Meeting held July 17, 2011 @ Kings Grant-10:00 AM
Peggy opened the meeting at 10:00 to the attendance of approximately 50 people.
SECRETARY’S REPORT–Debbie Boothby
Moved to adopt the Secretaries Report of 2010.
VOTED: All in favor
TREASURER’S REPORT- Marie Connolly
Moved to adopt the Treasurers Report
VOTED: All in Favor
BYLAWS– Neil Jensen
Neil explained the changes and the number of hours the committee put into this. A warm thank you was given to the committee.
Moved to adopt the ByLaws
VOTED: All in favor
319 GRANT - Peggy Jensen
Peggy explained that Noralee will not be with us to complete the rest of our 2011 projects. We need volunteers. It’s our understanding there will be no grant for 2012. We are at the end of our grant.
HAZARD MARKERS- Phillip Boissoneault
If the markers are moved, please let Phil know. Anything within 200 feet of the shore can’t be marked.
WATER QUALITY- Phillip Boissoneault
Phil recognized Charlie Turner for collecting water samples, the measurement of water, and water temperature. Phil explained the use of the Secchi Disk and what it does and how it works. 2010 water quality got better than 2009 and is stable. Panther Ponds water quality is pretty good. Temperature readings, oxygen level and water level are good.
MILFOIL MANAGEMENT– Mary McCormick
A sample of milfoil was shared with the members. Mary explained what was cleared from the Jordan River has stayed cleared. Quite pleased with how well it is doing. The black tarps are going to need some manpower in order to be pulled out of the river. Volunteers? Mary runs the Milfoiler boat in Sebago Lake.
Peggy thanked people who have pulled milfoil in the past.
PPIPPERS – PANTHER POND INVASIVE PLANT PATROLLERS - Sibyl French & Bunny Wescott
A survey of Panther Pond and 13 reports have been given to VLMP (in Auburn) for 2010. At this time 426 different Maine lakes have been surveyed since 2002. 100 more surveyed since 2009. They are always looking for people to help survey other areas. If interested, please see Sibyl or Bunny.
Informational Plant Paddle - Sibyl French
Bunny Wescott, Sibyl French, and Noralee Raymond will lead a paddle tour to view native aquatic plants on Panther Pond.
VLMP Field Survey Training
VLMP – is holding Invasive Plant Training on Crescent Lake on 8/20 at 8:30 AM. Opened to anybody who is interested. Training is free. Sign up is needed. Call VLMP and ask for Johnnie.
The question was asked about seaplanes bringing in invasive plants when they take off and visit other lakes. This has been brought up before and is being looked into. Concern in regards to Bass Tournaments being held on different lakes and bringing in invasive plants. Bass participants are our friends. They are becoming more and more helpful in being vigilant in looking for invasive plants and clearing their boats and each other’s before entering the waters.
Jordan Small Elementary School 3rd Grade Erosion Control Project – Peggy Jensen
Peggy explained Brian was out of town and is our Environmental Officer for PPA. Brian was contacted by the 3rd grade teacher. The students were learning about erosion and how to protect the water and would like to do some fieldwork on a lake. The fieldwork was done at Slovenski Camps . The entire 3rd grade class was prepared and pumped for the field trip. Blueberry bushes were purchased by the Allens and planted along the banks to prevent erosion. The class was so involved even after they returned to the classroom.
LOON NEST PLATFORMS– Dick Anderson
Dick has been researching on how to make platforms for the loons on Panther Pond. In his research and phone calls to Bio Research Institute and a few other places, there’s some discussion on whether a permit is needed to put them in the lake. He doesn’t think we can do anything until somebody calls him back from the Bio Research Institute in Gorham. Somebody suggested he get in contact with a Game Warden.
ALGAE CONTROL – Phillip Boissoneault
Cotton Candy Algae (metaphyton) – Normal
Gloeotrichia Colony (fuzzy balls) – Dartmouth & Bates Colleges are researching Panther Pond. Samples have been taken from different areas. Their goal is to find out if gloeotrichia will contribute to phosphorus? We know that when the gloeotrichia dies in the winter months it settles to the bottom. The right conditions will form a colony and rises to the surface in the summer. Does it take phosphorus from the bottom sediments?
Gloeo is a blue green algae that can cause rash, toxins, but not prevalent in NE.
TENNEY RIVER PROJECT – John Palmer
John lives close by to the Tenney River and has concerns about the clear cutting that was done in the area and was never cleaned up. His biggest concern is about potential development because the land is For Sale! At this time, appraisal has been done on the land. The Boy Scouts would own the land and Loon Echo Land Trust would hold a conservation easement on it. If this is pulled off, they may come out and ask for participation in this project to stop further development. Looking at a grant vision as well.
OTHER BUSINESS – Peggy Jensen
Recognized Marie Connolly for the work that has been done researching the 501.C.3. Peggy and Marie went into the IRS to resolve this issue. Hours of research found nothing had been filed in the past. The paperwork has now been filed to qualify for a 501.c.3 non-profit. We haven’t received approval from the IRS yet.
PUBLIC ACCESS
Brian Walker reports there are no changes in this area. IF anybody hears of any rumors of something coming in, please let us know as soon as possible.
NEW COMMITTEES – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Peggy reports we need to expand the committees. We need someone to do a Publicity Committee. Contacting newspapers with events, taking some pictures of events, etc.
A Picnic Committee for this event.
Asking people to step up to help on maybe one project a year.
TOM’S OF MAINE
Tom’s of Maine called Peggy and asked if they could help pull the tarps out the Jordan River. Tom’s likes to give back to the communities. Of course we welcomed their offer! Thanks Tom’s of Maine.
HACKERS HILL – Connie Cross
Connie explained the selling of 27 acres of Hackers Hill and the public wanting to keep it as is. The owners have offered to sell for the amount of $700,000 to be raised in 1 year. At this time, Lands for Maine’s Future has already given $220,000. Connie passed out an informational brochure if anybody would like to contribute to this worthy cause.
MEETING ADJOURNED At 12:00 PM
VOTED: Yes
