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Wetlands committee formed in response to a Vassalboro's selectmen's refusal to raise China Lake to summer levels

May 02, 2007 - The town has established a Wetlands Committee in response to Vassalboro selectmen's refusal to delay raising China Lake to its summer level. Board of Selectmen Chairman Ellwood Ellis appointed selectman Neil Farrington to lead the new panel at Monday evening selectmen's meeting. Residents interested in volunteering should call Farrington at 512-2897.

The state's lake level order directs a Vassalboro officials, who control the outlet dam, to raise the -- lake starting around April 1. By Memorial Day, the lake is to reach the summer level.

China selectmen believe leaving the water low until the beginning of May - when the weather cooperates - should give lakeside wetlands time to start growing.

Farrington and others blame flooded wetlands for some of China Lakes water quality problem. Wetlands that are too wet cannot perform their function of absorbing nutrients and silt, they say.

Farrington proposes the new committee talk with staff from the County Soil and Water Conservation District and other agencies and nonprofit groups knowledgeable about wetlands.



This article appeared in its original form in the Kennebec Journal May 2, 2007

Lakes: China Lake
Regions: Belgrade


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