[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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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. 6/13/2025. Veterans Fishing Derby Fund Raiser. The Kiwanis is hosting Operation Ray of
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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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Ice Out was Friday March 28, 2025 and the dam gate was closed on March 30th. Following the closing, the lake level will be monitored as it gradually rises. The ice lasted almost exactly three weeks longer than last year!
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We’ve had ongoing interest in having the Boating Safety Course taught regularly nearby, especially since it is now a requirement for any new boaters born after January 1, 1999. To help facilitate the ability to offer this course locally, the WLA would like to solicit for volunteers to become instructors. The primary requirements for becoming an instructor are to take the course (if you have not done so already), and to submit an application to the State of Maine. We
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The WLA would love to bring back a fun family day like the famous Watchic Lake Regatta. Please fill out our survey to help us gauge interest in activities, races, food, and help us pick a summer Saturday in 2025! We hope to see you there! CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
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Its that time of year again… the dam gate was opened on November 1st. Following the opening, the lake level will go down to its winter level (about 18 inches below full pond) over the course of about two to four weeks (depending in part on rainfall). Lowering the lake level protects our shoreline from winter ice damage. Plan your boat and dock removal accordingly. The dam is generally closed again shortly after ice-out.
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As we saw in fall 2023, there are Cyanobacteria (“blue-green algae”) aggregating in “scums” on the lake surface in sheltered locations. Cyanobacteria can appear bright green like the first photo (October 2023), or a more muted color like the second photo (October 2024). They look like pollen on the water surface. If you see surface scums near your dock, please let the WLA know. From samples collected on October 2, 2024, we know that these scums are producing the toxin
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LakeSmart is an education and outreach program that rewards lakefront homeowners who manage their land to protect water quality. This program is free, voluntary, and non-regulatory. The WLA has 5 evaluators trained by Maine Lakes who evaluate and submit recommendations to Maine Lakes for approval. Property owners not yet meeting LakeSmart standards will receive recommendations of ways to reduce erosion, create shoreline buffers, and reduce runoff impacts to the lake. John Blake recently renewed his LakeSmart award with WLA LakeSmart
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