Environment/Lake Quality

Watchic Lake Dam Gets a Facelift... by Steve Bradbury

THANK YOU…
To all those who made donations and pledged to contribute over the next few years to the necessary repairs and capital improvements to the dam.

The dam life extension project is complete except for a few small items. All of the concrete and structural work is done. Next year, we plan to build a new wood gate to replace the existing one. The new dam configuration will provide three times the water flow over the spillway. This will provide lake level control during a normal summer without opening and closing the gate. This spring we have not had to open the gate to control the lake level.

The Lake level today is about two inches above the projected summer level. In a normal season the lake level should stay within plus or minus two inches of the summer level. When you put your dock in this season you should set the level accordingly.Regulating the lake water level without opening the gate eliminates erratic level changes. This provides a more natural water flow downstream. During the loon nesting season a stable water level improves chick survival.

The dam repairs can be seen from the water. Approach the dam by boat, go to one end of the dam and tie up if you want to inspect. Do not go near the spillway. DO NOT swim near the dam or wade as you could be caught in the current.

The construction was completed on schedule and under budget. The dam committee would like to thank all involved, the engineer, Tec Associates, the contractor, LaBrecque Construction, Watchic Lake Association, and all of you that supported the project through your contributions.

History: The dam is a concrete and earthen structure 110’ long, built in 1850 and reconstructed to it its current configuration in 1920. The dam was deeded to the Watchic Lake Association (WLA) in 1956 by Central Maine Power, and some resurfacing and concrete repairs were done in the 1950's and 1980's.

YOUR SUPPORT IS STILL NEEDED. To contribute to this and other needed capital improvements to continue to protect Watchic Lake, contact Steve Center at 207-730-2261.

WATCHIC LAKE WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE – 2011-2012
MEMBERS:          Bob Joslyn (Chair)                                Steve Bradbury
                                Charlie Tarbell                                       Eben Joslyn
Mission: To protect and preserve the water quality of Watchic Lake and the Watchic Lake watershed area.
Prior Year Accomplishments:
Samples were collected in the Fall of 2009 and Spring of 2010 and submitted to Katahdin Labs for independent analysis. Overall test results showed that the water was in very good condition at the time the tests were performed.
Detailed test results were compiled and presented at the annual meeting on July 10, 2010 by Eben Joslyn.
Secchi disk readings were taken numerous times throughout the year and indicated that water clarity continued to be well above average.
Test results were uploaded to the VLMP website and we are presently waiting for the VLMP to post them to their website. Once this is completed, we will have a link added to the WLA website so that results may be reviewed online.
Current Year Accomplishments
Additional samples were taken on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Consistent with the last two years, these samples will be taken to Katahdin Associates for independent analysis. Results will be reported at the annual meeting and will also be made available on the Website.
Objectives for 2011-2012
To continue testing on a regular basis to ensure that the quality of the water is not being compromised.
To identify additional individuals willing to participate in sample collection, testing, and the ongoing education of all property owners to help us in our efforts to preserve the water quality of Watchic Lake.
Have a great summer!    Bob Joslyn at rcj_audit@hotmail.com

Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

The Watchic Lake Association has been monitoring the quality of the lake for many years with the assistance of trained volunteers. Founded in 1971, the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) celebrates 40 years of "training, certifying, and providing technical support to the volunteers who gather scientific information about the health of more than 500 Maine lakes with regards to;
- water quality
- watershed health and function
- and to screen for invasive aquatic plants and animals." http://www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org

For information on 2011 Workshops & Events, visit http://www.mainevlmp.org/wp/?page_id=48

2010 Maine Lakes Report Now Available Lake Report Cover

www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org/publications

Has your favorite Maine lake had a check-up recently? Do you know if it is routinely monitored for changes in water quality, and for the presence of invasive species? How is its current health? How vulnerable is your lake to existing threats? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, contact the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) to request a copy of their latest report 207-783-7733 or vlmp@mainevlmp.org.

The Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, formed in 1971 is the longest-standing, and one of the largest citizen lake monitoring programs in the U.S. The VLMP is the largest provider of lake data in the State of Maine. The nonprofit organization provides training, equipment and technical support to volunteers throughout Maine at no cost.

The 2010 Maine Lakes Report can be viewed online at the VLMP website: www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/publications. Check out the report, and while you are there, learn how you can get involved!

LakeSmart Program

Watchic Lake Association (WLA) has sponsored the LakeSmart program, from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for over five years, now. You may recall seeing the LakeSmart signs posted on various properties around the lake. At the beginning of the program it was relatively easy to get property owners to participate in the new program. Consequently, we had a lot of inspections, a lot of awards, and, most importantly, property owners were educated on the steps they could take to make their properties more “lake smart”. This program can go a long ways to improving the water quality of Watchic Lake, by leading to property improvements which prevent phospherous-laden storm runoff. WLA is looking to achieve at least 15% participation of property owners around the lake in this program.

Recently, new participation has dwindled and we would like to do something about it. We are looking for property owners who have not yet participated in the program to step forward and sign up for inspections in the Spring (we may be able to do a few late fall inspections if the snow holds off, but Spring is much more likely). If you are interested in the program, more information is available at the DEP website at this address: http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart/index.htm. You can also call one of our Board of Trustee members, Charlie Tarbell (207.761.6962), for more information or to put your name on the list for an inspection.