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Governments, Residents Unite for Maranacook Lake

February 20, 2008 - WINTHROP - Framed by the towns of Readfield and Winthrop, Maranacook Lake offers a multitude of recreational opportunites and spectacular vistas. But the same qualities also make it subject to the strain of development that could degrade water quality.

"The expectation is that, in the next 10 to 15 to 20 years, this part of the state is going to be some of the fastest-growing in terms of real estate and development," Cobbossee Watershed District Executive Director Bill Monagle said.

In order to minimize the effect on the lake, a number of organizations have collaborated on a proposed a Maranacook Lake Watershed Management Plan, which will be discussed at a public forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the all-purpose room at the Winthrop Town Office.

The draft report was prepared by the Cobbossee Watershed District, Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District, the towns of Readfield and Winthrop, Maranacook Watershed Committee and Maranacook Lake Association. Part of the funding came from the federal Clean Water Act.

The report lists seven goals and objectives: 1- "(Check for) invasive aquatic species; 2- monitor water resources; 3- promote careful utilization of undeveloped areas of the watershed; 4- control shoreline erosion; 5- eliminate or reduce known sites of nonpoint-source pollution; 6- establish consistent water quality protecdon measures in ongoing watershed activities; 7-enhance public awareness through education and public outreach."

Monagle said the report reflects the concerns of people interested in the welfare of the lake. The state Department of Environmental Resources classifies the 1,762-acre lake as "moderate/sensitive" as well as a "lake at most risk from development."

"Everyone needs to be concerned about the health of Maranacook Lake," said JoEllen Cottrell of Winthrop, president of the Lake Associadon, a group with 200 member families.

"The lake is an active, vital part of the community."

Public comment from Wednesday's meeting will be included in the final report, Monagle said. The plan carries an estimated cost of $136,000, Monagle said, adding that a large portion can come through in-kind services provided by the various groups.

The draft report, available online at www.kcswcd.org, also indicates that the deeper, south basin of the lake which is in Winthrop has better water quality than the shallower north basin, which is in Readfield.



SOURCE: KENNEBEC JOURNAL

DATE: 02-09-2008


Lakes: Maranacook Lake
Regions: Belgrade


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