We are fortunate that Watchic Lake has not experienced invasive plants such as variable leaf milfoil or Eurasian watermilfoil. Lets keep it that way! Always remove all plants from your canoe, kayak, boat, trailer, oars/paddles, fishing gear and anchor when going in and out of a body of water. Dispose of any plants in the trash – not onto the ground. Let your watercraft dry. More details can be found in State of Maine Courtesy Boat Inspector Handbook. Before bringing your watercraft
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Archives for Announcements
2018 Water Quality Report Available
We have completed our 2018 water quality report for Watchic Lake and its tributaries. This report also includes a summary of water quality over the past three years. In summary, the report states that while water quality is good today, nutrients entering the lake continue to pose long term risks to water quality, and thus quality of life. The message in the report is clear – as property owners and interested stakeholders, we must work to address increasing runoff into the
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2018 Plant Inventory Completed
In August of 2018, ten WLA board members and volunteers surveyed the lake for invasive plant species – none were found. This is the third year in a row that a thorough inventory of lake plants has been completed. As a member of the Lakes Steward of Maine (formerly VLMP) Invasive Plant Patrol program, we submit an inventory of the native and invasive plants found in the lake. 23 native plants were identified over the past two years. To learn
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2017 Water Quality Report Available
We have completed our 2017 water quality report for Watchic Lake and its tributaries. In summary, the report states that while water quality is good today, nutrients entering the lake continue to pose long term risks to water quality, and thus quality of life. The message in the report is clear – as property owners and interested stakeholders, we must work to address increasing runoff into the lake to improve oxygen levels, avoid algal blooms and excessive plant growth, and retain
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2017 Dam Report Available
The dam functioned flawlessly for another year. As a reminder, the dam is opened to lower the water level on about October 15 (generally Columbus Day), and is closed again to raise the water level shortly after ice-out (between mid-April and early-May). This helps to avoid shore damage from ice and protect loon nests. Read more on the Dam page on this site.
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Invasive Plant Screening Day 2017
In August and September of 2017, a group of 12 WLA board members and volunteers surveyed Watchic Lake for invasive plant species – none were found. This is the second year a thorough inventory of lake plants has been completed. As a member of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, we are asked to submit an inventory of the native plants found in the lake. Click here for the 2017 VMLP Invasive Aquatic Plant Screening Survey and the Map of the Areas Surveyed.
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Maine Audubon on Watchic Lake
Sarah Haggerty, Conservation Biologist and GIS Manager for the Maine Audubon Society recently provided Watchic Lake Association members with a fascinating set of information about wildlife on and around the lake. Sarah covered eagles, loons, fish, turtles, and work being planned by Maine DOT to make streams coming into the lake more wildlife friendly. Sarah was keen to point out what a good job property owners, lake users, and the association are doing to maintain a wildlife friendly lake. Click
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August 2017 Newsletter Available
We have just published our August 2017 Watchic Lake Association Newsletter. In it we cover the recent WLA Annual Meeting, Blanding’s Turtle, and Invasive Plant Risk from Seaplanes, and other activities the WLA and volunteers are planning for the coming months. All newsletters can be found on our Newsletter page
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Spring Dam Update – Closed as of 4/12/17
Spring is here and the dam is now closed! While not yet at ice out, its time to start raising the lake level in order to support loon nesting and help water quality. The level should be at full pond in about two weeks (late-April).
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November Newsletter Available
Read our latest November WLA Newsletter, including a recap of our 2016 activities.
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