Watershed Roundup

March 2024 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association

Photo: Minnehonk Lake on March 12, 2024

Question of the month:

A tree fell in the lake. What should I do?

High winds during this winter’s storms caused much damage to trees, breaking large limbs and taking entire trees to the ground. But what do we do when a tree falls IN the lake? We are asked this question often, as this is not an uncommon occurrence, and the answer has everything to do with WHERE and HOW the tree has fallen.

Unless the tree is near a private or public area or access, and therefore poses a threat to safety, or is blocking travel in/out of a public or private water access, the recommendation is to LEAVE THE TREE! Additions of large woody debris in lakes are common, natural, and provide important habitat for the fish and wildlife that live in and around it. However, if the tree is posing a safety hazard and/or blocking water access for use, then it can be removed, by the least invasive means possible, leaving the stump and root system in place, and with permission from Maine DEP and your local Code Enforcement Officer (CEO). Click here for more.

Action needed on LD 2141:

Funding for Aquatic Invasive Species

From our friends at Maine Lakes:

In breaking news from Augusta, the Maine Legislature officially ENACTED LD 2141, a bill that will appropriate $2,000,000 to the Invasive Aquatic Plant and Nuisance Species Fund to address the most serious invasive aquatic plant infestations. This is a major win, along with passage of a bill that increases revenue from Lake and River Protection Sticker, LD 1342 that is critical to reducing risks from the spread of aquatic invasive species.

But we are not finished yet! The bill now goes to the “Appropriations Table,” where it awaits final approval, along with an allocation of funds. You can help make this happen with one simple and extremely easy step!

Our colleagues at Maine Audubon have created a petition you can sign in support of LD 2141 . Maine Audubon will deliver this petition to the Maine State Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which is the body that will ultimately decide whether or not to fund the bill.

Thank you in advance for taking just a quick second to add your name to the petition and speak up for lake health!

Summer Hiring Underway

Deadline March 17th

There are just a few days left to apply for our summer positions of invasive plant surveyor and/or courtesy boat inspector! Join our team and spend your summer working outside on the beautiful lakes and ponds in our watershed. To learn more and apply, please visit our website.

Ice-out Reporting

With ice-out earlier than normal this year, Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) needs your help reporting ice-out data on your lake. Collecting ice-out data is critical to better understand climate change effects and water quality health and risks to Maine's lakes and ponds.

To learn more about this important effort and to submit ice-out data, click here.

Upcoming Workshops and Webinars

Mark your calendars! We’re excited to collaborate with other like-minded organizations to co-host and promote some great workshop opportunities this spring and summer.

Thaw(ful) Insights Webinar Series

Join for the final zoom sessions in the series, co-hosted by Lake Stewards of Maine and Maine Lakes:

PFAS in Maine Lakes and Rivers | Thursday, 4/11 at 5PM

Learn more and register, here.

Maine’s Newest Aquatic Threats | Thursday, 4/18 at 5PM

Learn more and register, here.

Gravel Road Workshop | Thursday, 4/25, 9AM - 3PM

@ 7 Lakes Alliance, 137 Main St, Belgrade

Whether you’re a camp road resident, road association member, driveway owner, municipal official, or contractor, this workshop co-hosted by 7 Lakes Alliance and 30 Mile is for you. Morning presentations will discuss road design, installation, and how routine maintenance of your gravel road and/or driveway will save you money and protect water quality. In the afternoon, the group will take to the field for a firsthand experience of redesigning failing roads. Click here, for more information and to register.

LakeSmart and Look Out for Loons

Various ZOOM trainings between March 26 - May 14

Maine Lakes and Maine Loon Restoration Project are hosting volunteer trainings this spring for aspiring and returning LakeSmart evaluators and those interested in volunteering with the Maine Loon Restoration Project. Click here, for more information and for registration details.

Invasive Plant Patrol 101

Thursday, 5/9, 9AM - 12PM

@ Virtual

In this webinar by Lake Stewards of Maine, learn how to identify each of Maine’s 15 potentially invasive plants and their native lookalikes; conduct a survey, organize an invasive plant patrol team; and report and submit findings. Click here, for more information and to register.

Lake Conference 2024 | Friday, 6/21

@ University of Maine Farmington

Lake Stewards of Maine and Maine Lakes are collaborating again this year to co-host an exceptional experience for volunteers, supporters, and lake stewards. Speakers and panels throughout the day will address a variety of topics around lake value and legacy. More details will be coming soon, here.

Volunteer Water Quality Monitor Workshop | Monday, 6/17

@ Echo Lake Public Boat Launch, Route 41, Mount Vernon

Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is holding a water quality training for volunteer water quality monitors in our watershed this spring. A special thanks to Echo Lake volunteers for offering on-water support during the workshop! If you are in need of recertification, or want to become a newly trained monitor for your lake or pond, please contact Jonnie Maloney, LSM, jonnie@lakestewardsme.org for more information or to register.

Live Plan I.D. Workshop

Thursday, 6/27, 9AM - 12PM

@ Mount Vernon Community Center, 2 North Road, Mount Vernon

Led by Lake Stewards of Maine and co-hosted by 30 Mile and Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed. Learn the basics of plant I.D., compare live invasive aquatic plant species and their native look-alikes, and ask all your questions. This workshop meets the plant ID requirement for IPP Certification Tier 2. A link will be shared once registration is live.

Aquatic Invasive Plant Paddle

Saturday, 6/29, 9AM - 12PM

@ Little Cobbossee (Behind FOCW offices at 2518 US Route 202 in Winthrop)

Led by Lake Stewards of Maine and co-hosted by the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed and 30 Mile. Learn the basics of plant I.D. in the field and meet other volunteers in the area all while exploring the great plant diversity in Little Cobbossee Lake. A link will be shared once registration is live.

Check out 30 Mile's new store!

30 Mile's online store is your go-to place for cozy gear, camp games, and other unique gifts that feature the lakes and ponds of the 30 Mile River Watershed. Our new store has something special for everyone. All proceeds directly support 30 Mile's work across the watershed.

Shop

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.

Donate Today

www.30mileriver.org