It's hard to believe that another summer has passed so quickly. It seems that just recently that I read the year 2000 fall newsletter and paid close attention to the message delivered by last year's president, Glen Curtis. His message reminded us that we are all stewards of the lake and must continue our efforts to preserve and enhance the water quality and livability of the environment surrounding the lake. Glen's message generally addressed the important work of the Association and what we do for our constituency. By the way, we work for all landowners on the lake, regardless of whether or not they pay their dues. I say this because I am told that some folks feel that they get very little support from the Association. My reaction to this is that such thinking is inaccurate. My feeling and the feeling of each board member is that we are committed to our stewardship role and will do all we can to serve the entire lake population. If you have concerns about the Association and its goals, please call me at 207-667-8098 or write to me via e-mail at President@branchpond.org.

As I sit here writing this article, I periodically look out on the lake and see the beautiful autumn colors quickly turning brown. As summer ends, I'm always saddened by the thought of colder weather coming, but I'm reminded by my wife as to how fortunate we are to live on such a beautiful lake. My personal commitment for the future is to do my best to keep the lake as beautiful as it is today. I'm also committed to do my best to cultivate and improve the level of interest in Association activities and to enhance an already high quality sense of community that exists on Branch Lake. We all must do our best to prevent (as best we can) milfoil from reaching our lake. You'll see and hear ongoing requests for volunteer help throughout the coming year as we really need more folks to step forward and give a hand.

The major happening in the summer of 2001 was the formation of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Committee. Several lake homeowners were powerful voices in the need to pay closer attention to the invasive aquatic plant threat. Out of this concern came the mentioned committee and you'll see an update from the committee in this newsletter. With the half dozen volunteers who make up this committee a great deal of education effort was put forth in 2001 and more of this will continue in 2002 and beyond. The initiation of the Voluntary Boat Inspection program was another major accomplishment. I hope you find the article interesting and I hope it stimulates your interest in helping out. For all kinds of reasons, mostly financial, it is unlikely that the City of Ellsworth will do much of anything to assist in our efforts at the City Landing. Thus, the number or volunteers (presently 12-15 people) who support the important work of this committee is far too small. If you are interested in working with this group in 2002 please let me know. As an aside, the committee spent a great deal of time preparing an article on milfoil for the Hancock County Soil and Conservation 319 grant pamphlet that was mailed to all property owners in August. At the conclusion of the blue insert was a request for volunteers, providing my name and telephone number as a contact person. I'm sorry to report that we did not hear from one person in response to this request. However, as people grow in understanding of the severe nature of the milfoils we are optimistic that the number of volunteers will grow.

An additional item of interest is the formation of a Regional Lake Association. Glen Curtis, Ann Hayes and I attended the first meeting of this group in September. As president of the BPA, I will be the point of contact for the BRA and will attend these information gatherings twice a year. It was not surprising to hear that the most consistent concern expressed at the September meeting was the threat of invasive aquatic plant infestations. Another revelation that came out of this meeting is that the BPA is at a substantially more advanced stage in its evolution than the surrounding lake and pond associations. We can all thank the founders of the original BPA some 20 years ago.

Glen Curtis has written an article on the history of the BPA and its impressive accomplishments over the years. If we've missed anything please let us know. Incidentally, one important piece of work that will be started by late 2002 will be the History of Branch Pond to be undertaken by Susan Terrell. Anyone interested in hearing more about this, or participating, may contact Susan at 207-667-8098 or e-mail her at sterrell@acadia.net.

By the time you receive this newsletter the BPA Website will be up and running at www.branchpond.org. We urge you to put this in your "favorites" and take a peek at it periodically. The site contains all sorts of important information on current happenings, history, newsletters, other websites, etc. Glen Curtis, Paul Wight and Jaime Wiley have all done a great deal of work on this "work in progress" and deserve recognition. The internet is the communication wave of the future and the BPA will move as quickly as possible in communicating with as many lake folks as we can through the website. We are expecting that most of you have e-mail and access to the Internet. If you don't, it is likely that you will over time. If you need help getting things set up let me know and we'll provide all the help you need in getting up and going when you get to the lake next summer.

Another major focus is membership. I won't say too much about it here other than to say how disappointed the board was to learn that only 93 out of a possible 284 landowners have paid their dues in 2001. The same was true in 2000. Thus, the executive board voted to initiate special mailings each year for dues. In fact, you will have already received a mailing on this if you have not paid your dues. The Association depends on dues monies to fund its varied activities, including participation in COLA (Coalition of Maine Lake Associations) and other non profit water quality organizations, for the prevention of invasive aquatic plant infestations, for assistance in road, drainage and watershed improvements, for the website, for postage and mailing costs. When you receive these notices please send your check.

The various Road Associations have completed several projects outlined in the Watershed Survey and monies were paid from the 319 Grant Fund and from the BPA funds. In addition, several buffer zone projects were completed. These projects were a cooperative effort between landowners and the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District and were coordinated through the Watershed Committee and were all aimed at reducing ground water pollution entering the lake. This work will continue over time and the Association has formed a Watershed Protection Committee headed by Bob Murray. This committee will continue to research sources of grant money, apply for it and put such monies to the best possible use. Volunteers are needed for this committee as well.

Beth Smart organized a successful tour of selected "tire road" projects and buffer zone projects during Lake Week 2001. She, Brett Johnston and Ann Hayes are on the City of Ellsworth's Comprehensive Planning Committee. Among other things the Comprehensive Plan will address the Branch Lake Watershed.

I want to close by recognizing and thanking all of the people who volunteer their time on behalf of Branch Lake. That includes the members of the BPA, the many who are not members, the executive board, the COLA representatives, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Watershed Committee and the Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District. Also, as always we appreciate the efforts of Len Harlow for producing and distributing this and other BPA newsletters.

The official loon count on Branch Lake as of July 21 showed 16 adults and two chicks populating the lake. This total is one of the largest in recent years, according to veteran loon counters. Some observers reported seeing as many as seven adults fishing together in one group. The official count for lakes in Hancock County revealed a total of 227 adults and 30 chicks, numbers that were about normal.

Meanwhile, as fall approached the water level in most areas on the lake had dropped about 12 inches, according to year-around residents. This drop was not down as much as it has been in the past despite the drought that plagued the area this summer. The newly renovated dam had much to do with curtailing the lowering of the water level, even though gates had to remain open to ensure that enough water was maintained in the brook that provides access to the lake.

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We now have a new Web Site! The address is www.branchpond.org. It is loaded with all kinds of useful information from Invasive Aquatic Species to sailing news. There are also links to other Sites dealing with lake and water quality topics. Our plan is to post the Branch Pond Association's twice per year Newsletter on the Site and advise our members and friends via e-mail when each new Newsletter is available. Posting the Newsletters in this manner will save postage and printing costs over time.

We are working toward building an e-mail list of lake residents and other interested parties, such as the Ellsworth City Council. The list will be exclusive and not shared with any other source. The purpose will be to keep you abreast of items of interest and to let you know when there is important new information on the Web Site. Check the Web Site to find out how and where to send your e-mail address and how to contact the BRA. We are also working to post the old Newsletters on the Site. It is a tedious process so please be patient.

By the time this goes to print the Site should be up and running. But you know how technology goes sometimes. If at first we don't succeed, then try again we will. The Site will be hosted by Prexar and Jamie Willey of Branchview North has agreed to administer the site for us as he has done for the old site. We all thank him for his hard work and dedication to the BPA.

Check it out and let us know what you think. We will work to update and improve the site over time.

Glen Curtis
BPA secretary

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(Editor's Note— The/allowing is a note from Dick Olson, a longtime summer resident on Branch Lake, to BPA President Van Terrell. Van's comments precede the note from Dick).

In response to our recent membership drive, one of the many people I received notes from was Dick Olson. Dick and his family are from Des Moines, Iowa, and have spent the best parts of July and August on Branch Lake for over 20 years. Dick is a former mayor of Des Moines and is currently the Mid-America Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Throughout his career Dick has appreciated the importance of giving, both financially and as a volunteer. He sent the Association a donation of $250 and asked that it be earmarked for the Invasive Aquatic Plant Committee, which we are happy to do. Dick sent the following note with his check:

Dear Van,

Thanks for the update on Branch Pond. I was sorry to see the figures on dues monies received. We must do a better job of having property owners understanding the value returned from belonging to and supporting the Branch Pond Association. The committee on Invasive Aquatic Plants is one of the most important ones we have as an association. I'm more than happy to support their efforts with the enclosed check. All I ask is that the Association mention the importance of supporting our young Olympians at the upcoming Winter Games. Keep up the good work.

Dick

(Editor's Note—The following has been reprinted from the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District's fall newsletter)

The Branch Lake 319 Demonstration Project is now (unofficially) finished. The last of the erosion control demonstration projects was completed on Wilson Way in September, capping off this very successful undertaking. Our success was only possible through all of the hard work, commitment and contributions of the local road associations, residents, camp owners and the City of Ellsworth. We owe special thanks to the members of the oversight committee whose hard work and dedication was directly responsible for this outstanding activity. The purpose of the best management practice demonstration project is to teach the proper installation and the effectiveness of these conservation practices in reducing erosion and sediment load.

An important component of the project was to inform and educate the public about what problems exist, why they need to be addressed and how to correctly solve them. One way to get the message out is to take a tour of the demonstration sites that have been installed. The problem is that people don't seem to be terribly interested in touring camp roads, looking at culverts and ditches. This wasn't the case on a tour scheduled for Aug. 3. Through the hard work of committee members more than 20 people arrived at Beth and Tim Smart's cottage for the tour, and this on a Friday morning, no less. These "tourists" crammed together into just a few vehicles and made a loop, starting with a pair of demonstration projects installed on Phillips Way and finishing up back at the Smarts for lunch and to see the beautifully landscaped vegetative buffer that has been installed there. Five of the major demonstration sites have had a sign placed nearby so that passers-by can find them easily. We have also developed a brochure so that anyone interested can take a self-guided tour whenever they get a chance. If you are interested in a copy, give us a call at the Conservation District (664-7496) and we will be happy to mail you one. It includes a map of the lake with the locations and descriptions of each of the major demonstration sites.

A second day of educational activities took place Saturday, Aug. 4, and everyone involved had a blast. The Maine Lakes Conservancy took families and individuals out on the water to learn about the biology and ecology of the lake on their 30-foot pontoon boat Melinda Ann. We are pleased that this project went so smoothly and are in debt to the great folks that live, work and play on Branch Lake.

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While inspections of watercraft being launched from the city owned park this past summer were productive in meeting people and explaining the hazards created by the transportation of invasive aquatic plants from one body of water to another, the Branch Lake Invasive Aquatic Plant committee continues to worry about renters and friends of camp owners who may be bringing their boats from infected lakes and launching them at private locations.

This concern was spelled out in a report about the committee's activities this summer by chairman Paul Wight. He noted that variable leaf milfoil has been discovered in Messalonskee Lake in Waterville, some 80 miles away. New infestations are being found in lakes and streams in the southern section of Maine and as yet no quarantines have been imposed, he reported.

Branch Lake has two public launch sites, the city owned park and the campgrounds operated by Brenda Graves. According to Wight the committee has received assurances from Brenda that the campground site will not be for general public use and that all boats launched from there will be free from milfoil.

According to the committee the concern about the launching of boats from private locations on the lake can be minimized if everyone on the lake becomes involved, first by identifying the weed and assuring that no boat enters the lake with any weeds on it or in it.

Volunteers who conducted courtesy inspections at the city launch site this summer on weekends found that most boaters were aware of the milfoil threat, wanted to know more about it and offered to spread the word. This volunteer effort of inspections will be on-going, according to Wight.

In late summer committee members made an initial inspection around the shores of the lake and found no evidence of milfoil. However, the dozen volunteers trying to tackle the problem are not nearly enough to meet the challenge. "To be really effective we need all our lake residents looking and reporting, as early detection is the only way milfoil can be contained and controlled", says Wight.

The committee has also expressed concern about surrounding waters such as Rocky Pond, Patten, Toddy, Green, Graham, etc. as animals or birds can transport milfoil. Toddy Pond has a recently organized association and the Branch Lake committee is coordinating its activities with that group. Next year the committee plans to expand its efforts in working with groups at nearby lakes and ponds.

While Eurasian Milfoil, the more destructive variety of aquatic plant, has not been identified yet in Maine it's not inconceivable that it could be here undetected with Maine the home of some 6,500 lakes and streams.

The committee continues to work in spreading the word about milfoil through editorials in newspapers and by having milfoil warning signs posted around the lake. "Our objective is to inform everyone involved about the destructive effect these invasive plants can have on our lakes. On Branch Lake specifically, we want every resident, their families and friends who visit informed and involved in assuring that the lake will not become contaminated", Wight adds.

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A highlight of the annual Lake Week activities on Branch Aug. 4 was the tour of the lake on the specially designed "floating classroom" pontoon boat of the Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute. Approximately 30 people took advantage of the boat tour to view the lake through some of the sophisticated equipment aboard the Melinda Ann. That equipment included an underwater camera, a benthic dredge, a plankton hauler and a Secci disc, which enabled those aboard to view the lake from an ecological perspective.

The pontoon boat made two trips to the middle of the lake to provide residents with the opportunity to study the lake ecology.

On Aug. 3 a group of 14 residents took a day-long tour around the lake sponsored by the Branch Pond Association and the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District to view the various best management practices put in place to combat roadside erosion and improve the water quality. The projects were installed with the aid of funding from a 319 grant, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension grant and matching funds from the Branch Pond Association. After the tour a presentation was given at the Branch Pond public launch on how to identify invasive plant species and how to remove them from boats and trailers.

The presentation was given by several residents of Branch and Phillips Lakes who attended a workshop on the identification of invasive aquatic plants.

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In 1983 a small group of Ellsworth’s Branch Lake residents formed the Branch Pond Association. By the next year the association boasted a membership of nearly 140 of the 250 lakeside property owners. The mission of the association is to enhance the quality of the water and the livability of the environment surrounding the lake; and to assist the Road Associations in efforts to obtain reasonable services from the City of Ellsworth.

This last part stems from the fact that most of the roads around the lake are private easements with the burden of maintenance on the abutting property owners. The maintenance and improvement of transportation infrastructure is costly. Over the years the BPA has worked with the city governing bodies to reach a compromise solution to this problem. In 1994 the city passed an ordinance that provided for some regular maintenance on lake roads that met certain criteria. It is not a one-way street.

The huge benefit to the city is the protection and preservation of the quality of the water supply offered by Branch Lake. Improved and maintained roads mean less runoff to the lake. In the same vein, the BPA has been the focal point for assisting the establishment of road associations around the lake. This has led to greater and more dedicated efforts by landowners to improve the private roads.

The quality of the water has always been the BPA's most important issue. Incredibly in 1985 a sewage sludge dump was proposed within the bounds of the Branch Lake watershed. The BPA hired a civil engineering firm and was able to convince the city and DEP to abort the planned sludge dump. In 1986 the association began testing the quality of the water at various locations around the lake and has continued to build this baseline data. In 1988 and 1989 the BPA worked hand-in-hand with the city and the DEP to halt the improper development of 800 acres on the lower lake. The developer worked without permits and had violated several shoreline regulations. In this same time period the association petitioned the state to provide restroom facilities at Sand Beach off Branch View South. In addition, trash receptacles were added and the local residents began overseeing the site.

In 1998 the Branch Pond Association commissioned a joint Watershed Survey with the University of Maine. A total of 22 lake residents were trained to identify and classify pollution sources. This resulted in the prioritized identification of 150 problem areas around the lake. The road associations and individual landowners went to work to correct the high and medium areas. Several large projects were done with the aid of a grant through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service. These projects involved culvert expansion, ditching and riprap and were designed to reduce the introduction of sediment and surface runoff nutrients into the lake.

The road associations continue to work at these areas as their budgets permit. Several individual landowners have installed lakeside buffer zones to inhibit phosphates and other nutrients from migrating to the lake. In 2000 the BPA instituted its own grant program to further help road associations and individuals continue the effort.

In 1999 the privately owned public landing, known as Hanson's Landing, was closed. The next year the state planned to build a landing on the undeveloped portion of the lower lake with space for 100 vehicles. The Branch Pond Association went on record with the state to only support a supervised public landing of reasonable size (25 spaces) and open for reasonable hours of operation, much like Hanson's Landing. The key issue is supervision. This is driven by the desire to maintain the quality of the water. There exists the real threat of contamination by invasive aquatic species. Prevention is the only method to avoid this invasive threat and supervision and inspection of launched watercraft is one method to significantly reduce the risk of contamination. Maine is the only state east of the Mississippi to have thus far escaped contamination by the highly aggressive Eurasian Milfoil. Unfortunately there are several lakes and rivers in southern and central Maine that are contaminated with the less aggressive Variable Leaf Milfoil.

These plants grow in dense mats that literally choke out native plants and make infected areas unswimmable and unbeatable. There is no cure. Neighboring states have spent millions of dollars to try to control the spread of these invasive species. The BPA is determined to educate lake users about ways to reduce the risk of contamination on Branch Lake. The City of Ellsworth exhibits the same concerns, since this pristine body of water is its public water supply.

This year the BPA published "A Handy Guide for Homeowners in the Watersheds of the Recreational Lakes of Ellsworth". This guide, produced in partnership with the City of Ellsworth, outlines the importance of shoreline buffer zones, do's and don'ts, shore land zoning and other useful information for lake residents.

Since its inception the Branch Pond Association has produced a semi-annual newsletter. It has been mailed to all lake residents, whether members or not. In addition, the BPA has sponsored an annual sailing regatta open to all, young and old. This event spans the five to six mid-summer Sundays. Since the mid 90's the association has sponsored a mid-summer Lake Week aimed at educating all levels of participants about the intricacies of the Branch Lake eco system. Topics from soil erosion to phosphorus loading to invasive plants have been covered.

The Branch Pond Association is committed to the stewardship of Branch Lake to the benefit of all lake residents, the City of Ellsworth and the citizens of Maine. In 2002 the Branch Pond Association looks forward to celebrating two decades of service to the community in preserving the beauty and bounty of this valuable natural resource, Branch Lake, Ellsworth, Maine.

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Ellsworth: Build your vacation get-a-way, or your new home, with 270 feet waterfront on the West Shore of Branch Pond. Land can be accessed off the Winkumpaugh Road. You will agree this is a great buildable lot. It already has a power line to and through the property. 2.08 acres. For more information call Charles Fox of Maine Star Realty at (207) 693-3177 or visit their web site at www.mainestarealty.com.   ($145,000.00.)

Cove Way

Larry Blethen, road commissioner, told members at the annual meeting in July that 23 resident owners on the road had paid for applications of calcium chloride involving 3500 feet of roadway. He told of the need to finish the areas leading to the Orchard and to Route 1A. In his report he listed work in the fall to include culvert replacement behind the Lyons cottage, removal of tree roots and placing of rock abutment to alleviate soil erosion behind the Lyons cottage and more ditching on the road from the mailboxes to the orchard.

Residents expressed a concern over excessive speed on the road and several more 15 mph signs have been purchased and placed. Other ideas advanced to curtail speed included speed bumps, stickers to identify residents and signs identifying the road as restricted to resident travel. Officials said they were investigating the ownership of the road. Those with other ideas to curtail speed on the road were asked to submit them to the board of directors.

Named president of the association was Pauline Kaiser. Also elected were Larry Blethen, road commissioner; Judy Fraser, secretary; and Helen Whitman, treasurer. New directors elected were Cush Blethen, Judy Harlow and Phil Lymbumer.

Glen Curtis noted that the cove was particularly susceptible to aquatic plant invasions such as Variable Leaf Milfoil or Eurasian Milfoil and that the survey to identify any such growths would be especially valuable to cove residents.

Members voted to continue the assessment of $100 per residence for road maintenance with interest charged at 12 percent per year for delinquent accounts.

Branchview North

At the road association's annual meeting the membership voted to have the city plow the camp road, a service that is now authorized in a city road ordinance. This will allow camp owners to use their camps during the winter and allow for fire trucks and emergency vehicles to enter if needed. The road maintenance assessment was raised from $50 to $60 to pay for salting.

In the newly developed website there are links to all the legal documents pertaining to the authorization and operation of the road association. This includes the state statutes authorizing road associations, the city ordinance which identifies the services the city will provide and under what conditions and the by-laws.

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This past summer was an excellent one on Branch Lake for the competitive sailing crews and the best of the lot was George Lewis. In the 18-year history of the sailing regatta on Branch George in his Hobie 14 has taken the trophy home so many times that he and wife Charlotte now considers it a part of their furnishings. The competitors all enjoyed the races and social hours following each Sunday event and plans are being made to hold the events next summer.

At the annual meeting of the Branch Pond Association last July Paul Wight, chairman of a special committee to educate lake residents about the problem of invasive aquatic plants, outlined provisions of the Maine Legislature's new law regulating inspection of water craft in an effort to prevent the transportation of the milfoil weed from one lake to another.

He noted that water craft entering the state must be inspected and provided stickers to be displayed on both sides of the craft. He told members attending that there are six lakes in Maine currently dealing with invasions of Variable Leaf Milfoil, which can be very injurious to a lake's water quality but that an even more injurious plant, Eurasian Milfoil, is also becoming a major concern for Maine lakes.

In other matters discussed at the meeting it was reported that a proposed public boat launch originally proposed by Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands officials is on hold as the state is not eager to build one if it has to supervise and maintain the area for reasonable lengths of time and limit it to 25 spaces or less. It was also reported that the Ellsworth City Council may revisit with the state regarding the Fish and Wildlife Department's refusal to continue its fish stocking program because of the lack of reasonable access to the lake.

Members were brought up to speed on several other items, including:

The survey on the use of gasoline motors on the lake, which generally specified no limitation on such engines with a marginal vote against the use of personal watercraft. The results were sent to the Ellsworth City Council.

The newly renovated dam is working well as the water level held up pretty well despite the drought conditions. Some vandalism of the dam was reported.

A need was expressed to expand membership in the BPA as the association is facing additional challenges, including the prevention of invasive aquatic plants. The BPA membership stands at 130 of the 254 lake residents.

Members voted to pay a $40 membership fee in joining the Maine Lake Conservancy Institute.

Gary Porter and Bob Murray were announced as new members of the executive board.