Summer Newsletter June 2020

chemo pond lake association

The CPLA email address is:  chemopondla@gmail.com

Welcome summer!  It has been a rather chilly start, but we know that beautiful days lie ahead!

As mentioned in previous newsletters, we are committed to providing periodic updates to our members regarding state of the membership, the dam, and environmental opportunities to participate in protecting our lake and other topics that arise.   So, here is our update as of June 2020:

1. Membership:  So far, we have 55 members signed up for this year.  And we continue to receive renewals and new members. First, thank you for your participation and support. Your continuing financial support and your dedicated commitment as a member of the Chemo Pond Community are essential to our on-going negotiations with Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MLFM), and federal and state agencies.  We need to reach an acceptable resolution to the dam, gain everyone’s long term commitment to reasonable water levels, and build a community dedicated to protecting Chemo Pond and its environs. So, please remain involved in CPLA and encourage others to join.

We know that snail mail is the most effective way to reach members and potential members, but with an eye to managing the funds you have entrusted to us, we are distributing this newsletter via email and only sending a physical copy if we do not have an email address.  If you have an email but have not shared it with us, we would appreciate you providing it.  We do not share it with anyone else.  We are planning on sending our winter newsletter, which is also our official membership drive, via USPS, but would like to send all other correspondence via email if possible.  Thank you in advance for your help with this.

• The dam: As we announced on our newly formed Facebook page, ChemoPonders, CPLA petitioned DMR and DEP to grant permission to MFLM to put an 8” board in the main spillway of the Leonard’s Mill (LM) dam—which the Board of Directors at MFLM have agreed to do.  This is a temporary solution for this year.  Considering the difficulty presented by the pandemic, holding a meeting to discuss a long- term solution is not feasible at this time.  We hope to restart those discussions later in the year.

Since some people are new to our organization, we are providing a summary of the dam negotiations over the past 2 ½ years. There are 2 dams in Blackman Stream that inhibit outflow from Chemo Pond.   

1. In December 2018, we submitted a proposal to Leonard Mills to purchase the roll dam.  LM met with federal and states agencies who encouraged them to have that dam removed in return for improvements to the LM dam these agencies claim they will fund.

We took this move seriously, keeping our primary goal in mind:  to ensure a water level that works for all property owners on the pond.  Consequently, we started the process of requesting a water level hearing.  This is a formal process that lake property owners can request to establish an official lake water level that becomes binding.  It will guarantee an agreed upon level in perpetuity. We have gathered all the required signatures and all three towns have verified them.  We are ready to complete the final application if necessary.  We will only do this as a last resort as it is a time-consuming process (years) and we may not get the level we prefer.

• Establishment of the Blackman Stream Advisory Committee (BSAC).  After several discussions with MFLM and state and federal agencies, it was determined that a committee should be formed to reach a resolution to the roll dam that will meet the needs of all parties.  On April 9, 2019, we had our first meeting which included representatives from:  US Fish and Wildlife, Maine Dept of Marine Resources, Maine Forest and Logging Museum and CPLA.  It was a productive meeting where we agreed that our purpose was to resolve lake water levels and to maintain water levels that meet the needs of the LM, fish and wildlife, and Chemo Pond residents.  This first meeting allowed participants to air concerns and articulate needs—and to agree on how to work together going forward. 

Throughout the summer we continued to meet.  We agreed upon a water level target of 125.8 (the height of the roll dam) and began to discuss how CPLA and MFLM would work together to manage this target at the Museum if the roll dam is removed.  And this is where we have run into difficulty.   MFLM is uncomfortable utilizing a mechanism that will achieve the agreed upon water level target and we are not willing to enter into an agreement that is guaranteed to give us less. 

Consequently, we decided to engage expert advice and counsel.  Andy Hamilton, an environmental attorney from Eaton Peabody, has been invaluable in providing support and guidance in a process that has gotten increasingly complicated.  The good news is we have had several productive discussions with representatives from several state agencies and are now investigating a variety of options.  We believe we can find a solution that meets the needs of all parties:  1)   CPLA:  we are able to maintain a water level of approx. 125.8 in the lake, weather conditions permitting; 2)  DMR:  fish passage is uninhibited during critical times of the year and maintenance/management issues are resolved; 3) MFLM has limited responsibility for maintaining water levels in the Pond.

We know this is taking longer than anyone anticipated, and we appreciate your patience.  We could have gone forward with an agreement with MFLM, but it would not have met our needs—or theirs–in the long run, nor would it have been sustainable.  Our goal is to reach a solution that is workable and final.  We do not want to be back at the drawing board in a few years.

Lastly, any solution that is hammered out will be put out to our membership for a vote.  This impacts your lifestyle, your family and your homes’ values.  Any solution may involve a need for funding and contribution of time.  Our goal is that the solution we reach will meet the needs stated above and will justify the expense.  If you have any questions or want to provide input, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the CPLA board members.  We would appreciate your sharing your concerns and ideas with them rather than approaching the various parties individually.  It keeps our message clear and on point which, at this juncture, is critical in avoiding misunderstanding and confusion in our negotiations. Board members’ contact information is on the last page of this document.

• Annual Meeting cancelled.  Due to the restrictions on gathering and how unpredictable the corona virus situation is at this time, we have decided to cancel the annual meeting that is typically held in July.  We are keeping everything the same in the interim:  same board members, same fees, etc.  We are disappointed to have to make this decision since the annual meetings have given us the opportunity to hear your voices directly, gain valuable input from you, get others involved on the board, share educational topics that broaden our understanding of Chemo Pond environment, and have some fun!  We discussed having an informal picnic this summer, but once again, not sure it is feasible.  Stay tuned in case we can make something happen!

• 4^th of July festivities.  There are two events that have always been informal but have been or are becoming a wonderful tradition.  First, is the Boat Parade:  gather at approx. 10 a.m. near Dean’s Landing and jockey for a place in line.  Many decorate their boats, wear silly hats and patriotic attire, and blast rousing music.  Last year we had over 30 boats—of all types—involved.  So, if it floats, please come along!  Second, is the fireworks extravaganza put on by firebugs Kathy Trenholm and Rudy Shorette.  They have entertained us over the years with a remarkable display.  Time:  9:30 p.m. July 4^th.  Their location is on the Bradley Shore Road (north side of the Pond.) 

• Past Projects Summary:

Not everything that CPLA does is related to the dam. In the long run, CPLA exists to help protect and preserve our little piece of heaven, Chemo Pond. Last year CPLA members were involved in several environmentally oriented projects. We participated in the Maine Audubon annual loon count in July. One of our members is responsible for collecting water quality data from Chemo Pond and submitting it to Lake Stewards of Maine, a non-profit organization of citizen scientists who collect data from lakes all over the state. They tabulate that data and work with MDEP to monitor the health of hundreds of Maine’s lakes. We also had our first Invasive Plant Paddle training class. We hosted Roberta Hill from Lake Stewards of Maine in August. She taught a group of about 15 people how to identify potentially invasive species then we headed out into the pond to collect samples. The good news is for the small sample of shoreline we were able to investigate; we found no invasive aquatic plants. As a result of this class we have started up an IPP team for Chemo Pond!

Fortunately, even though we are all still socially distancing all these activities will still happen again this summer. We will continue to participate in this year’s loon count and collect water quality data. Our IPP team will be back out on the lake this summer. If you see people out in canoes, kayaks or small boats looking down into the water, that’s us. Come on over and say hi and we can show what we are doing. We can always use more volunteers for this effort so we can eventually have a team that can cover the entire shoreline. If you are interested, send Kathy Trenholm an email at chemopondla@gmail.com.

• Website Development  

The CPLA website is fully functional. We will use the website to keep members posted on developments, share news on activities and have educational sections that are relevant to our environment. We welcome contributions from anyone concerning Chemo Pond. Photos are always welcome. The website address is: www.chemopond.org. If you have ideas or suggestions, please email us at chemopondla@gmail.com. We periodically check this email. If you have information regarding activities or events in the greater Chemo Pond area, we can add them to our calendar and news sections.

• Our Facebook page:  ChemoPonders.  We launched this just a few weeks ago and already have 42 members!  So, please join!  You will need to submit a request to the group since this is a private group which we will then approve as long as you have a connection to the Pond.  People are sharing information about the Pond, pictures, reaching out for advice.  It is an easy way to stay connected with one another.

• Membership:  New and Renewal

Any adult owner or resident of property bordering on Chemo Pond is eligible.  There is one membership available per lot and the cost is $25 per year.  In addition, there is an option for those who do not own land on the pond to get involved.  We are offering a Supporter Option for $10. Supporters will be included on our newsletter, activities and meetings, though they will not be able to vote on decisions or board members.  This provides the opportunity to participate with an organization dedicated the stewardship of our pond and helps concentrate our impact.  Both participatory options are tax deductible.  Please complete the attached form whether you are a new or renewing member and include a check made payable to:  Chemo Pond Lake Association.  Send to:  Chemo Pond Lake Association, 4 Yawaca Road, Box 23, Clifton, Maine, 04428.  Once again, we would appreciate any additional financial contribution you could make to help cover expenses related to the dam negotiation process.

As a member you will have the opportunity to:

1. Participate in subcommittees that will form to address specific topics or issues.  Currently we have subcommittees to research invasive and protected species, roll dam, and membership.  New subcommittees will be formed as needed.
2. Contribute to our Board meeting agendas.  We will announce our meetings, on the website, at least 7 days in advance.  These meetings are open and are modeled after your typical town hall meetings.  You will be encouraged to participate at meetings by asking questions/making comments after regular business is concluded. 
3. Participate in special meetings.  We anticipate that when we need to make major decisions that impact the entire community—such as the water level hearing, special meetings will be called, and the entire membership will vote on the issue at hand.
4. Attend the annual meeting.  Our annual meeting will be held each year in July to ensure the greatest participation.  At this meeting, 1/3 of the Board seats will be up for election. In addition, current topics will be discussed, and we hope to have a special speaker like we did last year.  As noted above, this year’s annual meeting has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
5. Contribute your ideas and knowledge to help guide the Board in making decisions that will be in the best interest of the community and the Pond and the larger eco-system.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the lake, please address them to one of the board members.  We are committed to representing all points of view.  The board members are:
   1. Charlie Clemons, Bradley:                           chemoponder@gmail.com; 207-299-2964
   1. Ron Colley, Bradley:                                       rcolley636@aol.com; 207-478-6242
   1. Carolyn Miller, Clifton                                   carmillr@live.com; 207-944-3655
   1. Leo “Butch” Robichaud, Eddington          butchrobichaud@gmail.com
   1. Rudy Shorette, Bradley                                 exilebear1@gmail.com; 207-843-5575
   1. Kathy Trenholm                                                               trenholm2014@gmail.com; 508-450-0276
   1. Leslie Spencer, Clifton                                  takecaremassage@aol.com; 207-884-8603
   1. Leslie Sturzenberger, Bradley                    lsalgonquin@earthlink.net; 315-569-7990
   1. Deborah True, Clifton                                    debgtrue@gmail.com; 207-843-5930

• Current Volunteer Opportunities

There are a number of options where you can contribute and share your knowledge and energy:

1. Join the CPLA Board. The CPLA Board is responsible for advocating for Chemo Pond with the surrounding towns, state and federal agencies. We also coordinate activities around the pond and work to make stewardship of the pond and its environs our top priority.
2. Water Quality Monitoring. We currently have 1 person doing the water clarity testing monitoring every 2 weeks from May to October. It would be good to have a backup person trained to work with our primary volunteer.
3. Audubon Loon Count. We could use 1 or 2 more volunteers to help out with the loon count. This year it will be done on July 18 from 7-7:30 am.
4. Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP). The IPP team works on the day of their choosing for about 2 hours. Each 2-person team has a section of the pond for them to survey for invasive plants. Right now, we only have about 5 teams and can only survey about 1/3 of the shoreline. We can use many volunteers. Participation on and IPP team requires some training. Training is offered free of charge by Lake Stewards of Maine. One 6-hour classroom training or half day field training will get you started. Because of the coronavirus, in person training will not be scheduled this year. LSM is in the process of creating webinars so you can start your education process. Links to the training will be posted on the CPLA website or you can email Kathy Trenholm at chemopondla@gmail.com. Kathy Trenholm coordinates the IPP teams and will help with plant identification if needed. IPP is a very important service for our pond. Early detection of invasive plant growth is critical to eradication. This is a great way to spend a quiet morning out on the pond.

For more information and for back issues of our newsletters and other documentation, please visit our website:  www.chemopond.org.  And you can leave a message at:  chemopondla@gmail.com.

Again, many thanks for joining the Association last year and for renewing for this upcoming year.  We look forward to welcoming new members to our organization.  And come out and enjoy the lake!