The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Area pond residents gather to make a difference

June 14, 2007 - Residents of the Pemaquid River watershed are getting together with the Pemaquid Watershed Association to discuss the general health of the Biscay, Duckpuddle, McCurdy, and Pemaquid ponds, and to meet their neighbors, gather information and share concerns.

The "PWA ponders" gatherings began four years ago this month. With help from the PWA, a group of residents in the Biscay Pond area got together for a potluck meal and discussion of mutual concerns related to the pond. Many suggestions from that first meeting became action items for PWA. For instance, attendees asked for information about pollution, boating regulations, invasive plants and best camp practices, which spurred the creation of "PWA Ponders Packets." PWA now regularly provides these informational packets free of charge to property owners and landlords for themselves and their guests. Members of the initial PWA Ponders group also volunteered to spearhead the first courtesy boat inspection training and implementation to prevent nuisance plants from invading the ponds. The CBI seed planted by the PWA Biscay Ponders continues with this year's training on Saturday, June 16. All are invited, call the PWA for details.

In 2004, the PWA Pemaquid Ponders began, and then, in 2005, PWA McCurdy Ponders and PWA Duckpuddle ponders met for the first time. During the gatherings, the PWA Executive Director, board president, and other member facilitated discussions with attendees about their pond related thoughts, concerns, joys, and generally getting to know one another. Sharing information about water quality, boating safety, responsible stewardship, pollution, the impact of development, easements and getting to know neighbors have been some of the benefits to these gatherings.A Anyone with an interest in the ponds is invited to attend.

For the 2007 PWA Ponders schedule, contact the PWA by calling 563 -- 2196 or e-mailing info@pemaquid-watershed.org.

PWA is a volunteer-based membership supported nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve the natural resources of the Pemaquid peninsula through land and water stewardship and education. The Association's office is located at 15 Courtyard St. in Damariscotta.

This article appeared in its original form the The Free Press, June 14, 2007.

Lakes: Pemaquid Pond
Regions: Mid Coast


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News