2012

2 2012 Annual Report

Mission

Formed in 2008, we are a nonprofit

coalition of lake associations,

municipalities and local conservation organizations with a shared mission:

To preserve, protect and

improve the land and water

quality in the 30 Mile River

Watershed.

Dear Friends,

Five years ago, the 30 Mile River Watershed Association brought together area towns, lake associations, and conservation organizations to collaborate in a larger, coordinated effort to protect the lakes we all love. Thanks to the very generous donations of time and funds from our loyal supporters, each year we have continued to expand our programs throughout the watershed. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful area with so many dedicated people willing to work together towards our common goals.

2012 was our most successful year yet, and in the coming pages you will see some of the highlights of our year’s work. Keeping invasive aquatic plants out of our watershed continues to be one of our top priorities, and in 2012, we conducted more courtesy boat inspections and plant surveys than ever before. Polluted runoff and erosion are another main threat to water quality, and we continue our work to reduce the amount of phosphorous getting into the lakes, through the work of our Youth Conservation Corps, watershed surveys, and free technical assistance to private road owners. This past year, the watershed also benefited from the hands-on efforts of local schoolchildren.

This work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our financial supporters, whom we recognize on the following pages. Additionally, many individuals contributed in other ways, through sharing their time and expertise, and for that we are equally grateful.

Thank you again for your support of the 30 Mile River Watershed Association. The organization is well-positioned to continue our important programs in 2013 and we look forward to working with all of you again this year.

Sincerely,

Bill Swan, President, 2012 Board of Directors Lidie Robbins, Executive Director

2012 Board of Directors

Jim Anderberg, Town of Vienna

Bob Bassett, Kimball Pond Association

Deborah Cayer, Basin-David-Tilton Ponds Association

Rick Christenson, member at large

Charles Clauss, Lovejoy Pond Association

David Courtemanch, Town of Mount Vernon

Bill Dunham, Town of Chesterville

Kathleen Farrin (Treasurer), Greater Minnehonk Lake Association

Linc Hayes (Vice President), Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation

Liz Hays, Flying Pond Improvement Association

Diana McLaughlin (Secretary), Kennebec Land Trust

Daniel Meyer, Town of Readfield

Daniel Onion, Parker Pond Association

David Randall, Pocasset Lake Association

Bob Stephenson, Town of Wayne

Bill Swan (President), Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance

Clyde Walton, Town of Fayette

Coalition Members

TownsChestervilleFayetteMount VernonReadfieldViennaWayne

Lake AssociationsAndroscoggin Lake Improvement CorporationBasin-David-Tilton Ponds AssociationFlying Pond Improvement AssociationGreater Minnehonk Lake AssociationKimball Pond AssociationLovejoy Pond Improvement AssociationParker Pond AssociationPocasset Lake Association

Conservation AssociationsBelgrade Regional Conservation AllianceKennebec Land Trust

StaffLidie Robbins, Executive DirectorAdrien Polky, Lake Steward and Youth Conservation Corps Director

30 Mile River Watershed AssociationP.O. Box 132Mount Vernon, Maine 04352(207) 670-7298www.30mileriver.org

2012 Annual Report 3

Invasive Plant Patrol: Early Detection

Teams of trained volunteers survey the lakes for invasive aquatic plant infestations to detect invasions early. As regional coordinator, 30MRWA supports the work of vol-unteers throughout the watershed as we strive towards surveying all our waters. In 2012, we• Had over 50 volunteers

conduct surveys of seven lakes and ponds, contributing over 300 hours of their time.

• Partnered with the Androscog-gin Lake Improvement Corpo-ration to conduct a three-hour training workshop for 12 vol-unteers from Androscoggin, Pocasset, and Lovejoy.

• Worked intensively with Pocasset Lake volunteers to help organize and train their new team, providing support as they conducted their first-ever survey.

• Provided support and coordination for teams on Parker and Flying Ponds.

Courtesy Boat Inspections: Prevention

Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBIs) are the “first line of defense” against invasive aquatic plants, educating boaters while preventing hitchhiking plant fragments from entering the lakes. In 2012, paid and volunteer CBIs• Performed a total of 1336

inspections at public launches on Androscoggin Lake, Flying Pond and Parker Pond.

• Staffed boat launches 836 hours, with 16 volunteers cov-ering 201 of those hours.

• Had a confirmed “save” at Androscoggin Lake when a CBI found invasive Eurasian Milfoil on a boat trailer that had come from Lake Champlain.

A Courtesy Boat Inspector looks closely for plant fragments.

Invasive Plant Patrolers identify plant samples.

2012 Activites

Paddle Trek

To promote environmentally- friendly recreation and build awareness of the watershed, we hosted the 4th annual Paddle Trek.This free, daylong event was a guided trip along 15 miles of connected lakes and streams. In 2012 we • Had 40 paddlers participate, in

spite of weather complications.• Partnered with Kents Hill

School, who provided free shuttle service.

Paddle Trek participants begin the trip in Minnehonk Lake.

Pho

to c

ourte

sy o

f Jim

And

erbe

rg

“On behalf of the nine members of the newly formed Invasive Plant Patrol Team of the Pocas-set Lake Association (PLA), we offer our thanks and appreciation for Lidie’s competent leadership, availability, and personal com-mitment to our success. We now have a well-trained team and have completed our first survey. Lidie’s interaction with PLA has allowed the members, and thus the Association, to become more aware and better stewards of our lake and resources.” - Richard Spencer

Always remember to inspect your boat and gear for hitchhiking plants.

4 2012 Annual Report

Watershed Surveys

To protect water quality, we perform lake watershed surveys to identify, document and recommend solutions to address sources of erosion and runoff that are or could have a negative impact. In 2012 we• Completed the Parker, David

and Tilton Ponds Survey, communicating with all land-owners who had identified erosion sites, and compil-ing the survey results in an educational report, available at www.30mileriver.org. This survey provided a baseline to help prioritize future remedia-tion work by YCC and others.

• Secured a grant of over $62,000 to follow-up on the survey and address erosion is-sues identified on Parker Pond, beginning in 2013.

• Partnered with the Mt. Vernon Community Partnership, the Greater Minnehonk Lake Association, the Town of Mt. Vernon, and the Maine DEP to conduct the Minnehonk Lake and Hopkins Pond Watershed Survey.

Watershed survey staff measure erosion impacts.

2012 Activites

Camp Road Technical Assistance

To reduce road runoff, one of the biggest watershed polluters, we continued to offer free workshops and technical assistance to road associations and other landowners. In 2012 we • Provided free camp road

evaluations for two road associations on Flying and Parker Ponds.

Unpaved roads are one of the biggest sources of pollution to Maine lakes.

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

For its second year, YCC performed erosion control projects to reduce polluted runoff, protect water quality and build aware-ness of lake stewardship. Services were provided free to landowners, who paid only for materials used. Through the 2012 program, we• Planned and executed 17

projects on 7 lakes: Androscog-gin (5), David (1), Echo (4), Flying (2), Minnehonk (1), Parker (3), and Pocasset (1).

• Employed 5 local youth for 8 weeks, providing future leaders with training and experience in stewardship of our natural environment.

• Conducted three hands-on learning projects with youth from the Mt. Vernon Elementa-ry School, the Fayette Elemen-tary School, and Camp Vega.

YCC crew members build infiltration steps near Flying Pond to slow the flow of water into the lake.

Pho

to c

ourte

sy o

f Jim

And

erbe

rg

“I was thrilled with the work that was done on my walkway to the water. They [the YCC] did a wonderful job… Adrien was so easy to work with and did a fantastic job pulling this together. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this program is, how great everyone was to work with, the follow up and the final result was amazing!!!! Thank you, thank you to you and your staff.” -Cheryl Dalton

Members of the 2012 YCC Crew

2012 Annual Report 5

Outreach

Through outreach and education we continue to raise community awareness about lake protection. In 2012 we• Delivered presentations at 10

local venues, including meetings of town select boards, lake associations and other community groups.

• Led environmental education activities for Mt. Vernon Elementary School 4th and 5th graders at the Minnehonk Town Beach as part of their service project to protect the lake.

• Provided education about our programs and watershed protection through our website, electronic newsletter, social media, town newsletters, lake association newsletters, and local newspapers.

Executive Director, Lidie Robbins educates local youth.

2012 Activites

“The whole project was fun because we caught critters, dug holes, wrote poetry, played games and saw loons. I timed how long they stayed under water.” - Student Cole

Student poetry by 4th and 5th graders of Mt. Vernon

Elementary School, written during their service project on Minnehonk Lake

Minnehonk LakeCalm drifty

Loons live there tooBeautiful

–By Cole

Clear as glassSmooth as silk,

Gentle as can be,Not the ocean, not the sea,

But just a lake,It’s right where I want

To Be–By Quinn

Rush the buses to the lakeGet together to help us

makeA buffer for MinnehonkLet’s hope we don’t get

bonked‘Cause Isaac’s on the other

endOf the shovel in his dirty

hands.–By Sally

Lake Steward

The lake steward patrols lakes in the watershed, promoting safe and environmentally-friendly lake usage. In 2012, the lake steward• Conducted patrols on 7 lakes,

making 15 lake visits through-out the summer, encouraging boating safety, good lake stewardship practices, and acting as a liaison between lake users and the Warden Service.

• Maintained “Headway Speed Only” buoys (13) on Flying and David Ponds, marking 200 ft. water safety zones.

• Responded to lakeside residents’ concerns about speeding boats, wildlife harassment, plant material on boat trailers, disabled water-craft and more.

The Lake Steward patrols the lakes in our red boat.

Lake Steward, Adrien Polky

Pho

to c

ourte

sy o

f Jim

And

erbe

rg

6 2012 Annual Report

2012 Financial Overview

Statement of Activities

The 30 Mile River Watershed Association continued to receive income from a variety of sources, the majority being foundation and government grants. Surplus earnings included grants received at the end of the year to fund work in 2013. Our seven major program areas accounted for 84% of expenses. Fundraising and administrative costs were modest, given the growth of the organization.

IncomeIndividuals and Businesses $19,265 Coalition Members $17,405Grants $52,242In-Kind Support $3,180Total Income $92,092

Expenses Program $69,586Administration $7,585Fundraising $5,594Total Expense $82,765

AssetsBeginning of Year $48,044End of Year $56,213Change in Assets $8,169

INCOME

EXPENSES

Outreach  (9%)  

Fundraising  (7%)  

Courtesy  Boat  Inspec;ons  (17%)  

Invasive  Plant  Patrol(6%)  

Lake  Steward  (3%)  

Administra;on  (9%)  Paddle  Trek  (3%)  

Watershed  Surveys  (12%)  

Youth    Conserva;on  Corps  (34%)  

Individuals  and  Businesses  (21%)  

Coali4on  Members  (19%)  Grants  (57%)  

In-­‐Kind  Support  (3%)  

Students look for macroinvertebrates at Minnehonk Lake.

Pho

to c

ourte

sy o

f Jim

And

erbe

rg

2012 Annual Report 7

Thank You to Our Donors

Gifts from Individuals Benefactor ($1000+)John and Karen Attwood Dan Onion Fritz and Susan Onion

Sustainer ($500-999)Martin and Fiora Arnold Charles M. and Veronica M. Clauss Liz Hays Robert and Sharon I’Anson Lee and Sue Knorr Daniel Meyer and Wendy FlaschnerStephanie Paine and John PierJohn and Sara Yindra

Sponsor ($250-499)Peter and Eloise Ault Joe Bauer and Mary Parlee, in memory of Angela C. Bauer Betsy Connor Bowen and Bob StephensonWill and Judith Brinton Mark and Darlene Jarrell David Landis Gerald and Susan Slavet Scott and Jennifer Small Doreen and Charles Tyburski, in honor of 30MRWA’s YCCClyde and Patricia WaltonWaine and Millie Whittier

Supporter ($100-249)Jan and Thomas Arminio Irene Berry Doug and Nona Boyink Deborah Cayer and Bill DunhamRick and Cheryl Christenson Dave Courtemanch Lisa Dunham Peter and Linda Gammons Linc and Priscilla Hayes John and JoAnn Herzfeld Theodora Kalikow Peter Kirchner Mary Lynch Diana and Stephen McLaughlin Karen and William Rogers Iris Silverstein Richard Spencer and Lynne TylerGerald and Susan Tinguely Sally and Gary Whitten William Young

Contributor (up to $100)Jim Anderberg Anonymous (1)Bob and Carol Bassett Geoffrey and Sandy Baur Norm and Betty Belanger Steve Bien and Ellen GrunblattJeff and Jane Brennan Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Brossy

Carol Broussard Michael Burke Candice Burnett Alan Burns and Kathleen JamesonLinda Coit and Jon BrandonLisa and Quinn Colgan Charlie Cortelyou Tom and Kay Cottle Stephen A. Cowperthwaite Agnes Criscuolo Carolyn Currier Michael and Geraldine Dansky Raymond and Jean Denyer Gary and Deborah Dubord Alton and Betty Earle Kenneth Frey Richard Glass, in honor of Anna FossRobert Glass, in honor of Flying PondCynthia and Gregory Goucher Bob and Leslie Grenier Jon Groetzinger James Hall Pam Hetherly and Jackie FournierRichard and Elizabeth Hicks Kevin and Jacqueline Hill Sam and Val Hudspath Wendy Huish Mark and Hillary Hutton Robert and Earlene Ingram Lloyd Irland The Keenan FamilyHarold and Kathleen Kelley Gerald Kelly Susan Knapp Joe and Vicki Kozak Ray and Lysod Kunkel Cheryl Lee Carole Lint John Linton Marilyn Lloyd Joe and Monique Longtin Kathryn and David Markovchick Thomas Marstaller Edwin Martin Kathleen McArdle and Donn SpringerPaul McGuire Katharine Moore Jane and Jay Naliboff, in honor of all those who stop using lead in our watersJon and Alice Olson Sunshine Perlis Lynn and Paulette Poole John Rabe David and Ellen Randall Becky Regan Eunice Reneyske Edna Ripley Brynne Robbins Mark and Pat Rochkind Melissa and John Romac David and Sandra Snow George St. Clair Cyndy and Paul Stancioff Bill and Karen Swan Murray Swindler

Paula and Roger Tamborlane Alfred Tobias Tom Ward and Ivan BorjaDonald and Susan Welsh Roberta Weymouth Albert and Pat Wheeler John and Bonnie Wilder, in memory of Asa D. PrescottChuck and Sandy Wright Fred and Barbara Yarger

Government GrantsMaine Department of Environmental ProtectionU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Foundations and Corporations Davis Conservation FoundationGess Donor FundLeonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson FoundationNorcross Wildlife Foundation Quimby Family Foundation Woods End Laboratories

Coalition Members TownsChestervilleFayetteMount VernonReadfieldViennaWayne

Lake AssociationsAndroscoggin Lake Improvement

CorporationBasin-David-Tilton Ponds AssociationFlying Pond Improvement AssociationGreater Minnehonk Lake AssociationKimball Pond AssociationLovejoy Pond Improvement AssociationParker Pond AssociationPocasset Lake Association

Conservation AssociationsBelgrade Regional Conservation AllianceKennebec Land Trust

In-Kind SupportRick ChristensonKents Hill SchoolDaniel MeyerAdrien PolkyClyde Walton

* This list of donors reflects gifts received from January 1 to December 31, 2012. It is our intention to recognize all of our generous supporters. Please let us know if we have made any errors in compiling this list.

Outreach  (9%)  

Fundraising  (7%)  

Courtesy  Boat  Inspec;ons  (17%)  

Invasive  Plant  Patrol(6%)  

Lake  Steward  (3%)  

Administra;on  (9%)  Paddle  Trek  (3%)  

Watershed  Surveys  (12%)  

Youth    Conserva;on  Corps  (34%)  

Individuals  and  Businesses  (21%)  

Coali4on  Members  (19%)  Grants  (57%)  

In-­‐Kind  Support  (3%)  

30 Mile River Watershed AssociationP.O. Box 132Mount Vernon, Maine 04352

2012