Projects

McGrath Pond & Salmon Lake Association projects and efforts toward its mission include:

  • Courtesy Boat Inspections
  • LakeSmart
  • Youth Conservation Corp
  • Narrows Preserve
  • Annual Invasive Plant Patrols
  • 2017 Watershed Survey (see WATERSHED SURVEY tab)

Courtesy Boat Inspections  — Our First Defense for Water Quality

Our Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBI) are the opportunity to educate boaters about the threat of invasive species and the importance of checking boat and trailer EVERY TIME it is put in the water and taken out.  MPSLA funds our partners at the 7 Lakes Alliance who manage the BRCA-paid staff that covers Salmon’s Boat Launch during summer vacations from 7-3 on weekends, 7-noon Mondays-Thursdays and 7-1 on Fridays

Why does CBI matter? A volunteer CBI found and saved Salmon Lake from three different invasive weeds in 2016 – variable milfoil, Eurasion milfoil, and curly-leaf pondweed.  CBI is an opportunity to help by volunteering, see more information here about when and how you can help.

LakeSmartLakeSmart-sign

As LakeSmart coordinators for the MPSLA, Kim and Dave Hallee inform shore owners of ways to prevent pollution and minimize harmful nutrient runoff into the water. LakeSmart recognizes properties that are maintained in a way that helps to preserve the lake’s cleanliness. Look for the LakeSmart symbol on properties that have been recognized for their better management practices, and become a LakeSmart property enthusiast.
Contact us at: 207-873-5285. Be sure to log onto: www.mainelakessociety.org , for more details of what the LakeSmart initiative is all about. More info.

Maine Lakes Society  has a new LakeSmart Video for You to Share. It is incredibly cool – Check it out!

YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS  For Help with Erosion Control

The Conservation Corps’ mission is to reduce sources of pollution in our lakes through the installation of erosion control-projects known as BMPs (best management practices).  Founded in 1996, this self-sustaining summer program has completed more than 1400 BMPs on all seven lakes in the Belgrades’ watershed.

Let us know if you know of an eroding site that needs stabilizing.  The YCC Director is available to assess how your property may affect water quality in our lakes. Labor is provided free of charge; landowners pay for materials and any permit fees.  For YCC’s free labor, the schedule for 2022 is still open.  BMPs will be recommended to homeowner, who can decide if theirs is a DIY project, or one for professional landscaper if a wait for YCC is unappealing.  This way you can get going if you have an urge to fix known erosion problems.   Contact Nathan Durant at (207) 495-6039 or brcacc@belgradelakes.org.

Narrows Preserve

MPSLA has undertaken the stewardship of the Narrows Preserve which is part of Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance (BRCA) land trust. The Narrows Preserve land starts just after the last camp on the East side of McGrath Pond and ends approximately two-thirds of the way through the narrows heading into Salmon Lake. On the land/roadside, on Town Farm road, the property begins shortly after Watts Trail and ends alongside the gated path. LakeSmart signs at water and roadside are the only outward signs of the preserve at this time.
MPSLA volunteers continues to work with BRCA on the direction and development of the trail and monitors the trail regularly. The potential trail layout of the land has begun and completion of it is to be determined. The trail will be opened first from the water side of the Narrows Preserve.

Invasive plant survey of Salmon Lake and McGrath Pond

The invasive plant survey occurs each August with the help of many volunteers in kayaks & canoes.

BRCA DASH Boat

BRCA  has built a DASH (diver assisted suction harvester) to use in our milfoil removal efforts.  Colby has helped us outfit it with the pump system.

From Toni at the BRCA

See WATERSHED SURVEY tab for more information about the September 2017 survey.