Updated: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 11:43 AM

This copy of the Branch Pond Association Newsletter is being sent to all private owners around the lake to remind non-members of the Association's existence and give an idea of its activities. We are all fortunate to be "on Branch Lake" with its great water quality and special shoreline. Protecting and preserving the lake is in everyone’s interest: the Branch Pond Association is the organization that gives us the opportunity to act together and ensure that new development and change do not harm the lake and-its surroundings.

New Officers
Co-Chairmen Peter and Gloria DeAngelis
Secretary Barbara Howd
Treasurer Rhoda Smith

Membership - Gloria DeAngelis
Newsletter - Norman Smith
Road Maintenance - James Woodall
Water Quality - Glen Curtis
Development-Monitoring - Dick Bourne
Regatta '88 - Paul Wight

Executive Board Members
Frank Howd
Ginny and Dick Bourne
Norman Smith
James Woodall

- Recommended to Bangor Hydro that water levels be held between 6.9 and 6.5 feet during the summer season.

- Received the first Water Quality Report from Glen Curtis. Major results were as follows:
    ph -- 6.7 to 6.8
    fecal coliform bacteria none found

These figures indicate that the lake water is still not particularly acidic (ph 7 is neutral) and that contamination from animal and human waste is not yet a problem for us.

- Heard the report of the Committee to Preserve the Lower Lake.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has an interest in land on Branch Pond for a wildlife management area.
Approximately 800 acres on the lower lake is being bought for development by southern Maine interests.

- Heard a report from Attorney Joel Dearborn on possible changes in road status. A questionnaire will be circulated on this issue shortly.

- Set the 1987-88 dues at $25 per family.

Contributions to the Association beyond Annual Dues have been received from:

Gertrude Paine, Phillips Beach Road
Doris and Ellsworth Bourque, Wall's Farm Road
Helen and Dana Whitman, Jr.

The final 1987 tally of loons in Hancock County was 209 adults, 35 chicks, and 32 confirmed nesting sites. The count for Branch Pond was 22 adults and 1 chick with 3 nesting sites reported as having been used recently.

This year's Regatta was hold on August 8th under the leadership of Glen Curtis. Overall winner was Eric Margolis sailing a Sunfish. Glen and Blaine Curtis won second place in an 18 foot S2. More Regatta details in the next newsletter.

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Don Hayes the 1986-87 BPA President and many of the Executive Committee members retired (temporarily) after the Annual Meeting. Our sincere thanks goes to all of them, Ann Hayes, Mary Ann Mastrorio, and Glen Curtis, for a Job well done.

More than half the cottage and homeowners on Branch Lake belong to the Branch Pond Association, which acts on behalf of the members in dealing with organizations such as the Bureau of Environmental Protection, Bangor Hydro, and the City of Ellsworth.

Over the years the Association has dealt with issues ranging from road maintenance, water levels and development around the lake, to water quality monitoring and organization of an annual regatta. Five years ago the Association members were asked to complete a survey form to determine what topics were of most interest to the lake residents. Another survey is now being conducted, and is being sent to all home and camp owners on the lake. Please fill out the form whether or not you are-an Association member. We would like to have your input. (If you would like to join the Branch Pond Association, just fill in the membership form enclosed with this survey and mail it with the $25 dues for 1987-88 to BPA, Box 68, Ellsworth, ME 04605.)