Watershed Roundup
January 2022 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association
We did it!
And by “we” that means YOU and the entire community of lake lovers who helped 30 Mile exceed its goal of raising $140,000 in gifts from individuals and corporations for 2021. 

The “Doubling Down for Clean Lakes” Matching Challenge helped raise $147,944 from 424 donors! We are beyond grateful to all of you for your support:

  • To the four donors who sponsored this challenge with your generous offer to match a total of $30,000. Your belief in our work and optimism that others would rise to the challenge made all of this possible.

  • To everyone who met the challenge by doubling your gift, becoming new donors, or returning to 30 Mile after missing a year or two. 

  • To our Blue Diamond Donors (gifts of $1K or more) who made a significant increase and to those of you who became new Blue Diamond Donors.

  • To those of you who continued to support 30 Mile even if you were unable to meet the challenge this time. 

We appreciate EVERY gift!  

Together, we got there! Our promise to you is that we will use these funds where they will have the greatest impact on the health of our lakes. We are committed to this work, to partnering with volunteers and lake associations, to expanding our outreach, and to fulfilling our mission to work as a community for clean and healthy lakes, ponds, and streams in our watershed.

Thank you to all of our 2021 donors!
Youth Conservation Corps returns in 2022!
Have you noticed soil erosion on your property?
Not sure what to do about it?
30 Mile employs a team of local high school and college students each summer to provide a low-cost, environmentally-friendly landscaping option to shorefront property owners in the 30 Mile River watershed. The 30 Mile YCC crew ultimately works to protect water quality in our lakes by reducing the amount of sediment and phosphorous reaching our lakes – one property at a time.

Buffer Plantings | Driveway Runoff Diverters | Roof Runoff Solutions | Rain Gardens | Stable Paths & Walkways | Shoreline Stabilization | and more!
Host the 30 Mile YCC crew this summer, and you will receive:

  • A free site visit to your property by technical staff & on-site recommendations
  • A complimentary project plan, if requested
  • Permitting assistance and waived Maine DEP permit fees*
  • Cost-sharing with 30 Mile to significantly reduce the labor expense of your project 

If you are interested in the services of 30 Mile’s YCC Program, or would like to arrange a free site visit, please complete the YCC Project Request Form:
or visit the 30 Mile website for more information:
www.30mileriver.org/youth-conservation-corps

*Maine DEP will waive the $250 permit fee for Permit By Rule notification applications for projects implemented through 30 Mile’s YCC Program, with the exception of projects that will install shoreline riprap and infiltration steps..
Androscoggin Lake's 2021
Water Quality Decline
In 2021, Androscoggin lake experienced a lake-wide algal bloom, only the second documented on the historical monitoring record spanning the last 52 years. While the bloom in 2021 is very concerning, it’s important to look at the historical monitoring data to better understand the expected conditions in Androscoggin Lake.

A review of the historical monitoring dataset for Secchi disk transparency (SDT) shows that Androscoggin Lake has a history of reduced water clarity readings during summer months, and has been just below its tipping point for some time. When conditions are just right, it does not take much to push it over the edge. SDT data was collected on Androscoggin during 47 of the past 52 years. Readings range from 1.1 M (1999) to 7.3 M (1972) with an average annual reading of 4.3 M. Looking at the distribution of data on record, near-bloom conditions (SDT 2-3 m) were documented during 15 years, but lake-wide bloom conditions (SDT <2 m) just two years, 1991 and 2021. 

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Support 30 Mile! Your gift today will make a difference in protecting our lakes from phosphorus pollution, invasive species, and other threats. Find the giving level that works for you.
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