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May 2023 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association
Photo credit: Sue Knorr
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The flood of May 2023:
What can we learn?
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Last week, we saw firsthand what happens when more than five inches of rain falls on the 30 Mile River Watershed in less than 24 hours. When this much rainfall occurs within such a small timeframe, especially on ground that is already saturated, rising water quickly overwhelms existing infrastructure – stream and river crossings, road and driveway culverts, and ditches – leading to enormous costs for state agencies, municipalities, and private landowners that must now repair the damage, as well as huge levels of polluted runoff in our waters. While the flooding event on May 1st seemed unparalleled in recent decades, climate experts already know (and have been warning us!) that extreme weather events, primarily extreme rain events, are increasing in both frequency and intensity as Maine’s climate warms.
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In 2020, the Maine Climate Council completed the Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and its Effects in Maine. We currently know that these extreme weather events are becoming more common across the northeastern U.S. and Maine. Heavy precipitation in the northeastern U.S. has increased at a higher rate than any other region of the country. Nine of the eleven long-term weather records in Maine show the most extreme rain events (>2”/day) have occurred in just the past two decades. Further analysis of rainfall data from nearby Farmington, ME shows that this increase has come from 1" and 2" rain events, though extreme events of 3" and 4" or more are also more frequent. Overall, there has been an increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events since 2000, with 10-15 more events occurring per year compared to the previous century of data.
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To handle these events, the infrastructure must be designed appropriately. During these intense storms, every undersized culvert or crossing in our watershed becomes a bottleneck for water and runoff. When a culvert cannot handle the volume of water flowing to the crossing, water will rise on the upstream end, and can flow over the road. With enough velocity, the water can quickly erode the road surface and/or base, sometimes washing away the road and culvert completely. This not only threatens public safety, but also delivers an unprecedented amount of sediment and phosphorus to the downstream river, stream, or lake. Keep reading for steps you can take to prevent future damage to your property and our lakes.
Photos: Top and middle: Road washouts in Vienna, May 1st. Bottom: A plume of polluted runoff in Parker Pond on May 1st, taken by Josh Robbins.
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Do yourself a favor this spring:
Leave the leaves (and needles, too!)
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Many home and camp owners are now preparing their properties for summer fun on the lake. Yard debris, like fallen tree limbs and sticks that have collected over the fall and winter months, is often the first to go. While downed branches can be removed in areas where you recreate and walk, please don’t reach for that rake!
Leaves, needles, small twigs, and other organic matter that collect on your property are very valuable in keeping our lakes clean and healthy. This natural litter or “duff” actually plays an important role in woodland and shorefront ecosystems. The natural duff layer acts like a sponge that filters runoff and prevents pollutants from getting into the lake. Duff also promotes vegetation growth, nourishes the soil below it, and provides important wildlife habitat. This is good for both your shorefront and water quality in the lake. Why? Read more here.
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Save your spot for a YCC project! | |
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Are you seeing erosion problems on your property after the flood? We’re here to help! With our Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) season fast approaching, and a growing list of projects, we recommend that interested landowners complete the YCC project request form on our website ASAP!
Our staff will then reach out to schedule your FREE site visit to review your property and discuss how 30 Mile’s YCC can help.
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FUNDED!
A regional septic study for our watershed
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Last week, the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) Board voted unanimously to fund our application to complete a Regional Environmental Risk Assessment and Septic System Database for the entire 30 Mile River Watershed. Project partners include Maine DEP and several watershed towns. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting new project in the coming months!
The Maine Legislature established MOHF in 1996 in response to a grassroots effort led by Maine Audubon and the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine. MOHF helps fund critical wildlife and conservation projects throughout Maine using revenue generated exclusively by a dedicated instant lottery ticket distributed by the Maine State Lottery. Tickets are available at most convenience stores, gas stations, and other outlets where Maine State Lottery tickets are sold.
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Upcoming Event:
Together for Healthy Lakes
Annual Conference
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When: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Where: China Lake Conference Center, 255 Neck Road, China, ME
What: Join Maine Lakes and Lake Stewards of Maine for a full day of learning the latest news and information about Maine’s lakes and networking with others who work to keep our lakes clean and healthy. Click here to read more about the event.
Register here for the conference!
Discount for early registration until May 15th. Discount for LSM and LakeSmart volunteers. See registration form for pricing and more information.
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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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