July 21, 2023

Top ways to love your lakes

By Nancy Crilly-Kirk
Raymond Waterways Protective Association


“No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.” Unknown

The raymond Waterways Protective Association champions
the quality of Raymond's bodies of water, including Panther
Pond, eradicating invasive milfoil, and overseeing 
erosion-control projects, among other projects.
COURTESY PHOTO  
The health of Raymond—economically, socially, and in quality of our lives-- lies in the health of our lakes. All of us – as Raymond residents, summer visitors, shorefront owners, boaters, taxpayers, camp and business owners, adults and kids can help or hurt the lakes in so many ways. Everyone and everything counts in preserving what are the most beautiful lakes in the world.

The Raymond Waterways Protective Association (RWPA) has for several years championed the preservation of the quality of Raymond’s three lakes and two ponds by educating the public, eradicating invasive milfoil, establishing the Courtesy Boat Inspector program at 4 boat launches in town, monitoring water quality, overseeing erosion-control projects, and advocating for clean lakes. RWPA is a non-profit organization, with a volunteer board of directors. We welcome your membership, your concern for our lakes, and your volunteerism. More information is on our web site: raymondwaterways.org.

How can you help? Here are some tips:

Stop mowing! GO NATIVE!”

“If you live on the shoreline, plant and encourage native plants on your property. They thrive with little special attention, once established. They don't need fertilizing. They provide food and shelter for wildlife. They help hold soil in place and they can slow down stormwater runoff, preventing the importation of phosphorus to our lakes. – Peggy Jensen, President of the Raymond Waterways Protective Association

Buy and Use Special Erosion Control Mulch

“It’s denser and finer than regular mulch and its structure creates a natural buffer on paths and the lakefront. It holds water and soil in place, so phosphates don’t run into the lake, creating algae growth. It’s available for $35 a cubic yard picked up in Naples. – Matt Durgin, Naples

Always get a permit before buildingDoug Irish, of Doug Irish Builders, Raymond

Join and Support the RWPA:

RWPA appreciates all the support from the past. However, RWPA still needs your support to continue our other programs such as Courtesy Boat Inspectors and Water Quality Monitoring in all Raymond ponds and lakes. We hope to expand these and to add to programs to preserve the water quality of the lakes we love. – Marie Connolly, Treasurer of RWPA:

Send donations to: RWPA PO Box 1243. Raymond, ME 04071 or look for the red tab on the website Raymondwaterways.org to contribute by PayPal or credit card.

“Learn more about your lake:

About the scientific measurements (how they’re done and why they’re important, whether they’re changing over time); bathymetry, the water currents, the bottom composition; the extent of the watershed that feeds the lake, and potential sources of pollution; about the people who’ve shaped the “personality” of the lake; the social and commercial history; the gunkholes and prop busters, the natural springs and fishing holes; what happens in the winter; the animals that live in and around the lake, and depend on it for their livelihood; native plants, both terrestrial and aquatic; where the water comes from and where it goes. – Neil Jensen, Board Member, RWPA

Go to Raymondwaterways.org and click on “Helpful Links” to learn more.

Complete the survey for Raymond’s Comprehensive Plan
Peter Leavitt. Co-Chair Raymond Comprehensive Plan

In his talk at the RWPA Annual Meeting in early July, Peter Leavitt explained how Raymond is working on a new Raymond Comprehensive Plan that will guide its planning and development for the next decade. Any resident or taxpayer in Raymond can complete it.

We urge you to stress how important the lakes are to Raymond’s success.

Go to: compplan.raymondmaine.org and tell the town how important clean lakes are in Raymond.

Boaters: Check, Drain, and Dry

Zebra mussels, an invasive species that spreads microscopically, were recently discovered in New Hampshire lakes. There is no way to eradicate zebra mussels once they are introduced. That makes it even more important for you to check your boat for any plant or animal material, including draining the live well, and spraying down the boat and equipment at least 30 feet away from a lake or pond. Ensure the wash water will not flow back into any water body. Alternatively let the boat dry off for five days to kill the Zebra Mussel larvae.

Invasive species will ruin the clear water and beautiful waterfronts that we love. Besides Zebra Mussels, the threat of Milfoil and other invasive species remain as well. Please do your part and check your boats even when a courtesy boat inspector isn’t at the boat launch! It’s very low effort and the benefits are invaluable. – Lianne Parmalee, Former Intern, RWPA

No comments:

Post a Comment