7830-R2_LSLA_2021_WinetrNewsletter_Web

Around My Lake?

Inlet Stream Identification and Testing Program – Pam Wilkinson

The lingering quest to identify all streams entering Little Sebago Lake whether they are year-round or seasonal has finally begun. All streams are a vital function of replenishing the lake from our surrounding watershed. A map is being created to name, categorize the type and importance to the lake. It is important to also protect these streams by buffering to prevent contaminants flowing downstream to the lake. There are many streams which have already carried soils to the mouth of the lake creating deltas. This is of great concern as it causes deposits that fill our lake, prevent water flow, adds nutrients which increases vegetation growth, creation of algae, warms our waters and in some instances prevents fish from swimming upstream. Not to mention the human concerns of reduced swimming and boating areas. In the fall, St. Joseph students directed by Prof. Emily Lesher selected several streams to start testing the water flowing into the lake and create a baseline for the future. It was interesting that one needed to travel upstream away from any influences of the lake to find flowing water for the bottle test. The

Stream Students

analysis will be available soon and shared with the lake community. We hope to have this as an ongoing relationship with other students from St. Joseph College. In the aerial picture provided by Kim and Bill Shelley you will see Morgan Meadow which is the beginning of Sucker Brook. Sucker Brook meanders south to the northern end of the upper portion of Little Sebago along with Sandbrook and Birchwood Brook. This shows the vast area that feeds fresh water to our lake. All the streams on the east and west shores are integral to our lake’s existence. They

Morgan Meadow Watershed

are the arteries that feed the heart of our waters. This is the reason to protect their buffers. If you would like to share your story of the stream in your area, please contact pwilkinson@littlesebagolake.com . Include Arial picture by Kim and Bill Shelley

Professor Lesher and St. Joseph students

Stream water sampling

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