Raymond Conservation Committee

Raymond Pond and Crescent Lake Watershed Surveys Completed

Results were presented at March 7 Conservation Commission Meeting 

By John Rand and Elizabeth Algeo

With help from dedicated volunteer Raymond citizens, the Raymond Conservation Commission and Maine Department of Environmental Protection have completed surveys of the Raymond Pond and Crescent Lake Watersheds. The purpose of these studies was to identify soil erosion sites and other "non-point sources" of pollution that pose a threat to long term water quality of the lakes. Of equal importance was raising awareness among property owners of the connections between land use and water quality and encouraging people to become active stewards of land and water resources.

The survey identified 71 sites that are impacting the water quality of Raymond Pond and 140 sites that are impacting Crescent Lake. Most of the sites are located on private shore front properties and on camp roads and driveways. Town roads, beach and shore access areas represent a smaller but significant number of the erosion sites.

It is well documented in Maine and around the country (and world) that phosphorus causes water quality problems in ponds and lakes. Using zero phosphate detergents in and around our homes and waterfront camps, and maintaining or replacing old septic systems helps reduce the phosphorus load to the pond. Less well known is that naturally occurring phosphorus is attached to fine sand, silt and clay particles that make up our soils. Bare soils that are exposed during construction projects, that are present on our camp roads and driveways, and that are exposed by uncontrolled foot traffic can easily erode. Soil eroded during rain storms and snow melt migrates downhill over the land and in streams, contributing a real and substantial load of phosphorus to the pond. Indeed, pond and lake water quality problems result from the cumulative effects of numerous sites, not just from one or two high impact sites.

The next step in the process is to fix the erosion sites. The Conservation Commission is assisting Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District with applying for a grant to demonstrate erosion control remedies at a number of visible sites. This effort would also educate the public about erosion and water quality. Our hope is that Road Associations and private landowners will come forward for help in remedying their own sites. Depending on resources, technical assistance will be available to help design road maintenance practices and shore- land plantings that protect water quality.

The Raymond Conservation Commission and Maine DEP presented the results of both surveys on March 7^th. The CCSWCD will also be there to describe the proposed tasks and goals of the demonstration project grant. Copies of the survey reports will be available. Please come to this meeting and give us the local knowledge and support needed to make Watershed Stewardship successful on your Raymond Lakes.

For more information contact the Conservation Commission (Elizabeth Algeo 655-6965) or John Rand (655-4277).

The Raymond Conservation Commission meets the last Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at Jordan-Small School (except in July and August).  The agenda focuses on land use, water quality, education and regional programs.  Meetings are open to all interested citizens.  See school calendar for meeting dates.  For more information contact Priscilla Rand (655-4894).