Latest News From Moose Pond Association

July 24, 2010 - Watershed Survey Update Meeting - Eight MPA members met with Heather True of the Cumberland County Soil & Water
Conservation District to get an update on progress and in turn to give Heather some of our thoughts from having participated in the survey. 
In attendance was Steve Cavicchi, BJ Cavicchi, Brian Thomas, Dottie Dexter, Leigh Hayes, Dave Croteau, Carolyn Ehrman and David Ehrman. Thanks much 
to those who participated.

What we learned from Heather:

There were 187 finding written up.
Heather and Colin Holme have started their review of the findings. 
They looked at High and Medium priority road findings (Residential findings will be done later) in survey sectors 1,2 and 3.
In several cases they downgraded the severity of the ratings.
They also did some findings that were not written up.
Heather and Colin have also completed their survey of Winona, Wyonegonic, and Shawnee Peak.
One of the tasks will be to produce a "soil loss calculation", which will give an estimate of phosphorus going into the pond.
To complete their reviews will take them into the fall.
They will produce a report by February 2011 and submit it to Maine DEP to apply for a mitigation grant (which will come from the federal government).
 
The grant money will become available in 2011.
Heather estimated that an average mitigation grant is in the $100,000 range.
Approximately seventy five percent would go to Cumberland Soil and Conservation District and LEA for staff work. This would include the employment of an 
engineer to design solutions to fix erosion problems.
That would leave about twenty five percent for installing the solutions.
 
Site by site the grant money is given on a fifty fifty basis. In other words the homeowner has to provide at least half the cost. The homeowner's portion
 could be in kind support (i.e. his or her labor). For residential fixes there is a $500 max in grant money.
Post cards will be sent to each homeowner where a finding was confirmed to offer this funding.
The towns will also be asked for funding to support the work.(I think here it is meant to do the fixes found on town roads).
To help complete the survey work volunteers will be needed to enter the completed finding onto an excel spreadsheet.

Feedback from us:

A document for each section that related lot and map number to addresses would have helped significantly in doing the survey. Heather admitted this data 
could have been provided, but they did not have the time to do it.
There were two GPS systems in use for identifying coordinates. That should have been worked out in advance.
More work could have been done in the training session to assist the survey teams in how to fill out the survey forms. (Heather has found that a lot of the forms were incomplete)

July 4, 2010 - MPA July 4th Parade Float - Moose Pond Association participated in the Bridgton July 4th parade  - the third year in a row.
Check out pictures and additional information on the "Events" page of this website.

May, 2010 - Boat Inspections - Courtesy Boat Inspections are starting at the Route 302 and Denmark boat ramps.    Inspectors are scheduled to be on duty
at the Route 302 ramp from 8 AM to 6 PM on Memorial Day weekend and weekends in June.  From July 1st through Labor Day inspectors will be at the Route 302 ramp on Mon. through 
Thur. 8 AM to 4 PM and Fri., Sat. and Sun. 8 AM to 6 PM.       At the Denmark ramp, inspectors are scheduled from 8 AM to 6 PM Memorial Day weekend and weekends in June. 
From July 1st through Labor Day inspectors will be at the Denmark ramp on Fri., Sat. and Sun. from 8 AM to 6 PM.  As part of this effort MPA was awarded 
an $1800.00 grant from the DEP to help in the funding of boat inspectors.     This year, inspectors are again educating boat owners to do a self-inspection when entering 
or leaving any waterway.  If the inspectors are not busy, stop by to say hello, introduce yourself as an MPA member and thank them  for their efforts.

May 8, 2010 - Moose Pond Watershed Survey - In May the Moose Pond Association (MPA), 
in conjunction with Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) and Cumberland County Soil and Water 
Conservation District (CCSWCD), conducted a watershed survey on Moose Pond, located in Bridgton, 
Sweden, and Denmark,Maine.


Sitting at the foot of Pleasant Mountain, Moose Pond has a surface area of 1,617 acres and the
Moose Pond Watershed includes 11,170 acres. The pond is also part of the Saco River
Watershed. A watershed is all the land that drains or sheds its water into a pond or lake. Though
the water quality is rated as "good," the mid and lower basins of the pond show moderate
dissolved oxygen depletion.


Healthy watersheds are the main goal for a healthy environment and economy. Phosphorus is
an important nutrient that occurs in different forms throughout the environment. Excess
phosphorus in aquatic systems, however, can lead to over-fertilization in a lake or stream. This
over-fertilization can result in an overabundance of aquatic plants (algal bloom) which in turn
can deplete oxygen from the water through the decay process. As water quality declines and
habitat is damaged, lakefront property values decline, which affects individual landowners and
the economics of the entire community.


Developed watersheds mean vegetation has been removed and the land smoothed out for
homes, lawns, driveways and roads. Five to ten times more phosphorus comes from developed
watersheds. In contrast, forested watersheds filter storm water naturally through pine needles,
leaves and other vegetated buffers which slow runoff.


Non-point source (NPS) pollution comes from a variety of sources. You can’t point to it like
point source pollution, which is discharged from pipes. Erosions, pesticides and toxins are all
examples of NPS pollution, which are picked up by stormwater runoff and carried to the lake.
A watershed survey is a volunteer effort to identify sites of runoff and erosion. Volunteers are
trained to conduct a field survey and identify sites to be fixed. For the Moose Pond survey,
Heather True, project manager of CCSWCD and Wendy Garland, grant administrator for Maine
DEP, conducted the training in early May.


Ten teams were assigned a section of the watershed. All 1,400 landowners had previously
received a postcard explaining the survey and had been given the option to have their property
excluded.


The goal was to identify sources of erosion, i.e. exposed roots and stones, road ruts, bare soil,
accumulated or transported sediment and deltas in the pond. For the most part surveyors spent
less than fifteen minutes at a site. If they noted roof run-off and any other problems, they then
identified the site on a tax map, took photos and GPS readings, wrote a brief description of the
problem and described fixes.


Fixes include directing runoff to stable vegetation by creating meandering footpaths to the pond,
installing a drip edge trench along the drip line of a house without a gutter, using a rain barrel to
capture water, planting vegetated buffers, crowning a road or driveway, installing runoff
diverters such as rubber razors or open-top culverts, etc.


A watershed survey is not a finger-pointing experience. Instead, it’s meant to be an overall
review of the area with the common goal of preserving long-term water quality.
As a follow-up to the survey, Heather True and LEA’s Colin Holme, are double-checking sites
identified as medium and high impact. Part of this process includes soil measurement to
determine how much soil washes into the pond each year and how this translates into
phosphorus overload. Final findings will be reported in February 2011 at which time the Moose
Pond Association and Lakes Environmental Association will decide whether or not to work with
the DEP to seek funding from Grant Section 319 of the Clean Water Act to address sites. This
federal money is allocated at the state level. Such a grant may include high priority road erosion
sites, which need to be addressed specifically, plus funds for residential matching grants. If a
grant is awarded, funding would not be received until January 2012.


Heather True noted that Maine has the cleanest lakes in the nation. That’s great news, but we
all need to work together to continue to protect them.


Below is a photo of the Survey participants and a listing of their names:
(Click on the photo to enlarge it)  

March 21, 2010 - Maine Wardens Rescue Moose on Moose Pond - On March 21, a bull moose fell through the ice on the northernmost section of Moose Pond. 
After furtive attempts to break the ice with their airboat, the Maine Warden Service created a narrow channel leading to shore, but the moose still couldn't swim freely. 
Game wardens lassoed the moose and pulled it toward shore. At last, to everyone's delight (a crowd had gathered on the causeway and at camps along the shoreline), the 
moose stood for a moment and tested the firmness of the pond's bottom. It then ambled ashore and trotted toward the woods.  (Thanks to Leigh Macmillen Hayes for the story 
and photos.)


Here are photos of the rescue.  Click on any photo to enlarge it.












Bull moose fell through the ice on the northernmost section of Moose Pond in West Bridgton

Wardens prepare to lasso tired moose















Moose being pulled along narrow opening in the ice

On firmer ground, wardens release lasso from moose's neck















To the delight of a crowd gathered on the Moose Pond Causeway and at nearby camps, 
the moose stood for a moment and got its footing.

A man standing behind a tree watches the moose pass by on its way to the woods






January 22, 2010 - Moose Pond Watershed Survey Steering Committee Meeting - An initial Moose Pond Watershed Survey Steering Committee meeting was 
held at LEA with representatives from Moose Pond Association, LEA and the Cumberlad County Soil & Water Conservation District.   Survey strategy, watershed geography,
survey notice mailing, volunteers needed and training were discussed.    Plans and dates for the mailing and training session were set.     MPA and LEA will be 
canvassing for volunteers and an article will appear in the Bridgton News seeking volunteers.     The survey is scheduled for May 8, 2010, rain or shine.




September 1, 2009 - MPA Shirts Available at Corn Shop Trading Co. - Our 2009 MPA shirts can now be purchased at the Corn Shop Trading Co., located 
on Main Street in downtown Bridgton.     Owner Mark Grenda is selling the shirts for $18.00 with the full amount going to MPA.      Thanks Mark!     Please visit 
the shop and get your MPA shirts and other great merchandise.     Let Mark know that you are an MPA member.




August 29, 2009 - MPA Membership Meeting - The Moose Pond Association membership meeting was held on August 29, 2009 at Shawnee Peak.
The current Officers were re-elected.   Reviews of the MPA financials, accomplishments to date, opportunities and 2010 plans were presented.
Thanks to all of the members who attended.     


Click here to read a copy of the August 29, 2009 meeting minutes.     Comments are welcomed.





August 27, 2009 - MPA Brochures - The officers saw a need to have MPA brochures explaining MPA's purpose and activities, providing information on milfoil and 
why people should care about protecting our lakes from invasive plants and providing a means to join MPA.      These brochures will be given to the Courtesy Boat Inspectors
working at the Moose Pond ramps for handout to boaters.     Holders have also been placed at both ramps with the brochures.      All of the beautiful graphics work on the brochure was 
donated by a graphic artist who wishes to remain anonymous.    This wonderful donation has helped to keep the cost of producing the brochures to a small amount. 


Click on either brochure to enlarge it.  











August 25, 2009 - MPA Invasive Plant Survey - Four volunteers assembled at the Denmark boat ramp with boat, snorkels, fins and Aquatic Plant 
guide books to continue surveying Moose Pond for any invasive plants.    The shoreline was searched on the ramp side and also on the opposite side.    The group spent 1 hour and
collected 3 samples of "suspicious" plants.    The samples were taken to LEA for identification and all turned out to be native plants.     Plants found were water marigold, 
clasping leaf pond weed, and fern pond weed.    Members of the survey team were Bill Bearse, Steve Cavicchi, David Ehrman and Mark Patterson.




August 19, 2009 - LEA's "Milfoil Update 2009" - August Issue contains the latest news from various lake associations that are attempting to eradicate milfoil from lakes,
ponds and streams.  Reports include the "incredible" effort on Lake Arrowhead to eradicate variable leaf milfoil, the DEP's proposal to use herbicide on Salmon Pond to help 
eradicate Eurasian milfoil, "saves" by boat inspectors and the invasion of zebra mussels.  


Click here to see the Milfoil Update newsletter.





August 17, 2009 - MPA Invasive Plant Survey - Ten volunteers assembled at the Route 302 boat ramp with four boats, viewing scopes, snorkels, fins and Aquatic Plant 
guide books to begin surveying Moose Pond for any invasive plants.    The shoreline was searched starting at 500 feet south of the ramp going to the ramp and then parallel to Rt. 302 
to the causeway bridge, then into the North basin.   Viewing was done from the shoreline to approximately 15 feet from the shoreline.    The group spent 1.5 hours and collected 11 
samples of "suspicious" plants.    The samples were taken to LEA for identification and all turned out to be native plants with some being duplicates.     Plants found were slender 
pond weed, large purple bladderwort, Farwell's water milfoil and common waterweed.     One volunteer, Rob Weishapl, brought from the South basin what was identified as an invasive 
Chinese Mystery Snail.    This snail, which is becoming more prevalent in Maine lakes and ponds, is the size of a golf ball which is about twice the size of native fresh water snails.
When they die, they often wash up on the shore and can be easily seen and (unpleasantly) smelled.

Members of the survey team were Harold Arthur, Bill Bearse, Phil Blaney, Steve Cavicchi, David Ehrman, Byron Gayman, Alice Gold, Jim Knox, Mark Patterson and Rob Weishapl.


The group plans to next survey the area around the Denmark boat ramp.     If MPA members believe that there is a specific area that needs to be surveyed, please let us know or bring
a sample to the MPA meeting on August 29th.    The sample should be in a sealed baggie with enough water to cover the entire plant.

Here are some photos of the group in action.    Double click on any photo to enlarge it.









August 6, 2009 - MPA & LEA Watershed Survey Grant - The Maine DEP Watershed Survey grant jointly applied for by MPA and LEA has been approved for 2010.  Planning
for this effort will begin in early 2010 with the survey starting in the Spring of 2010.     Volunteers will make up the majority of the surveyors, with LEA and the Cumberland 
County Soil and Conservation District providing experienced paid surveyors.      The Town of Bridgton has also provided $1000.00 to be used for this effort.





July 4, 2009 - MPA July 4th Parade Float - The  Moose Pond Association float in the Bridgton July 4th parade was awarded a "Second Place - Non-Commercial" award!
Check out pictures and additional information on the "Events" page of this website.





July, 2009 - MPA T-Shirts - The 2009 Moose Pond Association t-shirts are in and for sale.    Shirts cost $18.00 and can be obtained using the "Cool Stuff" page 
on this website.





June 23, 2009 - Save Caruso Island Effort - Several MPA members and two Maine Department of Conservation employees spent the morning putting grass seed 
and straw on Caruso Island.     This island, located just south of the Route 302 causeway, has had major erosion over the past several years as evidenced by 
the fallen trees.     The hope is that the grass will stop the erosion and encourage other plant growth.     Signs have also been posted requesting people to stay 
off the island.   


The MPA members that performed this work are Ken Barthelette, Tom Churches, David Ehrman, Daniel Shubert, Gabe Shubert and Joe Shubert.      The DOC employees are 
Steve Barden and Ron Hunt.    Many thanks to these folks for this important effort.    Please remember to stay off the island and tell your neighbors to do the same.
Hopefully we will be able to enjoy the island for many years to come.


Here are photos taken in early July 2009 that clearly show growing grass, the extent of the erosion (exposed tree roots) and the posted signs.







June, 2009 - Boat Inspections - Courtesy Boat Inspections are starting at the Route 302 and Denmark boat ramps.    Inspectors are scheduled to be on duty from
7 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 6 PM on weekends in June and every day of the week from July 1st through September 7th.      As part of this effort MPA was awarded 
a $1200.00 grant from the DEP to help in the funding of boat inspectors.     This year, inspectors are educating boat owners to do a self-inspection when entering 
or leaving any waterway.  If the inspectors are not busy, stop by to say hello, introduce yourself as an MPA member and thank them  for their efforts.   MPA is 
seeking volunteers to inspect boats during the 11 AM to 2 PM slot at both ramps.    If you can help, please contact Brian Thomas at 207-647-5765 or at 
bjt222@roadrunner.com.





March, 2009 - Watershed Survey - MPA has applied for a DEP grant to perform a Watershed Survey of Moose Pond.     If approved, money will be available in 2010
to help fund the survey.    The majority of this effort will need to be accomplished by volunteers.   The survey will identify any areas where runoff 
problems exist and will provide suggested remedies.     After the survey is completed, a detailed report will be issued by the Cumberland County Soil and 
Water Commission and MPA will apply for another DEP grant to obtain funds to perform the suggested remedies.   


Click here to see the Hancock and Sand ponds Survey Report as a reference.












Moose Pond Association - PO Box 674, Bridgton, ME 04009



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