in sustainability; Shaylee is Thank you, Matt! invasive species at Maine Campus Compact’s (a nifty hands-on IAP lesson in a majoring in environmental science. 2nd Annual Maine Student Water Challenge box). The Student Water Challenge— And for those of you that missed out on Matt's speaking tour, (December 2018) . Notes from the Front Lines... continued on page 29 Long Pond he will be offering his services again for the 2019 summer season! If you are interested in having Matt present at your event, please contact LSM at [email protected] or (207) 783-7733, and we will put you in touch with him. Save the Date! 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Will Interested in Sponsoring an LSM Summer College Intern? Please see Page 28 for Details. Take Place On Saturday, July 27th 24 13 Citizen Lake Scientists... continued from page 11 September, Ron Armontrout, LSM- this lake and continue to be examined. past volunteers (Bob Joly) and current certified monitor on Thompson Lake in Alternative methods of controlling volunteer lake monitors like Mel Croft Oxford, documented readings of nearly phosphorus and algae are currently being and Gary Allison. Last summer, East 12 meters! However, others reported discussed, including an alum treatment. Pond underwent a successful aluminum declining water clarity, especially as sulfate treatment to inactivate internal lake water temperatures approached phosphorus sources in the lake. record highs during an exceptionally hot Transparencies following the treatment period lasting most of July. Still others obtained by DEP were greater than 5 reported extreme weather events that meters during all visits – good readings have the potential to negatively impact for the lake. Alum treatments are very water quality. costly, and only take place following Across the state of Maine LSM lake a thorough assessment, and mitigation monitors are playing a key role documenting of watershed sources of phosphorus. and tracking such events. Communicating Treatments may be effective for a decade this important information to their lake or more. associations and communities, they are Georges Pond in Franklin experienced also helping to raise general awareness of the threats to lakes, and of the ways to severe algal blooms in 2017 that protect them. In many cases, early detection appeared to persist under the ice, as an of problems provides the information and algal bloom was in evidence immediately Long Pond in Parsonsfield; photo courtesy of upon ice-out and persisted into the incentive needed for the lake community, Laurie Callahan . LSM, and DEP to follow up in a timely summer of 2018. During the past two manner with more intensive monitoring, Long Pond in Parsonsfield has a history years, the Georges Pond Association analysis, and/or remediation. of above-average water quality, with has substantially increased in size and Below is a summary of lakes that Secchi readings averaging 6.8 meters over capacity, and has mobilized to meet Jordan Pond is one of Maine’s clearest lakes, with Secchi readings sometime reaching 20 meters depth. Sabattus Pond experiences annual severe algal blooms, experienced (or were treated for) water a 35-year period. For the past two years, the challenges of the bloom; they have indicated by the green horizontal line on the lower graph. The “Color Ramps” on the right show the range and historical average for additional indicators of lake water however, the lake has experienced severe conducted a survey of the watershed, are quality . To view these graphics for your lake, visit LSM’s www.LakesofMaine.org website and click on the 'water quality' tab . quality problems in 2018: algal blooms. The dramatic changes mitigating sites that were identified and Lake Auburn least costly way to determine the intensity 1. Continue to monitor Secchi to increase the frequency of Secchi is the municipal water have been documented by LSM certified have initiated discussion of a possible of algae growth in lake water, additional transparency readings twice monthly, readings to weekly (if possible), in supply for Lewiston and Auburn. In 2012, lake monitor, Art Bubar. Additional future alum treatment with consultants sampling to measure the concentration from May through September; as the order to track the bloom and keep it experienced reduced transparencies information regarding the condition and the DEP. Many thanks to LSM of the nutrient phosphorus, and the average open water season for lakes all interested parties informed of and a severe loss of dissolved oxygen in of the lake has been documented and diligent volunteer, Brian Friedmann, photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll becomes longer, it may be feasible conditions in the lake its deepest waters, which resulted in the provided by Deb Hiney and Laurie who has been a key player in this effort death of >200 lake trout, and may have a, typically provide a more complete (and desirable) to begin earlier and 4. If you are not already publishing Callahan and many other lakeside from the start! impacted the landlocked salmon fishery picture of what is taking place in a continue later into the season your Secchi readings on LSM’s “Near residents. Maine DEP staff visited the in following years. Lake Auburn is the Togus Pond in Augusta experienced lake. Microscopic determination of the 2. If Secchi readings in your lake are Real-Time Lake Data” website, please lake twice last summer to conduct public drinking water supply for the large a severe algal bloom for the first time dominant algae can also be helpful. unusually low, or they decline rapidly consider doing so; readings can be comprehensive baseline sampling, Auburn/Lewiston communities. Historic in more than a decade. The event was Being Ready for New Challenges during the monitoring season, easily and instantly entered from your in an effort to better understand the Secchi transparencies have been deep, documented by LSM certified lake contact LSM or the DEP; this is cell phone, and the information will dynamics of the unexpected decline One thing that the historical data is now averaging 7- 8 meters. Following the monitors Kathleen Campbell and especially important if readings are become immediately available to all in water quality. The lake association strongly suggesting, is that some lakes in 2012 bloom, the Water District received Douglas Miller, who kept the lake at, or below 2.0 meters depth who have an interest in the information maintained regular communication with Maine are already responding noticeably a permit to treat the lake with copper community well-informed about the (contact LSM to initiate your lake the community regarding possible risks to the effects of climate change (please 3. If your lake experiences a rapid water sulfate if bloom conditions re-developed. implications regarding exposure to the page; see page 15 for details) associated with exposure to the water see page 22). Some lakes, for example, clarity decline, you may be asked bloom. Dolichospermum (formerly Last summer, Secchi transparencies during the bloom. are now experiencing algal blooms for 5. Please note (and date) all significant decreased to a low of about 3 meters, known as Anabaena), Microcystis the first time ever, others are blooming weather events in the comments turbidity tripped the “10-day criteria”, East Pond, Oakland/Smithfield has (cyanobacteria), and a dinoflagellate for the first time in many years, and section of your field form, and a limited area of the lake water was a four-decade history of periodic algal were identified in water samples. Togus still others--chronic bloomers--are especially severe events, including treated with the algaecide. The lake and blooms. The history of this lake is has experienced internal recycling of blooming for longer periods of time prolonged high winds and heavy watershed dynamics are complex for documented thanks to LSM/VLMP ME Lakes Water Quality... continued on page 25 (blooms starting earlier in the season, rainfall; intense weather events and persisting later into the fall). may follow a narrow geographic path, and this information can Below are some guidelines for Water be very helpful in understanding Quality Monitors, to help ensure that any the regional variability that occurs significant changes taking place in your Secchi readings can be dramatically reduced during an algae bloom . between lakes lake will result in prompt attention: Lake Auburn experienced dramatic changes in Secchi readings over the course of the 2018 summer.

14 23 6. Also note any unusual phenomena significant shortening of the period observed when taking Secchi of ice cover for New England lakes Maine Lakes Water Quality: readings, including heavy pine (Hodgkins, G.A. and James I.C. II, pollen (blotchy yellow spots in the 2002, Historical ice-out dates for 29 by Linda Bacon & Scott Williams water during the early summer); lakes in New England). No single The Year in Review algae scums on the lake surface; effect of climate change is likely Clear water is the most highly valued, flocked to nearby swimming holes seeking many other contaminants are there as Gloeotrichia density (only if you to have a more profound effect on and most carefully observed, feature relief from the sweltering conditions. well! The actual testing for E. coli are able to identify Gloeo with Maine lakes! of Maine lakes. Last summer, many Unusually warm water temperatures can be done by the state Health and confidence Thank you for making a significant LSM water quality monitors reported created a perfect storm for bacterial Environmental Testing Lab as well as contribution to the body of scientific that their lakes were unusually clear, growth. This type of contamination is 7. If possible, determine the annual many local labs for a reasonable fee; the information that is essential to fully possibly due to four consecutive dry almost entirely due to poor swimming “ice-in” and “ice-out” dates for lab will provide bottles and instructions, understand and respond to the effects summers, and the overall reduction in hygiene practices. If you have a swimming your lake, and send them to LSM. but it is up to the customer to collect the of climate change on Maine’s lakes! stormwater runoff from lake watersheds. pool, you take precautions to prevent this Studies of long-term historical sample properly and deliver the sample ice-out data have documented a Please keep up the great work! A majority of Maine lakes tend to be type of situation using a filtration system, to the lab within a few hours. It is up clearer than their historical average pool shock and additions like chlorine. to municipalities to conduct testing at during years when precipitation from In lakes, where such sanitation systems public beaches and post signage when January through July is below average. are lacking, dirty diapers are of special contamination is present. Near Real-Time Lake Data Although clear lake water is generally concern: no one should be allowed in the considered to be a positive indicator of water wearing a soiled diaper! Diapers And lastly, swimmers’ itch calls were Posting Your Secchi Readings Online Signing up is very simple. When you have taken your first lake water quality, prolonged drought, should be changed away from the water common. This parasite cycles between If you are an LSM certified lake monitor, and are taking reading of the season, contact Jonnie at the LSM office and resulting periods of clear lake water and taken home for proper disposal. snails and ducks. Although their life Secchi readings for your lake, please consider sharing your data (phone or email) with your Secchi reading and a photo of are not necessarily in the best interest of Also, as much as we love to take our pets cycle cannot be completed when they online with your lake community. All it takes is a cell phone yourself, and/or your lake. We will set up your account long-term lake health. Some studies have to swim, it is important to collect any attach to a human, they can cause an or a PC, and your readings (and comments) can be displayed and provide you with a password. Anyone can observe your suggested that reduced precipitation and solids they need to eliminate and dispose itchy rash. The best defense against immediately on your personal lake page, which can be easily data, but only you will be able to enter the information on swimmers’ itch is: DON’T feed the groundwater inputs to lakes may result of them properly at home. Bacteria will accessed on LSM’s website. the website. Please note that you will still need to submit a in the reduced delivery of dissolved persist in warm water longer than in ducks! They are cute and are always formal field sheet for all your Secchi readings, because all of organic carbon, resulting in greater UV cooler water, so just one accident can looking for a handout, but it is safe to Sharing your data in real-time with your lake community, the “metadata” contained on that form are required to be light penetration in lakes, which may be have repercussions that last more than assume that if ducks are present, the and beyond, has many benefits, including: entered, in order for your data to be certified. parasite is also present. harmful to aquatic organisms. a week. Generally bacteria testing is • Illustrating the good work that you are doing on Please consider participating in this important initiative Beyond water clarity (which nearly done for E. coli. This organism is just Topics high on LSM-callers’ minds last behalf of your lake in 2019! We look forward to seeing you and your Secchi everyone notices when it deviates one indicator of the many bacteria summer were: metaphyton, a filamentous • Allowing members of your lake community to observe readings on your own lake page! dramatically from the norm), weather and viruses that can be present when algae that has the appearance of clouds of changes that are taking place in their lake during the and other localized variables may bring poor hygiene practices exist; in other green cotton candy in the water. Many course of the summer season, and from year to year additional issues of concern to the words, if E. coli is present, assume that observers believe this form of algae has • If your lake is experiencing an algal bloom, your real- fore. In 2018, the most increased dramatically in time data can be used to help your community, as well as salient topic on the minds their lakes over the past LSM and DEP staff to track the intensity and severity of of those who called the decade. Gloeotrichia, the conditions. This is a critically important and valuable DEP lake assessment a cyanobacteria (blue- benefit when a lake is beginning to show signs of stress section was lake water green algae) that has been from excess algae growth levels. This being the increasingly documented • Building community awareness about the importance in lakes throughout New fourth year of Maine’s of monitoring and protecting lake water quality drought was particularly England in recent years; hard on smaller lakes, and and unusually warm In addition to posting your Secchi readings, you can add those with leaky dams. water temperatures. comments about conditions that you observe while on Evaporation likely played As for the perennially the water. Your readings will automatically be displayed in a role in shallower systems. hot topic of water clarity, graphic form for all to see. And – you can include a photo of http://mainelakesdata.org/ yourself on your lake page. You could become famous! A close second, were reports were varied. calls associated with Many LSM lake water bacterial contamination quality monitors reported of swimming areas. The unusually high (clear) Save the Date! Fourth of July week was Secchi disk readings 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Will Be unusually hot and calm, for their lakes through and masses of people How Swimmers Can Potentially be Exposed to “Swimmer’s Itch” the entire season. In Held On Saturday, July 27th 22 15 if any?

BEYOND CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY: Tips For IPPers • The light wells provide an excellent view of the lake ADVANCED DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOLS for boats, trailers, and gear bottom, making it easy to adapted from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Ideas, Innovations, and Inspirations from identify plants. Maine’s Dedicated Early Detectors • When surveying, we could go no faster than IPP Pontoon Boat - By Charles Crespi, President, GELIA idle speed (about 2-miles With its popular per hour). At higher public boat launch, speeds, bubbles get pulled under the Plexiglas. and close proximity Surveying the lake bottom. to highways and • The field of view was nearby infested excellent – about 10 feet wide in shallow water and lakes, Great East much wider in deeper water. Lake in York • Small waves from light winds (about 5-knots or less) County is at high did not affect viewing. risk for infestation. re you a lake steward who participates (with your boat and Label the container holding the diluted bleach solution with the The placement of the side-by-side light wells. • A crew of 3 (or more) people is best. One person survey gear) in ‘away’ workshops and/or screening survey words “Bleach Solution” and record the date and time of dilution Great East Lake to pilot the boat and the others to look down the A Improvement Association (GELIA) sees its Courtesy projects? If yes, the last thing you will want to do is inadvertently on the label. The solution should be used within 2 months. light wells. Boat Inspection program at the State boat launch as become a vector for less-visible aquatic hitchhikers, such as Small amounts of bleach solution may be disposed of in the • The boat is efficient. We averaged about 2-miles of its primary line of defense against the introduction of young Chinese mystery snails. When your good work takes you sink, provided you follow with plenty of water. invasive aquatic plants. surveyed-shoreline per hour. This translates to about and your boat away from home, we recommend the following 3.5-acres of lake bottom per hour. advanced decontamination protocols. Step 2. Rinse everything with fresh water As a secondary line of defense, GELIA maintains an Caution must be taken to not mix chlorine bleach with early detection program. Our IPP surveys are typically • Very shallow water, rocks, docks, moored boats and In a location, distant from (and not draining directly to) a conducted by kayak or by snorkeling. With Great East other near-shore obstacles prevent surveying right up waterbody, please CLEAN, and DRAIN your boats, trailers, other chemicals (e.g., vinegar). After using bleach, it is DRY Lake’s 18-miles of shoreline, it has been a challenge to to the shoreline. For a comprehensive lake survey, and all survey gear and for at least 5 days in advance of important to carefully rinse all contaminated gear with launching into a new waterbody. If the 5-day drying period survey the entire lake by “muscle power.” This got us kayaks, canoes, and/or snorkelers are still needed. water. is not possible, please decontaminate your gear using the thinking of possible alternatives. • With a half-dozen cruises totaling about 10-hours, Step 3. Spray and/or wipe down all gear with white vinegar following three steps: Last summer, a resident donated a pontoon boat to we completed a single-pass survey of the perimeter There have been no peer-reviewed studies investigating of the main lake, first basin and second basin. No Step 1. Spray and/or wipe down all gear with freshly mixed GELIA for Invasive Plant Patrols. The 20-foot Godfrey chlorine solution; let stand at least 10 minutes vinegar as a disinfectant for invasive species; therefore, it was modified as follows: suspicious plants were found. must be used in tandem with other disinfection, such as Create a 0.5% bleach solution by mixing of 2.5 tablespoons • Two, two-foot-square holes were cut in the deck of fresh household bleach with one gallon of water. Chlorine chlorine bleach. between the structural supports. solution in the form of household bleach (5.25% sodium While bleach is effective in killing most invasive species, • Two removable light wells were constructed of half- hypochlorite) can be purchased from most grocery stores. it may not kill all of them, especially some mollusks. inch marine plywood and quarter-inch Plexiglas®. Bleach solutions begin to lose disinfecting properties after 24 Vinegar will dissolve mollusk shells including those All seams were sealed with silicone sealant. hours, and the more diluted the chlorine solution, the quicker it of zebra and quagga mussel veligers. Vinegar should • The light wells are two-feet-deep; when in place, will deteriorate. It is important to use 0.5% bleach solutions that definitely be used on nets or gear that are used to collect they penetrate a few inches into the water. (The are less than 24 hours old. Chlorine solutions also deteriorate samples for zebra/quagga mussel analysis after sampling light wells may be removed and holes covered when with exposure to light, heat, contact with air, metals, metallic to prevent false positive detections in uninfected lakes. they are not in use. A flange and handles on the top ions and organic materials. Bleach and bleach solutions are best stored out of heat and sun. If stored at a temperature between Use white distilled vinegar without dilution. Apply of the units facilitate insertion and removal.) Flanges and handles allow for easy insertion and removal of the light wells. 50 and 70ºF, household bleach retains its disinfection properties by spraying, or use a sponge, so surface is thoroughly • The light wells were painted flat black and tarp for about six months, after which, it begins to degrades. If bleach exposed to the vinegar. Contact time should be at least For the 2019 season, we plan to perform a comprehensive canopy was added to reduce glare. is stored in locations with higher temperatures, such as a garage 10 minutes. survey of the littoral zone of Great East Lake. Please feel or the back of a truck, it will lose its disinfection properties at The boat modifications were finished in late summer, free to contact me at [email protected] with any Store in a cool, dry area. Shelf life is indefinite if stored allowing us time to put the Godfrey to the test. Here is a a faster pace. Therefore, new bleach should be purchased for properly. Dispose of small amounts of unused vinegar in questions or comments you may have. purposes of decontamination at the beginning of each field quick summary of our experience: the sink; follow with plenty of water. season. If using bleach year-round for decontamination, new bleach should be purchased every 6 months. 16 21 List is current as of 1-30-19. Solo Survey Rig - By Cheryl Welch the scope placement. I ordered the boat (along with a Thank You! After several excursions onto Crystal Lake in my new survey separate patch kit) from Walmart for about $220. With rig, I am happy to report that it works quite well! It is the cost of the trunk scope, the total outfit comes to In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors ~ comfortable to work from, and, even using the large trunk roughly $300. scope, I can easily go on my own. If I am surveying some The rig is not as fast in the water as a kayak, and I distance from home, I lash the trunk scope to the net platform wouldn't want to use it in high wind, but overall, I am Major Funding In Kind In Honor Of behind the seat for the commute. When I get to the survey quite pleased with its performance! Major funding for LSM is made possible And for those of you who have donated your Robert Bissell; In Honor of Janet Bissell area, I simply step ashore, and move the scope to the front through grants from the Maine Department time, expertise, and dedication to the work of the Ron & Eileen Epstein; In Honor of John Wasileski Katie Greenman’s of Environmental Protection, and the US LSM in the past year– many thanks! Karen Holmes; In Honor of Neal & Peggy Hallee of the boat, where it pressure-fits between the pontoons. Environmental Protection Agency. Brainard Tripp; In Honor of Royce-Jerry Howes Placing my feet in the trunk, I can hold it securely, and Bucket Scope Cover Virginia & Paul Warren; In Honor of the Almoosook Lake Underwoods of Fayette also keep it adjusted to the proper viewing Steward, Katie angle. Greenman, came Business & Community Supporters up with a clever Agren Appliance Hildreth & White Sea Salt Lobster There are two large Al's Sports Center Home Depot Shaker Hill Outdoors storage pockets on way to prevent light Auburn Water District Hort Resource Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. the pontoons; it also interference in her Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Jøtul North America, Inc. Skillins Greenhouses bucket scope. It’s also Bath Savings Institution Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary came with footrests Bath Savings Trust Company Norway Savings Bank The Front Room which I did not a great way to recycle We think Katie’s recycled-tee bucket Cabela's OceanView at Falmouth Town of Casco install because of an old tee-shirt! Clark Insurance Patagonia Town of Porter scope cover is brilliant! MINOR ASSEMBLY Cheryl’s clever new survey rig! NECESSARY . ; ) Clark Marine Pierson Nursuries, Inc Tripp's Farmhouse Café Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers Port City Graphics University of Maine Dunkin' Donuts Port Harbor Marine at Jordan Bay Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District Gammon's Garden Center Porter Comprehensive Planning Committee Water Monitoring Equipment & Supply Good Theater Portland Water District We Compost It Lake Stewards of Maine Seeking Board Members Goose Pond Gift Shop KM Robbins Construction, LLC West Marine e are seeking to fill The LSM Board of Directors meets 4-6 times Hannaford Supermarkets Rooster Brother, Inc. York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project Highland Green Scentsy; Eileen Burnell York County Soil & Water Conservation District Wseveral positions on annually at the LSM Lakes Center in Auburn, our Board of Directors. Maine. Meetings typically take place on weekday Ideal candidates will have mornings, and may last until early afternoon. Lake & Regional Watershed Associations some experience with Committee meetings are often scheduled for the nonprofit organizations, a same day. Members of the Board of Directors Abrams Pond Association Georges Pond Association Parker Pond Association, Inc. basic understanding of the agree to be active in at least one subcommittee. Alamoosook Lake Association Great East Lake Improvement Association Pickerel Pond Association Im age f rom www.e k.com Alford Lake/Lermond Pond Association Green & Mirror Ponds Association Piper Pond Association work of LSM and share our belief aglesmar Please contact Executive Director, Scott Williams, if Allen Pond Improvement Association Green Lake Association Pleasant Lake & Parker Pond Association in the importance of LSM's mission. you are interested in a position on the LSM Board, or if you Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation Gull Pond Association Pleasant Pond Protective Association We are particularly interested in bringing on new board Basin, David, Tilton Ponds Association Hosmer Pond Association Pleasant River Lake Association have questions. Following an initial discussion, candidates Bear Pond Improvement Association Howard Pond Preservation Association Raymond Waterways Protection Association members who have knowledge and experience in the areas will be screened and interviewed by the Board of Directors, Berry Dexter Wilson Ponds Watershed Assoc. Island Falls Lakes Association Rock Haven Lake Association of marketing, fundraising and program development. These Bickford Pond Association Kennebunk Pond Association Sabattus Pond Watershed Partnership who will act upon all applications. Branch Lake Association, Inc. Keoka Lake Association Sabbathday Lake Association are volunteer positions. Brettuns Pond Association Kezar Lake Watershed Association Sand-Locke Pond Association Cathance Lake Association Lakes Association of Norway Saturday Pond Watershed Association Reminder to all Clary Lake Association Lakes Environmental Association Sebasticook Lake Association WANTED: Clearwater Lake Improvement Association Lakeville Camp Owners Association Square Pond Improvement Association LSM Lake Stewards: Clemons Pond Association Little Ossipee Lake Association Summer Haven Lakes Association Volunteer Water Quality Cold Stream Campowners Association, Inc. Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association Taylor Pond Association Help ensure the Community Lakes Association Long Pond Association Thompson Lake Environmental Association Regional & Data Coordinators Crawford Lake Association Loon Lake Association Toddy Pond Association Lakes of Maine website Crystal Lake Association Loon Pond Betterment Association Torsey Pond Association Help with activities such as scheduling re-certification workshops, Dexter Lake Association Lovejoy Pond Improvement Association Webb Lake Association communicating with volunteers, and lake data entry. For more information, will be complete by sending in Echo Lake Association Meddybemps Lake Association West Harbor Pond Watershed Association any late data today! Five Kezars Watershed Improvement Assoc. Mousam Lake Region Association Wilson Lake Association please contact us at [email protected] or 207-783-7733. Forest Lake Association Muscongus Pond Association Woods Pond Water Quality Association Friends of Quimby Pond Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preservation, Inc. Worthley Pond Association Friends of Wilson Lake North Pond Association Save the Date! Friends of Wilson Pond Area Panther Pond Association 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Will Be Held On Saturday, July 27th 20 Other Recent Generous Donors may be found on pages 18-19. 17 Thank You! In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors ~ Thank You! In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors ~ Individuals Individuals Jeanne Achille Katie Carville Martha Ehrenfeld & Carla McKay David & Sara James Norman & Barbara Marcotte Denny & Sandy Phillips Dennis & Ellen Smith Kenneth D. Truscott, Jr. Arnold J. Aho Deborah Cayer R. Dennis Ellis Neil & Peggy Jensen Steve & Jeri Markarian Robert Pompey Debra & Douglas Smith Audrey Tunney Pamela Albertsen Jen Chase Ron & Eileen Epstein Jennifer Jespersen Betty Mason Donald & Wendy Porter Alison Smith Stephen Underwood Martin & Fiora Arnold Elizabeth & Paul Chesley Charlie Evans Kay & Ralph Johnson Judith F. McGeorge Andree & Jeffrey Pride Ron & Jane Snyder Sue & Ted Van Leer Gayle & Dwight Aspinwall David & Sharon Clement Josephine Ewing Lawrence Johnston Patricia McGillivary James & Joan Proctor Susan Sokol & Ted Webersinn James Verity Laura & Ed Atlee Patricia Clifford John Ewtuch Bambi Jones Karen & Dan McLean Katherine M. Ralston David & Diana Spahn Dennis & Leslie Volpe William & Mary Atwater Louis & Dorli Cloutier Bruce Fenn & Susan Therrien-Fenn Steve Kahl & Mary Ann McGarry Paulette & Harry McNally Lea & José Ramirez Deborah Q. Spurlock Ruth Waldrop Steven Austerer Mike & Joan Cloutier George Fergusson Bobbie Keilson Ronald D. & Edith L. McPherson J. Chase Rand Lea Stabinski Bob & Jackie Warren Leonard Bachman Denis M. Coffey Thomas & Gail Finlay Joan Kelly John & Carole Merrifield Frank Read Cynthia & Paul Stancioff Virginia & Paul Warren Linda Bacon Jenn & Jerry Cohen Fred Flammia David & Diane Kew Tom & Marie Michaud Wayne & Sharyn Reetz Rebecca Stanley & Charles Jacobs Beatty & Bill Watts Susan P. Bailey Robert & Jeri Cohn Robert & Sibyl French Charlotte Kerrigan Bill Monagle William F. Reid, Jr. Jeff Stern John & Cheryl Welch Marygrace & Peter Barber Maurice R. Collin Kevin & Susan Frewert John & Joanne Kimball Audrey Moody Irene Reilly Christine Stevens Barb Welch Meg Barclay & John Scholz Marie Connolly Rocco Fucetola Brigitte & Harold Kingsbury Kathleen Moran Ron Reinhart Ed & Bobbie Stevenson Ross & Bunny Wescott Caroline Beard & Peter Duffey Terri Coolidge John & Carol Gabranski Tim Kinney Jason Moreau Chris Ricardi Carl & Sally Stillwell Frederick W. Weston, Jr. Ewald & Susan Bender Alison Cooney Doug & Andrea Gathany Warren & Barbara Kinsman Mr. Earl M. & Joanne C. Morse Linda Rice William & Sara Stockwell Lew & Miriam Wetzel Karen Berg & James Boak, IV Deborah Cooney Bob & Maureen Giffin Ronald & Leslie Kmiec Wynn & Sandra Muller Brien Richards Rick Sullivan Carl & Sookie Weymouth Gene Bergoffen Beth Cormier George P. & Lorraine Gilbert Ed & Carol Knapp Paul Murphy Louise & Peter Riley Bob & Peggy Susbury Willis & Eleanor White J. Scott Bernardy, DDS Sara & Tom Costello Paul E. Gillis Michael & Irene Krysko Michael Murray Karen Robbins Jane & Dave Swan Kim White Michael & Joanne Bernstein Kathleen & William Cotter Sal & Lynn Girifalco Barry M. Kutzen, M.D. Sue Neal Dennis Roberge Ozro & Donna Swett G.E. Mary Williams Raymond Bersch & Carol Friend Meredith Cough Jim & Diane Gloriant Beatrice Labbe Lindsay Nelsen Debra Roe Larry Szendrei Robert C. & Ann K. Williams Patricia & John Bickford Carmen L. Coulombe Christine Gouterman Lora Laffan Melanie & Steve Ness Casey & Howard Romero Michael & Donna Taflas Scott Williams & Roberta Hill Richard Bicknell Dave Courtemanch Edward & Alexandra Graham Norton "Buzz" Lamb Diane Neumann-Hernsdorf Margaret Teele Rothberg Jan Tarbuck Bill & Susan Williamson Janet & Robert Bissell Richard & Catherine Cranston Stanley Greenberg Dennis & Judith Landry Thomas & Marcia Nigro Carol & Stan Rothenberg Barbara & Patrick Tedesco Bruce & Sylvia Wilson Bill Blaine Jane Crosen Katie & John Greenman Lawrence Lane Steve Norton Craig & JuleAnn Rule Marcie Teele Richard & Patricia Windecker Joe Bodnar John E. Crouch & Poppy Royce Alan Gregory John E. Laskey Steve & Karen O'Bryan Mary Ryan Dick & Jo Thibodeau Len & Mary Winsky John & Doris Bonneau Connor-Crouch Dan & Lori Guerette The Lathams Whitney Wing Oppersdorff Elizabeth Ryder Edward & Patricia Thomas Stanley Wood Unn Boucher Mrs. Claire E. Cullinane Thordis & Gary Gulden Steve & Jo Laurich Daniel J. Orino Eric Sandberg Eben & Susan Thomas Rich Woodbury Bourne Family Karen & Paul Cummings Bart & Mary Ann Hague Betty P. Lee James Orino Gerry & Christie Saunders Nathaniel P. Thompson Gordon B. Wright Dorothy A. Bowyer Geoff Cummings & Debbie Mann John & Diane Hale William Leithiser Barbara Paiton Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Schilling Hall Thompson Jeanne Wright Lucinda Brandt & Dan Wheatley John Cummings Ron & Lisa Hall Peter Leitner Patrick Palmer Rich & Lonny Schneider Stephanie Thornton Callie Wronker Susan F. Breau Ray Daily Bob & Janet Hall Victor & Joanna Lerish Michael & Deborah Parkin Claudia & John Scholz Jim & Janet Timmins Linda & Heinrich Wurm Robert Breen Charles & Joan Dattelbaum Thomas R. & Judy A. Hamilton Peter and Kathleen Leslie Amne Parsons Keith & Ellen Shaughnessy Joyce Toman Joani & Glenn Yankee Bert & Gloria Breton Ronald Davis Debbie Hammond Marsha & Lee Letourneau Pamela Parvin Tim & Danny Sholtis Matt & Terri Towle Stephan Zeeman Carleton & Hubene Brodie Wendy Dennis Phoebe & Vaughn Hardesty Ilene & Eli Leveston Barry & Donna Patrie Carolyn Shubert Robert & June Tracy Frank Brooks & Marvin Ellison George Derby William & Virginia Hart Stephen Lewis Elizabeth Payne Edward & Priscilla Simmons Mr. & Mrs. George Tranchemontagne Jennifer Brown Lisa Deschenes Elin Haugen Lynn Roberge Ligay Barbara & Wally Penrod Lee Sligh & Tom Prescott Woody & Susan Trask Warren & Bethany Bryant Peter & Elaine Devine Sharon & Ed Hein Robert & Gloria Limoges Ron Perrone & Diane Price Jeff Smith Mark & Kathy Tripp James Bunting & Christine Bradbury Mary Jane Dillingham Marilyn Heineman David Littell Sherry Pettyjohn Jeanette Smith & Paul Rucha Brainard Tripp David & Eileen Burnell Patrick Donahue Billy Helprin Robert & Martha Lively Malcolm Burson & Eleanor Goldberg Deidre & Michael Donovan Charlotte P. Henderson Joseph L. Longtin Mary & Roger Cady Craig Doremus Thomas D. Herman John Loomis Linda Cain Norman A. Dudziak, Jr. & Barbara Hildreth Patti Lott In Memory Of Amy S. Campbell Damaris J. Rohsenow Len Hirsh Scott A. Lowell Diane Anderson; In Memory of Geraldine Hutchins Barbara Landers; In Memory of John D. Learson Tom Carabine Joel & Rosemarie Dulberg Roberta Hodson & Herbert Korn Maggie & John Lowry Anonymous Donor; In Memory of Bob Dreves Jonathan Leavitt; In Memory of John D. Learson Carol Carey Sandra & Donald Dumont Kevin Hoefle Heidi Lukas Robert & Carol Baechle; In Memory of John D. Learson Lu Family; In Memory of James William Watts, III Dorothy & Bruce Carlsten Cynthia & Bob Dunlap Jack Holland Mike & Thelma Maguire Kathy Brundage; In Memory of John D. Learson Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Pinet McBride; James William Watts, III Kim Caron Ann M. Dyer Colin & Brie Holme Bill & Michelle Mann Clark & Leighton, PC; In Memory of John D. Learson Patricia McGillivary; In Memory of Rich Haslip Sue Carrington Sharon Eastman Ellie Hopkins Edith K. Manns Clemons Pond Association; In Memory of Betty Zelman Roselle Neely; In Memory of John D. Learson Liz Carter Walter & Cheryl Edgecomb Richard & Jill Horr Amy March Betty & Steve Clyburn; In Memory of James William Watts, III Muriel Maxwell Nelson; In Memory of James K. Nelson Craig Pond Association; In Memory of Janie Crowell Jean P. Oemcke; In Memory of John D. Learson Edward A. Damm; In Memory of Claude VanderVeen Rheumatology Associates; In Memory of James William Watts, III Charitable Foundations The Friends of the Amherst Town Library; In Memory of John D. Learson Linda L. Robinson; In Memory of John D. Learson The AmazonSmile Foundation Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust Suzanne Gilbert; In Memory of John D. Learson Barbara Rodes; In Memory of James William Watts, III The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc. Jo Harmon & Greg Guerrette; In Memory of Mary Harmon Eben & Susan Thomas; In Memory of Deborah Stiles The Herold and Ramona Brewer Charitable Fund Onion Foundation William & Marilyn Hartman; In Memory of James William Watts, III Ruth & Al Waldrop; In Memory of James William Watts, III Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust James V. O'Brien and Patricia M. Dugan Charitable Trust Elizabeth Hildebrandt; In Memory of John D. Learson Benjamin & Nancy Wells; In Memory of James William Watts, III Jane B. Cook 1992 Charitable Trust Orchard Foundation Heidi & Gary Howden; In Memory of Kenneth Faulkner Lorraine White; In Memory of Bill White Davis Conservation Foundation Ram Island Conservation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Marlene & Gil Hulme; In Memory of John D. Learson Norman E. White, Jr.; In Memory of Karen A. White Franklin Savings Bank Community Development Seacoast Companies Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Eileen Kenealy; In Memory of John D. Learson Sheila & Charlie White; In Memory of John D. Learson Foundation Elmina B. Sewall Foundation William & Cynthia Kenealy; In Memory of John D. Learson Charles & Linda Whitten; In Memory of Lou & Claire Boeri Fulshaw Family Fund Peter W. & Delinda C. Smith Family Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Barry M. Kutzen, M.D.; In Memory of Roger Simard Roy A. Hunt Foundation The Ann & Carden Welsh Charitable Fund

18 List is current as of 1-30-19. List is current as of 1-30-19. 19 Thank You! In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors ~ Thank You! In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors ~ Individuals Individuals Jeanne Achille Katie Carville Martha Ehrenfeld & Carla McKay David & Sara James Norman & Barbara Marcotte Denny & Sandy Phillips Dennis & Ellen Smith Kenneth D. Truscott, Jr. Arnold J. Aho Deborah Cayer R. Dennis Ellis Neil & Peggy Jensen Steve & Jeri Markarian Robert Pompey Debra & Douglas Smith Audrey Tunney Pamela Albertsen Jen Chase Ron & Eileen Epstein Jennifer Jespersen Betty Mason Donald & Wendy Porter Alison Smith Stephen Underwood Martin & Fiora Arnold Elizabeth & Paul Chesley Charlie Evans Kay & Ralph Johnson Judith F. McGeorge Andree & Jeffrey Pride Ron & Jane Snyder Sue & Ted Van Leer Gayle & Dwight Aspinwall David & Sharon Clement Josephine Ewing Lawrence Johnston Patricia McGillivary James & Joan Proctor Susan Sokol & Ted Webersinn James Verity Laura & Ed Atlee Patricia Clifford John Ewtuch Bambi Jones Karen & Dan McLean Katherine M. Ralston David & Diana Spahn Dennis & Leslie Volpe William & Mary Atwater Louis & Dorli Cloutier Bruce Fenn & Susan Therrien-Fenn Steve Kahl & Mary Ann McGarry Paulette & Harry McNally Lea & José Ramirez Deborah Q. Spurlock Ruth Waldrop Steven Austerer Mike & Joan Cloutier George Fergusson Bobbie Keilson Ronald D. & Edith L. McPherson J. Chase Rand Lea Stabinski Bob & Jackie Warren Leonard Bachman Denis M. Coffey Thomas & Gail Finlay Joan Kelly John & Carole Merrifield Frank Read Cynthia & Paul Stancioff Virginia & Paul Warren Linda Bacon Jenn & Jerry Cohen Fred Flammia David & Diane Kew Tom & Marie Michaud Wayne & Sharyn Reetz Rebecca Stanley & Charles Jacobs Beatty & Bill Watts Susan P. Bailey Robert & Jeri Cohn Robert & Sibyl French Charlotte Kerrigan Bill Monagle William F. Reid, Jr. Jeff Stern John & Cheryl Welch Marygrace & Peter Barber Maurice R. Collin Kevin & Susan Frewert John & Joanne Kimball Audrey Moody Irene Reilly Christine Stevens Barb Welch Meg Barclay & John Scholz Marie Connolly Rocco Fucetola Brigitte & Harold Kingsbury Kathleen Moran Ron Reinhart Ed & Bobbie Stevenson Ross & Bunny Wescott Caroline Beard & Peter Duffey Terri Coolidge John & Carol Gabranski Tim Kinney Jason Moreau Chris Ricardi Carl & Sally Stillwell Frederick W. Weston, Jr. Ewald & Susan Bender Alison Cooney Doug & Andrea Gathany Warren & Barbara Kinsman Mr. Earl M. & Joanne C. Morse Linda Rice William & Sara Stockwell Lew & Miriam Wetzel Karen Berg & James Boak, IV Deborah Cooney Bob & Maureen Giffin Ronald & Leslie Kmiec Wynn & Sandra Muller Brien Richards Rick Sullivan Carl & Sookie Weymouth Gene Bergoffen Beth Cormier George P. & Lorraine Gilbert Ed & Carol Knapp Paul Murphy Louise & Peter Riley Bob & Peggy Susbury Willis & Eleanor White J. Scott Bernardy, DDS Sara & Tom Costello Paul E. Gillis Michael & Irene Krysko Michael Murray Karen Robbins Jane & Dave Swan Kim White Michael & Joanne Bernstein Kathleen & William Cotter Sal & Lynn Girifalco Barry M. Kutzen, M.D. Sue Neal Dennis Roberge Ozro & Donna Swett G.E. Mary Williams Raymond Bersch & Carol Friend Meredith Cough Jim & Diane Gloriant Beatrice Labbe Lindsay Nelsen Debra Roe Larry Szendrei Robert C. & Ann K. Williams Patricia & John Bickford Carmen L. Coulombe Christine Gouterman Lora Laffan Melanie & Steve Ness Casey & Howard Romero Michael & Donna Taflas Scott Williams & Roberta Hill Richard Bicknell Dave Courtemanch Edward & Alexandra Graham Norton "Buzz" Lamb Diane Neumann-Hernsdorf Margaret Teele Rothberg Jan Tarbuck Bill & Susan Williamson Janet & Robert Bissell Richard & Catherine Cranston Stanley Greenberg Dennis & Judith Landry Thomas & Marcia Nigro Carol & Stan Rothenberg Barbara & Patrick Tedesco Bruce & Sylvia Wilson Bill Blaine Jane Crosen Katie & John Greenman Lawrence Lane Steve Norton Craig & JuleAnn Rule Marcie Teele Richard & Patricia Windecker Joe Bodnar John E. Crouch & Poppy Royce Alan Gregory John E. Laskey Steve & Karen O'Bryan Mary Ryan Dick & Jo Thibodeau Len & Mary Winsky John & Doris Bonneau Connor-Crouch Dan & Lori Guerette The Lathams Whitney Wing Oppersdorff Elizabeth Ryder Edward & Patricia Thomas Stanley Wood Unn Boucher Mrs. Claire E. Cullinane Thordis & Gary Gulden Steve & Jo Laurich Daniel J. Orino Eric Sandberg Eben & Susan Thomas Rich Woodbury Bourne Family Karen & Paul Cummings Bart & Mary Ann Hague Betty P. Lee James Orino Gerry & Christie Saunders Nathaniel P. Thompson Gordon B. Wright Dorothy A. Bowyer Geoff Cummings & Debbie Mann John & Diane Hale William Leithiser Barbara Paiton Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Schilling Hall Thompson Jeanne Wright Lucinda Brandt & Dan Wheatley John Cummings Ron & Lisa Hall Peter Leitner Patrick Palmer Rich & Lonny Schneider Stephanie Thornton Callie Wronker Susan F. Breau Ray Daily Bob & Janet Hall Victor & Joanna Lerish Michael & Deborah Parkin Claudia & John Scholz Jim & Janet Timmins Linda & Heinrich Wurm Robert Breen Charles & Joan Dattelbaum Thomas R. & Judy A. Hamilton Peter and Kathleen Leslie Amne Parsons Keith & Ellen Shaughnessy Joyce Toman Joani & Glenn Yankee Bert & Gloria Breton Ronald Davis Debbie Hammond Marsha & Lee Letourneau Pamela Parvin Tim & Danny Sholtis Matt & Terri Towle Stephan Zeeman Carleton & Hubene Brodie Wendy Dennis Phoebe & Vaughn Hardesty Ilene & Eli Leveston Barry & Donna Patrie Carolyn Shubert Robert & June Tracy Frank Brooks & Marvin Ellison George Derby William & Virginia Hart Stephen Lewis Elizabeth Payne Edward & Priscilla Simmons Mr. & Mrs. George Tranchemontagne Jennifer Brown Lisa Deschenes Elin Haugen Lynn Roberge Ligay Barbara & Wally Penrod Lee Sligh & Tom Prescott Woody & Susan Trask Warren & Bethany Bryant Peter & Elaine Devine Sharon & Ed Hein Robert & Gloria Limoges Ron Perrone & Diane Price Jeff Smith Mark & Kathy Tripp James Bunting & Christine Bradbury Mary Jane Dillingham Marilyn Heineman David Littell Sherry Pettyjohn Jeanette Smith & Paul Rucha Brainard Tripp David & Eileen Burnell Patrick Donahue Billy Helprin Robert & Martha Lively Malcolm Burson & Eleanor Goldberg Deidre & Michael Donovan Charlotte P. Henderson Joseph L. Longtin Mary & Roger Cady Craig Doremus Thomas D. Herman John Loomis Linda Cain Norman A. Dudziak, Jr. & Barbara Hildreth Patti Lott In Memory Of Amy S. Campbell Damaris J. Rohsenow Len Hirsh Scott A. Lowell Diane Anderson; In Memory of Geraldine Hutchins Barbara Landers; In Memory of John D. Learson Tom Carabine Joel & Rosemarie Dulberg Roberta Hodson & Herbert Korn Maggie & John Lowry Anonymous Donor; In Memory of Bob Dreves Jonathan Leavitt; In Memory of John D. Learson Carol Carey Sandra & Donald Dumont Kevin Hoefle Heidi Lukas Robert & Carol Baechle; In Memory of John D. Learson Lu Family; In Memory of James William Watts, III Dorothy & Bruce Carlsten Cynthia & Bob Dunlap Jack Holland Mike & Thelma Maguire Kathy Brundage; In Memory of John D. Learson Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Pinet McBride; James William Watts, III Kim Caron Ann M. Dyer Colin & Brie Holme Bill & Michelle Mann Clark & Leighton, PC; In Memory of John D. Learson Patricia McGillivary; In Memory of Rich Haslip Sue Carrington Sharon Eastman Ellie Hopkins Edith K. Manns Clemons Pond Association; In Memory of Betty Zelman Roselle Neely; In Memory of John D. Learson Liz Carter Walter & Cheryl Edgecomb Richard & Jill Horr Amy March Betty & Steve Clyburn; In Memory of James William Watts, III Muriel Maxwell Nelson; In Memory of James K. Nelson Craig Pond Association; In Memory of Janie Crowell Jean P. Oemcke; In Memory of John D. Learson Edward A. Damm; In Memory of Claude VanderVeen Rheumatology Associates; In Memory of James William Watts, III Charitable Foundations The Friends of the Amherst Town Library; In Memory of John D. Learson Linda L. Robinson; In Memory of John D. Learson The AmazonSmile Foundation Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust Suzanne Gilbert; In Memory of John D. Learson Barbara Rodes; In Memory of James William Watts, III The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc. Jo Harmon & Greg Guerrette; In Memory of Mary Harmon Eben & Susan Thomas; In Memory of Deborah Stiles The Herold and Ramona Brewer Charitable Fund Onion Foundation William & Marilyn Hartman; In Memory of James William Watts, III Ruth & Al Waldrop; In Memory of James William Watts, III Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust James V. O'Brien and Patricia M. Dugan Charitable Trust Elizabeth Hildebrandt; In Memory of John D. Learson Benjamin & Nancy Wells; In Memory of James William Watts, III Jane B. Cook 1992 Charitable Trust Orchard Foundation Heidi & Gary Howden; In Memory of Kenneth Faulkner Lorraine White; In Memory of Bill White Davis Conservation Foundation Ram Island Conservation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Marlene & Gil Hulme; In Memory of John D. Learson Norman E. White, Jr.; In Memory of Karen A. White Franklin Savings Bank Community Development Seacoast Companies Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Eileen Kenealy; In Memory of John D. Learson Sheila & Charlie White; In Memory of John D. Learson Foundation Elmina B. Sewall Foundation William & Cynthia Kenealy; In Memory of John D. Learson Charles & Linda Whitten; In Memory of Lou & Claire Boeri Fulshaw Family Fund Peter W. & Delinda C. Smith Family Fund of the Maine Community Foundation Barry M. Kutzen, M.D.; In Memory of Roger Simard Roy A. Hunt Foundation The Ann & Carden Welsh Charitable Fund

18 List is current as of 1-30-19. List is current as of 1-30-19. 19 List is current as of 1-30-19. Solo Survey Rig - By Cheryl Welch the scope placement. I ordered the boat (along with a Thank You! After several excursions onto Crystal Lake in my new survey separate patch kit) from Walmart for about $220. With rig, I am happy to report that it works quite well! It is the cost of the trunk scope, the total outfit comes to In Appreciation of our Recent Generous Donors ~ comfortable to work from, and, even using the large trunk roughly $300. scope, I can easily go on my own. If I am surveying some The rig is not as fast in the water as a kayak, and I distance from home, I lash the trunk scope to the net platform wouldn't want to use it in high wind, but overall, I am Major Funding In Kind In Honor Of behind the seat for the commute. When I get to the survey quite pleased with its performance! Major funding for LSM is made possible And for those of you who have donated your Robert Bissell; In Honor of Janet Bissell area, I simply step ashore, and move the scope to the front through grants from the Maine Department time, expertise, and dedication to the work of the Ron & Eileen Epstein; In Honor of John Wasileski Katie Greenman’s of Environmental Protection, and the US LSM in the past year– many thanks! Karen Holmes; In Honor of Neal & Peggy Hallee of the boat, where it pressure-fits between the pontoons. Environmental Protection Agency. Brainard Tripp; In Honor of Royce-Jerry Howes Placing my feet in the trunk, I can hold it securely, and Bucket Scope Cover Virginia & Paul Warren; In Honor of the Almoosook Lake Underwoods of Fayette also keep it adjusted to the proper viewing Steward, Katie angle. Greenman, came Business & Community Supporters up with a clever Agren Appliance Hildreth & White Sea Salt Lobster There are two large Al's Sports Center Home Depot Shaker Hill Outdoors storage pockets on way to prevent light Auburn Water District Hort Resource Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. the pontoons; it also interference in her Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Jøtul North America, Inc. Skillins Greenhouses bucket scope. It’s also Bath Savings Institution Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary came with footrests Bath Savings Trust Company Norway Savings Bank The Front Room which I did not a great way to recycle We think Katie’s recycled-tee bucket Cabela's OceanView at Falmouth Town of Casco install because of an old tee-shirt! Clark Insurance Patagonia Town of Porter scope cover is brilliant! MINOR ASSEMBLY Cheryl’s clever new survey rig! NECESSARY . ; ) Clark Marine Pierson Nursuries, Inc Tripp's Farmhouse Café Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers Port City Graphics University of Maine Dunkin' Donuts Port Harbor Marine at Jordan Bay Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District Gammon's Garden Center Porter Comprehensive Planning Committee Water Monitoring Equipment & Supply Good Theater Portland Water District We Compost It Lake Stewards of Maine Seeking Board Members Goose Pond Gift Shop KM Robbins Construction, LLC West Marine e are seeking to fill The LSM Board of Directors meets 4-6 times Hannaford Supermarkets Rooster Brother, Inc. York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project Highland Green Scentsy; Eileen Burnell York County Soil & Water Conservation District Wseveral positions on annually at the LSM Lakes Center in Auburn, our Board of Directors. Maine. Meetings typically take place on weekday Ideal candidates will have mornings, and may last until early afternoon. Lake & Regional Watershed Associations some experience with Committee meetings are often scheduled for the nonprofit organizations, a same day. Members of the Board of Directors Abrams Pond Association Georges Pond Association Parker Pond Association, Inc. basic understanding of the agree to be active in at least one subcommittee. Alamoosook Lake Association Great East Lake Improvement Association Pickerel Pond Association Im age f rom www.e k.com Alford Lake/Lermond Pond Association Green & Mirror Ponds Association Piper Pond Association work of LSM and share our belief aglesmar Please contact Executive Director, Scott Williams, if Allen Pond Improvement Association Green Lake Association Pleasant Lake & Parker Pond Association in the importance of LSM's mission. you are interested in a position on the LSM Board, or if you Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation Gull Pond Association Pleasant Pond Protective Association We are particularly interested in bringing on new board Basin, David, Tilton Ponds Association Hosmer Pond Association Pleasant River Lake Association have questions. Following an initial discussion, candidates Bear Pond Improvement Association Howard Pond Preservation Association Raymond Waterways Protection Association members who have knowledge and experience in the areas will be screened and interviewed by the Board of Directors, Berry Dexter Wilson Ponds Watershed Assoc. Island Falls Lakes Association Rock Haven Lake Association of marketing, fundraising and program development. These Bickford Pond Association Kennebunk Pond Association Sabattus Pond Watershed Partnership who will act upon all applications. Branch Lake Association, Inc. Keoka Lake Association Sabbathday Lake Association are volunteer positions. Brettuns Pond Association Kezar Lake Watershed Association Sand-Locke Pond Association Cathance Lake Association Lakes Association of Norway Saturday Pond Watershed Association Reminder to all Clary Lake Association Lakes Environmental Association Sebasticook Lake Association WANTED: Clearwater Lake Improvement Association Lakeville Camp Owners Association Square Pond Improvement Association LSM Lake Stewards: Clemons Pond Association Little Ossipee Lake Association Summer Haven Lakes Association Volunteer Water Quality Cold Stream Campowners Association, Inc. Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association Taylor Pond Association Help ensure the Community Lakes Association Long Pond Association Thompson Lake Environmental Association Regional & Data Coordinators Crawford Lake Association Loon Lake Association Toddy Pond Association Lakes of Maine website Crystal Lake Association Loon Pond Betterment Association Torsey Pond Association Help with activities such as scheduling re-certification workshops, Dexter Lake Association Lovejoy Pond Improvement Association Webb Lake Association communicating with volunteers, and lake data entry. For more information, will be complete by sending in Echo Lake Association Meddybemps Lake Association West Harbor Pond Watershed Association any late data today! Five Kezars Watershed Improvement Assoc. Mousam Lake Region Association Wilson Lake Association please contact us at [email protected] or 207-783-7733. Forest Lake Association Muscongus Pond Association Woods Pond Water Quality Association Friends of Quimby Pond Nickerson Lake Wilderness Preservation, Inc. Worthley Pond Association Friends of Wilson Lake North Pond Association Save the Date! Friends of Wilson Pond Area Panther Pond Association 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Will Be Held On Saturday, July 27th 20 Other Recent Generous Donors may be found on pages 18-19. 17 if any?

BEYOND CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY: Tips For IPPers • The light wells provide an excellent view of the lake ADVANCED DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOLS for boats, trailers, and gear bottom, making it easy to adapted from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Ideas, Innovations, and Inspirations from identify plants. Maine’s Dedicated Early Detectors • When surveying, we could go no faster than IPP Pontoon Boat - By Charles Crespi, President, GELIA idle speed (about 2-miles With its popular per hour). At higher public boat launch, speeds, bubbles get pulled under the Plexiglas. and close proximity Surveying the lake bottom. to highways and • The field of view was nearby infested excellent – about 10 feet wide in shallow water and lakes, Great East much wider in deeper water. Lake in York • Small waves from light winds (about 5-knots or less) County is at high did not affect viewing. risk for infestation. re you a lake steward who participates (with your boat and Label the container holding the diluted bleach solution with the The placement of the side-by-side light wells. • A crew of 3 (or more) people is best. One person survey gear) in ‘away’ workshops and/or screening survey words “Bleach Solution” and record the date and time of dilution Great East Lake to pilot the boat and the others to look down the A Improvement Association (GELIA) sees its Courtesy projects? If yes, the last thing you will want to do is inadvertently on the label. The solution should be used within 2 months. light wells. Boat Inspection program at the State boat launch as become a vector for less-visible aquatic hitchhikers, such as Small amounts of bleach solution may be disposed of in the • The boat is efficient. We averaged about 2-miles of its primary line of defense against the introduction of young Chinese mystery snails. When your good work takes you sink, provided you follow with plenty of water. invasive aquatic plants. surveyed-shoreline per hour. This translates to about and your boat away from home, we recommend the following 3.5-acres of lake bottom per hour. advanced decontamination protocols. Step 2. Rinse everything with fresh water As a secondary line of defense, GELIA maintains an Caution must be taken to not mix chlorine bleach with early detection program. Our IPP surveys are typically • Very shallow water, rocks, docks, moored boats and In a location, distant from (and not draining directly to) a conducted by kayak or by snorkeling. With Great East other near-shore obstacles prevent surveying right up waterbody, please CLEAN, and DRAIN your boats, trailers, other chemicals (e.g., vinegar). After using bleach, it is DRY Lake’s 18-miles of shoreline, it has been a challenge to to the shoreline. For a comprehensive lake survey, and all survey gear and for at least 5 days in advance of important to carefully rinse all contaminated gear with launching into a new waterbody. If the 5-day drying period survey the entire lake by “muscle power.” This got us kayaks, canoes, and/or snorkelers are still needed. water. is not possible, please decontaminate your gear using the thinking of possible alternatives. • With a half-dozen cruises totaling about 10-hours, Step 3. Spray and/or wipe down all gear with white vinegar following three steps: Last summer, a resident donated a pontoon boat to we completed a single-pass survey of the perimeter There have been no peer-reviewed studies investigating of the main lake, first basin and second basin. No Step 1. Spray and/or wipe down all gear with freshly mixed GELIA for Invasive Plant Patrols. The 20-foot Godfrey chlorine solution; let stand at least 10 minutes vinegar as a disinfectant for invasive species; therefore, it was modified as follows: suspicious plants were found. must be used in tandem with other disinfection, such as Create a 0.5% bleach solution by mixing of 2.5 tablespoons • Two, two-foot-square holes were cut in the deck of fresh household bleach with one gallon of water. Chlorine chlorine bleach. between the structural supports. solution in the form of household bleach (5.25% sodium While bleach is effective in killing most invasive species, • Two removable light wells were constructed of half- hypochlorite) can be purchased from most grocery stores. it may not kill all of them, especially some mollusks. inch marine plywood and quarter-inch Plexiglas®. Bleach solutions begin to lose disinfecting properties after 24 Vinegar will dissolve mollusk shells including those All seams were sealed with silicone sealant. hours, and the more diluted the chlorine solution, the quicker it of zebra and quagga mussel veligers. Vinegar should • The light wells are two-feet-deep; when in place, will deteriorate. It is important to use 0.5% bleach solutions that definitely be used on nets or gear that are used to collect they penetrate a few inches into the water. (The are less than 24 hours old. Chlorine solutions also deteriorate samples for zebra/quagga mussel analysis after sampling light wells may be removed and holes covered when with exposure to light, heat, contact with air, metals, metallic to prevent false positive detections in uninfected lakes. they are not in use. A flange and handles on the top ions and organic materials. Bleach and bleach solutions are best stored out of heat and sun. If stored at a temperature between Use white distilled vinegar without dilution. Apply of the units facilitate insertion and removal.) Flanges and handles allow for easy insertion and removal of the light wells. 50 and 70ºF, household bleach retains its disinfection properties by spraying, or use a sponge, so surface is thoroughly • The light wells were painted flat black and tarp for about six months, after which, it begins to degrades. If bleach exposed to the vinegar. Contact time should be at least For the 2019 season, we plan to perform a comprehensive canopy was added to reduce glare. is stored in locations with higher temperatures, such as a garage 10 minutes. survey of the littoral zone of Great East Lake. Please feel or the back of a truck, it will lose its disinfection properties at The boat modifications were finished in late summer, free to contact me at [email protected] with any Store in a cool, dry area. Shelf life is indefinite if stored allowing us time to put the Godfrey to the test. Here is a a faster pace. Therefore, new bleach should be purchased for properly. Dispose of small amounts of unused vinegar in questions or comments you may have. purposes of decontamination at the beginning of each field quick summary of our experience: the sink; follow with plenty of water. season. If using bleach year-round for decontamination, new bleach should be purchased every 6 months. 16 21 6. Also note any unusual phenomena significant shortening of the period observed when taking Secchi of ice cover for New England lakes Maine Lakes Water Quality: readings, including heavy pine (Hodgkins, G.A. and James I.C. II, pollen (blotchy yellow spots in the 2002, Historical ice-out dates for 29 by Linda Bacon & Scott Williams water during the early summer); lakes in New England). No single The Year in Review algae scums on the lake surface; effect of climate change is likely Clear water is the most highly valued, flocked to nearby swimming holes seeking many other contaminants are there as Gloeotrichia density (only if you to have a more profound effect on and most carefully observed, feature relief from the sweltering conditions. well! The actual testing for E. coli are able to identify Gloeo with Maine lakes! of Maine lakes. Last summer, many Unusually warm water temperatures can be done by the state Health and confidence Thank you for making a significant LSM water quality monitors reported created a perfect storm for bacterial Environmental Testing Lab as well as contribution to the body of scientific that their lakes were unusually clear, growth. This type of contamination is 7. If possible, determine the annual many local labs for a reasonable fee; the information that is essential to fully possibly due to four consecutive dry almost entirely due to poor swimming “ice-in” and “ice-out” dates for lab will provide bottles and instructions, understand and respond to the effects summers, and the overall reduction in hygiene practices. If you have a swimming your lake, and send them to LSM. but it is up to the customer to collect the of climate change on Maine’s lakes! stormwater runoff from lake watersheds. pool, you take precautions to prevent this Studies of long-term historical sample properly and deliver the sample ice-out data have documented a Please keep up the great work! A majority of Maine lakes tend to be type of situation using a filtration system, to the lab within a few hours. It is up clearer than their historical average pool shock and additions like chlorine. to municipalities to conduct testing at during years when precipitation from In lakes, where such sanitation systems public beaches and post signage when January through July is below average. are lacking, dirty diapers are of special contamination is present. Near Real-Time Lake Data Although clear lake water is generally concern: no one should be allowed in the considered to be a positive indicator of water wearing a soiled diaper! Diapers And lastly, swimmers’ itch calls were Posting Your Secchi Readings Online Signing up is very simple. When you have taken your first lake water quality, prolonged drought, should be changed away from the water common. This parasite cycles between If you are an LSM certified lake monitor, and are taking reading of the season, contact Jonnie at the LSM office and resulting periods of clear lake water and taken home for proper disposal. snails and ducks. Although their life Secchi readings for your lake, please consider sharing your data (phone or email) with your Secchi reading and a photo of are not necessarily in the best interest of Also, as much as we love to take our pets cycle cannot be completed when they online with your lake community. All it takes is a cell phone yourself, and/or your lake. We will set up your account long-term lake health. Some studies have to swim, it is important to collect any attach to a human, they can cause an or a PC, and your readings (and comments) can be displayed and provide you with a password. Anyone can observe your suggested that reduced precipitation and solids they need to eliminate and dispose itchy rash. The best defense against immediately on your personal lake page, which can be easily data, but only you will be able to enter the information on swimmers’ itch is: DON’T feed the groundwater inputs to lakes may result of them properly at home. Bacteria will accessed on LSM’s website. the website. Please note that you will still need to submit a in the reduced delivery of dissolved persist in warm water longer than in ducks! They are cute and are always formal field sheet for all your Secchi readings, because all of organic carbon, resulting in greater UV cooler water, so just one accident can looking for a handout, but it is safe to Sharing your data in real-time with your lake community, the “metadata” contained on that form are required to be light penetration in lakes, which may be have repercussions that last more than assume that if ducks are present, the and beyond, has many benefits, including: entered, in order for your data to be certified. parasite is also present. harmful to aquatic organisms. a week. Generally bacteria testing is • Illustrating the good work that you are doing on Please consider participating in this important initiative Beyond water clarity (which nearly done for E. coli. This organism is just Topics high on LSM-callers’ minds last behalf of your lake in 2019! We look forward to seeing you and your Secchi everyone notices when it deviates one indicator of the many bacteria summer were: metaphyton, a filamentous • Allowing members of your lake community to observe readings on your own lake page! dramatically from the norm), weather and viruses that can be present when algae that has the appearance of clouds of changes that are taking place in their lake during the and other localized variables may bring poor hygiene practices exist; in other green cotton candy in the water. Many course of the summer season, and from year to year additional issues of concern to the words, if E. coli is present, assume that observers believe this form of algae has • If your lake is experiencing an algal bloom, your real- fore. In 2018, the most increased dramatically in time data can be used to help your community, as well as salient topic on the minds their lakes over the past LSM and DEP staff to track the intensity and severity of of those who called the decade. Gloeotrichia, the conditions. This is a critically important and valuable DEP lake assessment a cyanobacteria (blue- benefit when a lake is beginning to show signs of stress section was lake water green algae) that has been from excess algae growth levels. This being the increasingly documented • Building community awareness about the importance in lakes throughout New fourth year of Maine’s of monitoring and protecting lake water quality drought was particularly England in recent years; hard on smaller lakes, and and unusually warm In addition to posting your Secchi readings, you can add those with leaky dams. water temperatures. comments about conditions that you observe while on Evaporation likely played As for the perennially the water. Your readings will automatically be displayed in a role in shallower systems. hot topic of water clarity, graphic form for all to see. And – you can include a photo of http://mainelakesdata.org/ yourself on your lake page. You could become famous! A close second, were reports were varied. calls associated with Many LSM lake water bacterial contamination quality monitors reported of swimming areas. The unusually high (clear) Save the Date! Fourth of July week was Secchi disk readings 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Will Be unusually hot and calm, for their lakes through and masses of people How Swimmers Can Potentially be Exposed to “Swimmer’s Itch” the entire season. In Held On Saturday, July 27th 22 15 Citizen Lake Scientists... continued from page 11 September, Ron Armontrout, LSM- this lake and continue to be examined. past volunteers (Bob Joly) and current certified monitor on Thompson Lake in Alternative methods of controlling volunteer lake monitors like Mel Croft Oxford, documented readings of nearly phosphorus and algae are currently being and Gary Allison. Last summer, East 12 meters! However, others reported discussed, including an alum treatment. Pond underwent a successful aluminum declining water clarity, especially as sulfate treatment to inactivate internal lake water temperatures approached phosphorus sources in the lake. record highs during an exceptionally hot Transparencies following the treatment period lasting most of July. Still others obtained by DEP were greater than 5 reported extreme weather events that meters during all visits – good readings have the potential to negatively impact for the lake. Alum treatments are very water quality. costly, and only take place following Across the state of Maine LSM lake a thorough assessment, and mitigation monitors are playing a key role documenting of watershed sources of phosphorus. and tracking such events. Communicating Treatments may be effective for a decade this important information to their lake or more. associations and communities, they are Georges Pond in Franklin experienced also helping to raise general awareness of the threats to lakes, and of the ways to severe algal blooms in 2017 that protect them. In many cases, early detection appeared to persist under the ice, as an of problems provides the information and algal bloom was in evidence immediately Long Pond in Parsonsfield; photo courtesy of upon ice-out and persisted into the incentive needed for the lake community, Laurie Callahan . LSM, and DEP to follow up in a timely summer of 2018. During the past two manner with more intensive monitoring, Long Pond in Parsonsfield has a history years, the Georges Pond Association analysis, and/or remediation. of above-average water quality, with has substantially increased in size and Below is a summary of lakes that Secchi readings averaging 6.8 meters over capacity, and has mobilized to meet Jordan Pond is one of Maine’s clearest lakes, with Secchi readings sometime reaching 20 meters depth. Sabattus Pond experiences annual severe algal blooms, experienced (or were treated for) water a 35-year period. For the past two years, the challenges of the bloom; they have indicated by the green horizontal line on the lower graph. The “Color Ramps” on the right show the range and historical average for additional indicators of lake water however, the lake has experienced severe conducted a survey of the watershed, are quality . To view these graphics for your lake, visit LSM’s www.LakesofMaine.org website and click on the 'water quality' tab . quality problems in 2018: algal blooms. The dramatic changes mitigating sites that were identified and Lake Auburn least costly way to determine the intensity 1. Continue to monitor Secchi to increase the frequency of Secchi is the municipal water have been documented by LSM certified have initiated discussion of a possible of algae growth in lake water, additional transparency readings twice monthly, readings to weekly (if possible), in supply for Lewiston and Auburn. In 2012, lake monitor, Art Bubar. Additional future alum treatment with consultants sampling to measure the concentration from May through September; as the order to track the bloom and keep it experienced reduced transparencies information regarding the condition and the DEP. Many thanks to LSM of the nutrient phosphorus, and the average open water season for lakes all interested parties informed of and a severe loss of dissolved oxygen in of the lake has been documented and diligent volunteer, Brian Friedmann, photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll becomes longer, it may be feasible conditions in the lake its deepest waters, which resulted in the provided by Deb Hiney and Laurie who has been a key player in this effort death of >200 lake trout, and may have a, typically provide a more complete (and desirable) to begin earlier and 4. If you are not already publishing Callahan and many other lakeside from the start! impacted the landlocked salmon fishery picture of what is taking place in a continue later into the season your Secchi readings on LSM’s “Near residents. Maine DEP staff visited the in following years. Lake Auburn is the Togus Pond in Augusta experienced lake. Microscopic determination of the 2. If Secchi readings in your lake are Real-Time Lake Data” website, please lake twice last summer to conduct public drinking water supply for the large a severe algal bloom for the first time dominant algae can also be helpful. unusually low, or they decline rapidly consider doing so; readings can be comprehensive baseline sampling, Auburn/Lewiston communities. Historic in more than a decade. The event was Being Ready for New Challenges during the monitoring season, easily and instantly entered from your in an effort to better understand the Secchi transparencies have been deep, documented by LSM certified lake contact LSM or the DEP; this is cell phone, and the information will dynamics of the unexpected decline One thing that the historical data is now averaging 7- 8 meters. Following the monitors Kathleen Campbell and especially important if readings are become immediately available to all in water quality. The lake association strongly suggesting, is that some lakes in 2012 bloom, the Water District received Douglas Miller, who kept the lake at, or below 2.0 meters depth who have an interest in the information maintained regular communication with Maine are already responding noticeably a permit to treat the lake with copper community well-informed about the (contact LSM to initiate your lake the community regarding possible risks to the effects of climate change (please 3. If your lake experiences a rapid water sulfate if bloom conditions re-developed. implications regarding exposure to the page; see page 15 for details) associated with exposure to the water see page 22). Some lakes, for example, clarity decline, you may be asked bloom. Dolichospermum (formerly Last summer, Secchi transparencies during the bloom. are now experiencing algal blooms for 5. Please note (and date) all significant decreased to a low of about 3 meters, known as Anabaena), Microcystis the first time ever, others are blooming weather events in the comments turbidity tripped the “10-day criteria”, East Pond, Oakland/Smithfield has (cyanobacteria), and a dinoflagellate for the first time in many years, and section of your field form, and a limited area of the lake water was a four-decade history of periodic algal were identified in water samples. Togus still others--chronic bloomers--are especially severe events, including treated with the algaecide. The lake and blooms. The history of this lake is has experienced internal recycling of blooming for longer periods of time prolonged high winds and heavy watershed dynamics are complex for documented thanks to LSM/VLMP ME Lakes Water Quality... continued on page 25 (blooms starting earlier in the season, rainfall; intense weather events and persisting later into the fall). may follow a narrow geographic path, and this information can Below are some guidelines for Water be very helpful in understanding Quality Monitors, to help ensure that any the regional variability that occurs significant changes taking place in your Secchi readings can be dramatically reduced during an algae bloom . between lakes lake will result in prompt attention: Lake Auburn experienced dramatic changes in Secchi readings over the course of the 2018 summer.

14 23 Matt Scott, Maine’s Goodwill Lake Ambassador, Screening for Invasive Bivalves - by Laurie Callahan, Director, York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP) Addresses Lake Association Meetings Across Maine nvasive freshwater clams and mussels when water temperatures were cooler Ihave not yet been found in Maine than optimal, so results (all negative att Scott is one of Maine’s best known, and most Matt represented LSM at six lakes and rivers, but they have been for IAS) may not have been reliable. Mexperienced lake professionals. A member of LSM’s meetings last summer, extensively found in waterbodies in adjacent states The procedure at each launch site took Advisory Board, Matt was the primary architect, and long- travelling the length and breadth and provinces. (Zebra mussels and Asian approximately 15 minutes, and the time leader of the Maine DEP lakes program when the agency of the State. The theme of his clams are present in Quebec and in equipment and supplies needed were came into being in the early 1970’s. He played a critical role presentations was “All Maine Lakes Matt Scott,LSM Advisory Board Massachusetts, and Asian clams have very simple and easy to obtain. in supporting and shaping the VLMP (now LSM) when it was are Vulnerable, Some More-So than been found in several locations in So, please stay tuned! YCIASP will have part of the DEP. Matt also served as Deputy Commissioner Others”. His expertise and knowledge of Maine fisheries was a New Hampshire.) Asian clams, once more information about its Asian clam of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and was big drawing factor. established, are difficult to control and screening protocol and surveys to share Chair of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection, and His first presentation was at Nickerson Lake in Aroostook practically impossible to eradicate. in 2019. And hopefully the surveys will President of the North American Lake Management Society. County, where he ran into a few old acquaintances and Preventing their introduction to also provide information about native Although Matt is now retired, he continues to be active as colleagues, discussed the lake fishery and addressed watershed waterbodies is the most effective approach. The best time to sample is in midsummer when mollusk species that are present! a fisheries and lake water quality consultant, and he works runoff concerns. Next, Matt travelled to Long Pond in Identifying waterbodies where they occur water temperatures are optimal for this species. The sampling is done in about 2-3 feet of water, closely with LSM and other lake groups throughout Maine. Parsonsfield, a lake that has experienced severe algal blooms is an important part of that strategy. where the substrate is sandy or gravelly/sandy . Last summer, Matt offered to represent LSM at lake association for the past two years. A large, and receptive crowd benefitted The sieve is used to scoop into the substrate to a depth of about 3-inches. Using lake water to flush, meetings throughout Maine. Given the busy summer schedule, from Matt’s perspective. From southern to northern Maine, as needed, the finer material is sifted through and knowing that lake groups are always looking for a featured Matt then travelled back to Aroostook (aka: The County) to the mesh, leaving the larger bits which are then examined for the presence of Asian clams . Photo speaker at their annual summer meetings, we readily accepted speak to a group at Drews (aka: Meduxnekeag) Lake, which courtesy of WAMC Midday Magazine. his generous offer and publicized his availability. was also experiencing an algal bloom. Sebec Lake in the Dover-Foxcroft area of Piscataquis County YCIASP is in the process of adapting was Matt’s next trip, where he met with an energized group existing protocols developed in New to discuss ways to ensure that the excellent water quality of Hampshire and New York to create the lake would be maintained. Then it was off to Unity Pond its own Asian clam screening survey (Winnecook Lake) in Waldo County – another lake that has protocol to start using in 2019. The sampling method will detect young to mature Asian clams (several mm to 3 5. cm) Juveniles experienced chronic severe algal blooms. Matt’s extensive The most essential piece of equipment for the This past season, practice runs were less than 2 mm in diameter will pass through the historical experience with this lake provided an important Asian clam screening protocol is a standard sieve performed at several public launches in mesh of the sieve . For greatest assurance that Nickerson Lake perspective to attendees. He touched on topics ranging from with size 10 mesh (2 millimeters). Can you find the these invaders are not present in the waterbody, 3 Asian clams in this picture? Photo courtesy of NH York County. The sampling was done sampling should be done annually . Photo courtesy DDT fish-kills to outlet dam concerns. Finally, Matt met with Department of Environmental Services. in late September and early October of NH Department of Environmental Services. Meduxnekeag Lake a group representing the Sysladobsis chain of lakes, including Upper and Lower Dobsis, Junior, Duck and West Grand Lake in Penobscot County, where he discussed fisheries, dam Student Water Challenge Takes on Invasive Species - Priscilla Carnaroli and Shaylee Davis ownership, paper company land transitions, and the value of Saint Joseph's College freshman, organized by EPSCoR (Established lake association capacity in addressing the concerns raised. Priscilla Carnaroli, and sophomore Program to Stimulate Competitive Sebec Lake Sysladobsis Lake At each meeting, Matt indicated that he “would not always be Shaylee Davis, chose to focus their Research) and Maine Campus politically correct or appropriate, but would be scientifically 2018 Maine Student Water Challenge Compact—awards $350 stipends to accurate”, based on his extensive experiences and knowledge. project on developing curriculum to meritorious higher-education students. The crowds appreciated his wry humor and honesty. teach K-12 students about the threat of All challenges are aimed at solving Winnecook Lake "Home Base" Matt has already received requests to speak at meetings next invasive aquatic plants (IAP). We were water-related problems in Maine. Belgrade summer. We hope he will continue to have the time to share pleased to learn that their curriculum Priscilla is studying medical biology and Saint Joseph’s College students Priscilla Carnaroli included LSM’s Friend or Foe Kit his rich expertise as Maine’s Goodwill Lakes Ambassador. and Shaylee Davis delivered a presentation about minoring in sustainability; Shaylee is Thank you, Matt! invasive species at Maine Campus Compact’s (a nifty hands-on IAP lesson in a majoring in environmental science. 2nd Annual Maine Student Water Challenge box). The Student Water Challenge— And for those of you that missed out on Matt's speaking tour, (December 2018) . Notes from the Front Lines... continued on page 29 Long Pond he will be offering his services again for the 2019 summer season! If you are interested in having Matt present at your event, please contact LSM at [email protected] or (207) 783-7733, and we will put you in touch with him. Save the Date! 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Will Interested in Sponsoring an LSM Summer College Intern? Please see Page 28 for Details. Take Place On Saturday, July 27th 24 13 ME Lakes Water Quality... continued from page 23 occurred from double digit readings Invasive Plant Patrol phosphorus in the past when dissolved to 4 meters (not a nuisance bloom as oxygen levels have been depleted; this defined in Maine statute). For context, Here we shine the spotlight on some of the many ways LSM Invasive likely occurred in 2018 as well. Basin competes with Pleasant Pond in Notes from the Front Lines Plant Patrollers are working to protect Maine waters from the threat of Abrams Pond in Eastbrook approached Caratunk and Jordan Pond on MDI for aquatic invaders. What is your story? What is the status of early detection in your community? Your IPP experience may bloom conditions again last summer. the deepest transparency readings in Maine each year. The long-term average for this be invaluable to your fellow patrollers, as well as to those who may wish to become more involved. Please share your stories Extensive water quality documentation lake is 12 meters, with occasional 16 meter with us, so we can pass them along! Thank you all for helping to build one the most comprehensive invasive aquatic plant in this small lake by LSM certified lake monitors Bill and Kathleen Cotter have readings. The dramatic change in 2018 is early detection programs in the nation! troublesome! Relatively few algae could Photo of October, 2013 algae bloom in Ellis Pond, helped us understand the dynamics of courtesy of LSM Lake Steward, Ross Swain . the bloom cycles that have occurred be seen through the microscope. It is therefore possible that picoplankton have Maine’s Newest Invader - Adapted from Maine DEP Press Release in Abrams Pond for the past several water, thus no documentation of the years. Volunteers like the Cotters help made their presence known in North and conditions takes place. The blooms t was not long after the initial "Admittedly, this latest discovery is a identify problems in lakes early on, Basin Ponds. Samples have been sent to typically last a very short time before Idiscovery of Eurasian water milfoil in tough one-two punch for Cobbossee thereby facilitating the work of research Dr. Jim Haney at UNH to be scanned the algae die and form a visible residue/ Cobbosseecontee Lake in Manchester, Lake. We don't know how the plant agencies (DEP) and LSM staff in the for fluorescence, which if present, would scum on the surface. Depending on that the Maine Department of arrived in the lake but we have already coordination of additional investigation, indicate that picoplankton may be the weather conditions, the surface residue Environmental Protection (DEP) begun the challenge of managing and engaging the lake community in the issue in these two ponds. may be evident for a few days, or confirmed the presence of a second it," said John McPhedran, DEP identification and mitigation of causative only a few hours. LSM certified lake state-prohibited invasive aquatic plant Biologist. "The plant was discovered factors in the watershed. monitor, Ross Swain has documented this phenomenon in Ellis Pond on in the lake. The plant, European frog-bit August 10, 2018, surveyed August 13 North Pond in Smithfield had its worst multiple occasions, augmenting (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), is native to and removal began August 14. I am algal bloom ever last year. The lake was Cobbossee Yacht Club volunteers, removing his observations with excellent Europe and northern Asia, and is a confident that DEP's collaboration hit hard by a severe storm that occurred European frog-bit from the northeastern inlet of photographs. Samples collected by popular water garden and aquarium Cobbossee Lake . with Cobbossee Watershed District a year ago, with the west shore losing Ross confirmed the presence of plant. First intentionally introduced to and Friends of Cobbossee Watershed many trees. North Pond is relatively microcystis, a cyanobacteria that has and sheltered coves. The Cobbossee shallow; high water temperatures around a water garden in Canada in 1932, the will result in reducing this infestation. the potential to produce algal toxins. population was first spotted in a the fourth of July likely contributed to plant was found in a New York river in But we also need to be realistic: Ross captured another such brief event stream-outlet cove in the northeast the bloom as well as some intermittent 1974 and continues to expand its range. real control will require continued last summer. corner of the lake. Subsequent surveys commitment and will occur over phosphorus release from bottom The Cobbossee find is the first Photo of 2018 Gloeotrichia bloom at Meduxnekeag revealed that the plant was well sediments on windless days, and possibly Little Kennebago Lake - LSM lake known occurance of this plant in years, not days or months." (Drews) lake taken by Doug Suitor (Maine established in patches throughout the evaporation. Thanks to data collected Department of Environmental Protection). monitors Willis and Ellie White reported Maine. European frog-bit grows lake, suggesting it has been present in Please see page 7 for a closer look at Maine's by LSM volunteers (see list below), over the effects of severe weather in early newest invader. Meduxnekeag (Drews) Lake in best in shallow, slow-moving water Cobbossee for some time. a period spanning nearly five decades, summer in the Little Kennebago Lake Aroostook County we know that Secchi readings last fell experienced an watershed. A “microburst” in the area below 2 meters in 2010; we also know unexpected severe Gloeotrichia bloom resulted in extensive damage to trees Hancock County Notes - by Catherine Fox & Mark Whiting that the 2018 bloom was the sixth time last summer. LSM certified lake monitors, and severe soil erosion. Otherwise clear Tana Mcnutt and Cara O’Donnell streams were said to be running “black” he IPP effort continues to grow in response team” (thanks Billy Helprin County. Please e-mail us at our new the lake has bloomed during the period documented the very unusual conditions with soil particles. Such events are Hancock county. for organizing that!), and a group survey address of LSMHancockCounty@mail .com of record. T in this lake, which in recent years has taking place more frequently throughout of Donnell Pond (special thanks Shari and let us know if you are interested in North Pond, Smithfield volunteer monitors: In 2018 we conducted a successful experienced improving, and above- Maine, ostensibly due to climate change. LaTulippe, Lucy Leaf and Billy Helprin). joining the effort, and/or if you have any Early 1970s – Dr . Ron Davis and company test run of our new “local emergency 1978-81 Charles Scott average Secchi readings. By September, The storms can result in significant We also conducted Level-3 surveys (for thoughts or suggestions to share. 1983-84 Robert Williams Secchi readings had dropped to 2.9 phosphorus loading to lakes in a very the first time since 2004) of the hard- 1990-99 Bob Joly (also monitored East Pond) meters, and Gloeotrichia density was “off short period of time. to-reach but very important wilderness 1999-2002 Jim Demchak the chart”. DEP staff visited the lake and 2003-04 Harvey Chesley Puffers Pond in Dexter had a sewage lakes, Nicatous (thanks Keith Williams) confirmed the conditions. Once again, 2005-06 Charles Murdock/Nick Hadley spill directly into the lake in September. and Spectacle (thanks Lucy Leaf). We’re 2008-09 Daniel Lagueux LSM volunteer data provided critical early A new school was constructed within hoping to make the 2019 season even Since then: DEP and UMaine, Orono staff & detection of this unusual phenomenon. BRCA (Now 7 Lakes Alliance)/Colby College have the last decade, and the engineering more comprehensive. Plans are being collected a great deal of data . Ellis (Roxbury) Pond in Western plan for hooking into the municipal made to kick off the season with an Maine has experienced bursts of algae sewer district, was flawed. As a result, informal “drop-in, bring-a-picnic, ask/ Basin Pond in Fayette was an growth associated with late summer when the nearby pump station fails, discuss-anything, everyone-invited” unexptected surprise! While Secchi turnover/mixing in recent years. Such sewage flows into the lake! The sewer event at a local shallow (wading depth) (L-R) Alex Dowess & Billy Helprin of Somes-Meynell Regional Volunteer Coordinator for Hancock Wildlife Sanctuary, with Volunteer IPP Regional readings didn’t drop to 2 meters, a events often take place late in the district estimated that 500-700 gallons County, Mark Whiting, leads a group of volunteer pond where aquatic plants are two weeks Hancock County Coordinators Mark Whiting and season (September or October) when flowed into the lake, but given the video Invasive Plant Patrollers on Alamoosook Lake . Catherine Fox . significant reduction in transparency in advance of anywhere else in Hancock few people spend time on or near the ME Lakes Water Quality... continued on page 33 12 25 Assurance (QA) is achieved through supplemented with a comprehensive, high-level process comprehensive 2018 Lake Monitoring Conference that assures all users of volunteer data baseline sampling that the information is credible, and is by DEP staff. Solid on-par with similar data gathered by historical data provide professional lake scientists. (For more on an important reference LSMs Quality Assurance Project Plan, point, compared to please see Quality Counts on page 6.) which future changes A 2012 peer-reviewed study conducted by can be identified and the University of Florida of side-by-side documented. comparisons of data gathered by trained When lake Secchi Jesse Wheeler (L) of Acadia National Park and Billy New members of the milestone monitoring club are 5 Year Helprin (R) of Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer lake monitors in the Florida readings decline to a Service Awardees (L-R) Sally Smith (next to LSM Board reported on their locally-sustainable citizen-based John Laskey (R) received his LakeWatch Program and professional lake depth of 2.0 meters or 35-Year Service Award for his how lakes respond to a warming climate, President Bill Monagle), David Edsall, Arthur Jacobson, Jane program to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic scientists, demonstrated that the two were less (the DEP standard), a severe algal and Ron Snyder . species on Mount Desert Island . dedication to Tripp Lake. the role of trained volunteer monitors is indistinguishable, as the graphics from the bloom may be occurring. An algal bloom more valuable and essential than ever! study illustrate (see below). The image on is typically a lakewide event, during which the top shows comparisons of Secchi disk About the Data the water color may turn various shades of readings, and total phosphorus sampling & What We Are green leading up to, and during the bloom. results on the bottom. The training, Learning A multi-colored sheen or scum may form support and QA oversight provided to on the surface, especially along downwind The venerable Secchi Volunteers in the LakeWatch Program is shoreline areas. The tiny organisms most disk continues to very similar to LSM’s training and quality often responsible for severe blooms during be one of the most assurance protocols. the heat of summer are the Cyanobacteria– reliable, inexpensive, bacteria that are capable of photosynthesis– Oustanding Regional IPP Leadership Award presented rapid and accurate to Raymond Waterways Protective Association. (L-R) - IPPers were eager to test their aquatic plant referred to in the past as “bluegreen algae” Peggy Jensen, Bob French, Sibyl French, Ross Wescott, devices for estimating identification skills. Awarded for 15 Years of lake dedication or “cyanophytes”. are (L - R) Rich and Lonny Schneider, and Bunny Wescott, Neil Jensen, Lisa Hall. planktonic algae Edward Simmons . growth in lakes. The The Secchi disk can be used to determine device is used extensively by professional not only when a bloom is taking place, lake scientists, as well as volunteer but also to track the intensity and monitors. Several hundred LSM lake duration of a bloom, and to determine monitors throughout Maine collectively the point at which the bloom subsides. obtain several thousand Secchi readings While the Secchi disk is the quickest and annually on hundreds of Maine lakes! Citizen Lake Scientists... continued on page 14 Secchi readings taken throughout the Lake Stewardship in Song & Verse: A Parody summer season (May of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' by lake LSM Development Coordinator, steward Bunny Wescott. Singers are (L-R) Alison Cooney, spoke about various through September, or Roberta Hill, Jeff Dennis, Bunny Wescott, and fundraising initiatives and thanked our There were many prizes to be had by certified Lake longer) provide a very Stewards, thanks to our generous conference sponsors! Scott Williams on guitar. generous donors . good overall picture of both seasonal and Thank You to our Generous Conference Sponsors! annual changes in lake water quality, and these readings will likely provide the first indication of climate-induced change for many Canfield, D; Brown, C; Bachmann, R; Hoyer, M; Basic Response for Majority of Lakes: University of Florida: Volunteer Lake Monitoring: lakes. The historical Dryer years => less watershed runoff => less sediment and Testing the Reliability of Data Collected by the Florida water quality data for phosphorus loading to lakes => clearer lake water LakeWatch Program . many Maine lakes Wetter years => greater watershed runoff => more sediment and consists primarily phosphorus loading to lakes => reduced transparency With dwindling funds from government of Secchi disk sources available to support the gathering of Timing of precipitation is a factor (January-July is likely most relevant) readings, periodically research data needed to better understand However, this relationship does not apply to all lakes….. 26 11 Citizen Lake Scientists: by Scott Williams Rising to the Growing Challenges Facing Maine’s Lakes As lake water warms, the conditions for algal growth are generally enhanced. Of particular concern is the potential for a shift in algal composition toward the Cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae), which

fter Graduating from Clark the level of participation and passion from the communities we AUniversity in the spring of were able to visit. I have continued to gain a greater appreciation 2018, I was very excited to be for the hard work everyone at LSM puts in to make it all happen, • LSM citizen lake scientists play a vital role in maintaining joining the team here at LSM for and the astounding efforts of the volunteers. Did You Know? and, in many cases, improving the health of Maine lakes. In a third summer! The previous Following last summer, I was given the incredible opportunity • LSM’s workshops, basic monitoring equipment and on-going several cases, Invasive Plant Patrollers, have been key ‘early summers here at LSM were to stay on with LSM through the winter and the coming technical support are provided free-of-charge to the public, detectors’ of new invasive species infestations. Once a new incredible, and I knew joining summer of 2019. It has been an immeasurably great experience giving everyone who is interested the opportunity to learn infestation has been confirmed, IPPers may also participate them again would only build on about lake science. Spencer Harriman continuing to work here, allowing me to help with the workload in the comprehensive lake-wide surveys needed to determine what I had learned previously. this time of the year and take on new tasks and projects. My time • The valuable data collected by LSM volunteers is scientifically the extent of spread within the waterbody, and/or assist with The experience once again reinforced the appreciation I already here during the winter has stimulated my anticipation for the credible. The historical body of data--gathered by volunteers efforts to control the new invaders. had for citizen science and the incredible people who work with upcoming season, and I am excited for what is in store! who are intimately connected with, and passionate about, LSM. During this past workshop season, it was amazing to see • LSM is collaborative to its core, partnering with state their lakes--serves as the baseline against which any significant and federal agencies, municipalities, educational and changes in lake water quality may be measured. This robust research institutions, foundations, Maine Indian tribes, Would You Consider Sponsoring an LSM Summer Intern? You or your business can provide a college data-set is critical to the statewide effort to preserve long- and non-governmental conservation groups such as local student with an unforgettable summer experience supporting volunteers who are working to monitor and protect term health of Maine’s pristine lakes. Maine’s lakes, while building on academic and career interests! Our internships offer opportunities to explore Maine and regional lake watershed associations. We feel we are best lakes through real-life work experiences in lake and social science, public education, volunteer training, nonprofit • LSM volunteers benefit their local lakes by playing key achieving our own Mission when we are helping our many organization operation, and social media marketing. Sparked your interest? Please contact LSM at (207) 783-7733. stewardship and leadership roles in their communities. partners achieve theirs! 28 9 Connecting the Drops Littorally Speaking... continued from page 5 glory for our children’s children to enjoy, you, my fellow lake stewards! I have come conditions for some naturalized species, have an enormous challenge before us. to think of you as some of the most Cultivating Relationships and Building Community to Sustain LSM's Programs prompting at least some of them to In addition to doing what we are already capable, self-motivated, resourceful, can- by Alison Cooney ‘awaken’ and become more aggressive. doing, we must work to meet the new do, people on the planet. I know from LSM Development Coordinator challenges of a changing climate head experience what you can do when you Any forecast of the future carries with on, doing all we can as individuals, in set your minds to it, and this gives Historical Funding annual operating expenses combined it some uncertainty, but the scientific through a Community Guardian Angel. our communities, and in our watersheds me confidence that, working together, with declining Government grant funds consensus is strong on the following hen Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) With a goal of $50,000, Board members, to minimize potential for climate-related we will make serious progress on this required a focused effort to diversify point: in Maine’s new warmer, more started out as Maine Volunteer Lake individuals and lake associations have harm. At the same time, we need to urgently important front as well. W and broaden LSM’s fundraising base. extreme-weather-prone climate, ‘there Monitoring Program, it was a fully-funded already contributed over $33,000 to the take action to address the root causes A designated Development staff person will be winners, and there will be losers.’ Looking for some next steps? Please stay state program. The program was conceived Community Guardian Angel! of our current climate problem: excess was much needed, however, financial Science (and common sense) tells us that tuned! LSM will be sharing much more by a group of visionaries, including LSM carbon in the earth’s atmosphere and the support for a new position was not Future Development the most adaptable species--including information in the weeks and months Advisory Board member, Matt Scott, who continued increase in carbon emissions feasible at the time. those we now consider most invasive-- to come, on what each one of us can do oversaw volunteer lake monitoring when We are pleased to announce that the associated with the burning of fossil fuels. the Maine Department of Environmental Guardian Angel Initiative is moving will rank high among the winners. to help save Maine’s extraordinary clear, “Just as ripples spread out The good news is there is much each one clean lakes from the most harmful effects Protection came into being in 1971. The forward as envisioned. With the help and There is no soft-pedaling any of this. when a single pebble is of us can do to help on both fronts, and, of climate change. program transitioned to non-profit status dropped into water, the commitment of our generous donors, Those of us who love our lakes and wish therefore, much reason for hope! High in 1996 when funding was reduced. actions of individuals can we have achieved our initial fundraising them to be here in all their wonder and among my personal rays of hope are all of Initially, LSM relied on government goals, a Development Coordinator have far-reaching effects.” Citations: grants to cover the majority of the annual has been hired, and efforts are well ~ Dalai Lama Figs . 1, 2, 3 - Fernandez, I J. ;. C V. . Schmitt; S D. . Birkel; E . Stancioff; A J. . Pershing; J T. . Kelley, J A. . Runge; G L. . Jacobson; and P A. . Mayewski . 2015 . budget. Staff consisted of one person, underway to expand and increase LSM’s Maine’s Climate Future: 2015 Update . Orono, ME: University of Maine . 24pp . Scott Williams, who was (and still is) not development capacity. The Guardian Angel Initiative, aimed Fig . 4 . Hodgkins, Glenn A ,. James II, Ivan C ,. Huntington, Thomas G . 2005 . Historical Changes in Lake Ice-Out Dates as Indicators of Climate Change only the Executive Director, but also the in New England, 1850-2000 . U S. . Geological Survey . at seeking and leveraging several large The resulting changes within the organization’s Limnologist (lake scientist). Fig . 5 . - Bradley, Bethany A ,. University of Massachusetts Amherst; Allen, Jenica M ,. University of New Hampshire . 2016 . Out of the weeds? donations, was a concept developed by organization are already quite profound. With limited time to devote to fundraising Reduced plant invasion risk with climate change in the continental United States . Biological Conservation, Volume 203, November 2016, Pages 306- LSM volunteer, John Wasileski. The Having a designated Development efforts, Scott discovered grant writing and 312 purpose of the initiative is to ensure Coordinator on staff has greatly enhanced 1 was very successful with filling in budgetary Bradley and Allen . long-term growth and sustainability for our ability to: connect with new and existing gaps through awarded grants. Lake Stewards of Maine through the donors, reach out to new stakeholders, Notes from the Front Lines... continued from page 13 As the public interest in LSM’s workshops strengthening and expansion of LSM’s strengthen ties with our many collaborators, continued, additional staff was hired development capacity, starting with the research and prepare foundation grants, Highlights of the 2018 IPP Season - by Roberta Hill to assist with the growing number and to discover (and more fully benefit hiring of a new Development Coordinator. • With the help of our wonderful • It was a banner year for UAO of citizen lake scientists being added The Guardian Angel Initiative concept from) exciting new opportunities and IPP hosts and partners, LSM (unidentified aquatic objects)! annually to LSM’s programs. Over the became a reality when OceanView at collaborations. It has also resulted in the course of two decades, staff increased to Falmouth Retirement Community added benefit of freeing up other LSM staff, conducted fourteen IPP training Approximately 200 specimens were 4 full-time and 1 part-time employees. committed to be LSM’s first “Guardian allowing them to devote more attention events from York to Washington submitted to us this summer for Grant writing, annual appeals, thank Angel”. OceanView’s dedication to to the essential work of the organization: County. Approximately 270 identification. This is nearly double you letters, donor engagement, all duties LSM’s Mission helped secure additional training and providing ongoing technical individuals attended one or more what we typically see in a given generally assigned to Development staff, Guardian Angels (please see next page). support to our volunteers! trainings in 2018. year, perhaps due to increasing were shared responsibilities among LSM LSM’s Board of Directors also pledged to Lake Stewards of Maine accomplishes an Newly-trained IPPers on the shore of beautiful ease of taking and submitting • The new Field Guide to Invasive Lake St . George . Board members and employees. Rising fulfill a “Guardian Angel” commitment immense amount of work on a very tight Aquatic Plants finally made it to digital photos. (Nearly half of the 2018 submissions were sent the printer, and hundreds of copies Betty, Upper Breakneck, Lower electronically via email.) Income Expenses have already been distributed! Breakneck, Beaver Dam, and The Other Field Guides are distributed free- Tarn. This marks the completion • The Pixie Williams Herbarium is 1% Development of-charge to all newly-certified lake of a three-year project, conducted really coming together! As far as we Individual Government & Fundraising monitors. in partnership with Acadia know, this is Maine’s only herbarium 6% Grants 14% Water Quality* • The Acadia Jump Start Project is National Park and Somes Meynell devoted exclusively to aquatic and Corporate 43% 43% complete! Nineteen of Maine’s Wildlife Sanctuary, that brought wetland plants. All herbarium Support* Watershed Survey most experienced Invasive Plant IPP volunteers from across Maine sheets are being scanned at high 14% Assessment together with newly-trained locals resolution, and will eventually be Foundations Patrollers (we lovingly refer 2% Invasive Species* made available online, including at Lake Communities & Grants to them as the ‘Uber-IPPers’) to screen all waters of Mount 41% the Consortium of New England 3% 33% participated in the 2018 survey, Desert Island for the presence of covering ten ponds: Jordan, Witch aquatic invaders, while helping to Herbaria website. The Herbarium Current annual budget * Includes donations, short-term initiatives, * Includes training, certification and on-going lifetime jump-start a local citizen-based will soon be open to the public by underwriting and sponsorship support for Lake Steward volunteers Hole, Lakewood, Bubble, Aunt < $500,000 early detection program. appointment, as well. 8 29 by Linda Bacon LSM Quality Assurance Officer; Cyanotoxin Update Aquatic Biologist, Maine DEP A new invader to the state of Maine, European frog-bit, was recently discovered in Cobbossee Lake. Under n 2015, Environmental Protection Floating at the surface, or stranded among the European IAgency (EPA) established Drinking emergent vegetation, European frog-bit’s clumps of the Water Criteria for the algal toxins small, heart-shaped leaves may not exactly ‘jump Frog-bit microcystin and cylindrospermopsin, out’ to the untrained eye. It’s time for a quick and in December of 2016, EPA refresher on some of this plant’s key characteristics! Hand released draft recreation criteria for both of these toxins. Samples collected Lens: Hydrocharis by volunteers and Department of morsus-ranae Environmental Protection staff from blooming lakes nearly 10 years ago This aquatic invader can indicated that microcystin was present in some Maine lakes that bloom. Since be tricky to recognize. Here is a quick primer 2014, DEP’s Lake Assessment Section on some of the key characteristics to watch for. has been obtaining samples from both blooming lakes and lakes that do not 1. European frog-bit is a small, free-floating aquatic support blooms to better characterize plant. When afloat, it’s small, rounded kidney- or heart- risk of algal toxins in Maine lakes. shaped leaves (1 .5 to 6 .5 cm long) are not anchored to the bottom sediments. Once established, the plants multiply The protocols followed by DEP align rapidly, much like strawberry plants in your garden, each with those being implemented by the individual plant sending out multiple ‘baby’ plants on slender runners or stolons . Cyanobacteria Collaborative, headed- the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) you tell me about a specific lake?” is a up by Hilary Snook of EPA. Samples and the Drinking Water Program have link to a list of lakes that have had at are collected from open water, near the taken place to discuss developing a least one bloom in the past. These 122 shore, and if scums are present, from possible Maine advisory. Because there lakes have been evaluated for bloom the scums themselves. These locations is so much variation in what we’ve frequency and risk of future blooms. were chosen to characterize conditions seen for microcystin concentrations Eventually we are likely to have a list 4 . When stranded along the shore, the dangling tendrils related to use of the lake for drinking from year to year and during algal of lakes that have exceedances of the may anchor into the mud, like roots . Tip: Binoculars may water, recreation in boats, swimming, blooms, and because the state’s ability microcystin criteria posted as well. come in handy if you wish to do a more careful visual Inset photo courtesy of Jouko inspection of hard-to-reach shoreline areas. and consumption by pets and livestock. to conduct comprehensive continuous https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/ Lehmuskallio - NatureGate. Approximately half of the samples have monitoring for toxins is so limited lakes/bloomrisk.html. 2. Leaves with unique vein pattern, (each on its own been analyzed thus far, and we expect to given the number of lakes in Maine, Fortunately, Maine has been managing elongated, 4-6 cm long, stalk) occur in bouquet-like rosettes. wrap up sample collections in 2019. it is likely that a statewide advisory its lakes for HABs (Harmful Algal Maine currently uses the EPA advisories approach will be taken, similar to the Blooms) indirectly for decades because as guidelines. Multiple meetings with fish consumption advisory for mercury. the Class in statute, “GPA”, includes The Maine DEPthe phrase “shall be free from culturally website has a induced nuisance algal blooms”. Maine webpage dedicated statute defines nuisance algal blooms to cyanobacteria as Secchi transparency readings of that includes a list of less than 2 meters; preliminary data precautions lake users suggest that most lakes that produce should take when microcystin during a bloom, are less blooms exist. https:// clear than this. Photo courtesy of Meghan Johnstone, Acadia Park Invasive Plant Patrol. www.maine.gov/ Thanks to the persistent good work of 3. Small flowers, consisting of three white petals arrayed 5. Root-like tendrils, resembling slender bottle brushes, dep/water/lakes/ LSM citizen lake monitors, we generally around a yellow center, may occur during the summer . dangle below the floating rosette. cyanobacteria.html. know when a lake is approaching the When in doubt, always rule on the side of caution and treat the plant as a suspected invader, i.e., mark the location Near the bottom of bloom threshold. this page, under “Can of the plant (ideally on a map and with a buoy), collect a specimen, and contact LSM for further instruction.

30 7 Welcome, New Lake Stewards! QualityQuality Counts!Counts! New Volunteer Lake Monitors Certified in 2018 Alyssa Andrews; Rangeley Lakes Region Lakes Holly LeBlanc; Pleasant Lake Sarah Andrus; Chickawaukie Pond William Lerman; Pattee Pond Are You Measuring Lake Vital Signs Accurately? Anne Argast; Cold Stream Pond Brian Levesque; Unity Pond Charles Baeder; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes Jim Linsley; Highland (Duck) Lake magine… you’re on thermometer was reading low by 3 Glenn Ball; Meddybemps Lake Jim Littlefield; Kennebunk Pond Ithe way to the doctor’s degrees, maybe their recommendations John Bickford; Horseshoe Pond Dave Lovejoy; Varnum Pond office… you haven’t would have been different?’ You Kirk & Tammy Bickford; Crystal Lake (Dry Pond) Jonnie Maloney; Long Pond Jesse Bosdell; Long Pond & Great Pond Sharon Mann; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes felt well for a few days… it’s go home, have some chicken by Linda Bacon Alan Brearley; Bauneag Beg Lake Kelly Margolis; Wood Pond not a cold… it could be the soup and rest, still puzzled. LSM Quality Assurance Officer; Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg; Great Pond Isobel Michaud; Wilson Lake flu, or something that needs I don’t believe this type of Aquatic Biologist, Maine Department of Maddie & Rob Brookings; Phillips (Lucerne) Lake Douglas Miller; Togus Pond antibiotics. You are generally negligence happens at many Environmental Protection Amy Brown; Saturday Pond Olivia Mills; Lakes Environmental Association Lakes Kaylin Brown; Messalonskee Lake Sadie Mills; Tolman Pond diligent when it comes to medical facilities. But if it did, 2005. At that time, DEP was given the Christine Bunyon; Kezar Lake David Nadeau; Highland (Duck) Lake health care concerns. Your we’d all be in trouble! Quality Jacob Camnett; Holland (Sokosis) Pond Lindsay Nelsen; Tacoma Lakes option of creating an ‘umbrella’ QAPP morning blood pressure is assurance checks must be Kathleen Campbell; Togus Pond Donna Nelson; Holland (Sokosis) Pond or requiring each entity to submit its around 109/72 – quite good. performed on such important Emily Carman; 30 Mile River Area Lakes James O'Brien; Norway Area Lakes own QAPP. The latter choice was really Marci Casas; Rockport Area Lakes Lauren Olson; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes And your weight is 160 pounds equipment at a regular frequency. not a good option giv en that more than Jim Clark; Bauneag Beg Lake Kelly O'Neil; Webb Lake – also good for your age and Jake Cockrell; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes Steve & Tina Osborn; Branch Lake As a volunteer water quality monitor, 500 volunteers were collecting lake height. But you’ve taken your Duncan Coles; Rangeley Lakes Region Lakes Lee Owens; China Lake you are akin to a medical ‘first data. It would have been an onerous Steven Corbett; Chemo Pond John Paradiso; Sebago Lake temperature 6-7 times over responder’. The readings,task for 500 individuals to submit Edward Damm; Graham Lake Eric Parker; Allen Pond the past 24 hours and you’ve Emma Dennison; Highland (Duck) Lake Nadya Pearson; North Gorham Pond measurements and samples 500 separate QAPPs, so the decision gotten readings between 101.5 Lisa Deschenes; Moose Pond Elizabeth Peele-Haidinger; Meddybemps Lake you take are designed to provide was made to take the ‘umbrella’ and 103.2! So you know you are not Patricia Dugan; Norway Area Lakes William Penney; Kennebunk Pond the information needed to evaluate approach. This QAPP documents the Laura Duran; Highland (Duck) Lake Chris and Dominic Perkins; Moose Pond imagining symptoms. the health of your lake. Thus, it is training new volunteers receive, the Nathan Durant; Messalonskee Lake & Webb (Weld) Lake Marie Phero; Georges Pond At the doctor’s office when they weigh incredibly important to obtain the Susan Fenn; Sewall Pond Lauren Pickford; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes frequency of parameter-specific re- Larry Fleury; Pattee Pond Carol & Sonny Pierce; Mooselookmeguntic Lake you, the scale reads about 15 pounds highest quality data possible. The certifications, frequency of obtaining Paul Fontaine; Flying Pond Maurice Plante; Pattee Pond more than yours. When they take your Maine Department of Environmental duplicate readings and samples, who Ryan Frati; Mount Desert Water District Lakes Richard Qualey; Highland (Duck) Lake blood pressure, it is 153/93! Then Protection and Lake Stewards of does what, and many other details. Kelsie French; Clary Lake (Pleasant Pond) David Randall; Pleasant Lake Sue Fulshaw; Cushman Pond Chris Ricardi; Sabbathday Lake they take your temperature; magically Maine work closely with the federal Re-certifications are particularly David Gay; Long Pond Jesse Ricardi; Sabbathday Lake & Great Pond it appears to have fallen to 97.6 since Environmental Protection Agency to important. Eyesight changes need Lucas Govert; Great Pond & Long Pond Lloyd Roberts; Chickawaukie Pond you took it this morning. They send assure that lake data collected in to be documented and procedures Beth Graham; Flanders Pond Marissa Rossi; 30 Mile River Area Lakes you home with instructions to reduce Maine are so reliable that they Ulrike Guthrie; Alamoosook Lake Gene Roy; Pattee Pond reviewed. Expensive meters need Ben Hall; Chamberlain Lake & Telos Lake and Round Pond Kristin Schroder; Trickey Pond salt in your diet and to lose 30 pounds, would stand-up to scrutiny in a to be checked for accuracy. Logan Hallett; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes Ryan Schutt; 5 Kezars Ponds with no mention of treatment for the court of law! This is necessary, Sample collections must be done Susannah Hammersley; Branch Lake Paul Shook; Norway Area Lakes flu-like symptoms. otherwise neither federal nor to assure no contamination of the Sarah Hammond; Moosehead Lake Sierra Simpson; 5 Kezars Ponds & Bryant Pond George Haselton; Lilly Pond Amy Soper; 7 Lakes Alliance Area Lakes As you are getting into your car, you state resources could be awarded sample. So when re-certification Tim Hawkins; Highland (Duck) Lake Ken Sparkes; McCurdy Pond shake your head thinking ‘this doesn’t through grants to partially fund workshops are advertised next Eric Hoffmann; Unity Pond Cheryl & Kirk St . Peter; Cross Lake Rosemary Holdsworth; Georges Pond Kirsten Stemmler; Lakes Environmental Association Lakes add up…I still feel awful’, and you the program. There is actually spring, proudly and willingly a law stating that all data used in Karen Holmes; Cathance Lake John & Paula Titus; Maces Pond & Rocky Pond begin to wonder about the accuracy of sign up, knowing that you are the first Francis Hopcroft; Seal Cove Pond Dawn & John Towey; Quimby Pond your scale, blood pressure monitor and environmental decision making must responder for your lake and your lake Valyrie Ice; Branch Lake Kathy Trenholm; Chemo Pond thermometer. You also wonder about be collected under a Quality Assurance monitoring trainings are akin to First Cary James; Meddybemps Lake Terry Turner; Panther Pond Program/Project Plan, or a QAPP! Aid and CPR for your lake! Robert Johnston; Allagash Lake Cathy Watson; Watchic Pond those devices at the doctor’s office. How Susan Kaagan; Parker Pond Cynthia Westlund; Kezar Lake often are they checked for accuracy? Maine’s first lake monitoring QAPP Joseph Kellogg; Trickey Pond Dian White; Tacoma Lakes Would that make a difference? If their was submitted to EPA by DEP in Andrea King; Bunganut Pond Kim White; Highland (Duck) Lake & Lower Narrows Pond Ian Kiraly; various lakes Lisa Willey; Highland (Duck) Lake Heidi Kleban; Moose Pond Karen Wilson; Highland (Duck) Lake Save the Date! Lora Laffan; Grassy Pond Robert Winship; Bradley Pond Anna Lampman; various lakes John Wolanski; Panther Pond 2019 VLMP Annual Lake Monitoring Conference Harriet Harriet Langley; Bryant Pond Jane Woodbury; Farrington Pond David DaLaPointe; Turner Pond (Mirror Lake) Will Be Held On Saturday, July 27th 6 Listings by lake can be found online at www.LakesOfMaine.org 31 increased frequency of extreme weather for brook trout, warmer-water species Donald J. Bushnell, Jr. was an avid events--torrential rains, floods, and such as non-native smallmouth are well Passings boater, and took great pride in earning even periods of drought that can make poised to displace them. Warmer average his Master 100-ton captain's license some soils more impermeable (and less water temperatures will also strongly We care deeply about Maine's volunteer lake monitors. If you would from the U.S. Coast Guard. However, absorptive), and others less consolidated, favor some aquatic plants over others. like to share news of a monitor's passing, please contact us. his fondest captaining responsibilities setting loose the finer particles that According to climate scientists, the were those cruising with his closest are most likely to carry phosphorus Phil Boissonneault earned a friends and family along the British further north one is, the faster the Boats and related gear are a primary vector for and sediment to lakes. Phosphorus is annual minimum temperatures will new introductions. With a significantly longer degree in biology from St. Francis Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys, Casco the limiting factor for planktonic algal boating season, the potential for new invasive warm. Here in Maine, these winter introductions will also grow. Xavier University in 1965. Bay (Maine), Long Island Sound and growth in most Maine lakes. With an He worked at the Portland Water North Pond (Maine), where he was Don Bushnell minimums are tremendously important increase in phosphorus, many of our biologically, providing natural And, unfortunately, there is more. We all District for 38 years, starting as a also a lake monitor. lakes will soon be greener. chemist, and retired as a water quality protection for native plants and animals know that the exceptional water quality advisor. He was also active in the Janie Rosie Crowell grew up in (including us!). As growing seasons found in many of Maine’s lakes and ponds Maine Water Utilities Association. Maine, spending nearly every summer shift and the climate warms, plants and is largely dependent upon the health of Phil and his wife, Claudette, moved of her life on Craig Pond in East animals, including invasive species, that their heavily-forested watersheds. (Our Orland, where she became a lake were once prevented from becoming forests are also magnificent carbon sinks, Phil Boissonneault to Panther Pond in Raymond in 1968 and raised three sons. monitor in 2003, and recorded data established here due to our severe by the way, the woody bits storing carbon He enjoyed all aspects of living on a lake, including for well over a decade. She graduated winters, will no longer be constrained. in biomass, the leafy bits drinking up Maine loons are already feeling the impact of greenhouse gasses through productivity.) boating, water and cross-country skiing, skating, fishing, from Ellsworth High School and mercury contamination. Warmer water may This climate-driven range expansion is the UMaine School of Animal and exacerbate this threat . Photo by Billy Helprin, already happening-- think deer ticks But our forests too, are being threatened swimming and snowshoeing. He was also very active in courtesy of Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary. the Panther Pond Lake Association, and later became a Janie Crowell Veterinary Sciences. She loved the and possums--and the implications for by the changing climate. Maine’s native lake monitor and steward. outdoors and considered sunsets, moonrises, loons on the Longer periods of ice-off and higher aquatic ecosystems are very serious. hemlock trees, for example, are now lake, a turtle warming in the sun, an owl on a low hanging average water temperatures also pose Invasive aquatic plant species such as threatened by the invasive hemlock Beth Bond embraced life fully. Some bough and the croak of frogs at Craig Pond to be daily gifts. threats to lakes. Warmer water temps water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). This of her happiest times were spent on affect the solubility of gasses and the water primrose (Ludwegia grandiflora), non-native insect would not have been Sheepscot Lake in Palermo, where Susan R. Gammon was raised in bioavailability of toxins. The warmer once thought to pose minimal threats able to survive here just a few short she and her husband, Mike, enjoyed East Livermore, and later married the water, the less oxygen it can hold, here due to their cold-intolerance, are decades ago when our winters were 30 summers. Beth loved canoeing, and moved to a farm in Canton. a condition which puts stress on expected to be able to thrive here within more severe. Now, because of Maine’s and she and her sister, Lynda, would She received a Bachelor’s Degree many native lake inhabitants. Warmer a few decades. Currently Maine has warming climate, not only is this cold- often spend joyous hours paddling on in Education from UMaine, and water also, ultimately, increases the eleven invasive aquatic plant species intolerant invader poised to decimate the lake or close-by rivers. Wanting while she only taught for a short bioavailability of toxins such as lead on its list of ‘most imminent’ threats. our hemlocks (and their carbon- to help preserve the pristine beauty time, her true passion was working and mercury, and increases the risk But according to scientists at UMass capturing biomass), it will also further Beth Bond of the lake, Beth joined the Sheepscot outside. She worked as a geologist that these toxins (already causing harm Amherst and UNH1 there are literally compromise native brook trout habitat. Lake Association Board. She spent countless hours The shade that hemlocks provide during for the state of Maine, and later Susan Gammon to lake dwellers such as loons, and hundreds of new plant species (both monitoring the water quality of Sheepscot, officially retired from Androscoggin Valley necessitating consumption warnings for terrestrial and aquatic) headed our way. the spring along many of our streams, reporting the data, and continued her advocacy to Soil and Water Conservation District, where she received those of us who like to fish) will be Not all will pose serious risks to our is critical to keeping waters cool during preserve the healthy lake environment. awards for her dedication to developing programs for Maine taken up in even greater quantities by native ecosystems and our economy, but trout spawning season. And hemlock farms. Her camp on Burgess Pond in Fayette was her happy aquatic life. (Please see Scott Williams’ as the climate shifts, we can certainly woolly adelgid is only one of the threats George Henry Bouchard, Jr. was place, where she spent many hours kayaking on the lake, and article on page 10 for much more expect the list of plant species that do to our forests being aided by climate a devoted husband, father, and was a lake monitor for several years. on the relationship between climate pose such risks, to grow significantly. change. Warmer minimum temps and grandfather. He grew up in Ipswich, change and lake water quality.) more frequent, more prolonged periods MA, where he was active in Boy James William Watts, III, aged 76, of drought will also benefit emerald ash It is expected that some organisms, Scouts and later became an Eagle was known for his deep intellect, wry borers, southern pine beetles, and other especially those that are naturally Scout, which led to his lifelong love sense of humor, integrity, and kindness serious forest pests. adapted to a wide range of conditions of nature that included many trips toward others. He obtained a PhD (this includes most aquatic invaders), And finally, there are the ‘sleeper species,’ to Pequawket Lake in Steep Falls. in chemical engineering from Tulane will be quite resilient to these changes, the non-native plants and animals George studied chemistry at several University and had a career for 40+ years and even able to exploit them to their that, due to the current environmental George Bouchard universities, and later landed his in the oil industry in Houston, TX. In advantage. Others, including many of limitations upon their growth, do not dream job at Scripps Oceanographic Institute. He traveled 2000, Bill and his wife Beatty purchased our more finicky native species, will not. behave in an invasive manner. Rather the world on scientific research ships, visiting Antarctica Bill Watts a camp in Lakeville on Lake Sysladobsis. Native cold-water species such as wild than being called ‘invasive,’ these less several times, and discovered the Bouchard Seamount in Summers spent on the lake became Bill's favorite time of year. brook trout, for example, may become FIGURE 5 aggressive species are commonly referred the Pacific Ocean. He monitored Pequawket Lake for a He enjoyed fishing, boating, bird watching, and particularly disadvantaged in a warming Maine. to as ‘naturalized.’ Climate change may number of years, and also served as the LSM (then VLMP) spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was Scientists project that Maine will be a ‘hot spot’ for In marginal habitats especially, where future invasive plant introductions . Plant species create new, more favorable growing Regional Coordinator for York County. an LSM water quality monitor for 10 years. include both terrestrial and aquatic invaders . temperatures are already less than ideal Littorally Speaking... continued on page 29 32 5 Please Remember to Document and Report Your Lake's Ice Cover! Littorally Speaking The winter season is upon us, so please document your lake's ice cover . LSM acts as a state repository for ice-in and ice-out records, some stretching as Climate Change is Changing Everything, far back as the mid-1800's . Lake ice cover data, when paired with water quality data, may improve our understanding of the relationship between Including the Threat of Invasive Species the duration of ice cover and water quality . You can report ice-in/out dates to LSM by phone at 207-783-7733, or via e-mail directly to Christine@ LakeStewardsME.org . View a map of ice coverage data online at https:// hen it comes to invasive aquatic by Roberta Hill Wspecies (IAS), Maine is better off LSM Invasive Species Program Director www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/near-real-time-lake-data/ . We will be than most of the rest of the country. For actively updating the map of reported ice-in/out dates on our website as starters, less than one percent of Maine’s All of the changes described above part of the Near Real-Time Lake Data initiative . Submit ice-in/out dates, lakes and ponds are currently known to pose serious challenges for lakes. More including your name, the lake's name and related town, to have your data be infested with an invasive aquatic plant, precipitation in the winter and spring included in the statewide map on the LSM website . (a remarkable record compared to the (when water uptake by the trees and double-digit percentiles of most other other vegetation in the watershed is at a states). Maine also has a comprehensive, FIGURE 2 robust and effective IAS action plan and Maine is Getting Wetter – This graph shows total a dedicated funding mechanism, both annual precipitation (averaged across Maine) from of which allow State agency staff to 1895-2014 . The dotted black trend-line indicates that precipitation increased six inches, or about work in concert with lake associations, 13%, over the record period . 2 conservation groups (including LSM), municipalities, professionals, and a need not only to continue expanding and multitude of dedicated volunteers, to fend improving upon our current efforts with ME Lakes Water Quality... continued from page 25 year--owing in large part to the efforts of badly as it has in recent years, though off a host of invaders seen as imminent regard to prevention, early detection and footage captured by a local resident Highland Lake Association ‘sparkplug’, transparencies were reduced. Come what threats to the waters of our State. rapid response- but we also need to be and the duration of the spill, it is Rosie Hartzler--a monitoring plan was may, there is every expectation that new aware of--and responsive to--the ways FIGURE 4 likely that many more gallons reached developed and volunteer working groups insights will be gleaned from the data a warming climate will change aquatic Period of Ice Cover on Maine Lakes is Getting Puffers Pond. This violation of Maine’s were assembled. The groups included a that was gathered this year, while the Shorter - Smoothed lines show ice-out dates GPA classification standard for lakes habitats and vectors for plant movement, over time for the eight lakes in New England with water quality research team, with LSM uniquely collaborative monitoring effort and the new challenges these changes the longest periods of record . The top four lines and ponds has resulted in impending volunteer extraordinaire Keith Williams, will undoubtedly continue. represent lakes in northern and western Maine DEP enforcement. Fortunately, the spill pose to our lakes. DEP Biologists Jeff Dennis and Linda Maine is truly fortunate to have so many and the bottom four lines represent lakes in occurred late in the summer when fewer Climate science is complex and still southern Maine . Bacon, Dr. Karen Wilson and three of beautiful lakes and ponds; it is luckier still, people were on the pond and water evolving; however, the basic facts are largely her USM students, Pete Countway from to have so many LSM-certified monitors temperatures were dropping. Relocation settled. We now have sufficient data to minimum) leads to increased runoff and Bigelow Labs, and Drs. Steve Norton and keeping an eye on the health of our lakes! of the sewer access will hopefully prevent Aria Amirbahman from UM, Orono. To FIGURE 1 know with a high degree of certainty that, a higher risk of eroded soils and nutrients When asked for a word that best describes being washed into lakes. These runoff this from happening again. ensure researchers had sufficient data to Maine is Getting Warmer – This graph shows like much of the northeast, Maine is getting the work they do and why they do it, mean annual temperatures (averaged across warmer, experiencing wetter winters and challenges are only exacerbated by the Highland Lake in Windham properly analyze the phenomena, LSM a majority of our volunteers who were Maine) from 1895-2014 . The dotted black trend- & Falmouth has experienced trained an additional team of volunteers line indicates a temperature increase of 3oF over springs, drier polled replied “stewardship.” It is this 1 from the Highland Lake community. the record period . summers, and picocyanoplankton blooms over the sense of ‘taking responsibility for protecting more frequent last few years. Picocyanoplankton are Analysis of the data gathered during something that is cherished for future Given our well-established programs extreme weather extremely tiny phytoplankton that the past several months will be taking generations,’ that underlies LSM’s citizen and capacity for action, with continued events (including are difficult to see using standard place through the winter. Many lake scientists’ extraordinary commitment vigilance and concerted statewide effort, floods and microscopes; recent literature indicates samples were collected to ultimately to observing and documenting the health there is a very good chance indeed droughts). The that these organisms are becoming more characterize the food web in the lake. of our lakes, year after year. And it is the that Maine could keep the majority of shifting climate prevalent in marine systems, presumably Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately, continued growth of our lake steward high-risk aquatic invaders at bay for the is causing our due to warming ocean temperatures given the formidable team that had family, that most gives us hope for the foreseeable future. But unfortunately, all growing seasons and adequate nutrients, and may be been assembled to capture and study the future of Maine lakes! things are not remaining stable. Climate in Maine to increasing in freshwaters as well. Last phenomena) the lake did not bloom as change is here, and its impacts upon become longer, vulnerable ecosystems such as lakes and and the periods of FIGURE 3 ponds, are already being observed. ice cover on our Save the Date! lakes to become Maine’s Growing Season is Getting Longer – This graph shows mean monthly If we are to succeed in preventing the temperatures (averaged across Maine) from 1895-2014, and future projected 2019 LSM Annual Lake Monitoring Conference spread of aquatic invaders in Maine, we shorter. temperatures from 2035-2054 . Will Be Held On Saturday, July 27th 4 33 Building & Maintenance Committee Headlines By Steve Lambert Lakeside Notes he LSM Center for Citizen Lake Science experienced LSM Development Associate, Building & Maintenance Committee Ta major facelift this summer. After years of aspiring Winter 2018-19 to improve the worn appearance of our headquarters, and ver time, we have had many It also became obvious that “lake months of planning and fundraising efforts, we finally had conversations about changing monitoring” isn’t exactly a self- our wishes realized. O the name of this organization. Earlier explanatory term. Most people outside Over the course of the summer, the aged and tired siding this year, following discussions of the organization who have known was replaced with new red cedar clapboards, which have with many of you, written surveys us only by our name have not had a By Scott Williams been stained a light gray. The arches that distinguish the provided by lake monitors, and a clue about what we do. A number of LSM Executive Director structure were rebuilt, and all the trim was wrapped in few trial balloons, the decision was alternatives were considered, including white aluminum. The garage windows were replaced with made to change the Maine Volunteer Citizen Lake Scientists of Maine, or Lake Stewards of Maine is easy to energy efficient and maintenance-free vinyl counterparts. Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) some combination of this wording, remember. It’s not a tongue twister, and We added a storm door to Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM). none of which addressed all of the the name broadly characterizes the great to the unprotected front We anticipated a certain amount of issues mentioned above. work that you all do, year after year. entrance, and corrected confusion and pushback, but much to Maybe you’re attached to “VLMP”, and drainage issues in back The LSM Center for Citizen Lake Science got a facelift last fall with new red- don’t want to let go? Well, that’s OK too. cedar clapboards . our relief, little to none occurred. of the main building. Full disclosure: we, too, were reluctant to If you have been a Certified “Volunteer To top it all off, a new let go of the old name completely, and installed on the large central chimney. The place looks Lake Monitor” for multiple decades, stainless steel cap was “Maine VLMP” has been retained as beautiful, and is well-protected from the elements. you may know that this is the second part of the legal, but generally unspoken, Thanks to the ongoing passion and dedication of our time that the name has been changed name of the organization. Thanks to all volunteer lake stewards, who inspire all of us to ensure the or modified in nearly 50 years. From of you who have taken the time to share fulfillment of our mission, we were able to find the means 1971 to when the organization became your thoughts with us about making to make the above-mentioned facilities improvements, an independent nonprofit organization the change. ensuring the long-term integrity of the historic building twenty-two years ago, the name that houses LSM's Center for Citizen Lake Science. was simply “Volunteer Monitoring In honor of our new name and all that Program” – a good start, but it lacked it represents, we are working to put Grant Funding Available to Lake Groups for Conducting Watershed Surveys information about who we are and Two years ago we learned from surveys together a multi-media compendium what we do. Adding Maine and Lakes completed by a diverse group of of lake stories, which we intend to SM anticipates a continuation of the citizen lake watershed of the pollutants phosphorus and sediment - to Maine’s to the name helped to address that our constituents that many of you share in a variety of ways. Stay tuned survey small grants program to lake associations and lakes. Details concerning the process of conducting a survey for more details. Lcommunities in 2019. More information will be forthcoming can be viewed at: www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/ shortcoming, but it created another consider your good work on behalf of early in the year. materials/lakewsurveyguide.pdf. one, which was a lengthy name that Maine’s lakes to fall within the realm There is no question that the exceptional didn’t exactly roll off the tongue. of “stewardship”. Various definitions Lake watershed surveys conducted by community volunteers Citizen (volunteers) Watershed surveys are a very effective commitment and dedication of People mangled it in every conceivable of stewardship include “the careful and are an effective tool for identifying and resolving land use component for building community support for long-term LSM volunteers over the past 48 manner. One of my favorite examples responsible management of something problems that may be having a negative influence on lake lake protection. Bringing together individuals with diverse years has substantially added to our occurred when a four-decade entrusted to one's care”, an example of water quality. Watershed surveys also increase overall public ecological, economic, recreational and social perspectives, has understanding of Maine lakes, and has awareness about threats to lake health. Citizen surveys of been shown to enhance long-term lake stewardship. Interested lake monitoring veteran was being which might be “the act of making wise greatly enhanced our ability to protect lake watersheds have been successfully conducted for many representatives from lake communities (lake associations, interviewed for a short video, in which use of the natural resources provided them for future generations. Many Maine lakes during the past three decades. The surveys are conservation commissions, road associations, etc.) should he referred to us as “The voluntary by the earth”. Stewardship is broad- thanks for your continued exceptional intended to identify relatively easy-to-detect and resolve contact Scott Williams at LSM for additional information. monitoring organization for Maine’s based, easily understood, and it has a commitment and dedication! lake waters”. positive connotation. problems associated with soil erosion – a significant source Onward!

34 3 What’s Inside : President's Message ...... 2 Lakeside Notes ...... 3 President’s Littorally Speaking ~ Invasive Species & Climate Change . . . 4 Quality Counts ...... 6 Under the Hand Lens ~ European Frog-bit . . . . 7 Connecting the Drops ~ LSM Sustainability . . . 8 Message Development Team Tidbits ...... 9 Citizen Lake Science: Water Quality & Climate Change . . . 10 Bill Monagle IPP Notes from the Front Lines ...... 12 President, LSM Board of Directors Near Real-Time Lake Data ...... 15 Tips For IPPers ...... 16 ake Stewards of Maine the full board meets 5 times/year, Seeking Board Members ...... 17 L(LSM) is a fitting new name but the schedule for individual Thank You to our Generous Donors! ...... 18 for our organization. It speaks subcommittee meetings (in-person Beyond Clean, Drain, Dry: Advanced Protocols . . . 21 directly to the awesome efforts of or virtually) may take place on an Maine Lakes Water Quality Year in Review . . . . 22 Matt Scott - Goodwill Lake Ambassador . . . 24 Maine’s volunteer lake monitors. as-needed basis. Members of the 2018 Annual Conference ...... 26 This name change is just one of board serve three-year terms, which Meet the 2018 Interns ...... 28 several steps that we are taking to can be renewed. Cyanotoxin Update ...... 30 make the continued work of our We are looking for potential Welcome to our New Lake Stewards! ...... 31 organization as clear, compelling Passings ...... 32 Directors who will bring a range Document Your Lake's Ice Cover ...... 33 and robust as possible. of experiences and knowledge to Building & Maintenance Committee ...... 34 As the organization continues the LSM board, including general Grant Funding for Watershed Surveys ...... 34 Lew Wetzel Dedication ...... 34 to grow, we are also focused on program development, social media expanding our Board of Directors. marketing, strategic financial LSM Staff Scott Williams Executive Director Toward that end, we have created a planning, volunteer and community Roberta Hill Invasive Species Program Director “Board Optimization Committee”, engagement, website design and Alison Cooney Development Coordinator the primary focus of which is to implementation, and more. Jonnie Maloney Program Coordinator solicit and vet potential board LSM’s Board champions Maine’s Christine Guerette Project Facilitator members. The committee is Steve Lambert Development Associate citizen lake scientists! If you’re Spencer Harriman Logistical Support Coordinator specifically seeking individuals interested in learning more about who have a strong alignment with Board of Directors becoming an LSM Director, please Bill Monagle, President (Winthrop) LSM’s Mission, and are willing to contact us. A member of our Board Barb Welch, Vice President (Whitefield) commit the time and energy asa Optimization Committee will be in Sibyl French, Treasurer (Raymond) working board member. Typically, Phoebe Hardesty, Secretary (New Gloucester) touch with you! Robert French (Raymond) Linda Bacon QA/QC Advisor (Maine DEP) LSM Mission Statement Advisory Board The Mission of Lake Stewards of Maine is to help protect Maine lakes through Aria Amirbahman, PhD Firooza Pavri, PhD widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible (Co-Chair) (Co-Chair) scientific information pertaining to lake health. LSM trains, certifies and provides Roy Bouchard, MS Matt Scott, MS technical support to hundreds of volunteers who monitor a wide range of indicators Dan Buckley, PhD Peter Vaux, PhD of water quality, assess watershed health and function, and screen lakes for invasive Holly Ewing, PhD Ken Wagner, PhD aquatic plants and animals. In addition to being the primary source of lake data in the C . Barre Hellquist, PhD Pixie Williams, MS State of Maine, LSM volunteers benefit their local lakes by playing key stewardship and David Littell, JD Karen Wilson, PhD leadership roles in their communities. Steve Norton, PhD Editorial Staff Funding for this newsletter is made possible in part by This newsletter is printed on 50% Scott Williams Alison Cooney grants from the Maine Department of Environmental post-consumer recycled paper, Roberta Hill Christine Guerette Protection, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and is produced and mailed Jonnie Maloney; Steve Lambert the Lake and River Protection Sticker Fund, individual by Penmor Lithographers, Layout & Design Spencer Harriman donations and corporate underwriting. Lewiston, Maine. Cover Photo: Long Pond in Livermore, by Jonnie Maloney the Water Column ©2019 Lake Stewards of Maine If you would like to go green and receive the Water Column in electronic format only, or if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please contact LSM at (207) 783-7733 or [email protected].

To Contact Us (207) 783-7733 Stewards@LakeStewardsME org. 24 Maple Hill Road, Auburn, Maine 04210 www LakeStewardsOfMaine. org. | www LakesOfMaine. org. 2 35 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID the Lewiston, ME Permit # 82 Water C lumn ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED The Newsletter of Lake Stewards of Maine - Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Vol. 23, No. 1 Celebrating the Work of Maine's Citizen Lake Stewards Winter 2018-19 Climate Change...