February 2022 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association
Photo Credit: A Friendly River Otter by Matt Degnan
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Androscoggin Lake Watershed Survey |
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On May 12 & 13, 2022 the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation (ALIC) and 30 Mile, with the support of the Towns of Wayne and Leeds, will be conducting a watershed survey of the Androscoggin Lake watershed. The purpose of the survey is to identify and prioritize sources of soil erosion and stormwater runoff that can bring phosphorus into the lake from developed areas throughout the watershed. Watershed landowners will receive more information about this survey in the coming months.
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VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!
Attend a FREE training seminar and learn about watersheds, how to identify erosion and other sources of polluted stormwater runoff, and ways to help improve water quality in Androscoggin Lake. If you are interested in being a survey volunteer, learn more and sign up here.
For more information, contact Whitney Baker at (207) 860-4043 or whitney@30mileriver.org
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YCC in Action – Shoreline Buffers |
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If you live on or near the lakefront, you may (or may not!) know about the importance of BUFFERS. The shoreline buffer is the “last line of defense” in protecting your lake or pond from polluted stormwater runoff. Buffers with many tiers of vegetation (ground covers, shrubs, trees) provide the most protection. Multiple tiers of vegetation intercept more rain, and the deep roots of native plants help absorb rainwater and extract phosphorus and other pollutants.
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30 Mile’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program is your expert source for recommendations of native buffer plants for your shoreline, and also provides labor to shorefront landowners in our watershed who want to install native plants to establish or improve their shoreline buffer. For more information about 30 Mile’s YCC program, or to request a free site visit, visit our YCC webpage.
Learn more about maintaining a healthy shoreline buffer, and how 30 Mile’s YCC can help here!
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Would you like to spend your summer outside, working on or next to lakes, making a difference? |
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In the coming weeks, we will be posting summer job announcements for multiple positions, including Courtesy Boat Inspector, Water Quality Intern, Youth Conservation Corps Crew Member, Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader, and Milfoil Survey Crew. All positions will be posted on our website.
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Landowner Tip: Healthy Septic Systems |
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Old, malfunctioning, and unmaintained septic systems on the lakefront can deliver chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and nutrients from your home or camp to the lake. This not only poses a threat to human health (viruses and bacteria), but can be a source of phosphorus – a nutrient that grows algae in the lake and can cause algal blooms when concentrations are too high. To keep your lake safe, click here for some time tips for maintaining a healthy septic system on the shorefront.
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A new study by researchers in Minnesota found that wakesurf boats require distances greater than 500 feet from the shoreline to reduce the potential impact of their larger waves. As these powerful boats become more popular on lakes, those users will need to adjust their behavior to protect shorelines, nesting birds such as loons, and other people enjoying the lake.
Photo credit: Healthy Waters Initiative, University of Minnesota
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Maine Lakes Wednesday Webinars |
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Maine Lakes Wednesday Webinars are back! The virtual series celebrates 50 years of the Clean Water Act and covers a range of topics including living shorelines, managing road salt for lake protection and water quality protection on tribal lands. For more information and to register for free, click here.
The next webinar is on March 2 at 4PM (via zoom) and will discuss Lake Protection and Water Quality on Tribal Lands of the Penobscot Nation.
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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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