🧊 The ice is out and the dam is closed for 2026! Ice out was officially called on Thursday, April 2. 🌊 The dam gate was closed at 1:50 pm on Friday, April 3. Check out the new staff gage to the left of the gate! This will allow anyone to see the relative water level of the lake, with full pond set at the 2 foot mark. No more wondering if the water level is high or low! Thank
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Archives for Announcements
5/16 – Boater Safety Course
The WLA and Standish Fish and Game will be providing another Boater Safety Course at the Kiwanis Beach Clubhouse on Saturday May 16th. For more details and to sign up, click here. Reminder: A person born on or after January 1, 1999, may not operate a motorboat greater than twenty-five (25) horsepower for recreational boating purposes on inland waters of this State or territorial waters, unless that person is 12 years of age or older and has completed a boater
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Reminder – Dam Opening November 1
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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Thanks to the Burnells for 35 years of service!
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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SepticSmart week: September 15-19 2025
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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Native Seed Sowing Workshop – October 11
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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Upcoming and Recent Events
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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Follow the WLA on social media!
Get updates on lake social events, water quality, lost and found, pretty pictures, and more! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
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Standish Comprehensive Plan comment period open until August 12
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 Algae Bloom – UPDATED
[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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