Update on Water Levels
We are all aware that the water levels in Norton Pond and Lake Megunticook are low. Many of you have expressed concerns about getting docks and boats out of the water due to the low levels at Bog Bridge and shared your opinions about how the dam is managed. We'd like to do our best in answering your concerns here with some factual data that hopefully you'll find helpful.
RAINFALL
Currently the Megunticook Watershed is in a moderate drought. The low water levels we are seeing are a result of a lack of rainfall in late summer and fall. While it's easy to think that these levels have never been this low, they have in fact been this low before. Just for fun, we looked back in the archives and found a great article in the Camden Herald from 23 years ago by Ken Bailey called Megunticook Lake Has Seen Lower Days (November 15, 2001). And while we are in a drought, the actual rainfall is just above normal mostly because of the rain we got in the spring. The graphs here show the trend.
EAST DAM
As many of you know, East Dam is owned by the town of Camden and is operated by the Town according to state and local guidelines. The general goal is to open it to let water out in advance of any significant storm to avoid flooding and to close it down to minimum flow (required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, DEP) when no weather events are predicted. There is never an option to close the dam completely. The DEP will not allow this as it would have a catastrophic impact on the ecological health of the Megunticook River. Lake levels are lowered in advance of major storms because the East and West Dam spillways and gates are not designed to release enough water to match the inflow of runoff into the lake caused by a major storm – water flows into the lake at a much higher rate than water can flow out of the lake, so lake levels rise during major storms, often by several feet. If a predicted major storm does not hit the watershed, lake levels remain low until runoff from subsequent rainfall events can build the lake levels back up.
This year, the dam was opened in preparation for July's Tropical Storm Beryl to avoid the massive flooding that took place last year. However the hurricane did not materialize in Knox County and therefore the dam was closed back to minimum flow. It has remained at that flow since then. The graphs here, using data taken from our water level logger at the East Dam, demonstrate this.
It's important to remember that managing flow on the dam is tricky business. In anticipation for major rainfall, it can take up to two weeks to get the lake levels down to a reasonable level to avoid flooding. And flooding in the end causes major damage, whereas low water levels on the lake and pond are more of an inconvenience.
MWA is in the early stages of a collaboration with the Town of Camden to help advise on the updating of the 2009 Dam Operations Guidelines. We hope to be able to contribute to revisions as needed.
WATER LEVEL MONITORING
MWA has three water level loggers on the Megunticook River: one at Seabright Dam, one at Montgomery Dam, and one at East Dam. These upload automatically so at any time we can see the levels. Sadly, the East Dam logger was vandalized, and the cable was cut on October 6. We are in the process of repairing that. You can view the real-time water level data on our website at anytime.
We are also working on adding a webcam with live feed so the East Dam can be monitored, especially in storm events. This will help with watching conditions at that location in real time.
BOATS, FLOATS, AND DOCKS
We've talked with Lake City Floats and understand that they have been successful in working with the Town of Camden and with some private property owners to locate possible alternative places with deeper water to haul and store docks this year. They have corralled many of them at Bog Bridge for now. The Bog Bridge boat ramp is very shallow and unusable except for paddle craft.
Route 52 appears to still have enough water for some limited boat launching and hauling, though the docks have been removed. Norton Pond boat launch has very little water so can most likely only accommodate paddle craft.
WHAT THIS ALL MEANS
As we've seen from past records, this low water level scenario may not be the last of its kind. With the climate changing we can expect to be see wider fluctuations and more extremes in weather events. That means that from year to year, it may be prudent to pull docks and floats earlier than we might like to, even though it still feels like summer in October. Or we may have to find alternate hauling and storage locations. MWA is committed to collecting and analyzing data that could be helpful in decision-making and planning, as well as working with the Town of Camden on the continued improvement of dam operations and maintenance. There is still a lot to learn but one thing is clear: we are probably going to have to adapt in some way to the changes ahead. Rest assured, we're here to help navigate and steward the future of our watershed with you.
We’re Hiring!
Position Vacancy: Lake Patrol
The Megunticook Watershed Association is a 501(c)3 membership organization whose mission is protect, preserve and promote the resiliency of the natural resources in the watershed to ensure a healthy ecosystem for the benefit and enjoyment of all. In fulfilling this mission, the MWA undertakes numerous activities, including water quality and wildlife monitoring, invasive plant inspections, public education, and advocacy.
Job Title: Lake Patrol
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: May – October, approximately 20 hours per week, to include full days on weekends and variable coverage on weekdays.
The Lake Patrol serves as the eyes and ears - and, for many, the face - of the Association on Lake Megunticook, Norton Pond and Megunticook River, carrying out patrols and courtesy safety inspections from May through October.
Duties and Responsibilities
Patrols:
Monitors the lake, ponds, and river for events, conditions, or activities that may impact the health of the ecosystem and the safety of people and property
Reports to Executive Director and Board on anything needing attention
Patrols are carried out primarily by boat, and sometimes on foot or by automobile (Patrol territory includes public and publicly accessible lands and waters)
Public Education:
Provides education to the public as to the importance of applicable laws and regulations for safety and environmental health. (Appointment as MWA Lake Patrol conveys no authority for enforcement of any laws or regulations.)
Offers courtesy advice to users of the watershed when violations are observed
Develops a close working relationship with relevant enforcement agencies and personnel (inland harbormasters, code enforcement, etc.)
Attends and reports at road association meetings, surrounding lake/pond association meetings, and town meetings as needed
Speaks to school groups and other interested groups about water safety and the watershed ecosystem
Wildlife Management:
In consultation with state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, conducts MWA’s on-going Canada Goose control program (egg addling)
Monitors Loon population
Monitors Beaver activity
Undertakes other projects to maintain a healthy and balanced wildlife population
Navigation Buoys and Signs:
Places and maintains (spring) and removes (fall) state navigational markers in compliance with Department of Parks and Lands contract and regulations
Monitors locations throughout the season
Administration
Writes weekly field reports for the Board of Directors
Maintains accurate time sheet and log of activities for the Executive Director
Keeps patrol boat clean, maintained, and fueled-up at all times
Works with Executive Director on getting Patrol Boat permitted, serviced, launched, and hauled at the beginning and end of season
Qualifications
Minimum High School diploma
Has or is able to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the geography, hydrology and ecosystem of the watershed, as well as of regulations regarding watersport safety and land use in proximity to water bodies
Ability to relate constructively with the general public, volunteers and local enforcement agencies
Experience in maneuvering, handling, and maintaining an outboard motorboat including towing
Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and conditions, as well as handling rough terrain on foot
Comfortable working with wildlife in the field
Self-starter who enjoys working alone but also enjoys engaging with the public
Clear communication skills, responsive, flexible, and available
Organized in keeping notes, drafting reports, and logging time
This is a part-time, hourly position. Hours are flexible and variable. Weekend work is required, especially during the summer boating season. Patrol must have reliable transportation. Lifting up to 50 pounds, able to work outdoors in all seasons, ability to walk over rough terrain, able to safely operate motorboat.
Please email cover letter and resume to: abby@megunticook.org. Position will remain open until filled.
We Want Your Opinion!
As a nonprofit organization working to protect, preserve, and promote the resiliency of the natural resources of the Megunticook Watershed, ensuring a healthy ecosystem for the benefit and safe enjoyment of all, we are looking for your input on what the organization should prioritize over the next five years.
Please share your feedback in this SHORT SURVEY.
JOB OPENINGS: Summer Courtesy Boat Inspectors
Help stop of the spread of invasive aquatic species in Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond
Do you want to earn some money this summer and help protect the Megunticook Watershed from aquatic invasive species? If so, we have a job for you as a Courtesy Boat Inspector on our Watershed Stewards Team!
Weekends (Friday-Sunday) and Holidays
Mid-June - Labor Day
Morning and Afternoon Shifts Available
$15/hour
Rt 52 Boat Ramp, Bog Bridge Boat Launch, and Breezemere Park
Training will be provided
Contact MWA Executive Director Abby Kidder with questions.
(Funding for this important project is provided by Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Courtesy Boat Inspection Cost Share Grant Program)
MWA Welcomes New Executive Director
Abby joins the Megunticook Watershed Association as Executive Director with over twenty-five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked with individuals, foundations, corporations and schools to achieve a variety of mission-driven and philanthropic goals.
After co-founding and directing the World Ocean School for over a decade, she moved into private philanthropy consulting, supporting families and individuals in guiding gifts and helping to structure and launch family charitable giving plans and foundations. Most recently she is serving as the Director of Internal Operations for a Boston-based global education company called CEA CAPA.
A graduate of Camden-Rockport High School, Abby grew up on the shores of Lake Megunticook where her grandparents and parents were active in the MWA. She has a Masters in Environmental Ethics and is a Certified Advisor in Philanthropy.
After many years of moving throughout the country, Abby and her partner Tom moved back to Camden two years ago. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to help further the mission of the MWA.
Winter on the Watershed
Remember winter?? Check out this video that Megunticook Watershed Association member Alison McKellar took of Megunticook Lake a few weeks ago. Enjoy (and thanks Alison)!
Ice Out Contest 2024!
while it seems like the ice just came in, believe it or not it is time for the annual Megunticook Lake Ice Out Contest! In past years, we have required entries two weeks in advance of ice out, but if anyone has peeked at the ten day forecast...it looks toasty. Therefore, we have made the decision to accept entries up to one week prior to ice out this year. When will that be? Who knows, that's the point!
The first prize entry will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Maine Sports Outfitters and second place pulls in a $50 gift card to Viking Lumber and Building Supplies. Thank you to our friends at Maine Sports and Viking for donating these great prizes!
To enter, send an email to me, tim@megunticook.org, with your name, contact info, and predicted ice out date AND time.
One entry per person and remember, entries must be one week in advance of ice out to be valid. “Ice Out” is called when a boat can navigate in open water from the outlet dams to the Ken Bailey Bridge where Norton Pond empties into the lake.
Thank you and good luck!
-Tim Trumbauer, Executive Director and Watershed Patrol
Please Prepare - Hurricane Lee
***The latest forecast shows that Hurricane Lee is still on track to impact the area this weekend - PLEASE PREPARE! We will be following our own advice and pulling the patrol boat tomorrow, and will be returning the boat to the water only when it is safe to do so. With the boat safely on the hard, we will be unable to render any assistance during the storm. If you have a true emergency, remember, as always, your first call should be to 911, but hopefully everyone properly prepares and we ride out the storm safely.***
Below is our previous message:
PLEASE pay close attention to the weather over the next few days as Hurricane Lee churns in our general direction. There is still a degree of uncertainty in the forecast, but now is the time to prepare for the worst!
There is a significant probabilty for high water, heavy rains, and high winds. Please remember that by properly preparing, you are not only protecting your own property, but you are preventing hazards from floating into the waterways and helping to prevent the trash racks, spillways, culverts and other restrictions from clogging. Recall during the flooding earlier this year that debris, including canoes and kayaks, obstructed the spillway, raising water levels and preventing a very unsafe situation for the workers that need to operate and maintain the dam.
When preparing your property, please remember the following steps - Pull, Secure, Label:
Pull - pull anything that could float or blow away well up on the shore. I recommend you pull it up as high on shore as you think you need to, then pull it up a few more feet!
Secure - after pulling items up on shore, make sure to tie down anything that could blow or float away, including canoes and kayaks, chairs, dock boxes, etc.
Label - label your items with a name and contact information. Even though I'm sure everyone will properly secure their waterfronts, JUST IN CASE we find your float or kayak out in the middle of the lake, we can get it returned ASAP :)
In addition, I would consider pulling boats out of the water if possible, double up lines, and check knots on floats, boats, or moorings.
We will do our best to keep everyone informed as Hurricane Lee approaches, but please keep an eye on the following forecast resources:
Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting from the National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Local Forecasts and Advisories from the National Weather Service's Gray/Portland Office: https://www.weather.gov/gyx/
Water Levels and Winter Prep
Hello Megunticook Watershed Association Members and Supporters,
I have a few things for your consideration:
Water Levels
Boats clog the East Dam trash rack during the April 30/May 1 flood, raising water levels.
I recently learned that the Town of Camden has scheduled required inspections for the East and West
Dams on September 11. To accomplish the inspection, I understand the Town will be gradually lowering the water level of Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond to approximately 24 inches below the spillway. Based on records of water levels for early September, that appears to be a fairly typical water level for that time of year and is also consistent with the Town's current operational guidelines. After the inspection, the Town said they will attempt to operate the dam to raise the water level back to 20 inches or so below the spillway to help with dock and float removal, before lowering to the winter level per the guidelines. Keep in mind that minimum flow requirements for the river must be met and there must be enough precipitation to raise water levels (which seems likely this year!) but there is no guarantee. Please plan accordingly!
Please also remember that MWA does not operate the dam or control water levels, but we do our best to keep our membership informed. If you would like to review the operational guidelines they are linked on our website here, and log books with historic records of lake levels are linked on the Town of Camden's website here.
Winter Prep
Speaking of water levels, it was just about 4 months ago that we experienced the torrential rains and associated flooding from the April 30/May 1 storm. We know that some canoes and kayaks got loose and clogged the trash rack which raised water levels by a foot or more during the flood, and we spent a few weeks tracking down docks, floats, and other debris. It also seems that more frequent and intense rain storms are becoming the norm, so we should unfortunately prepare for more high water events.
When preparing your property for the winter, please consider the following steps - Pull, Secure, Label:
Pull - pull anything that could float or blow away well up on the shore. I recommend you pull it up as high on shore as you think you need to, then pull it up a few more feet!
Secure - after pulling items up on shore, make sure to tie down anything that could blow or float away, including canoes and kayaks, chairs, dock boxes, etc.
Label - label your items with a name and contact information. Even though I'm sure everyone will properly secure their waterfronts, JUST IN CASE we find your float or kayak out in the middle of the lake, we can get it returned ASAP :)
Thank you!
Regards,
Tim Trumbauer
Executive Director and Watershed Patrol
Seaplane Rides to Benefit MWA
Dear MWA Members,
What absolutely glorious weather we are (finally) having! For those who would like an overview of our beautiful watershed and its fascinating topography, I’d like to remind you that Doug Kahn is offering seaplane rides from his base on Megunticook Lake as a means of generating donations to The Megunticook Watershed Association.
I went up with Doug last Sunday and it really was one of the highlights (if not the highlight) of my summer. It was just so much fun to see in person how exquisitely these waters and this land fit together in the Watershed’s tapestry. If you’d like more information on the rides and availability, you can find it at www.megunticookseaplanerides.com.
Thanks as always for your membership and please enjoy the rest of the season!
Best,
Micki Colquhoun
President of the Board
8/23 Community Conversation - Megunticook Watershed Project
Join the Megunticook River Citizens Advisory Committee (MRCAC) and respresentatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Wednesday, August 23, 4 PM at Camp Bishopswood for a community conversation on the Megunticook River Watershed Project. Details are on our events page here.
Wrap-Up: 8th Annual Megunticook Lake Concert
Even the boats were dancing at the 8th Annual Megunticook Lake Concert!
Estimates of more than 100 vessels (kayaks, canoes, party barges, motor boats, paddleboards, hoverboards, and even a seaplane flyover...) and 500 people were in attendance. THANK YOU to our hosts, Anne and Craig Battle and Lucinda Ziesing, and to Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations for the amazing tunes - what a night!
2023 Poker Run Results
Congrats to Linda Holt who won the 2nd Annual Megunticook Watershed Association's Poker Run with a flush of spades!! We had a beautiful (but blustery) evening out on the lake. Congrats to all of our participants for showing off their amazing docking skills in the wind !
And a special thank you to our dock hosts and volunteers, and to Sander Falzone with AMI graphics for supplying our flags and the annual stickers!
2023 Annual Meeting Summary
Thank you to everyone who attended the Megunticook Watershed Association’s 2023 Annual Meeting, and thank you to our hosts at Camp Bishopswood. We welcomed new and renewing board members, reported on the organizational finances, received in update on MWA programs and water quality, and heard from the Megunticook River Citizens Advisory Committee.
Below you will find a link to download the Draft Meeting Minutes (to be reviewed and approved at the 2024 Annual Meeting) and a copy of the presentation on water quality given by executive director Tim Trumbauer. If you have any questions about the meeting or the presentation, please email us: info@megunticook.org
MWA Hosts Megunticook River Citizens Advisory Committee
On Thursday, July 26, MWA was pleased to host the Megunticook River Citizen's Advisory Committee for a boat trip on Megunticook Lake yesterday evening. We talked about our programs, water quality, water levels, the river project, and all sorts of great water related topics. Bonus, we just dodged what looked like some pretty gnarly storms.
Learn more about the Citizen's Advisory Committee here: https://www.camdenmaine.gov/.../megunticook.../index.php
(Photo credit Lauren Caffe/FB Environmental)
Official Loon Count Results
On Saturday, July 15 from 7:00 - 7:30 AM executive director Tim Trumbauer several dedicated volunteers participated in Maine Audubon’s Official Loon Count! Each counting team is assigned a specific zone on Norton Pond, Megunticook Lake, and the Megunticook River, and only loons spotted during the official 30 minute count window are added to the tally. This year, we counted 11 adults and 4 chicks, for a total of 15 loons. According to previous results available since 1983, the average total annual loon count is just under 19 with a high of 28 in 1999 and 2004 and a low of 8 in 1984. While this year’s total count is a bit below average, we were encouraged that the 5 chicks counted this year well exceed the average of just under 2 chicks per year.
We should also note that the survey period was significantly foggy with very limited visibility. (A familiar condition this summer…) Despite our best efforts, there is a lot of water to cover in a short period of time and it is highly likely some loons were not counted, especially along Megunticook Lake, due to the conditions.
A special thank you to our volunteers who ranged in age from 14 to 93!
Megunticook River Monitoring Project
With funding from the Town of Camden and technical support from FB Environmental, the Megunticook Watershed Association installed 7 continuous data loggers in the Megunticook River, from just downstream of the East Dam all the way to Montgomery Dam. The data loggers will capture important water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity, to help evaluate the health of the Megunticook River. We hope this project will be sustainable for future years, and we look forward to sharing and interpreting the data we will be collecting!
An Ode to Native Plants
Greetings, Watershedders! It’s spring and you know what that means? It’s time to plant! Nurseries wow you this time of year with all their fresh stock just ready for a new home. And you had all winter to contemplate What Makes a Better Buffer, the article in the fall newsletter, and are raring to load up on plants, especially natives, to built up that oh, so important zone at the edge of your waterway. Right?
Oh. I can see the eye rolls now. But it IS important. As a refresher, please read for the post on www.megunticook.org. Still not fired up? Well, to borrow a well-known phrase (my thanks to Nike), just do it. There has to be something about the watershed that is important enough for you to help out, to make one small step toward ensuring great water quality in the years to come. Here are some suggestions:
There is so much in the news about pollinator decline. So make that your goal - to help pollinators. Even a plant in a pot can feed a bee, if it has nectar or pollen or both. And when they visit they get dusted with pollen to transport to the next flower. Voila! Seeds can happen! Do it for pollinators!
Maybe you love butterflies. I call them the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitts of the garden. We want to attract them, we want to watch them. ( They pollinate too but not on the A list for that) They bring beauty. That’s fine. How to attract them - plant plants that their caterpillars eat! Yes! The happy caterpillars feed on specific plants - the go-to example is the Monarch butterfly with its absolute need for milkweed to feed on, but there are so many others - so plant for them and they will come. Do it for butterflies!
How many people thrill to the sight of birds? And I am not in this case thinking of loons or eagles. I am thinking of Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, both of which used to nest in the trees on our property. I am thinking of Eastern Phoebes who love to build nests on the eaves of buildings. I am thinking of Tree Swallows which can be encouraged to nest in wooden nest boxes, that is if Black-capped Chickadees don’t get there first. They need insects to feed their babies or else they disappear. ( Which three are getting to be less frequently seen in the Watershed?) Native plants are not only best - they are essential. They Are Essential. Soft caterpillars are the food of choice for song birds and their young in our yards. Trees and shrubs especially are the star performers here. Add them to your yard. They grow surprisingly fast and start helping immediately. Birds are inadvertent cheerleaders for the natural world. They are out and about during the day. They are visible; many are colorful. And they sing! Oh, yes, do it for the birds!
What if your main interest is fishing? You can help in a big way as well. Fish need clear clean water to thrive and grow. They are big benefactors of planted buffers along the edge of the water. Buffer plants have deep roots and hold back runoff so much better than the wimpy skimpy roots of grass. When we get rains, it seems that now it just pours. And the buffer area is the gate keeper for all that water runoff that could have pollutants in it. Getting rid of lawn has an added benefit - less time for mowing, more time for fishing! There is another reason that buffer plants help fish: these edge plants can provide insect and berry food for fish as well. Furthermore helping protect the water quality of course is ideal for populations of the other fish food, smaller fish, insects, all that food web! So there is a win- win-win-win situation. Do it for fish!
It is hard for me to conceive of anyone who would not be willing to do something to help out this wildlife at a time when there is so much need. But if you really can’t see your way to be inspired by this “pep talk” then what about you? What about your enjoyment of the environment? Swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing, all the fun things with power boats, all of these activities are dependent on water quality. And so much of water quality is dependent on our use of the land, and particularly the land right next to the water. Every year there is the chance for more development and cutting down of trees. Alas, there is now hemlock woolly adelgid in areas of the watershed, a pest that could be the death of hemlock trees that grow close to the water. What a loss in so many ways that could be. What additional erosion possibilities. And there is always the issue of camp roads that are a never ending source of phosphorus that can cause algae blooms. It’s not just about buffers any more; it’s about keeping a good layering of vegetation on all properties. So just do it for all of us!
And now I will get back to tending the extra new plants for our buffer, adding them in to the ones new last fall. Yes, I am a serious, lifelong gardener, it’s true, but everyone including me needs inspiration to keep planting. In my case it’s all the above, plus two dear little people named Keldan and Isla, my grandchildren. I do it for them too.
- Amy Campbell, is an MWA member who has spent part of every summer of her life on Megunticook Lake and always enjoys learning and sharing new things about life of all kinds in the watershed.
Great 4th of July Boat Parade!
More than 20 boats turned up for the Norton Pond 4th of July Boat Parade! We somehow miraculously dodged the many heavy downpours that were surrounding the area and were able to make a full lap around the pond without any rain. Thank you to everyone who participated, especially those who brought all that extra patriotic flair! We are already looking forward to next year…
MWA Hosts Lake Stewards of Maine Volunteers
Executive Director Tim Trumbauer and Board Member Paul Leeper were pleased to welcome volunteer water quality monitors from throughout the region for an annual training hosted by the Lake Stewards of Maine. The Lake Stewards of Maine volunteer program is a community-based monitoring program that certifies volunteers and water quality professionals in sampling techniques, ensuring accurate water quality data. Current there are approximately 500 certified monitors throughout the state - that’s a lot of volunteers generating a lot of great data on behalf of our lakes and ponds!
Monitors, including those on Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond collect water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and phosphorus levels.
The Megunticook Watershed Association has participated in the program since 1975.
