Starting in early July, due to the recent heavy rainstorms, Little Sebago Lake’s Dam Keeper partially opened their Hopkins dam to keep that lake at the State mandated level. We opened the Collins Pond dam in response to try to maintain a constant lake level. On Sunday, 7/25, the LSL dam was closed to only a 5% release. Our dam was closed about 12 hours later, just a little late to maintain the normal level. It is difficult to gage the correct time to open and close and also how much to adjust. Close too early and our lake level rises too much. Currently the level is low but is expected to gradually rise back to its normal level.
All posts by Rodger Patterson
New England Milfoil on collins pond in july 2021
Two crews from New England Milfoil will be on Collins Pond again this year helping to control the infestation of Hybrid Variable Leaf Milfoil. These crews are currently on the lake working from July 5th through July 15th. The Collins Pond Improvement Association has been working since 2006 to reduce the spread of this non-native, invasive plant in our lake. With the help of grants from a variety of sources including the Maine DEP and the Town of Windham we have been able to hire New England Milfoil crews for the 8th year to augment the work our own volunteer DASH boat crew is able to accomplish. Hand-pulling these plants is slow work and must be done each year. Eventually it is hoped that enough of the large concentrations of plants will be removed that less maintenance will be required.
SPRING DAM CLOSURE
As mandated by the State of Maine, Little Sebago Lake will close the Hopkins Dam on April 15th to start to bring that lake up to its summer level. Some years ago an agreement was reached with the State to set the summer and winter water levels on Little Sebago Lake to settle disagreements among property owners. Since this is the upstream water source for Collins Pond, our dam will start to close a few days before this to bring our lake level back up to a normal summer level.
WINTER POND LEVEL DRAW DOWN STARTS
Little Sebago Lake started its State mandated water level draw down for Winter on October 15th. We coordinate with them to maintain a constant level and will be opening our dam today. The Collins Pond water level is annually lowered to lessen damage to the shorelines from ice expansion. This year our draw down will be delayed until after November 6th due to the final week of milfoil removal by New England Milfoil.
Water level changes
Little Sebago Lake had to release some water this week so you may notice the Collins Pond water level vary as we try to match this new inflow. The LSL DamKeeper opened his dam about 5% on 5/14 in the evening and we adjusted about 24 hours later to release some.
Water Level
As of April 15, 2020 the Little Sebago Lake dam has been closed to bring that lake up to the State mandated summer level. On April 16th the Collins Pond dam has also been closed. Adjustments will be made, as always, to try to maintain a constant water level.
Water levels on the pond this Fall 2019
As Little Sebago Lake has maintenance performed on their dam, there will be small water releases which may slightly affect the Collins Pond water level. For larger releases we will also open for short periods, as just happened on Sept 8th. A reminder that Little Sebago Lake starts their mandated water level draw down for the winter on October 15th. We will open our dam at that time also to maintain a lower level for the winter. This is intended to limit damage from ice to the shoreline during the winter.
Healthy Lawn Care Workshop
New England Milfoil back for 2018
The crew from New England Milfoil, based in Brownfield Maine, is back to work removing milfoil from Collins Pond. They will be working for 8 days starting June 4th through June 7th and again from June 11th through 14th. We plan to have them return later in the summer for another week or two, dependent upon donations. Grants from the Maine DEP and the Town of Windham are helping to support this work, along with your donations. The Collins Pond DASH boat will also be working soon on the pond. Click on the DONATE button to assist us in this effort.
Water Level To Be Lowered for Winter 10/10/2017
On October 10, 2017 the Collins Pond dam will be opened to lower the lake level for winter.
Little Sebago Lake Association will be opening their dam on 10/15/2017 to lower their lake level to the State mandated winter level. This increased release flow would normally raise the Collins Pond level. Opening earlier than usual will give us a chance to examine our dam for possible needed repairs.
You should consider removing any remaining docks and floats for the winter before the 10th.. The lake level will come back up some after 10/15/2017 but it will be lower than the usual summer level. The lower winter level is intended to reduce damage to the shoreline from ice.