Watershed Roundup
September 2020 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association

Photo: Morning Coffee, Flying Pond by Karen Kurkjian
Program Spotlight: Watershed Surveys
Lovejoy Pond Watershed Survey on September 26

On September 26th, 30 Mile and the Lovejoy Pond Improvement Association (LPIA), in partnership with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the University of Maine at Farmington, will be conducting a watershed survey of Lovejoy Pond.

The purpose of the survey is to look for areas of active soil erosion that could harm water quality through runoff. Polluted runoff carries nutrients that stimulate harmful algae growth and is the largest source of pollution and water quality decline to lakes and ponds in Maine. A comprehensive survey enables us to identify and prioritize issues and to qualify for grants to fix problems. Similar surveys have already been conducted on other lakes in the watershed, including Androscoggin, David, Echo, Flying, Minnehonk, and Parker.

During the survey, trained volunteers led by technical leaders will be walking properties and roads not only on the shorefront, but throughout the whole watershed – all the area that drains into Lovejoy Pond (outlined on the map above).

The information collected will NOT be used for enforcement or regulatory purposes. Survey teams will wear masks and take other precautions to ensure the safety of all.

For more information, or to exclude your property from the survey, contact Diana McLaughlin of LPIA at mclaughlin.diana.m@roadrunner.com, (207) 685-9540.
There's Still Time! Summer Photo Contest
Do you take a lot of photos on the lakes, ponds and streams that make up the 30 Mile River Watershed?

Share your favorites with us for a chance to win! The categories are: Fun Times, Watershed Wildlife, Flourishing Flora and Spectacular Scenes.

The deadline to enter is September 15th. Click here to learn more and enter.

Photo: Dog Days of Summer by Karen Kurkjian
LakeSmart Tip: Healthy Septic Systems
To keep our waters clean and healthy, out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Improperly functioning and overloaded septic systems are major sources of water pollution, leaking harmful pollutants like bacteria and phosphorus into groundwater, lakes and streams. Maintaining a healthy, high-functioning septic system is a vital step you can take to protect your lake, and save you money from costly repairs or a system replacement. Does your system check all the boxes? (Click the image to enlarge it.)

For an excellent resource about how to take care of your septic system, click here.

To learn more about the statewide LakeSmart program, click here.

To request a free LakeSmart site visit or to learn about volunteering, please contact Lidie at lidie@30mileriver.org.
Voices from the Watershed
Neowise Over Flying Pond
by Kyle Schwab, Originally published in the Flying Pond Improvement Association Summer Newsletter (Vol 4)

"This summer I had the opportunity to bring some of my college friends to our lake cabin. It is important to note that none of them have ever been to Maine before. When I took them out on the dock at night they were in awe. They couldn’t believe this is what the stars should look like when you look up at them. They were so fascinated by them that after looking up for so long their necks began to cramp.

While we were there for the week, we had the privilege to see comet Neowise. We were especially lucky to view it from Flying Pond as it was so bright and unmistakable. Comet Neowise looks like a beaming star that has a narrow tail treading behind it. The interesting thing about this comet is its orbital period is every 6,766 years. My friends were in absolute shock between the stars, shooting stars, passing satellites and comet Neowise. They felt honored to witness this all happen right above us because most people may never have the opportunity. After seeing their reactions, I began to appreciate the night sky even more because I am one of the lucky ones who is able to see the stars from Mount Vernon every summer..." Read the full story here.
What's in a Name?
The Thirty Mile River is a waterway used long ago by Native Americans and pioneers traveling from the Androscoggin River to the Sandy River Valley. The name dates back to around the 1750s, when timber hunters paddled from Lewiston up the Androscoggin River to the north end of Echo Lake in what is now the town of Mt. Vernon. Estimating they had traveled 30 miles, they named the chain of lakes, ponds and streams the Thirty Mile River.

Do you know the history of your lake, pond or steam's name?

Send it to Lidie at lidie@30mileriver.org to be featured it in an upcoming newsletter.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 3rd, 8:45 AM - 3:30PM | Register here
Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center

Conference Workshops include:
  • “Repairing and Maintaining Gravel Roads for Water Quality” by John Maclaine, DEP
  • “Legal Aspects of Administrative Operations” by Attorneys Mary Denison of Lake & Denison, Winthrop, Maine, and John Cunningham of Eaton & Peabody, Brunswick, Maine
  • “Encouraging Member Participation” by Roberta Manter, MARA Board Member and Legislative Liaison, and founder of Maine ROADWays (Residents & Owners on Abandoned & Discontinued Ways)
Become a Watershed Warrior
We are excited to launch our new program for monthly giving: Watershed Warriors.

By becoming a Watershed Warrior, you will provide sustained, monthly support to keep our programs thriving throughout the year.

How does it work?
You decide how much you would like to give each month and complete the form here. Your credit card will then be charged each month, automatically, ensuring your support instantly makes a critical impact. 

For more information, please visit our website or contact lidie@30mileriver.org.
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