Q: Launching a boat – can I use my boat on the lake?

A: There is no public boat launch on Watchic Lake. Property owners generally launch their own motorized and non-motorized craft from their own property, a neighbors’ property, or their road association boat launch As a reminder, any boats, canoes, kayaks, and trailers need to be clean, drained, dry, and free of any plant life. Invasive milfoil can live out of water for a week or more. Please help us keep our lake free of invasive aquatic plant life.

For Watchic Lake property owners, the Hi-Vu Drive Road Association has generously made their boat launch available to Watchic Lake property owners and their renters. The gate will continue to be locked at all times. In order to use the launch, please call 24 hours in advance of taking your boat in or out of the lake. Plan to leave a message and your call will be returned. Maintaining the gate and launch is a strictly volunteer effort, so your patience and respect for their time is appreciated. The fee is $20.00. Checks can be made payable to Hi Vu Drive Maintenance. Call ahead to:

• Bob Babcock: 603-781-6437/Terry Fay-Babcock:  207-650-5240
• David West: 207-712-3698
• Matt Narel: 207-650-2953
• Henry Raymond:  207-522-8329/Pauline Raymond:  207-522-9044
• Owen Smith:  207-776-3080

Using a 4-wheel drive vehicle to launch and retrieve your boat is strongly suggested.

Q: Is it okay to fertilize my lawn at the lake?

A: Homeowners should use non-phosphate fertilizers.

• Lawns in Maine rarely need phosphorus, but phosphorus can be harmful to the lake.
• Phosphorus is the nutrient that limits algae growth in the lake, when it runs into the lake, it encourages the growth of nuisance algae and cyanobacteria.
• Non-phosphate fertilizers are available at Paris Farmer’s Union, True Value, Aubuchon, or any store that sells fertilizer.
• Phosphorus is the middle number in the nutrient ratio on the fertilizer bag, for example, 10-0-10 has zero phosphorus. Look for bags where the middle number is 0.
• Slow-release fertilizers are generally better as they are less likely to wash off the soil and will feed the soil for a longer period of time.
• Keep all fertilizers at least 100 feet away from the shore. It is illegal to spread fertilizer within 25 feet of the water without a soil test stating that it is necessary.
• Including clover in your grass seed can be beneficial as it will naturally provide nitrogen fro your lawn.

More information on the proper use of fertilizers can be found at Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Q: What is Milfoil (and other invasive plants) and why do they matter to Watchic Lake?

A: Watermilfoils are rooted, submerged aquatic weeds found naturally in lakes and streams. There are 15 aquatic invasive plant species of concern in Maine’s lakes: brittle naiad, Brazilian waterweed, curly leaf pondweed, European frogbit, Euarsian watermilfoi, fanwort, giant salvinia, hydrilla, parrot feather, starry stonewort, swollen bladderwort, variable watermilfoi, water chestnut, water soldier, and yellow floating heart.

Once introduced into a lake, species such as Eurasian water-milfoil are virtually impossible to eradicate. They grow rapidly and aggressively, reproducing in dense mats primarily through fragmentation. The introduction of a single fragment of this plant can result in the infestation of an entire lake.

The impacts of an infestation have the potential to be devastating, impairing boating, fishing, and swimming, and reducing water quality.

What can we do?

• Join volunteers at the lake for the annual invasive plant paddle in August, where we survey the shallow waters for invasive species.
• Request a courtesy boat inspection when you launch your watercraft.
• Clean, drain, and dry all boats, trailers, fishing gear, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc. prior to putting them in the lake.
• Report anything suspicious to the WLA through our invasive plants form.

The Lakes Environmental Association (L.E.A.) website has more information about milfoil.

Q:  Who needs a fishing license?

A: A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters.

License fees are used to by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to provide wildlife conservation efforts.

More information visit the Fishing section of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website. To purchase a licenses online visit Maine’s online purchase site.