PHOTO: Janet White, president of the Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association, presents Dick and Jo Thibodeau with an award for their more than 20 years of water testing on the pond. (Submitted photo)
TURNER – Dick and Jo Thibodeau were honored during the Little Wilson Pond Improvement Association annual meeting as the environmental heroes of Little Wilson Pond.
The couple has been testing the water quality in the pond for more than 20 years. The meeting was held in July on Zoom.
The pond, which encompasses 110 acres, flows directly into Lake Auburn, which Is the source of drinking water for the cities of Lewiston and Auburn. Unlike Lake Auburn, Little Wilson Pond is open to swimming, although there is no public access.
“Our pond is a wonderful mix of year-round residents and camps that have been in families for generations,” said Janet White, president of the association. “The water quality is important to every property owner on the pond, regardless of whether they live here all year or come to enjoy it every summer.
“For 23 years, Dick and Jo have been out in their boat testing the water quality every month and reporting their results to the state,” White said. “That’s an incredible commitment that has benefited every property owner, since they are the eyes to spotting any problems in the water.”
The Thibodeaus have been monitoring both the water clarity and the dissolved oxygen, which is important to keeping fish alive. Their monthly reports are sent to the Lake Stewards of Maine, which coordinates with the state. As the town of Turner’s representation to the Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission, Dick Thibodeau knows the challenges of maintaining the water quality.
“The water quality in Little Wilson Pond has been impressive,” he said. “In early spring when the ice goes out, we see the water quality impacted by runoff, particularly from soil erosion. But as the swimming season opens, it’s great. ”
At this year’s association meeting, Biz Gagnon volunteered to take over responsibility for the monthly water testing.
