5349-R2_ML&P_LSLA_2016_Web_WinterNewsletter_Web

Little Sebago Lake Association Winter - 2017/2018 “ Our mission is to protect, restore, and improve our lake’s water quality and fragile ecosystem. We will create and nurture a community of lake stewards, educate users on lake safety, and always bemindful that human needs must be balanced with the needs of the natural environment.”

BOARD MEMBERS President Pam Wilkinson Vice President Peter Gellerson Secretary Diane Burnell Treasurer Jim McBride Other Members Cheryl Alterman Rod Bernier Steve Davis Tim Greer Kevin Kaserman Sharon Lamontagne Debra Lavoie Kevin Murphy Arnie ​Rosario RESOURCE HELPERS Pirate Parade Organizer Scott Lowell Andy Mayo CCSWCD Liaison Carol Ann Doucette COMMITTEES Dam Committee Bruce Micucci Jim Theiss Jonathan Bernier Chris Micucci Loon Committee Sharon Young Dorothy Bates Betty Caton Island Committee Wendy Picket Carol Ann Doucette Deb Gellerson Water Quality Rick Sullivan

Little Sebago Lake Association P.O. Box 912, Windham, ME 04062-0912 • 207-809-4706 info@littlesebagolake.com • www.littlesebagolake.com CONTACT INFORMATION Ring in the new year with your own 2018 Little Sebago Lake Calendar. It’s packed full of memories from the past year taken by folks around the lake. The small calendar is $18.00 and the large calendar is $23.00. Proceeds go right back into the lake! Order early to be sure to get yours! Email sales@littlesebagolake.com .

What’s inside... Board Members................................................. 1 Mission Statement............................................ 1 2018 Calendar................................................... 1 Contact Information......................................... 1 LSLA Functions & Finances............................ 2 Message from The President............................. 3 Support LSLA.................................................. 3 Membership Address Update............................ 3 The LSLA Endowment Program...................... 4 Saying Goodbye................................................ 5 2017 Milfoil Militia....................................... 6-7 Boat Ramp & Courtesy Boat Inspection.......... 7

Birch Island, In Gray on Little Sebago............ 8 2017 LSLA Raffle Winners.............................. 9 Safety Patrol Program of 2017....................... 10 2018 Annual Meeting- July 14 th ...................... 10 LSLA Financial Update.................................. 11 Endowment & Reserves with M. C. F............ 11 Little Sebago Loonacy.............................. 12-13 LSLA Scholarship Award.............................. 14 Fish Stocking Report .................................... 14 Hopkins Dam Report..................................... 15 Want to Work Down Under? .......................... 15 Thank You To Our Supporters........................ 16

WHAT WE DO Little Sebago Lake Association Functions & Finances

Membership Data Base Update Financial/Budgets By-Law and Policy Reviews Fundraising Planned Giving/Endowments Safety Patrol Program Courtesy Boat Inspections

Town-State-Federal interactions Road Associations Networking Website Newsletter Merchandise Lower Narrows Restoration CCSWCS-Watershed & Erosion Control Pirate Parade Day

Annual Meeting Planning Operations of Organization Water Quality Testing Dam Monitoring & Emergency Plan Strategic Planning Milfoil Operations/Removal Fleet Maintenance Organize Educational Forums

Grant Writing Public Forums

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Message From The President Pam Wilkinson

It is November and we are just recouping from the wind storm and power outages leaving some finding other options for power for over a week. We are Maine Strong and survived. Mid-October peoplewere jugglingwhether to take their boat out or wait for another weekend. It has been an exceptional summer with limited rainfall

All of these initiatives are a success due to the energy, devotion, and love of the lake from our LSLA board members, committees and concerned citizens. Endless behind the scene volunteer hours are made without complaint to ensuring financial accountability; providing current events for website and social media to keep lake residents informed; updating the membership database; monitoring, maintenance and regulatory requirements for the dam-and much more! So proud to be part of this team. Soon the lake will be covered with winter’s ice and different activities will resume. Mother Nature will be secretly working below flushing the old water and preparing for the spring’s fresh water for our ecosystem and those to enjoy. Enjoy your holidays ahead. On behalf of the LSLA Board of Directors,

and this fall has been exceptionally warm with only a few cool nights to put frost on the pumpkin. As nice as this sounds, we are all praying for rain to saturate the water table prior to freeze and snow. Lake-wise the summer has gone well. Our mission’s initiative to keep the quality of the lake and the safety of the lake is constantly at work to meet our

goals; milfoil count is down, checking for milfoil at the boat ramp found no invasive plants being transferred in and out of the lake; water quality testing has been completed; boat counts entering and leaving the ramp is down; loon activity was regularly monitored; and, last but not least, the safety patrol and warden program kept our lake safer than ever. The contents of this newsletter expands on information regarding these programs.

Pam Wilkinson, LSLA President

STILL TIME TO SUPPORT LSLA We have recently sent out a reminder notice to all those who we haven’t heard from yet this year. If you are reading this article, then you are considered a valued member of our association. We count on the support of each and every one of our members. Donating to the lake association assures that everything that CAN be done to protect our beautiful lake IS being done. The amount of effort, time and money that it takes has been documented earlier in this newsletter. PLEASE take the time to contribute if you haven’t yet. Most members do support us – we are hoping that more will. Any amount is appreciated – we will be printing the names of all supporters in the spring newsletter. It will be a long list of names but how satisfying it will be to find YOUR name along with your neighbors and friends! Sincerely, The Board of Directors Membership Address Updates Please contact Cheryl Alterman via email at calterman@littlesebagolake.com with corrections to addresses.

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The LSLA Endowment Program Season’s Greetings to all Little Sebago Lake Association members and families!

As a Little Sebago Lake property owner, you are invested in your lake association’s success in all seasons. Whether you peruse our Facebook page, attend the annual meetings, keep a watchful eye on lake activity or provide generous financial support- you are invested in preserving the beauty and tradition that many generations have enjoyed. As the close of 2017 approaches, you may find yourself inspired by the holiday spirit or looking for an organization for charitable giving. Well This may be a great Christmas gift to that someone who is hard to buy for. Or perhaps you are looking for a last minute tax deduction? Whatever the reason, won’t you please consider a contribution to the LSLA’s Endowment Fund? What is an Endowment Fund? Simply stated, it is a restricted fund which is invested and only the interest earned is available to LSLA for program activities. This offers stability and reduces the association’s vulnerability to an economic crisis. For more detailed information, please visit the Planned Giving section of our website. Why support the LSLA Endowment Fund? Your contribution now will fund the good work of LSLA forever. Little Sebago LakeAssociation exists for its members and families. You have been the driving component to the continued planning and implementation of its mission and programs. A healthy Endowment Fund will ensure that the LSLA will continue to protect your investment for you and future generations, to come. On behalf of the LSLA Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued support in securing the future of Little Sebago. We wish you and yours a happy holiday season and all the best in the New Year.

In appreciation, LSLA Board of Directors

Pam Wilkinson, President

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Saying Goodbye... Carole Davis

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It’s July, and usually the sound of loons calling for each other nudges me awake in the morning, and sings me to sleep at night I have learned to understand their language---Where is my mate? Trouble is brewing, Come home. But today, I hear nothing. A tornado has ripped open our lake like a giant gash, and swallowed up our songbirds to a destination I do not dare to contemplate. It is unknown how many pairs survived, how many chicks lived, or the number of unhatched eggs that are left in their soggy nests. I stand on my deck looking out at Brown Cove. The motor boats are cruising across the water creating foaming streams of waves in their wake. Teenagers are on skis, their young bodies tanned with the sun of summer. Others are having cook-outs and I can smell their dinners roasting on a grill. But, the blue ribbon, best of all prize can not be heard. Conservationists are working hard to increase the odds of loon survival. Loon nests are placed in coves where loon families have previously nested, signs are posted on the lake to alert boaters about loon habitats, and fishermen are urged to use non-toxic equipment.

Yet, the symphonic sound of summer is sadly missing. It is impossible to prevent the ravages of nature, but I yearn for the familiar calls. Fishermen still find lead sinkers, rowdy teenagers make too much noise, and boaters cruise too close to nests and drown loon eggs. All of us suspected that the tornado had produced dire results for our loons. Yet, on July Fourth firecrackers were set off disregarding the consequences. If these birds are to survive, we must contemplate the balance between enjoyment of summer fun, and the results of what this event does to the well being of our loons. Their very survival depends on the good judgment and care of those who share their environment. Summer will come to a close. We will lock away our striped deck chairs, and remove sleek boats and paddle boards from the lake. Hopefully, we will enjoy them again next year. But, will the loons also return to our lake? That, in large part, may clearly depend on us!

Post on our website: www.littlesebagolake.com Email us your stories from yesterday or from years ago at: memories@littlesebagolake.com Mail us at: Little Sebago Lake Association, P.O. Box 912, Windham, ME 04062-0912 or you may even Call us at: (207) 809-4706 and we will come to you!

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2017 Milfoil Militia Program Pam Wilkinson & Tim Greer

U pper B asin G ray

T win B rooks G ray

B eaver C ove G ray

M umford C ove G ray

B ean I sland G ray

F arwell C ove

L ower B asin W indham

Total Project Cost

B ag T otals

A mount S pent

V olunteer T ime

YEAR

55 62 58 54 17 50 26 55 11 Lost info found in 2016 thru DEP, totals given, no breakdowns - - - - - - - - - 91 63 133 - - - - - 97 9 2 7 296 3 3 271 215 390 187 178 87 315 180 93

1,260 1,769 1,720 1,781 1,200 1,130 1,187 718

67,296 55,652 51,580 67,266 48,350 46,254 51,508 43,926 32,233 28,144 27,620 62,517

9,255 9,260 13,786 17,046 12,466 13,301 13,910 13,000 9,246 9,650

76,511 64,912 65,366 84,312 60,817 59,555 65,418 56,926 41,479 37,469 72,167

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2006

710 1,332 967 1,491 353 165 127 130 7,489 761 500 954

47 16 21 34 28 71 34

16 49 15 50 24 10

- - -

631 390 237 184

53 39

-

- -

9,325 9,300

2

1

8 2

36,920

777

12,205.00

$582,346

2,006

$721,891

336

$139,545

0

389

TOTALS

Each bag equals approx. 20 pounds dry weight. To date approx. 122 tons removed over 12 years.

It is exciting that each year our counts for our invasive variable milfoil decreases. Prior to our operation beginning the crew meets to strategize for the year. It is best to review the shallow areas to prevent boat motors fragmenting the plant. Mumford cove is where the milfoil was first discovered and was the first area we went and to our surprise only a few plants were discovered. The cove was rechecked throughout the year with minimal removal.

The lower basin which is in Windham has the most milfoil so we surveyed the beds from last year’s extractions and continued until mid-August when we traveled north to the upper basin in Gray to review and extract from the recorded milfoil beds from last year. Again, we were surprised on the limited amounts in each area. After approximately two weeks of removal from the upper basin, upper narrows and Beaver Cove we proceeded south. On the way we visited Farwell Cove and Bean Island to remove a few plants from each area. The remaining of our operation focused on the lower basin. We ended the program the middle of September. As we found a very warm fall, there was growth reported in several areas. Unfortunately the boats were put to rest, but rest assured those areas are marked and will be visited first after the plant rises again from the bottom. All in all, the diver and crew were pleased and proud of the condition of the lake. Gray, which is approximately two thirds of the lake, reported

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approximately 54-twenty pound bags of milfoil taking 73 hours. We removed approximately 130-twenty pound bags of milfoil from Windham taking 117 hours. A few of the hours from each town are used for surveying. We are also fortunate to have a past crew member and a master fisherman scout areas that have been reported to us with concerns of milfoil. A native plant called water marigold has similar characteristics to the invasive variable milfoil. Most of the time when responding we find it is the native plant that we want to maintain to keep the milfoil from growing. Our diver reports there is a healthy bed of native Whether you put in and take out your boat for your summer use or just for the day, you are greeted by our team Jim and Jackie Fitzgerald. Their first job is to check your boat, trailer and gear for anything that is invasive that may carry into or out of the lake. Most know that we have invasive variable milfoil which even the smallest fragment can spread to other lakes or into our lake. There are other invasive plants and organisms that are close to our Maine border that we need to know how to recognize and avoid spreading. We are lucky to report that vigilant checking found no invasive plants. During this inspection the State requires us to record where boats are coming from, times of entry and exit, motorized or non-motorized, and report information

plants growing and schools of fish that are more plentiful than before. Let’s all do our part to keep the plants native or invasive under control. Remember that sand contains phosphorous and acts like fertilizer for the underwater vegetation. Please inform your neighbors who want that sandy beach, as all of us would like, to avoid putting sand down. Thank you goes to those who report, those who volunteer and those who care enough to keep the lake in a native condition to avoid an imbalance that ultimately will cause negative impacts to the lake. on a bi-weekly basis with a final report at the end of the year to receive grant money. To some people’s surprise our number of boats entering and leaving dropped by 266 boats. The total last year was 1917 and this year was 1651. The secondary benefit for having the Fitzgerald team is their assistance with parking. Many days over 30 boats needed to be turned away due to no space. They endure frustrated people’s comments but also embrace those who thank them for making the transition to and from the lake an easy task. Jim and Jackie had out educational material and provide a safe environment the boating experience. The Board of Directors and membership thank them for their service.

Courtesy Boat Inspections and Boat Ramp Report 2017 By Pam Wilkinson

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Birch Island, Located in Gray on Little Sebago By Carol Ann Doucette

Janice and Doug Burke are the owners of Birch Island and purchased it in 1990. The island is located on Hayden Bay, on the middle lake. The 104 year old house, located on the island, looks east to the entrance of the upper narrows. It has a foot bridge that is registered with the State of Maine SUBMERGED LANDS Program (SLP). By land, it is at the end of the private road WESTWOODROADEXTENSION. The island is 2 acres, with an additional acre on the mainland. A freestanding garage is located the end of the driveway. It has electric power provided by an underwater cable from the mainland as does Treasure Island. The house was initially built in 1912 by the Cumberland Mills Paper, a division of SD Warren Paper Company, to allow employees a week end retreat. The original 4 bedroom house was modified by the Burkes in 1991. Being extremely environmentally conscious, the Burke’s installed a Septi Tech sewerage system in the early 2000’s, guaranteeing no effluent in the lake. LSLA conservation programs, coupled

with Cumberland Country Soil and Water District assistance, were utilized on two occasions, adding stonewalls, shrubs, and plants and scores of yards of mulch to prevent erosion, with a continued effort to the present day. I have had the pleasure to visit this island several times. The Burke’s were fundraisers for milfoil mitigation on the lake hosting a lobster dinner there several years ago. Another visit was a wonderful dinner for my husband and I, where we got a chance to share in the history of the island and see firsthand, all that it has to offer. More importantly, we got to spend time with Janice and Doug, who met at Aimhi Lodge on Little Sebago, many years ago. They have always been two of the most avid supporters of LSLA endeavors. After this visit, I created a virtual tour as a thank you and so I would not forget all of the magic this island possesses. Hope you enjoy!

http://view.paradym.com/1166145/prt/10003/sk/301

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“2017 LSLA Raffle Winners” The Board of Directors would like to congratulate our 2017 raffle winners, drawn at the Annual Meeting this past July. The money raised with your help goes right back into the lake by helping to fight milfoil, promoting safety and education, maintaining the dam, and restoring the lower narrows through sand removal. Thank you all for your help!

Old Town Heron Kayak Winner was Cindy Barlow

Pair of Adirondack chairs, hand crafted locally by Allan Alterman & Steve Sohn Winner was Scott Lowell

Pelican Rush Stand-Up Paddle Board Winner was Tracy Hogan

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Safety Patrol Program of 2017

From all of us on The 2017 Safety Patrol Team – Thank you for a great summer.

The newly designed and very visible patrol boat had a very active, helpful and successful season. Roger LeBlanc, John Bernier, Earl Spalding and Kate Martin were out every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer and every day during the 4 th of July week. Besides patrolling the perimeter of the lake each day, and stopping to educate, distribute materials, and encourage membership in the Association, they were also able to help out and or tow you back to shore if necessary. The Warden Service was here 12 times – logging in 96 hours on the water. They approached 279 vessels over the summer, issuing only 18 warnings and 21 citations. Amore detailed article on the 2017 season and plans for next summer will be in the Spring Newsletter. Sharon Lamontagne Aimhi was perfect-it had plenty of room, you could go by boat, and it was nostalgic. Unfortunately, there was not another spot on the lake after it was sold that would offer the same benefits plus provide cover in case of inclement weather. For the past few years we have met at Crystal Lake where there was an ambiance of water to look at. It became apparent there was something missing-handicap accessibility and air conditioning. A committee was created to review a couple of spots and it was agreed to choose the American Legion Hall in Gray. Further information will be provided on our website in the spring. We think you will be very comfortable and we will provide the same wealth of information and perhaps videos of the lake! View the 2017 Annual Meeting at: http://view.paradym.com/viewer/fusion/4054887 sk/301/prt/10003 2018 Annual Meeting- July 14 th , ✔ Mark your Calendars New Place to Meet! American Legion Hall Gray

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Little Sebago Lake Association Q3 Financial Update We have had another fine year on Little Sebago. Overall, the financial health of Little Sebago Lake Association continues to be very good. Here is a brief update based on the first three quarters of the year: • Year-to-date 2017 total income was $80,397, slightly ahead of last year by $70 or 0.1%. Donations are up significantly but we are behind last year in the grant revenue, sales of merchandise, and endowment gifts. • Year-to-date total expenses were $58,132, lower than last year by $3,436 or 5.6%. The largest differences are in repairs to the boats, merchandise purchases, and payroll. • Year-to-date income was greater than expenses and we show a positive cash flow or surplus of $22,265. Last year at this time our surplus was $18,758, so we are in fine shape again this year. Since sending the initial donation requests this spring, we have received payments from 530 members or 43% of the 1,219 names on the mailing list. Many of our members have made generous increases in giving. We recently sent out dues reminders to 652 residents who have not paid dues or donations yet this year. We are hoping for a strong response to this mailing, so if you receive our reminder please help support the work of our association with a generous gift. In 2015, the LSLABoard of Directors decided to partner with the prestigious Maine Community Foundation to manage both the Endowment Fund and the Reserve Fund for the association. The Maine Community Foundation is a statewide public foundation whose core purpose is to work with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. The Maine Community Foundation (MCF) invests our funds, along with the other assets in their Primary Investment Portfolio, with a goal to preserve and enhance the real value through prudent institutional investment strategies. The rate of return for MCF’s primary portfolio over the 5 years ending in 2016 was 7.8%, so our funds should generate higher income and growth over time as compared to the alternative of reinvesting in CDs. At the end of September our Endowment totaled $28,466 and our Reserve Fund totaled $181,787. So far this year, we have received additional gifts for the Endowment totaling $2,120. Please consider a generous donation to the Little Sebago Lake Association Endowment Fund as part of your year-end charitable giving. Endowment and Reserves with Maine Community Foundation

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Little Sebago Loonacy

Happy Fall to all,

issue, however the single loon may have been of pre-reproductive age until this year, and then when he reached mating age he became aggressive in acquiring territory and a mate. I share this nest story because of its atypical nature. We had not previously been witness to an event such as this and discussed observations and theory with biologist. The deceased chick’s body was also provided to the biologist for study. In the intervening period five more nests were active and successful. Nests were reported in Sheldrake Cove and on Treasure Island by the end of May. Sheldrake hatched two chicks, but had lost one by day two. Treasure hatched one chick. Both chicks were observed throughout the summer, being cared for by two attentive parents, and are now fully grown. The Sheldrake juvenile is surmised to be a male as he appears to be larger than at least one of his parents. The Treasure juvenile is surmised to be female as she is notably smaller. Leg bands were observed on at least one adult of each pair in Sheldrake and on Treasure Island that correspond to past years resident loons at the same nest sight. The Flamingo Island nest remained well hidden for part of its incubation period so the exact nesting date remains unknown. Two chicks were hatched on July 6. These chicks were also observed throughout the summer, at times with one parent present, and at times with both. It was also noted from early on that one chick was somewhat smaller than the other and usually seen very close to a parent while the other larger chick appeared more adventurous and ventured off independently until the parent called it back. The conclusion is that the smaller chick may be female and the larger chick male. Both are now fully grown and independent. The Policeman’s cove nest was first detected on June 13. Each time I observed this nest one parent was sitting the nest while the other parent remained within sight either south toward Spider Island or North

The great news is that we have 5 healthy and happy juvenile loon chicks still in residence on Little Sebago as of October 24, 2017. That is a vast improvement from summer 2016 when we saw 5 chicks hatched and only 2 survive their first season! Little Sebago had a very early ice-out on April 14 this year with loons sighted even before the entire lake was clear. By May 17 our first nest was spotted on Hill Island in Hayden Bay. Over the next few weeks I observed this parent pair quite frequently and found one parent oddly un -attentive. Typically, with a new nest, one loon is seen sitting the next while the other hovers somewhat closelynearby toguardagainst predators. In thiscase, the non-sitting parent was rarely seen within sight of the nest, which was not only odd, but unsettling, as it seemed the nest would have diminished chance of success if one parent was absent the process. However, a single chick did hatch on June 15, but with only one parent in attendance. I watched while the newly hatched chick was boarded on mom’s back so that she could re-mount the nest and continue to incubate the remaining egg. Again, it would have been usual for one parent to take over care of the newly hatched chick while the other remained atop the nest, yet this un-involved parent swam by and did not stop to assist. Very disappointing. The second egg apparently was either unsuccessful or abandoned. Over the next few days I was greatly relieved and pleased to find both parents attending the new chick. Sadly, the Hill Island chick was lost on July 1. Observers witnessed an adult loon attack the chick as the parent in attendance tried unsuccessfully to intercede. Our observations lead us to conclude that the male parent was somewhat aged and incapable of protecting his family and territory from a younger male looking for a mate and prime territory. There had been a single loon observed mingling among the mated pairs for two or three years without

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Little Sebago Loonacy (Cont.)

toward Grape Island. At one observation a third adult was seen close by as well. Given what happened later I believe that this third loon may have been the same one that invaded the Hill Island nesting territory, killing the chick. The Policeman Cove chick hatched on July 7. One parent was observed with leg bands that confirm it as a returning loon banded in 2005.

parents leg band as a match to the banded male in 2014. The other parent is without bands, thus a new mate. This juvenile, now 14 weeks old, is surmised to be male as he is larger than one parent. In addition to the six successful mating pairs, there were two additional mating pairs that were not successful this year. In the Upper lake the pair remained together throughout the summer. I observed one mating ritual but no nesting resulted. In the lower lake one pair made two unsuccessful attempts and did lay eggs that were immediately lost due to the nesting site chosen. With advice from biologist on best practices, we have placed nesting rafts in both upper and lower lakes to provide a more suitable, and hopefully successful, habitat possibility. The rafts were left in place through the end of summer and will be placed back in the spring. “Loon Nesting Sanctuary” signs are also placed adjacent to most of our known sites to encourage humans to maintain a respectful distance. In total eight chickswerehatched, two lost topredation by non-parent adult loons and one lost immediately after birth (cause unknown). Little Sebago has five surviving chicks. Four of our eight nesting couples have at least one of the pair confirmed to be a returning resident. While we were saddened by our losses, we were equally heartened that those losses were caused by nature – not by man. The efforts taken to educate and inform our Little Sebago Lake members about loon phenology and preservation have contributed to a loon friendly environment. Little Sebago Lake Association’s continued efforts to maintain water quality has contributed to a healthy reproductive habitat. Water level fluctuations were kept to a minimum despite several extreme storms during the prime nesting season thanks to the efforts of LSLA Damn management. Thank you all for your interest in our loons and your efforts at preserving our lake environment. Sharon Young

On July 28 vacationers observed the demise of the chick. Again, the predator was a territorial adult loon. The chick was exactly three weeks old, weighed 2.5 pounds and was 15 inches in length. This chick too was preserved and provided to biologists for research. One week after the chick was killed I observed an early morning fight between two adult loons near this territory and surmise that the invader male that killed the chick may have been attempting to overtake the resident male for territory and female as well. The last nest of the season was settled on June 19 on Sand Island. These parents were somewhat less attentive than others. Often both parents would be seen taking an evening swim together and leaving the nest unattended. I later learned that the parents sit the nest as much to protect the eggs from overheating as to keep it warm, thus brief absences are not usually harmful to the egg, provided predators remain at bay. One egg was hatched on July 16. Coincidently, the official Audubon Loon Count occurred the preceding day so Little Sebago will have one undocumented chick. Once the chick was hatched the parents did become attentive. One parent always with the chick and the other usually within sight. I observed one

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The Little Sebago Lake Association Scholarship Award To help support our local communities and to encourage lake stewardship, the Board of Directors created a new scholarship in 2015. The goal of this scholarship is to assist graduating high school students who enroll in a college program to pursue a degree in general environmental sciences, water quality or watershed management. Up to two $500 scholarships will be awarded each year, one to a graduating senior from Windham High School and one from Gray-New Gloucester High School. Last spring, we were very pleased to award the third annual (2017) scholarship to two most deserving students. The scholarship winner from Windham High School was Tara Carroll, a student who has a passion for the outdoors and a strong interest in environmental protection and advocacy. At WHS she was a leader in the Outing Club and a member of the cross-country team. She is attending Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont to study Environmental Science. The recipient of the Gray-New Gloucester High School scholarship was Isabelle Detroy who is attending Pitzer College in Claremont, California to study Environmental Science, Sociology, or Journalism. At GNGHS, Isabelle was co-captain of both the soccer and the basketball teams, co-President of the National Honor Society, and graduated first in her class. Her love of the outdoors is reflected in her favorite activities which include hiking, gardening and kayaking.

We are proud to help support these hard-working students as they pursue their education and careers.

Little Sebago Lake Fish Stocking Reports 2002 - 2016

Fall 2006:

Fall 2012:

Spring 2002:

1500 Brown Trout 14” 700 Rainbow Trout 8”

18 Brown Trout 24” 22 Rainbow Trout 16”

1000 Brown Trout 13” 700 Rainbow Trout 14” 1000 Brown Trout 12” 700 Rainbow Trout 14” 500 Brown Trout 13” 500 Brown Trout 12” 700 Rainbow Trout 13” 500 Brown Trout 13” 500 Brown Trout 12” 700 Rainbow Trout 13”

Fall 2007:

Fall 2002:

Fall 2013:

1500 Brown Trout 12”

1500 Brown Trout 14” 150 Rainbow Trout 14” 30 Brown Trout 24” 1500 Brown Trout 14” 150 Rainbow Trout 16” 10 Brown Trout 24” 1200 Brown Trout 14” 150 Rainbow Trout 14” 75 Brown Trout 20” 1500 Brown Trout 12” 500 Rainbow Trout 12”

Fall 2008:

1000 Brown Trout 13” 700 Rainbow Trout 14” 1000 Brown Trout 12” 700 Rainbow Trout 14” 1000 Brown Trout 14” 700 Rainbow Trout 14” 700 Rainbow Trout 14” 1000 Brown Trout 13”

Fall 2014:

Fall 2003:

Fall 2009:

Fall 2015:

Fall 2004:

Fall 2010:

Fall 2011:

Fall 2016:

Fall 2005:

1000 Brown Trout 12” 500 Rainbow Trout 9”

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Hopkins Dam Report Bruce Micucci

As I write this we are just about 3 weeks ahead of the October 15th dam opening to begin the lowering of the lake to winter level. Hurricane Marie is now making a turn to the east and out to the open Atlantic - thank you Marie for skipping Maine. After three major hurricanes devastated so many homes and lives, I feel very fortunate to be spared. Thank you dam crew member Justine Beaudoin for your consistently accurate weather forecasts. We were able to plan for the full potential of June’s heavy rain and damaging winds as well as prepare for the potential deluge of water from the major hurricanes in the weather days ahead. Thanks to crew members Rod Bernier and Dave Vance as well as Collins Pond Dam Keeper Roger Patterson for being at the ready throughout the summer and during this very active hurricane season. The Hopkins Dam received a bit of a grooming this summer. We contracted with Brewer Tree Service to remove eleven trees that the state dam inspector requested be removed. The trees were removed to prevent the roots from damaging the pointing between the blocks and to keep water from following the roots and weakening the earthen structure.

The dam is in good condition. We have completed all maintenance requests from the state dam inspector. Our Emergency Action Plan has been brought into compliance with the new software at the State Dam Safety Office. Water level has remained within +/-2 inches of summer high for the entire summer season. The late summer has been very dry. Once the dam is opened in October we will hold the flow until we get to -15 inches, usually about Thanksgiving. We do not let the water level get below -20 inches because of the many shallow wells still being used. Ideally we like to be about -15 to -18 inches below summer level as the lake starts to freeze in mid-December. These water levels give us the best protection against ice movement which is responsible for damaging many beaches and rip rap retaining walls. Most importantly it gives us the capacity to methodically deal with the winter snow melt and the always dangerous spring rains. I would much prefer to error on the side of low water than high. I’ve experienced the lake at 22 inches above summer high back in the early 90’s. Holding back that much water is asking a lot of a 127 year old dam. Thanks to Pam and the LSLA Board of Directors for their always present confidence and support.

Want to Work Down Under? Milfoil committee is looking for an experience, certified diver to milfoil removal next summer. Will need to be State certified and willing to take the course next June. We also have a diver who is willing to mentor. The program runs the first of July to the end of September. Work is dependent upon weather with normally six hour days. FMI contact: pwilkinson@littlesebagolake.com

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A Very Special Thank You For All of Your Support to The Following: To Saint Gregory’s Parish for hosting our To the Cumberland County Soil

and Water for managing the grant program.

annual meeting this year. It was a huge success!

To the Pizza Hut in Windham for their generosity with the coupons for safe boating. To the Subway in Windham for their generosity with the coupons for safe boating. To the Ice Cream Dug Out in Windham for their generosity with the coupons for safe boating.

To the Maine Warden Service for patrolling our lake this summer.

To Gray Public Library for the use of their facility for monthly board meetings.

To the Town of Windham for your financial support for the milfoil remediation. To the Town of Gray for your financial support for the milfoil remediation.

To Jess n Nik’s for donating their delicious pizza.

To Sharkey Graphic Solutions for their great service & expertise in

To O’Donal’s Nursery for the buffer plants we gave out at the Annual Meeting.

putting together our newsletters!

And to all who have supported the goals of LSLA to keep Little Sebago Lake safe for all to enjoy!

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