The Watchic Lake dam gate will be opened around November 1, 2025 (plus or minus a few days depending on weather) for the winter. Following the opening, the lake level will drop to its winter level over the course of about two to four weeks. Lowering the lake level protects our shoreline from winter ice damage. Plan your boat and dock removal accordingly. To help with your planning, November 1 is our estimated opening date for the coming years. If
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Congratulations to Eileen and David Burnell, celebrating 35 years as certified lake monitors with Lake Stewards of Maine (formerly the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program). Eileen and David have been collecting water quality data on Watchic since the 1970s. Because of them, we have an amazing long-term dataset to compare recent events to. Thank you both for your dedication to the lake!
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September 15-19 is SepticSmart week! This is a national initiative led by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Here are some ways to be SepticSmart: 1. Schedule regular inspections and pumping – have your system inspected by a licensed professional every 3 years. 2. Practice water conservation – spread out laundry and dish loads, install low-flow plumbing fixtures, turn off water when not using it. 3. Respect your drainfield – don’t park vehicles or build structures over the leech field, avoid
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Did you receive a native seed packet at the WLA Annual Meeting? Are you interested in learning more about planting native plants to help reduce erosion around the lake? Join us for a Seed Sowing Workshop hosted by the Education Committee, and learn how to prep your seeds for winter! Bring your seed packet with you, other materials will be provided. Saturday October 11, 2 pm72 Watchic Rd 19Please RSVP to Eileen Burnell at 603-630-4296 If you are not able
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This listing includes events happening on Watchic Lake or in Standish. Many other regional events can found at the Maine Public Calendar of Events site. Some events are WLA sponsored, and others appear for the benefit of Watchic Lake users. 2025 Events 5/17/2025 to 5/18/2025 – PropSnapper RC airplane event at Kiwanis Beach. Questions contact Kiwanis at standishkiwanis@gmail.com or Peter Pappas at PropSnappers. Not a WLA-sponsored event. 6/23/2025 – Veterans Fishing Derby Fund Raiser. The Kiwanis is hosting Operation Ray of Light
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The Town of Standish is updating its Comprehensive Plan for 2025-2035. This plan includes growth and development within Standish and the Watchic Lake watershed. The public comment period is open until August 12. Follow this link to view the plan and comment: www.imaginestandish.com
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[June bloom, Part 2] We have an update for you. On Monday June 23, I (Stephanie) identified a bloom in the lake as pollen. At that time, pollen was all I saw under the microscope. On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the bloom formed near Kiwanis, the dam, and near the slalom course. Algal cells were apparent using a microscope this time, and we were able to collect samples and get them to Maggie (who spoke at last year’s annual
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Over the past weekend, at least 2 dock sections were found floating in the lake. One had washed up at the dam. Please check your docks and rafts to make sure they are secure, especially in the spring as the water level rises. Escaping docks, along with high winds, can cause damage around the lake, especially if they end up at the dam. Your association dues pay for dam maintenance, and we would like to prevent damage as much as
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We received a couple of inquiries from WLA members about becoming instructors. We hope to be able to offer the course locally at some point this summer (stay tuned!) If you are interested in taking the course sooner, there are several options available in May and June. Anyone who has taken the course can also become an instructor. Click here to view upcoming course offerings within Cumberland and several other counties.
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