Mousam Lake Region Association

Our volunteers are pulling the State navigational markers from Mousam today. Thanks Nancy for sharing your photo.

Mousam Lake and Goose Pond ~ Water level and upcoming draw down ....

The Town of Sanford who controls water flow and, thereby, lake level, does not notify the MLRA when they will drop the water level on Mousam Lake.

They are in total control of the dam and water level, based upon Gov't-mandated flow rates through their waste water treatment facility.

Historically, in October (again, we have no idea of date) the Town of Sanford tends to drop the lake level down for the winter. Until then lake level is driven by Mother Nature and Sanford's water-level management.

More hard work in Oak Cove this morning. Jamie and Dennis harvested another 25 gallons of in Oak Cove (sector #81), Upper Mousam.

The plant really compresses once it's out of water. This haul is quite impressive for two people snorkeling❣️ We are grateful for our and ...

Sector maps make it easier for us to communicate locations. They are at http://tiny.cc/mlra-survey-maps-fb

Wanna learn to ID the invasive species of bladderwort so you can pull w**d, msg Kristi or Stephen. Note that plants currently showing tiny lilac blooms are bladderwort ... They are our NATIVE purple bladderwort, so need not be pulled!

We have such wonderful volunteers. Today, Holly and a friend harvested in sector 5 of Goose Pond. Meanwhile, Dennis and Lynn got TWENTY GALLONS (pictured) snorkeling in Oak Cove. He reports there is much more remaining deep in the cove (sector 81).

If you'd like to see the sector maps, they are here ... http://tiny.cc/mlra-survey-maps-fb

Despite some strong winds pushing the kayaks around, Janis and Kristi snagged about 5 gallons of on their mini pop up in sector 5 of Goose Pond. "It was a BONUS 😍 to see the dainty lilac flowers of the native, purple bladderwort and the water lilies in bloom!"

Our group harvests have ended for 2026, but we encourage shoreline owners to scout for and remove this invasive plant! Message Kristi if you are still unsure what the floating plant looks like and want to learn.

There is a photo album here: tiny.cc/mlra-sb-photos

There is still quite a bit of readily visible/scoopable in Sector 5 of Goose Pond. Janis and Kristi will be taking kayaks from the south western shore up to sector 5 (northwestern shore) to harvest with small garden rakes from kayaks. If you'd like to join us, please do. If you'd like to snorkel, we suggest you find a friend that can accompany and spot/provide surface support. TY. For any questions, message Kristi.

Thank you to our boat/car/volunteer HOST properties, Pontoon boat lender, and the 24 caring, hard-workers who contributed to today's harvest by and . We collected 55 gallons of the Invasive Aquatic Plant (IAP); unfortunately, GOOSE POND remains infested along the northern sections of Tottle Road (sectors 5 and, lesser so, 4 show in in last image).

If you live nearby, please continue to harvest if possible. Head to sector 5, in the shallows and easy to snag with a small garden rake from kayak .... or as one person suggested, wearing high-water waders!

Janis and Kristi are planning to head up to Sector 5 Thursday, 8/27 at 10 am for a PopUP if anyone wants to join them (what to bring noted above). We appreciate everyone wearing a PFD for our collective safety.

We'll meet for our final large-group harvest this-coming Saturday in Goose. Additional details are on the EVENT PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/events/2302515147157908/
and Sign-Up Form
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CAEA62AA2FCCF8-65172931-invasive #/

did you know ~ PHOSPHORUS in STORMWATER RUNOFF causes EUTROPHICATION:

>> EUTROPHICATION is the process by which nutrient inputs to a water body accumulate over time, causing an increase in lake PRODUCTIVITY (or algae & plant growth). Lakes naturally become more productive or “age” over thousands of years.

In recent geologic time, humans have impacted the rate of nutrient enrichment & lake productivity, speeding up this natural process by TENS or HUNDREDS OF YEARS!

Phosphorus is a key nutrient for growth, but excessive amounts of phosphorus can stimulate ALGAL BLOOMS and abundant plant
growth. Excess phosphorus can enter a water body in eroding sediment, groundwater (especially, contamination from aging septic systems), or STORMWATER RUNOFF containing
fertilizers, detergents, or other phosphorus-based products.

Decomposition of excess algae & plant material depletes oxygen in the lake, leading to fish kills. Low oxygen in bottom water layers can also release phosphorus back into the water column, creating a positive feedback to eutrophication.

Trophic (TROH-fik) classifications exist: Oligotrophic (highest/best rating); Mesotrophic (middle rating); Eutrophic and Hypereutrophic lowest ratings (least desirable qualities). Per assessment by Lake Assessment Biology Department of Maine DEP, Mousam Lake is at the Oligotrophic end of Mesotrophic. You can read more about lake quality measurements on the Lake Stewards of Maine - Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program web site here: https://www.lakesofmaine.org/lake-water-quality.html?m=3838