Monthly Archives: June 2022

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DASH boat to be working on the lake June 13th through July 7th

We will have a DASH boat working on the lake for the next four weeks, June 13th through July 7th. This will be the 9th year that we have hired the crew from New England Milfoil to assist us in our project to control the infestation of hybrid variable leaf Milfoil. This is a non-native invasive plant that will crowd out the native plants and eventually make the lake unusable for swimming, boating and fishing. It is most obvious in the northern end of the lake where the water is shallow, but if you swim in the lower sections of the lake you may notice that your feet will get tangled up in the plants.

While the crew is working we ask you not to approach the boat too closely as a diver will be under the water. They will have a dive flag out as a warning. We do encourage anyone who wants to spend a little time skimming up any plants that get away from crew to come and help, though. You can use a kayak or canoe to pick up plants floating on the surface away from the DASH boat. Put them in a small container or basket and bring them to the DASH boat once the diver is out of the water. The crew will add them to their haul.

Additionally, we have decided to retire our own DASH boat as of this summer due to various reasons so you will not see our volunteer crews on the lake except to help New England Milfoil.

How you can help, News, Things to do

Lakes Like Less Lawn

Published by: Portland Water

https://www.pwd.org/sites/default/files/lakes-llike-less-lawn.pdf

Why Do Lakes Like Less Lawn?
Whether you have lakefront property or live many feet from the lake, you can help protect lake
water quality by reducing your lawn and making your property more beautiful and more valuable
at the same time. The goal of this publication is to show you how!
When it rains, most of the water runs off smooth surfaces, such as lawns, instead of soaking in.
And shallow grass root systems do little to prevent soil erosion. This means fertilizers and pesticides
applied to lawns end up in the lake where they feed algae and degrade water quality. Eroded soil also
feeds algae and too much algae in a lake can make the water murky and green. Studies have shown
that property values are lower on lakes with less clear water. Too much algae in a lake also lowers
oxygen levels in the water which can threaten cold water fish species, other wildlife, and a healthy
lake habitat.
By planting a variety of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and flowering perennials you can protect
the lake. All of these have deeper root systems that hold soil in place, absorb more runoff, and filter
out more pollutants than grass. Native plant species are the best to use because they are adapted to
local conditions. This means they require little maintenance once established, so you’ll have more
time to relax and enjoy the lake. Plus, they provide important habitat and food for birds, butterflies,
and other wildlife. (link above to full article)

News

Collin Pond’s Meeting Notices

Collins Pond West Side Road Association Meeting, June 11, 2022 Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Rd, Windham, ME Agendas and proxies have been emailed or mailed to members. Important: Town of Windham is requiring residents of all private roads by a 2/3 vote to continue winter maintenance. A directed proxy of approval was included in the mailing. You are encouraged to attend but if unable to would you please return a signed proxy to an officer or board member. In addition, we are soliciting for the open position of Secretary/Clerk. If the position remains unfilled it will be necessary to contract the position thus decreasing the amount available for road improvements.

Collins Pond Improvement Association Annual Meeting June 25, 2022, 9:00am at Sherry Andre’s Residence, 5 Wedgewood Drive, Windham ME. Directions: off of 115, turn onto Running Brook Road; follow up and around end of Collins Pond. Take right at top of hill onto Collinwood Circle. Go to to end of road. Wedgewood Drive is on right- go straight down and it is the red/brown house, #5 on right at bottom of road. Paddle Directions: dark red/brown house with lots of windows with all white railings on the eastern side of the pond – straight across from Emerson/Fern beach and to the left of the little cove

Agenda

  • Convene & Introductions
  • Secretary’s & Treasurer’s Reports
  • Grants & Other Funding
  • Dash Boat/Milfoil Control Efforts
  • Pond Donations
  • Dam Report
  • New Business
  • Election of Officers & Board