As you open up camp for the season, follow these tips to protect the lake and its wildlife.

Yard Debris: Do NOT rake up the layer of leaves and pine needles – the duff – that builds up under the trees. This natural mulch acts like a sponge and filter to help prevent pollutants from getting into the lake, promote vegetation and provide wildlife habitat on your property. Downed branches and other debris should only be removed in areas where you recreate or walk. Leave as much of this natural layer as possible. Photo: Leaving the natural duff can provide a great habit for lady slippers.

Septic systems: A properly functioning septic system prevents harmful pollutants from getting into the lake. Septic tanks activate naturally after the winter. Do NOT use any starter products to reactivate the system, as they interfere with natural tank bacterial action and can lead to failure of your leach field. Check your leach field for any breakouts and consider having the tank pumped if it has not been recently. Tanks should be pumped every 2-3 years for year-round residences and every 4-5 years for seasonal residences. 

Boats: Dispose of drained lubricating oils at a recycling facility or bring the oil to your local dealer for disposal. Wash the boat away from the water or at a commercial car wash. Check to make sure that the boat, trailer and other equipment are free of any hitchhiking plants.

For more tips on opening your camp, visit our website.

Just like runoff from other impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, and patios, rainwater from roofs can send large volumes of water at high enough velocities to cause serious erosion issues on your property if not addressed. One way to combat erosion caused by roof runoff is by installing devices that capture and/or infiltrate the rainwater. This prevents erosion, improves water quality in the lake, and also minimizes wear and tear on your home.

Click here to learn how you can manage roof runoff at your home or camp.

On May 12 and 13, 2022, 14 trained volunteers led by 5 technical experts from Maine DEP and 30 Mile successfully completed a survey of the Androscoggin Lake watershed, covering 23 square miles in the towns of Wayne, Leeds, and Monmouth. The purpose of the survey was to identify and document potential sources of pollution in the form of soil erosion throughout the entire watershed. To the watershed landowners who cooperated and participated in the survey, THANK YOU!

A special THANKS the survey volunteers who dedicated much time to this effort: Leslie Burhoe, Buddy Cummings, Nancy Hasenfus, Kelli Hess, Patt Koscinski, Emma Larusso, Diana McLaughlin, Silas Mohlar, Lynette Stinneford, John Tucci,Ted Tucci, Cynthia Unrein, Allen Unrein, and John Yindra. The survey was organized and facilitated by 30 Mile staff with support from the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation (ALIC), Maine DEP and the Towns of Wayne and Leeds, and with financial assistance through a grant from Lake Stewards of Maine. The completed survey report is expected in the fall.

Saturday Café at the Mount Vernon Community Center

May 28th and July 2nd, 9-11 AM

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.

The Long Road from Pollution to Protection: 50 years of the Clean Water Act

June 8th, 9 AM via Zoom 

Join Maine Lakes for a history of the state of water quality in Maine by aquatic biologist Matt Scott. Click here for more information and to register.

Gravel Roads Workshop

June 23 at the Farmington Town Office

This training is designed to help gravel road owners and associations, town officials, contractors, and watershed organizations better understand methods and practices for evaluating and maintaining gravel roads using Maine DEP’s Camp Road Maintenance Manual. For more information, click here. 

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

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