Bridgton, ME

The Moose Pond Association (MPA), in conjunction with Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) and Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), recently held a training session to conduct a watershed survey on Moose Pond, located in Bridgton, Sweden, and Denmark, Maine.

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Healthy watersheds are the main goal for a healthy environment and economy. Phosphorus is an important nutrient that occurs in different forms throughout the environment. Excess phosphorus in aquatic systems, however, can lead to over-fertilization in a lake or stream. This over-fertilization can result in an overabundance of aquatic plants (algal bloom) which in turn can deplete oxygen from the water through the decay process. As water quality declines and habitat is damaged, lakefront property values decline, which affects individual landowners and the economics of the entire community.

Developed watersheds mean vegetation has been removed and the land smoothed out for homes, lawns, driveways and roads. Five to ten times more phosphorus comes from developed watersheds. In contrast, forested watersheds filter storm water naturally through pine needles, leaves and other vegetated buffers which slow runoff.

You may have heard of non-point source (NPS) pollution. NPS pollution comes from a variety of sources. You can't point to it like point source pollution, which is discharged from pipes. Erosions, pesticides and toxins are all examples of NPS pollution, which are picked up by stormwater runoff and carried to the lake.

A watershed survey is a volunteer effort to identify sites of runoff and erosion. Volunteers are trained to conduct a field survey and identify sites to be fixed. For the Moose Pond survey, Heather True, project manager of CCSWCD and Wendy Garland, grant administrator for Maine DEP, conducted the training.

Ten teams were assigned a section of the watershed. All 1,400 landowners had previously received a postcard explaining the survey and had been given the option to have their property excluded.

The goal was to identify sources of erosion, i.e. exposed roots and stones, road ruts, bare soil, accumulated or transported sediment and deltas in the pond. For the most part we spent less than fifteen minutes at a site, noted roof run-off and any other problems, identified the site on a tax map, took photos and GPS readings, wrote a brief description of the problem and described fixes.

Fixes include directing runoff to stable vegetation by creating meandering footpaths to the pond, installing a drip edge trench along the drip line of a house without a gutter, using a rain barrel to capture water, planting vegetated buffers, crowning a road or driveway, installing runoff diverters such as rubber razors or open-top culverts, etc.

A watershed survey is not a finger-pointing experience. Instead, it's meant to be an overall review of the area with the common goal of preserving long-term water quality. Once the survey is completed (we have one month to do this) and a report is written, the Moose Pond Association and Lakes Environmental Association will work with the DEP to seek funding from Grant Section 319 of the Clean Water Act to fix high impact sites.

Heather True noted that Maine has the cleanest lakes in the nation. That's great news, but we all, lakefront and in-land property owners, need to work together to continue to protect them.

Sitting at the foot of Pleasant Mountain, Moose Pond has a surface area of 1,617 acres and the Moose Pond Watershed includes 11,170 acres. The pond is also part of the Saco River Watershed. A watershed is all the land that drains or sheds its water into a pond or lake. Though the water quality is rated as "good," the mid and lower basins show moderate dissolved oxygen depletion.

At Mr. Lakefront Keller Williams Real Estate we believe an educated and informed lakefront property owner or buyer is the first and best way to keep our wonderful Maine lakes and ponds clean and healthy. To support this position we make available, to anyone interested, a variety of free materials that inform, educate and entertain the lakefront owner/buyer, all at the click of a mouse.Go to our website at www.mrlakefront.net and find on our home page many different tools to help you be a responsible lakefront property owner.

On the right hand column you can request a copy of the Maine Shoreland Zoning Handbook and the new Buffer Handbook. The Zoning Handbook will give you a comprehensive and understandable overview of the Maine Shoreland Zoning rules and regulations as well as many diagrams and examples of what is permitted in the shoreland zone. The Buffer Zone handbook offers hands-on information about creating a vegetative buffer in the shoreland zone to help control erosion and phosphorus-laden runoff.

Further down, order up a copy of the popular Lake Living magazine. We'll send it to you free!

On the left hand side of our homepage you can sign up for three different weekly email newsletters which will keep you informed and in touch with Maine news, events, and market information.

The first, the Maine Lakes News Digest, provides you with news and information from around the state dealing with Maine lakes, outdoor recreation, and the environment. The Out and About events planner provides you with a weekly list of local entertainment and things to do in the lakes regions of Maine. Finally, the Maine lakefront listings Market Update keeps you abreast of any new lakefront listings, recent price reductions, featured properties, and market trends specific to Maine lakefront property.

Under the weekly newsletter offers, you'll find the ability to access a drop down menu and read reviews about your favorite Maine lakes and ponds. We call it Lake Reviews. Just scroll down to the lake or pond you want to read more about, click on it, and be taken to an article that gives you lots of great information.

Finally, below the Lake Reviews box, you can click and order free copies of the State of Maine rules and regulations booklets for each of these outdoor activities: ATVing, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, and Snowmobiling. Any outdoor enthusiast recreating in Maine knows these guidebooks are indespensable - and necessary - to being a responsible outdoors person.

Well, there you have it! A collection of all kinds of interesting and informative material just waiting for you to click and enjoy for free. Why not start right now by going to www.mrlakefront.net !

March 5, 10 a.m. Winter Ecology Snowshoe Walk, explore along the shores of a beaver pond at Bridgton Highlands Country Club, meet at Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

March 5, 3-5 p.m. STUPA Duplication, Opening Reception, SIMPARCH, an artist collective that creates experiential installations, will explore ancient iconography and sacred architecture through contemporary methods and materials, Art Gallery, University of Southern Maine, 37 College Avenue, Gorham. FMI: 207.780.5008, www.usm.maine.edu.

March 6-7, 7 a.m. -5 p.m. Maine Chevy Derby, Maine's largest ice fishing derby, sponsored by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club, HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO GENERAL LACK OF ICE ACROSS THE STATE, $20,000 in prizes including a brand new Chevy Silverado truck will be raffled off on March 9, raffle tickets to support local charities can still be purchased, $20/individual. FMI: www.icefishingderby.com.

March 6, 6-8 p.m. Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner to benefit Konbit-Sante, guest speakers: Dr. Sam Broaddus of Konbit-Sante and Chief William Baker of the Westbrook Police Department, both have a relationship with Haiti and will share thoughts of current situation and ways to help, $10/person, reservations required, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main Street, Westbrook. FMI: 207.854.9157, www.wwcc.wordpress.com.

March 6, 8-11 p.m. WCYY Rocks the Mountain with Sidecar Radio, celebrate late-night skiing and riding with a rockin' show and Portland's Alternative Station, Blizzard's Pub at Shawnee Peak, 119 Mountain Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8444, www.shawneepeak.com.

March 7, 6:00 p.m. First Annual "Academy Awards Party," an evening of unforgettable fun and surprises, dress up like the stars (optional) and walk the red carpet at 6 p.m., followed by a complete Prime Rib or Seafood Trio Champagne Dinner, then watch the Academy Awards live on the 100-inch Projection TV, $30/person, $50/couple, benefits local area Holiday Children's Charities, Rooster's Roadhouse, 159 Mayville Road (Route 2), Bethel. FMI: 207.824.0309, www.roostersroadhouse.com.

March 10, 8 p.m. Altan Celebrates 25 Years Together, traditional Irish music, (dinner available by reservation at 6 p.m.), $40/concert only, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

February 11, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. "Strings at Sea," Kinderkonzert with members of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, for ages 3-7, $4/person, Windham High School, 406 Gray Road, Windham. FMI: 207.773.6128, www.portlandsymphony.com.

February 11, 6:30-8 p.m. Zumba Your Heart Out, $15, benefits the American Heart Association and the Windham Raymond RSU #14 Wellness Team, Windham High School, 406 Gray Road, Windham. FMI: 207.892.1810, www.windham.k12.me.us.

February 12, 10 a.m. Citizen Science Animal Tracking at Holt Pond, learn basic track identification and field research skills, collect meaningful data, free/member, $5/non-members, call to find meeting point, Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

February 12, 5-6:30 p.m. Wine Tasting, 10% off any wine purchased at tasting, must be 21 or older, Cafe Nomad, 450 Main Street, Norway. FMI: 207.739.2249, www.cafenomad.com.

February 12 & 13, 7:30 p.m. Valentine's Day Cabaret, theme: "Romance" by Donaldson and "Taking a Chance on Love" by Duke, LaTouche and Feter, presented by the Singers Workshop, $12/person, popcorn, soda and snacks provided, BYOB, candlelit tables, Denmark Arts Center, Main Street, Denmark. FMI: 207.452.2412 or 207.452.2057, www.denmarkarts.org.

February 12, 8 p.m. Sonny Landreth, one of the Guitar Gods, untouchable slide playing and soulful southern style songwriting, $26/person, dinner extra, all tickets available on-line, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 495 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

February 13-14, all day, Naples Winter Carnival and Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby, Radar Run, Poker Rally, food booths, LRHS's Project Grad "Time is Money" raffle, broomball, antique snowmobile show, helicopter rides, fishing derby, Saturday night party at the "Tiki Bar," fireworks, On the Causeway, Long Lake, Naples and at the town office, 15 Village Green Lane, Naples. FMI: 207.693.6364 or 207.693.3876, www.townofnaples.org.

February 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wilson Wing Moose Bog Pond Preserve, winter hike to investigate the landscape and examine tracks and signs left by critters, bring snowshoes and a snack, meet at the kiosk on Horseshoe Pond Road, Greater Lovell Land Trust, Route 5, Lovell. FMI: 207.925.1056, www.gllt.org.

February 13, noon-8:30 p.m. Male House Rock, a cappella ensembles, 12-3, workshops, 3-6, concerts, 6-7, catered dinner break, 7-8:30, GrooveBarbers in concert, prices vary, Westbrook Performing Arts Center, 471 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook.
FMI: www.malehouserock.com.

February 13, 1 p.m. Valentine's Day Snowshoe Hike through Pondicherry Park, followed by wine and cheese social at the Tannery Pub inside the Magic Lantern Movie Theater, meet at town garage on Willet Road behind Hannaford in Bridgton at 12:45 p.m., bring snowshoes and a snack, Loon Echo Land Trust, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.4352, www.lelt.org.

February 13, 6-7:30 p.m. International Hypnotist Steve Marino, hosted by Fiddlehead Arts and Science Center, volunteers from the audience become the stars of the show, $12/adults, $8/children (less if purchased in advance), Gray-New Gloucester High School, 10 Libby Road, Gray. FMI: 207.657.2244, www.fiddleheadcenter.org.

February 14, 5-9 p.m. Valentine's Day Sleigh Rides, take your honey for a ride, Belgian Draft horses and sleigh provided by Northern Heights Farm, hot cocoa provided, $20/couple, $10/individual, lift ticket extra, Shawnee Peak Ski Area, 119 Mountain Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8444, www.shawneepeak.com.

February 16, 5:00 p.m. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and biscuits plus juice and coffee, $7/adults, $3/children, free/3 and under, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 42 Sweden Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8549, www.stpetersbridgton.org.

February 17, 10 a.m. Animal Tracking for Families at Pondicherry Park, program specifically geared for kids to introduce them to the fun world of winter animal tracking through guided exploration, games and hot cocoa, free/members, $5/non-members, call for meeting point, Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

January 28, 5-7 p.m. Chamber After Hours, door prizes, refreshments, networking, conversation and music by Malia Marcellas of Naples, Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.3116 or 207.647.3472, www.mainelakeschamber.com.

January 29, 6:30-10 p.m. Open Mic Night, hosted by Heather Pierson, music, comedy, storytelling, poetry and dance opportunities, refreshments available, $3/person, First Universalist Church, 479 Maine Street, Norway. FMI: 207.935.4505, www.heatherpierson.com.

January 29, 7 p.m. The Wall-Stiles in Concert, contemporary folk rock sound, original, energetic and entertaining band from Vermont, $8/adults, $5/students, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg Academy, Bradley Street, Fryeburg.FMI: 207.935.9232, www.fryeburgacademy.org.

January 29, 8 p.m. "Join the Club," Mark Shilanski, pianist and singer, plus his quintet of USM faculty and special guests, play quirky but infectious original compositions and Latin-Jazzy takes on old favorites like "Misty" and "Come Rain or Shine," $15/adults, $10/seniors, $5/students and children, Corthell Concert Hall, USM Campus, University Way, Gorham. FMI: 207.780.5555, www.usm.maine.edu/music.

January 30, 7:30-10:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast, All You Can Eat, benefit for Lake Region High School's Alpine and Nordic Ski Teams, $5/person, Tom's Homestead 1821 Restaurant, 4 North High Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.5726. www.sad61.k12.me.us.

January 30, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Crystal Lake USO Ice Fishing Derby, all proceeds benefit USO to support our military, $10/person, $5/military veterans, retirees, active and reserve members with valid ID, check Web site for rules and more information, Crystal Lake, Gray. FMI: 207.655.1030, www.crystallakefishingderby.webs.com.

January 30, 7 p.m. Deep Freeze Bluegrass Festival, a benefit concert for Lakes Environmental Association hosted by David Lee, featuring Jewel Clark, The Hemingway Brothers, Squash and Gourds, Phat Grass and The Rusty Hinges, $15/person, $25/couple, $30/family, Bridgton Town Hall, 26 North High Street, Bridgton.FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

January 30, 7:30 p.m. doors open at 6, Pizza and a Picture Show, "Burch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," pizza and salad buffet served until 7:15 p.m., $15/person includes movie and buffet, visit Web site for important details, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

January 30, 9 p.m.-close, The White Mountain Boys, kick-butt country duo from New Hampshire, Millbrook Tavern, Bethel Inn Resort, On the Common, Bethel.FMI: 207.824.2175 or 800.654.0125, www.bethelinn.com.

January 30-31, all day, 3rd Annual Pond Hockey Tournament, sponsored by Bonny Eagle Ice Skating Association, Standish Recreation and Standish Kiwanis, come watch the games, subject to weather conditions, Kiwanis Beach, Route 25, Standish.FMI: 207.642.3764, www.standish.org.

February 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Socrates Café Meeting, "Our System: What Works, What Doesn't, What's Our Next Step?" facilitated by Jim Kearney, a forum to discuss current topics and ideas in a warm, friendly atmosphere where divergent views are welcome, Waterford Library, 663 Waterford Road, Waterford. FMI: 207.583.2050 or 207.583.6957, www.waterford.lib.me.us.

February 3, 3 p.m. "Our Daily Tread: thoughts for an inspired life," author Lisa Belisle will speak about and read from her book, all sales support Safe Passage, a Maine-based non-profit organization created by Hanley Denning and dedicated to helping children of families who work in the Guatemala City garbage dump, Bridgton Public Library, 1 Church Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.2472, www.bridgton.lib.me.us or www.drlisabelisle.com.

February 3, 6-8 p.m. "Heart Healthy Winter Soups" offered by MaineHealth Learning Resource Center at Stephens Memorial Hospital, presented by Pat Watson, registered dietitian, and Chef Elton Cole, to sample heart-healthy soups and receive recipes, $10/erson, registration required, First Congregational Church, 17 East Main Street, South Paris. FMI: 866.609.5813, www.wmhcc.org.

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