News – Mcgrath Pond – Salmon Lake Assocation https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org MPSLA Stewardship involves you. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:03:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-MPSLA-logo-2016B-32x32.jpg News – Mcgrath Pond – Salmon Lake Assocation https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org 32 32 MPSLA Annual Meeting 2026 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/mpsla-annual-meeting-2026/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:49:57 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=7855

MPSLA Annual Meeting 2026

North Belgrade Community Center,

July 9th , 6:00-7:30 pm

Presentation by:

Lynn Geiger, 7 Lakes Alliance 

“The Importance of Watershed Surveys & How to Get Involved”

]]> MPSLA Annual Meeting 2025 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/mpsla-annual-meeting-2025/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:28:04 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=7845 Read more]]> The Annual Meeting of the McGrath Pond-Salmon Lake Association will be at Pleasant Point Park this year and is scheduled for Thursday, August 7th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Presentation by Mel Croft

Listening to the Rocks
400,000,000 Years of Our Belgrade Lakes

Rain Date AUGUST 8th with notification by 3:00 pm on FB and email

]]> McGrath Pond Sampling Program https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/water-sampling-program/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 15:24:53 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=5391 Read more]]> McGrath Pond Sampling Program
By the MPSLA Water Quality Committee

In 2021, MPSLA learned that an important water quality indicator in McGrath Pond is higher than in the other Belgrade Lakes. Further, the trend of the data over time shows this indicator has been rising slowly but steadily in McGrath Pond since the 1970s, with no sign of tapering off. Salmon Lake has some elevation also, which is not surprising, as it receives much of its water from McGrath Pond. The MPSLA Water Quality Committee has been investigating to find the cause.

Most Maine lakes have been sampled for basic water quality parameters since the early 1970s. One of them is Specific Conductance (SC), a measure of the water’s ability to conduct an electric current. A high reading results from many ions in the water and can indicate the presence of contaminants, although that’s not always the case. A high reading means that there are dissolved elements or molecules in the water (other than H2O), whether their source is natural or artificial.

A review of both historic and recent data from the McGrath Pond sampling station at the deepest point in the lake indicates something about the possible source of high SC in the pond. Here, the level does not fluctuate substantially during the course of the year, telling us that deicing chemicals washing off the roads are not the primary cause. The multi-decade SC increase is likely related to groundwater entering the lake because the year-in, year-out steady readings indicate a constant rather than seasonal source.

Last spring, we acquired a SC meter and used it to measure seven streams entering McGrath Pond. These streams convey surface-water runoff in wet weather. During dry periods, groundwater at the top of the water table seeps into the streambeds, maintaining a small flow. Measuring monthly from May to October 2022, we found that streams on the east side of the McGrath Pond have average SC readings about three times those of streams on the west and north sides (see map graphic).

This information leads us to focus on the Oakland solid waste facility on the east side of Town Farm Road, which included the town’s open landfill until about 1990, when it was capped to minimize the infiltration of rainfall and snow melt. Water percolating through a landfill will pick up contaminants, and that “leachate” carries the contaminants into the groundwater. Although the landfill cap reduced the creation of new leachate, it’s possible that leachate formed during landfilling decades ago, made its way downhill, through the bedrock and overlying soil, and has been gradually reaching the lake.

Twelve property owners provided us with laboratory test results for their potable wells, and those data show good quality water in the deep groundwater on both sides of the pond, down 200 to 300 feet. So, we believe the high SC water entering McGrath Pond is likely coming from shallow groundwater — and some surface water — in the eastern watershed.

Based on the information gathered so far, there’s a need for further testing to determine what environmental impacts, if any, these inputs have on the lake, streams and nearby potable wells that are less than 200 feet deep. Our next step is to sample the lake, streams, and groundwater for elements and compounds that are typically found in landfill leachate, including PFAS (“forever chemicals”).

So far, we have benefited from existing data, a donated meter, and volunteer efforts, with no direct cost to MPSLA. The next steps will require funding because the laboratory tests are rather expensive, and we will seek town and DEP assistance as we move forward.

Just as this article goes to press, we’ve learned that Maine DEP has conducted sampling in McGrath Pond focusing on landfill-specific contaminants. The preliminary results indicate PFAS compounds in McGrath Pond waters at just over nine parts per trillion (ppt), about one- half the state safe drinking water limit of 20 ppt. DEP has also measured PFAS compounds in fish flesh from McGrath Pond and found levels of concern in black crappie and large-mouth bass. We expect to learn more details from DEP in the coming weeks.

As for MPSLA’s sampling program going forward, once we have all the information, we will consult with Maine DEP and the town of Oakland before deciding on the best course of action.

]]> Maine CDC Fish Consumption Advisory https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/maine-cdc-fish-consumption-advisory/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 14:00:33 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=5379 Read more]]>

McGrath Pond – Salmon Lake Association received this advisory from Maine CDC and believes that it should be available to the MPSLA community.

2022 Fish Tissue PFOS Data for McGrath Pond in Oakland

Prepared by Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention   May 25, 2023

]]> July 4th Boat Parade https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/july-4th-boat-parade/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:56:04 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=4756 July 4th – McGrath Pond Independence Day Flotilla / boat parade will start at 3:00PM,
so join the crowd collecting in the waters near Pleasant Point Park.
Decorations are encouraged!
]]> MPSLA Annual Meeting 2023 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/mpsla-annual-meeting-2023/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 23:06:30 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=5334 Read more]]> The Annual Meeting of the McGrath Pond – Salmon Lake Association will be held outside at the Pleasant Point Park and is scheduled for Thursday, August 10th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 

Rain Date: Friday, August 11th, 6:00-7:30 pm

Presentation – The Youth Conservation Corps – They Really Dig It!

Our speaker will be Stuart Cole of  7 Lakes Alliance,
who is Erosion Control Project Coordinator 
 We have enough bleachers to facilitate seating, so there is no need to bring your own chairs.
Please come and Join us!

Notification of change to rain date will be by 3 pm on FB and email!

]]> MPSLA Pot-Luck Supper https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/mpsla-supper/ Mon, 22 May 2023 23:29:48 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=5340 MPSLA Barbecue & Pot-Luck Supper

July 20th – 5:30 pm on the shore of McGrath Pond

Join us and meet your Lake neighbors
RSVP for directions: mpslassociation@gmail.com

]]> MPSLA Annual Meeting 2022 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/mpsla-annual-meeting2022/ Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:42:12 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=2683 Read more]]> The Annual Meeting of the McGrath Pond – Salmon Lake Association will be held outside at the Pleasant Point Park and is scheduled for Thursday, August 11th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.  Rain Date: Friday, August 12th, 6:00-7:30 pm

Presentation – Invasive Aquatics: the threats they pose and how you can prevent them.

Our speaker will be  Sharon Mann of  7 Lakes Alliance, who runs the Invasives and Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) programs in the Belgrade Lakes.

The meeting will be observing CDC & Maine Covid19 guidelines. Masks are optional, but encouraged.  We are asking everyone to bring your own chair to avoid having to sanitize chairs.

]]> News & Events https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/news-events/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:40:01 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=2953

MPSLA Calendar

Consider renewing your membership today to Support McGrath Pond / Salmon Lake Association

MPSLA Annual Meeting 2026

MPSLA Annual Meeting 2026 North Belgrade Community Center, July 9th , 6:00-7:30 pm Presentation by: Lynn Geiger, 7 Lakes Alliance  “The Importance of Watershed Surveys & How to Get Involved”

Read More

MPSLA Annual Meeting 2025

The Annual Meeting of the McGrath Pond-Salmon Lake Association will be at Pleasant Point Park this year and is scheduled for Thursday, August 7th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Presentation by Mel Croft Listening to the Rocks 400,000,000 Years of Our…

Read More

McGrath Pond Sampling Program

McGrath Pond Sampling Program By the MPSLA Water Quality Committee In 2021, MPSLA learned that an important water quality indicator in McGrath Pond is higher than in the other Belgrade Lakes. Further, the trend of the data over time shows…

Read More

Maine CDC Fish Consumption Advisory

McGrath Pond – Salmon Lake Association received this advisory from Maine CDC and believes that it should be available to the MPSLA community. 2022 Fish Tissue PFOS Data for McGrath Pond in Oakland Prepared by Maine Center for Disease Control…

Read More

July 4th Boat Parade

July 4th – McGrath Pond Independence Day Flotilla / boat parade will start at 3:00PM, so join the crowd collecting in the waters near Pleasant Point Park. Decorations are encouraged!

Read More

MPSLA Annual Meeting 2023

The Annual Meeting of the McGrath Pond – Salmon Lake Association will be held outside at the Pleasant Point Park and is scheduled for Thursday, August 10th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.  Rain Date: Friday, August 11th, 6:00-7:30 pm Presentation – The…

Read More
 
]]> Lawns & Lakes https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/lawns-lakes/ Fri, 11 Dec 2020 20:23:41 +0000 https://www.mcgrathpond-salmonlake.org/?p=2381 Read more]]> HOW WELL DO LAWNS FILTER RUNOFF?   DIG DEEP FOR THE ANSWER

By: John Barten, Water Quality Mgr. Hennepin Parks. Written for Focus 10,000- Minnesota’s Lakeside Magazine

With the coming of summer, local, regional and statewide publications have been printing numerous articles extolling the virtues of lush green lawns as filters for runoff water, and encouraging the use of fertilizers and herbicides to grow these lawns. As concerned lake users, we need to be aware of the limitations of lawns as runoff filters, and make an informed assessment of what is really needed to maintain an adequate lawn.

Research done at Penn State University as well as other places shows that properly established and managed turf on good soils can filter runoff water. While this may be true, it is also true that most lawns are not established on good soils.

During the home construction process, most lots are repeatedly driven over with earthmovers, bulldozers, and trucks loaded with concrete and other building materials. After the building is completed, the compacted ground is leveled, covered with one to two inches of black dirt, and then seeded or sodded. In many suburban lots, the ground is so hard that a sharp metal soil probe cannot be pushed more than tow or three inches into the lawn. Unfortunately, neither grass roots nor rainfall can easily penetrate the compacted ground. As a result of the compaction, the typical residential lawn cannot filter runoff like the test plots at research facilities.

Compounding the compaction problem is the fact that turf grasses have a very shallow rooting depth (two to four inches). Effective infiltration of rainfall is limited to the top few inches of the turf, severely limiting the ability of turf to filter runoff. Conversely, native grasses, trees and shrubs have a rooting depth of two to three feet, resulting in a much higher rainfall infiltration capacity, and more effective filtering of runoff. In addition, the taller vegetation in natural buffer areas and landscape beds slows down raindrops and runoff water, allowing more time for infiltration. Therefore, properly established and managed natural buffer areas and landscape beds have the capacity to infiltrate runoff much more effectively than turf areas.

Another important point is that poor turf does not necessarily mean more pollutant runoff. A study of lawn runoff quality by Hennepin Parks showed that medium fertility lawns had a significantly higher suspended solids concentration than high fertility lawns, but medium fertility lawns had a much lower phosphorus concentration in runoff water. This suggests that lush lawns are more of a water quality problem than poorer turf lawns.

The reason that the lush lawns had such a high phosphorus concentration ins runoff water is that they had phosphorus fertilizer applied to them. Most lawns in Minnesota (approximately 80 percent) have soils that are saturated with phosphorus, and do not need any more added to them. Therefore, the only fertilizer that will not create a water quality problem is a phosphorus-free product. It does not make any difference what kind of phosphorous is applied; if your lawn has enough, whatever is added will just be washed off with rainfall runoff water. Adding phosphorus fertilizer to a lawn is like pouring coffee into a full cup. It is going to spill over. The good news is that we do not have to choose between poor lawns and clean lakes. Studies on golf courses clearly show that turf does not necessarily have to degrade water quality. The phosphorus concentration in golf course runoff water was one-half of the concentration in medium fertility lawn runoff, and one fifth that from very high fertility lawns. The difference is that golf course operators do not apply phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a need for it. Many golf courses have very high quality turf, and good runoff water quality. In order to maintain high quality turf, golf course managers need to aerate the soil regularly to reduced compaction, overseed bare or thin turf areas, maintain adequate organic matter in the soil, and established turf on till subsoil to encourage a deeper rooting depth. By implementing these practices, and raising the mower cut height to three inches or higher, the impact of lawns on water quality can be significantly reduced.

However, the most important thing you can do for our lakes is to insist on a true phosphorus free fertilizer product. Remember, as golf courses have shown, you can have good turf and protect water quality by using a phosphorus free fertilizer.

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