Category Archives: News

News from around the lake.

22 December 2013: Clary Lake Webcam back up and running

12-12-2013-campicI’ve noticed a number of people checking in on the webcam only to find that it hasn’t been running. I’ve had a few issues with it and haven’t had the time to dig into them until now. The cam software also puts a not insignificant load on my computer, using memory and slowing it down when I’m trying to work.  For that reason it won’t be running all the time, but I’ll try and boot it up when I’m not working. The picture at left is what it looks like outside the window right now… gray and dreary with everything covered with ice.

Update: I had a file permission problem on the server, just resolved. You can now look at the cam window in the right hand side bar and see whether the web cam is running.

21 December 2013: Thoughts on the DRAFT Clary Lake water level order

finish-line-aheadA number of people have asked me for to explain the DRAFT Clary Lake water level order that was issued the other day. It is a very detailed and complex document with many subtle (and some not-so-subtle) elements and there is certainly a lot to ponder. I have reviewed it at length and will state for the record that I think the water level order is FANTASTIC. It is essentially what we asked for, and it was worth waiting for.  I have begun preparing comments on behalf of the Petitioners to submit to the Department and which are due on or before December 30th, so I’m not going to go into a lot of detail now. I will however go over the highlights.  I encourage everyone to read the actual ORDER and if you have any questions or comments, please send them to me.

The first 11 pages of the draft order constitute a Findings of Fact and a review of the evidence that the Department considered in making their decision. It is totally worth reading, especially C. “TITLE, RIGHT, OR INTEREST” on page 6 of 16. The WATER LEVEL ORDER proper starts on page 11. The major elements of the order are as follows: Continue reading →

19 December 2013: WE HAVE A WATER LEVEL ORDER

dep-logo-customLate this afternoon, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a draft water level order for Clary Lake.

According to the cover letter accompanying the order, interested parties have until the close of business Monday, December 30 to submit written comments.

[ORIGINAL] Draft Clary Lake Water Level Order  (2.0 megs)

A few people have had trouble sucking down the file due to the size.  By sacrificing some image quality I’ve managed to reduce the file size to a mere 832 K:

[COMPRESSED] Draft Clary Lake Water Level Order (832 K)

The draft Clary Lake Water Level Order can now be viewed on the Department’s website at http://www.maine.gov/dep/comment/index.html.  The specific URL is: http://www.maine.gov/dep/comment/comment.html?id=610700

I am still reading it. I’ll provide a summary shortly.

10 December 2013: The Fall 2013 Water Column, a publication of the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

secchi_diskThe Maine VLMP has published their Fall 2013 newsletter “The Water Column” and with 24 pages packed with pictures and information, it’s well worth downloading.  Also available at that page are previous issues of The Water Column dating back to 1999. The Clary Lake Association has been a supporting member of the VLMP since 1975. See our Volunteer Lake Water Monitor Program page for more information.

One of the articles I found particularly interesting is the one about the invasive Chinese Mystery Snails which I have seen in Damariscotta lake. They’re not in Clary Lake that I’m aware of, at least not yet anyways. They’re prepared a cool Google map showing the lakes in Maine where this snail has been identified.

They’ve also got a new web site Lakes of Maine which I’ve only just started looking at. Lots of cool information including the above map about Chinese Mystery Snails.

New research raises additional concerns about algae blooms

anabena03We know algae blooms represent an unhealthy condition in the lake environment brought about in large part by excess phosphorus and that decomposing cyanobacteria besides being unsightly can release compounds toxic to fish and animals, but now we have an additional reason to be concerned about blooms: new research by scientists in Australia and the US have found clear links between certain toxins produced by the blue-green algae responsible for algae blooms (cyanobacteria) and Motor Neuron Diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s diseases.

There has been increasing evidence of a link between motor neuron disease and the consumption of food or water contaminated by blue-green algae but it wasn’t clear how the algal toxin was damaging the central nervous system. It turns out that blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) produce a neurotoxic amino acid called β-methylamino-L-alanine, or BMAA. BMAA mimics an amino acid called serine that is used to make human proteins. BMAA is mistakenly incorporated into human proteins in place of serine, resulting in damaged proteins which over time, build up to toxic levels and kill the cells.

Here’s an article describing the research around this issue:

Breakthrough discovery links blue-green algae with motor neuron disease

This issue was first brought to my attention last month by Jack Holland who forwarded me an article from Lake Champlain International about the public health consequences of blue-green algae blooms. Now, I don’t think we’re seeing levels of blue-green algae in Clary Lake sufficient to create dangerous concentrations of cyanobacteria toxins but it certainly gives us another reason- as if we needed one- to do everything we can to prevent algae blooms by limiting the amount of phosphorus that enters Clary Lake. Phosphorus transport mechanisms are well known as are the ways to mitigate them. This is the primary motivation behind the Clary Lake Watershed Survey. We’ll post more about this as it becomes available.

07 November 2013 Lincoln County News: Whitefield residents to vote again on Clary Lake dam

thumbs-down-customKathy Onorato of the Lincoln County News attended the Whitefield Selectman’s meeting last Tuesday night and has written an article about the meeting that has appeared in this week’s paper. The November 19th special town meeting will be held at 7 PM at the Whitefield Elementary School, same place as last time:

Whitefield residents to vote again on Clary Lake dam

The wording of the article is the same as the first time around which was recommended by the Maine Municipal Association:

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen, on behalf of the Town, to negotiate an agreement to accept ownership of the Clary Lake dam, including all property rights owned by the dam owner and necessary to maintain and operate the dam, on such terms and conditions as the Selectmen deem advisable, subject however, to final approval by the voters before the Selectman execute the agreement.

Only a lawyer could have come up with that wording! For comparison, here’s the article the residents of the town of Jefferson will be voting on (see yesterday’s post):

To see what action the Town will take regarding ownership of the dam on Clary Lake located at 103 Mills Road in Whitefield.

Regardless of the wording of the articles, the outcome of the meetings is not in question: the residents of both towns already voted not to have anything to do with the dam.

05 November 2013: Jefferson schedules public meeting

town-meeting-customThe Town of Jefferson has scheduled public meeting for Monday 18 November at 5:30 PM to consider and act on the issue of dam ownership. The meeting is being held at the Jefferson town office. This is one day before the Town of Whitefield public meeting being held for the same purpose. The actual wording of the article is:

Article 2: To see what action the Town will take regarding ownership of the dam on Clary Lake located at 103 Mills Road in Whitefield.

This is pretty much the same wording as the last time they held a meeting and the outcome of the meeting will undoubtedly be the same. The Selectmen have decided to send a letter to the DEP expressing their concern over their lack of action on the matter of a water level order for Clary Lake.

28 October 2013: Kelley request for Board of Environmental Protection jurisdiction over his petition

eyesPaul Kelley has sent a letter to DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho requesting she give up jurisdiction over his company’s petition for release from dam ownership or water level maintenance to the BEP (Board of Environmental Protection). He copied IF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock and the towns of Whitefield and Jefferson:

It is not a foregone conclusion by any means that DEP Commissioner Aho will relinquish jurisdiction to the BEP, nor is it clear what Kelley would expect to gain by having the BEP take over his petition. From a DEP information sheet:

BEP Jurisdiction Requests. People may request that the Board assume jurisdiction over a filed application within 20 days after D.E.P. accepts it as complete for processing. Such a request must satisfy Section 17 of Chapter 2. Board jurisdiction is not available for windpower development projects.

I think it is unlikely the DEP Commissioner Aho will go along with this jurisdiction change request and I think to do so would be a unconscionable waste of government time, money, and resources especially considering that Kelley has a couple of offers to purchase the dam. Those wishing to delve into this further can find Chapter 2 here:

Rule Chapters for the Department of Environmental Protection

 

25 October 2013 Lincoln County News: Whitefield sets date to vote again on Clary Lake Dam ownership

dohThe slow motion train wreck continues: the Lincoln County News reports that the town of Whitefield has scheduled yet another public meeting for Tuesday, November 19th to “consider and act” on the question of dam ownership. Again. Apparently, back on September 27th Paul Kelley really did file a new petition, replacing his original petition filed back on April 2, 2013. DEP’s Kathy Howatt originally stated that she believed Kelley was trying to correct deficiencies in his original petition resulting from a failure to properly provide public notice and that as such the towns wouldn’t be required to hold public meetings again.  In fact, when I spoke to her late afternoon on September 27th, she said that he hadn’t filed a new petition at all but had filed a request for a 180 day extension.

Now apparently DEP has concluded that Kelley really did file a new petition which is what Kelley has maintained all along. Boy I’m glad they finally got that straightened out.

Whitefield sets date to vote again on Clary Lake Dam ownership

This means Jefferson will also be required to hold another public meeting though the selectmen haven’t indicated they intend to do so, at least not yet anyways.

16 October 2013 Lincoln County News: No White Flags, But Clary Lake Groups Aim For Peaceful Talks

15_october_2013_public_meeting

Paul Kelley addresses the small group of assembled lake shore owners.

There is an article in today’s Lincoln County News about the meeting held yesterday by Paul Kelley to hear offers on the dam from Clary Lake shore owners. It’s a good article, and well written. Here’s a link to the on line version:

No White Flags, But Clary Lake Groups Aim For Peaceful Talks

18 people showed up not including Paul Kelley or the fellow he brought to video record the meeting. The meeting started out rather stilted and formal. Kelley made it clear at the beginning that the meeting was being held to comply with the requirements of the statute and the video would be used as the basis of his report to the DEP. Continue reading →

03 October 2013 Lincoln County News: New Clary Lake dam petition may not be new at all

confused-monkey1The confusion surrounding Pleasant Pond Mill LLC’s petition for release from dam ownership or water level maintenance continues despite the Lincoln County News‘ attempt to bring clarity to the situation with this most recent article on the issue. The confusion even extends to the Department of Environmental Protection where uncertainty over whether Kelley’s petition is new, old, or improved is complicating processing. Dominik Lobkowicz tries (heroically) but fails (inevitably) to explain it all in his article:

New Clary Lake dam petition may not be new at all

Continue reading →

25 September 2013 Lincoln County News: Clary Lake Dam Owner Plans Second Petition For Release From Ownership

writing1_0There is an article in this week’s Lincoln County News about Pleasant Pond Mill LLC filing a second petition for release from dam ownership or water level maintenance. The reporter, Dominik Lobkowicz, interviewed me by phone yesterday afternoon and it would appear he also spoke Paul Kelley and Kathy Howatt of the DEP.

Clary Lake Dam Owner Plans Second Petition For Release From Ownership

Mr. Lobkowicz has done a good job of reporting on a very complicated issue and has prepared a factual, accurate article. One thing that jumped out at me: Kelley apparently told the reporter that “no offers to take over ownership of the dam that meet the statutory guidelines have yet emerged.” This does not jive with a statement made by Kathy Howatt to me yesterday when I spoke with her on the phone: she said she was aware of at least one offer on the dam.

I’ll read the article more closely later and likely post a comment or two. I’ll also archive the article and post a link to it later.

Here’s a local PDF copy from the archive:

25-September-2013_LCN_Clary-Lake-Dam-Owner-Plans-Second-Petition-For-Release-From-Ownership.pdf

21 September 2013: Pemaquid Paddlers follow the call of the loons on Clary Lake

canoeHere’s an interesting news item. I got home this morning to find a page from the September 19th issue of the Lincoln County News sitting on my dining room table with a short news item on page 11A highlighted for my attention. Apparently the Pemaquid Paddlers (never heard of them before) are planning to descend on Clary Lake next week. I have no idea how or why they selected Clary Lake for their loon-commune experience or how many paddlers they’re expecting, or for that matter whether they’re aware of the low water conditions they’ll encounter in the channel- or the drained wetlands:

Pemaquid Paddlers follow the call of the loons on Clary Lake

On Tuesday morning, Sept. 24, the Pemaquid Paddlers will mingle with the loons and other wildlife on Clary Lake, a great pond of almost 680 acres straddling Whitefield and Jefferson. Continue reading →

24 August 2013 Lincoln County News: Montsweag Dam inspection report is in

finger-in-dikeDavid Hodsdon sent me an article from last week’s Lincoln County News about a recent inspection of the Montsweag dam in Wiscasset. The inspection was conducted by Wright and Pierce Engineering Company. Of particular interest is the last paragraph which describes the permitting requirements for the making the repairs:

“The inspection report of the dam indicates the repairs discussed in the report would be exempt from DEP regulatory permitting under the Maine Natural Resources Protection Act providing the activities do not require dredging of sediments and all improvements will take place within the footprint of the dam. Should dredging activities or other improvements change the dimensions of the Dam below the high water mark it would require review and permitting with both the Maine DEP and the Corps of Engineers, according to the inspection report.”

Continue reading →

23 August 2013: Branch Pond Water Level Petition goes to Public Hearing Today

talking-heads-customBranch Pond Water Level Petition goes to Public Hearing today, the hearing is at the China Elementary School in China on Route 9. The hearing starts at 9 AM and runs ALL DAY and into the night with the public-comments section starting at 6 PM. I’m going to attend it for a while this morning but I have some other responsibilities to attend to later in the day.

 

15 August 2013 Lincoln County News: DEP and DLWA discover hydrilla outside Cranberry Cove

2009hydrillacroppedneansAn article in this week’s Lincoln County News reports that the DEP and DLWA (Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association) representatives have found the invasive plant hydrilla outside the cove in which they had hoped it had been confined. Hydrilla which is one of the most notorious of the invasive plant species found in Maine was discovered in Damariscotta Lake some years ago. Efforts have been underway to confine and remove the plant. This is the first time the plant has been found outside the confinement area since 2009. The thumbnail at left is a stock photo of hydrilla which looks a lot like the common, non-invasive plant of species Elodea which is found in Clary Lake.

DEP and DLWA discover hydrilla outside Cranberry Cove

This is disturbing news because Damariscotta Lake is only a few miles down the road. We’ll be posting more information about invasive plants in the very near future.

13 August 2013: Loon crash lands on Route 215, ends up at Avian Haven

Loon RestingI got a phone call today while making lunch that made me turn down the radio and ask if I’d really heard what I thought I heard. Jack Holland called to tell me that his son Taylor and a friend had found a loon that had been “hit by a car” somewhere over by the State boat launch. I grabbed my camera and headed over but I was looking for someone with an injured loon on the side of the road, not a concrete forms truck parked in the driveway leading to Clary Knoll Farm. I should have stopped to ask because that was them. Jack called me again and confirmed that was them so I headed back over and found they had just made the hand off to some volunteers from Avian Haven, a wild bird rehabilitation center in Freedom. The bird had been found sitting in Route 215 near the end of the Sennott Road.

I spoke briefly to the people who had come to pick up the bird but they had already put it in the back of the car and obviously wanted to get going. They told me to contact Avian Haven. I did when I got home, sending them an email. I received the following response a bit ago: Continue reading →

23 July 2013: Video of WGME Channel 13 News Marissa Bodnar Interview on Clary Lake Petition

The video that was at this link was missing the first 50 seconds of the segment and has been superceded by a better, complete video provided by David Hodsdon which is in the process of being uploaded to YouTube now.

Here’s the new video:

24 July 2013: UPDATED Video of WGME Channel 13 News Marissa Bodnar Interview on Clary Lake Petition