Watershed Roundup

June 2022 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association


Photo: "Longtime Friends Still Young at Heart" by Bonnie Frye Hemphill

The Battle Against Invasive Milfoil on Androscoggin Lake

Update (via Zoom), TODAY, June 22, 7-7:30 PM


Link to join


We had great success removing the invasive milfoil on Androscoggin Lake last year, until the algal bloom forced us to end our work for the season. This year, we have discovered that the milfoil infestation has spread beyond the restricted area. 30 Mile and ALIC are taking immediate action to deal with this threat. To learn more about what has been done so far and additional action steps that are planned, please participate in a short virtual meeting.  

 

Beating milfoil will require a team effort from everyone who cares about Androscoggin Lake. You will learn about new areas of milfoil infestation, what parts of the Inner Cove to stay away from, what to do if you spot a milfoil plant, and how to handle situations if boaters are violating warnings to stay out of infested areas.

Landowner Tip: Lakes Like Less Lawn

It’s true, lakes like less lawn…or better yet, no lawn at all! Did you know that your lawn, though technically “vegetation”, acts like an impervious surface when it rains - much like a road, driveway, or deck? Smooth, flat lawn areas aren’t able to slow and trap rainwater flowing downhill, and the shallow root systems of grasses absorb less water, and do little to prevent soil erosion.


The best thing for the lake is a natural stand of vegetation made up of a variety of groundcovers, shrubs, trees, and even flowering perennials that can slow down and capture rain runoff, and that have deep root systems that hold soil in place, absorb lots of runoff, and filter out pollutants.


Our friends at Portland Water District and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) created the Lakes Like Less Lawn guide, a great resource for landowners looking for guidance for native plants suitable for their specific shoreline conditions. We hope that you check it out and learn more about how to reduce the impact your lawn might have on the lake.

Volunteer Boat Inspectors Needed

Join the fight against invasives by becoming a volunteer courtesy boat inspector. Volunteers are a vital part of our team, providing coverage for times where there are no paid staff scheduled. Schedules are flexible, you’ll spend time at beautiful locations meeting other people who love the lakes, and make a big difference. Volunteers are needed on Androscoggin Lake, Flying Pond, Minnehonk Lake, and Parker Pond. 


If you’re interested, please contact our CBI Coordinator Frank Chin at frank@30mileriver.org

Attention all boaters: Stop the spread of

invasive species

CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the water access site. Remove all plants, fish, animals, mud and debris from boots, gear, boat, trailer, and vehicle and throw it in the trash. 


DRAIN bilge, ballast, wells and buckets away from the water before you leave the area. 


DRY equipment completely before launching watercraft into another body of water.

 

DISPOSE of unused or unwanted bait baitfish on land or in the trash. Never release any live baitfish into a water body.

13th Annual Paddle Trek Registration OPEN

Our 13th Annual Paddle Trek will be held on Saturday, July 30th. 


Join us for all or just a part of this 15-mile paddle from Mt. Vernon Village to Wayne Village, traveling along many of the lakes and streams that form the “30 Mile River.” To choose your route and see different points along the way, check out the interactive map now live on our website. 


Register for the Paddle Trek

Enter Today! 3rd Annual 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. Learn more and enter here.

2021 winning photos. Photographers from left to right: Ted Becker, Matt Degnan, Pat Richardson, Grant Regan-Loomis, Bonnie Frye Hemphill, Grant Regan-Loomis, Ted Becker & Matt Degnan.

Upcoming Events

Parker Pond Association Annual Meeting

Saturday, June 25th, 5 PM at the Mount Vernon Community Center


Lake-friendly living for water quality protection: Landowner tips for managing your property 

Tuesday, June 28th, 6:30-7:30 PM at the Wayne Community Church

Presented by Lidie Robbins of 30 Mile and Buddy Cummings of the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation


Saturday Café 

July 2nd, 9-11 AM at the Mount Vernon Community Center

Come for yummy food prepared by Tom Ward and his merry band of volunteers. Proceeds to benefit 30 Mile. Stay for good conversation with your neighbors and friends.


Flying Pond Improvement Association Annual Meeting 

Saturday, July 9th at 2PM at the Mount Vernon Community Center 


Save Androscoggin 

Tuesday, July 26th, 6:30-7:30 PM at the Wayne Community Church 

Invasive milfoil and an algal bloom have created a crisis on Androscoggin Lake. Join Buddy Cummings of the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation and Lidie Robbins of 30 Mile to learn about what's being done and how you can help. 

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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