Development of the Road Associations around the lake makes an interesting story. Around 15 years ago, when the BPA was first organized, the camp owners were complaining over the lack of road maintenance by the city. With no other benefits for our taxes it seemed the city should at least maintain our roads but the city management was reluctant to do any more than an occasional grading and snowplowing. Donald Hays, our BPA President, tried vainly to get the city to address our problem. Councilors wouldn’t address our problem and talking with the city managers was a waste of time as they were only interested in finding ways of saving the city money. Don spent a great deal of time and effort working with COLA to get a State Law passed which would force the city to provide proper maintenance. The State Law was defeated on the argument that it would benefit "Out of State" camp owners. As time passed BPA meetings were held and interesting suggestions were discussed, like: let’s sue the city, lets abdicate from the city, and in complete frustration it was suggested we might tint their drinking water pale yellow. The straw that broke the camels back was when the State sent a letter to the city which claimed the city could be found liable for law suits if they used their vehicles on private roads or ways. The city manager immediately announced that after a certain date all city support would be terminated unless roads were brought up to a set of standards higher than camp owners wanted or could afford.

When the above problem was addressed at the next City Councilor’ meeting they had to move the meeting to the auditorium to accommodate the large numbers of irate camp owners. Up until this time the Councilors had side stepped their responsibility for camp road maintenance but after this meeting they took and active part in resolving the problem.

BPA representatives had a series of meetings with the councilors and worked out a city ordinance, which described the City’s responsibility and those of the individual camp roads. Camp road owners were required to form Road Associations, authorized by State Law, Title 23 M.R.S.A., Sections 3101 through 3104, in order to receive the benefits of the City Ordinance. Another requirement is an inspection by the City Road Commissioner of each road each year at which time he makes recommendations for road improvements.

Five Road Associations were formed and working in the framework of the BPA have been successful in many ways:

1. Instead of being ignored by our City Management a working relationship exists where problems can be taken directly to them for resolution.
2. Provides an organizational framework for training the Road Commissioners on how to maintain roads so as to preserve the quality of the lake water as well as maintaining the road efficiently. Also, a way to accept and use grant money for erosion control projects.
3. All roads managed by Road Associations have shown a definite improvement in their roads and in erosion control.
4. With minor exceptions camp owners have accepted their Road Associations in the proper spirit and volunteer their assistance as needed.

Camp road maintenance is expensive as well as being important for camp owners and the welfare of the lake. According to a Camp road Maintenance Manual, published by the Soil and Water District, it takes between .25 and .50 cents per foot per year. Recently the State updated MRSA 3101which, among other things, changed the title of the elected leader of a Road Association from "Surveyor" to that of "Road commissioner". It is a prestigious title that presupposes a proper knowledge of road maintenance. In fact we are feeling our way, gathering what knowledge and support we can from professionals, contractors, and sharing our knowledge and experiences within the BPA.