Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
RANGELEY — The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is looking for volunteers for the Headwaters Lake Protection Program. The program gives community members the opportunity to join other community scientists all over the state and nation who have made a commitment to monitor their preferred wate rbody for clarity, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen or invasive plants, and regularly record data.
“The time I spend patrolling is minimal compared to the contribution I feel I’ve given to the community. I have always love Maine’s lakes but it wasn’t until I lived in Rangeley that I realized how important they are — especially in our community,” said Amanda Laliberte, program manager for RLHT.
Similar programs exist across the state, and are often organized through lake associations. The volunteers help expand water resource monitoring, decrease data gaps and improve the overall understanding of Maine’s water quality. Collection, observation and reporting procedures are designed to be inexpensive, quick and easy to perform, and provide hands-on experience for volunteers. Training, materials and monitoring equipment are provided free of charge.
“Nearly every waterbody needs a few more plant patrollers and several ponds that need water quality monitors. So many of our volunteers have been at this for over a decade and are ready to pass on their skills and passion to the next generation.” Laliberte said. “Until then, we are relying on our community to educate themselves on invasive plants, how to protect water quality and the clean, drain, dry campaign.”
Plant patrollers survey the shoreline for invasive plants. Their efforts ensure that if we had an infestation, we would be able to quickly respond. In 2018 patrollers surveyed over 90 miles of shoreline but more eyes are needed on the water who know what to look for and who can help with shoreline gaps. With invasive plants, early detection is key in eradication.
Some ponds like Dodge, have slowly lost their team of patrollers over the years. Rangeley, Mooselook and Cupsuptic lakes are all in desperate need of more volunteers, with less than half of their total shorelines surveyed each year.
“We prioritize the high traffic and disturbed areas when we survey, trying to get the most out of our time on the water,” Laliberte said.
Those interested in becoming a plant patroller or learning more about the plants in along their shore may contact Janet Bissell, volunteer lake leader for the region at janetbissell@yahoo.com or by calling RLHT at 207- 864-7311.
PHOTO: Rangeley Invasive Plant Patroller and Lake Leader, JoAnn Meisel, inspects an aquatic plant at South Bog. (RLHT photo)
