FOLW Blog
Get the latest news and updates from Lake Winnecook and the Board of Directors
What factors affect the water quality of our lake?
Seasonal variations in lake water quality readings—such as Secchi depth (clarity), temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO)—are primarily driven by changes in temperature, sunlight, biological activity, and water mixing patterns over the course of the year. Here's a breakdown of what causes these seasonal shifts:
1. Temperature
Primary Driver: Air temperature and solar radiation.
Effect:
Summer: Warmer surface waters form a thermocline (a sharp temperature gradient), preventing mixing between surface and deeper waters (stratification).
Winter: In cold climates, ice can insulate the water, and temperature differences are less extreme.
Spring/Fall: Turnover occurs—water mixes from top to bottom as the temperature equalizes, redistributing oxygen and nutrients.
2. Secchi Disk (Water Clarity)
Primary Drivers: Algal growth, sediment runoff, and water mixing.
Effect:
Spring/Early Summer: Nutrient runoff from snowmelt or rain can stimulate algal blooms, reducing clarity.
Mid-Summer: Continued blooms or zooplankton grazing can cause clarity to improve or worsen depending on balance. (zooplankton eat algae, but we have to much phosphorus in our lake for them to keep up🙂)
Fall: Turnover can resuspend bottom sediments and nutrients, temporarily lowering clarity.
Winter: Less biological activity may lead to clearer water under the ice.
3. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Primary Drivers: Temperature, photosynthesis, decomposition, and stratification.
Effect:
Colder water holds more DO. In spring and fall, mixing helps oxygenate the entire water column.
Summer:
Stratification limits mixing, and DO can become depleted in the hypolimnion (deeper waters), leading to anoxic conditions.
Surface DO may stay higher due to photosynthesis and atmospheric diffusion. (but will still drop as the water warms)
Fall Turnover: Reoxygenates the lower layers.
Winter (under ice): DO can decline due to reduced atmospheric exchange and limited photosynthesis
Join a Plant Patrol Paddle – Protect Lake Winnecook from Invasives!
Invasive aquatic plants are one of the most serious threats to the long-term health of Maine lakes—including Lake Winnecook. Once they take hold, they are incredibly difficult - and expensive - to remove. But with a little effort from our community, we can detect and stop these invaders before they spread.
Why Early Detection Matters
While we do have a Courtesy Boat Inspector (CBI) checking boats on weekends, no one is actively surveying in the lake itself. That means we do not actually know whether invasives have already made it in.
Lakes less than 40 miles from Lake Winnecook are already fighting invasives—like variable milfoil and curly-leaf pondweed—and spending huge amounts of time and money to do it. We can avoid that future by acting now.
Be Part of the Solution: Organize a Plant Patrol Paddle
We are looking for community members to host an afternoon Plant Patrol Paddle Out with friends, family, or neighbors. These casual shoreline surveys are a great way to enjoy time on the water while helping protect our lake.
Our very own Dr. Ellen Batchelder, former Unity College Biology professor, will join your group to give a short tutorial on what to look for—then you will paddle together, surveying your shoreline for invasive plant species.
No experience needed—just a canoe or kayak, curiosity, and a love for the lake.
A Family-Friendly Civic Activity
This is a great educational opportunity for all ages. Adults and kids alike will learn how to identify both invasive and beneficial native aquatic plants. It is a fun and meaningful way to engage your household and neighbors in lake stewardship.
With enough participation from all areas of the lake, we can form a community-wide early warning network and stop the problem before it starts.
Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting or joining a Plant Patrol Paddle this summer please use the form below
Together, we can protect what we love.
Let’s keep Lake Winnecook clean—not green or overgrown.
Want to Go Deeper? Take IPP 101 Online
If you would like to become even more knowledgeable, consider enrolling in Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) 101, a free 3-hour online course offered by Lake Stewards of Maine. This beginner-friendly class teaches you how to:
Identify the 15 invasive plants on Maine’s watch list
Distinguish invasives from native “lookalikes”
Survey safely and effectively
Collect and submit plant samples for ID
Report your findings
Organize a local IPP team
Become a Certified Invasive Plant Patroller
It’s a great way to expand your impact and support our efforts with professional-level knowledge.
Harvesting Ice On Maine Lakes
From the FOLW Archives:
Ice-Out Dates - 1970 to 2013
In 2013, FOLW President J. Foley provided an insightful look into the ever-changing conditions of Unity Pond. The Ice-Out—a celebrated marker of spring—was officially recorded on April 7, 2013.
This date aligns with trends from prior years, showcasing the delicate balance of weather patterns influencing our lake. President Foley's report highlighted how monitoring Ice-Out dates contributes to understanding climate trends and their effects on Unity Pond.
With a historical perspective reaching back decades, it’s fascinating to see how Ice-Out dates have varied, from as early as March 5 in 1980 to as late as May 1 in 1971. These records remind us of the importance of ongoing stewardship and data collection to preserve Unity Pond for future generations.
As we reflect on the past, we’re reminded of the dedication of FOLW members, like President Foley, who work tirelessly to protect the lake we all love.
We Have a Winner!
Out of 41 submissions, we’re thrilled to announce that Donna Gillette of Corinth and Unity submitted the winning name for our water quality campaign:
Let’s Make it Clean – Not Green!
When contacted on Friday about winning the $100 prize, Donna shared her inspiration: ensuring a healthy future for her grandchildren (pictured here with their mom). They love swimming in the lake, but this past summer, visible algae blooms by mid-season forced a heartbreaking reality: NO SWIMMING.
Donna and her husband, John Moody, have cherished their camp on Hummingbird Lane for decades. Her family’s connection to the lake runs deep—her father, Max Gillette, took FOLW’s water quality readings for many years. However, Donna is concerned about how declining water quality impacts not just family enjoyment but also the property value of their camp.
Despite hesitating at first, thinking her idea sounded corny, Donna hit SUBMIT—and now we have an amazing name that embodies our shared vision for the future of Unity Pond.
This spring, we’ll unveil a campaign logo alongside our renewed commitment to implementing the Watershed Management Plan. Together, we can restore our lake for generations to come.
For the Love of Our Lake
Let’s Make it Clean – Not Green!
A huge thank you to Donna and to all 14 members who submitted their ideas. Let’s rally behind this inspiring message and work together to turn things around!
Thank you, Donna!
10/4/2024 - Water Clarity Report
Click the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report.
If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
Past Alum Treatments in Maine
North Pond Launches Alum Treatment Fundraiser with a $700K Goal by December 2024
In an ambitious effort to protect and preserve the health of North Pond, a new fundraising initiative has been launched to support an Alum Treatment project. With an overall projected cost of $3 million, the North Pond Alum Treatment Fundraiser aims to raise $700,000 by the end of December 2024.
Why North Pond Needs Alum Treatment
North Pond, like many freshwater bodies, has been facing challenges related to nutrient pollution, primarily from phosphorus. Excess phosphorus leads to algae blooms, which can degrade water quality, threaten wildlife, and diminish recreational value. Alum (aluminum sulfate) treatment is a proven method to reduce phosphorus levels in the water, restoring the balance of the ecosystem and preventing future algae blooms.
What is Alum Treatment?
Alum treatment involves the application of aluminum sulfate to the water, where it binds with phosphorus to create an insoluble compound. This compound sinks to the bottom, effectively locking away the phosphorus and preventing it from fueling algae growth. The treatment is proven safe for aquatic life and provides long-term benefits for water quality, often lasting 10-20 years.
Fundraising Goal: $700K by December 2024
While the total cost of the alum treatment project is estimated at $3 million, the initial fundraising phase focuses on securing $700,000 by December 2024. These funds will go towards the first phase of the project, including preliminary studies, permits, and early treatment efforts. Achieving this goal will put the project on track for full implementation by 2025.
9/6/2024 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report.
If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
8/30/2024 - Water Clarity Report
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If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
7/12/2024 - Water Clarity Report
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If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
6/29/2024 - Water Clarity Report
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If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
6/14/2024 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report.
If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
5/17/2024 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report.
If you viewing on your phone, please try the mobile version of the report, which can fit your screen!
Lake Winnecook now has a Loon Nesting Raft!
Maine is home to the largest population of loons in the Northeast but Maine loons face threats both on breeding lakes and offshore wintering areas. The Maine Loon Restoration Project is a five-year project that aims to give Maine loons better chances for breeding success and reduce threats to their survival. Funding was provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the Bouchard Barge 120 Buzzards Bay Oil Spill Trustees.
Plant Buffer Workshop Slides
Waldo County SWCD and FOLW hosted a plant buffer workshop last week where the presenters explained how a strong vegetated buffer along the shoreline of a lake prevents soil erosion and in turn, poor lake water quality.
Click on the buttons to the right to see the Zoom video and the slides that were presented during the meeting!
FOLW applies for $122,502 EPA 319 Implementation Grant
Stormwater erosion sites identified in the 2021 Unity Pond Watershed survey. Colors signifies Impact rating (Red) High (Orange) Medium (Yellow) Low
We are excited to announce that FOLW has applied for $122,502 in EPA 319 (Non-Point Source Pollution) Implementation Grant funds. These funds are awarded exclusively to groups that have attained EPA-approved Watershed-Based Plans - Unity Pond WBMP completed in 2022.
Approximately 22 impaired lakes - including Unity Pond - and 178 threatened lakes with approved watershed plans are also eligible to apply. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has $1.3 million available for grants of which $650,000 is required to be awarded to impaired lakes. These grants range from $50,000 to $150,000, with plans to award 9 to 12 grants this year.
Key Information:
Funding Source: Federal EPA funds administered by Maine DEP
Total Funds Available: $1.3 million
Grant Range: $50,000 - $150,000
Expected Number of Grants: 9-12
Eligibility: DEP-approved Watershed Based Restoration Plans
Focus on Stormwater Erosion and Future Project Preparation:
Our watershed requires significant work to address stormwater erosion sites. This funding opportunity will enable us to tackle some of these critical issues and support continued scoping efforts to prepare additional projects for the next application cycle.
We have formed a strong team of both volunteer and paid professionals to manage the grant if awarded. Many of you will remember our lake consultant, Jen Jespersen of Ecological Instincts. Jen took on the lion's share of the application process and has an impressive success rate with these grants.
FOLW has invested over $5,000 in this grant application & if successful will turn the federal funds, along with an estimated $111,800 in non-federal match, into $234,303 to help work towards restoring our lake. If our application is not successful, we will absorb the feedback from Maine DEP, adjust our application, and with minimal cost to us reapply next spring. The Maine DEP is expected to announce awards in July; we will wait and see with fingers crossed.
Call to Action:
We have a broad range of action steps in our implementation plan. If the grant is awarded, it will provide a cost-share opportunity for landowners, road associations, and towns in the watershed to help protect the lake by addressing stormwater runoff. Cost-share grants would be available starting in the spring of 2025. However, there are things you can do now to make a difference.
For example, sign up with FOLW for a Lake Smart visit at your shoreline property. During a Lake Smart visit, you will learn about Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as infiltrated roof drip lines, infiltrated steps on your shoreline, and much more. There is no obligation and many of these BMPs do not require significant financial resources to accomplish. Additionally, FOLW is now offering up to $350 in matching funds to help with materials, labor, and permit fees if needed.
Any steps you take, large or small, are valuable. We wish to track actions taken and may be able to apply their value, including your volunteer time, as in-kind match for the grant. Your collaboration, membership, and financial support are crucial in making all of this possible. Together, we can significantly improve the health and sustainability of Lake Winnecook.
Thank you for your continued support.
Gravel Road Workshop!
Discover the secrets to maintaining your camp road effectively, saving money, and preserving the pristine beauty of our lake! We invite you to join us online this Tuesday night for a 1-Hour Gravel Road Workshop, where we'll focus on Best Management Practices that can make a significant difference for your camp road and the environment.
Click below to view the blog on the Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District page. There is also a link to the video presentation, which was recorded and can be played back on-demand.
Andy Reed (L) presenting FOLW VP Charles Schaefer with the Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation Organization of the year award.
In a heartwarming acknowledgment of dedicated environmental stewardship, the Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District recently honored the Friends of Lake Winnecook with the prestigious Conservationist of the Year Award. This recognition, presented at the district's Annual Meeting, serves as a testament to the tireless efforts and commitment of the organization in preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of Lake Winnecook. Accepting the award were the esteemed founding members, Charles and Arlene Schaefer.
A Heartwarming Rescue: Lonesome Louie's Icy Adventure
We have an incredible tale of resilience and teamwork to share with you, as Lonesome Louie, one of our beloved lake-dwelling friends, found himself in a chilly predicament.
Lonesome Louie was caught off guard by the early ice on the lake, but thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Wescott family and the expertise of field biologists Micah Miller and Chris Persico from Biodiversity Research Institute - BRI - this story has a happy ending!
The Wescott family, keeping a watchful eye on Louie, swiftly contacted authorities and mobilized a rescue mission. The BRI team, equipped with a flat stern canoe, arrived at the scene promptly. In under 15 minutes, they skillfully approached the open hole of water where Louie was stranded and, using a net, gently captured him. The entire rescue operation was executed safely and without incident.
After being examined, Louie received a clean bill of health with no signs of injuries, and his flight feathers were in good shape. As a precaution, he was banded with an identification tag. The next leg of his journey took him to Portland, where he was released back into the vastness of the ocean.
The rescue team speculated that Louie might have been caught off guard by the early ice or might have been molting, making taking flight more challenging than usual. Regardless, the combined efforts of the community and the BRI team ensured a swift and successful rescue, highlighting the importance of collaboration in wildlife conservation.
Let’s celebrate the triumphant return of Lonesome Louie to his natural habitat! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Wescott family, Micah Miller, Chris Persico, and the entire BRI team for their dedication to the well-being of our feathered friend.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to sharing more uplifting stories with you in the future.
10/1/2023 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
9/15/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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9/1/2023 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
8/18/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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40th Annual Loon Count
The results are it! Please click below to see the Loon Count page.
8/4/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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7/21/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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7/7/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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6/19/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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6/9/2023 - Water Clarity Report
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5/26/2023 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
5/14/2023 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
5/12/2023 - John Sage Foundation Grant Application Awarded!
Our grant request from the John Sage Foundation was approved! They will be providing us with funds to help with lake sediment analysis, then next step in the Watershed-Based Management Plan (WBMP). FOLW has already performed the analysis and will be using the results to make recommendations for the next steps of the WBMP.
5/3/2023 - John Sage Foundation Grant Application
FOLW is requesting grant funding to help jumpstart the lake restoration objectives outlined in the 2023 Unity Pond Watershed-Based Management Plan (WBMP). The goal of this project is to collect and analyze sediment samples in Unity Pond at different depths and locations throughout the lake to help inform management recommendations to address internal phosphorus loading. The project has three major components:
Collection of samples
Analysis of samples
Preparation of final in-lake treatment recommendations.
9/16/2022 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
9/2/2022 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
FOLW Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade
Join us on Saturday, September 3rd at 1pm for a boat parade as we celebrate the end of summer on Lake Winnecook. The parade will begin in the north cove, proceed along the Burnham shore south toward Unity, then traverse back towards Troy along the eastern shore. Join the procession once it passes your property and enjoy another beautiful day on the lake. This year’s theme is Red, White and Blue, so decorate your boat and have fun!
In case of rain on Saturday, we will postpone the parade until Sunday, September 4th at 1pm.
08/19/2022 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
08/05/2022 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
07/22/2022 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
7/17/2022 - Loon Count results
Our paddlers spotted 11 adults and 1 chick on Saturday morning; thank you to all who participated. Also, the graph below shows a historical view of the past loon counts. We had 14 paddlers who had to adhere to the strict guidelines of Maine Audubon while counting. The count has to last for exactly 30 minutes; if a paddler sees a loon even one minute past the count time, they cannot count it. Also, weather and the threat of predators influence the amount of loons we see and count.
07/10/2022 - Water Clarity Report
Click to the button below to view the bi-monthly Water Clarity Report. We also have a mobile version that will fit smalls screens here:
Browntail Moth Information
Browntail moth season is upon us! FOLW has gathered some information that may be helpful. Below is a link to the Maine CDC page about the moth, as well as a fact sheet with prevention and treatment information, as well as a map with a survey of previous infestations by year (use the toggles on the top right corner of the map to activate the different layers).
Announcement: Maine DEP PFAS Advisory
PFAS refers to a family of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS have been used for a long time in many household and industrial products to make them able to repel water and resist stains and grease.
5/27/2022 - Alewife Count by year since 2011
Here is information on the current Alewife population in Lake Winnecook, updated by year.
2022 FOLW Ice Out Contest!
Ice out has been called! After much deliberation, the Ice Out Committee has declared April 5th as the official Ice Out date for Lake Winnecook. Ice out is when a boat can travel from the northern most point to the southern most point of the lake without being impeded by ice.
This year’s Ice Out contest winner is Alan Burton, who guessed the correct date! For guessing the correct date, Alan will win a fabulous, custom designed FOLW Cribbage board. Congratulations, Alan!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the event; a special thank you to all of our sponsors as well!
2022 Ice Out Contest!
The 2022 Ice Out contest page is live. FOLW members can select a date and win a custom made Lake Winnecook cribbage board.
China Lake WBMP -Public Hearing Video
(The Unity Pond Watershed Based Mgt. Plan Public Hearing will be held in December of 2022)
China Lake posted a video of their WBMP Public Hearing that took place in early December and discussed the implementation of their Watershed Based Management Plan, as well as the expert recommendation on the method of treating the lake’s algal blooms. Please click on the blue button to view the entire session or on the button below this post to view just the Q&A session at the end. This session features the experts discussing the pros and cons of all the known methods of treating algal blooms, which also affects our lake.
The 2021 Fall FOLW Newsletter is here!
Stay up to date with all of the news regarding FOLW and Lake Winnecook in the latest edition of the newsletter!
10/27/2021 - Chart - Water Clarity and Rainfall
Updated chart with the totals for all of this year’s readings.
9/27/2021 - Algae Bloom Update
As many of you have likely seen, Unity Pond is experiencing a significant algae bloom. The bloom is especially bad in areas where the wind has concentrated it, though it’s also present in the middle of the lake.
The bloom was confirmed when we took a Secchi Disc reading on Friday, showing visibility of 1.41 meters. A bloom is anything less than 2 meters. The lake is also beginning to “turn over” — meaning the top water cools, becoming more dense, and sinking, so the phosphorus from the bottom that feeds blooms ends up on top. That will also hurt water quality.
The state still hasn’t confirmed the presence of the harmful cyanobacteria, but as we noted last month, it’s best to assume that it’s present and keep small children and dogs away from places where the scum concentrates.
The recent test likely confirms the concerns of many of you who sent us photos recently. And it underscores the importance of our work together in minimizing the pollution into the lake, and starting a long term plan to clean our water.
If you’re as concerned about the water as we are, and want to live or relax on a lake without worrying about sickening your dog or kids, we hope you’ll help spread the word about our efforts and consider renewing your Friends of Lake Winnecook membership.
Next year we’ll complete the two-year watershed-based development plan, which will form the backbone of our long term effort to fix persistent water quality issues in the lake. At the end of this plan, experts in lake restoration will recommend what specific method we should use to restore the water. But there’s so much to do right now, like getting volunteers trained to help neighbors spot potential pollution sources in their own neighborhoods.
We need more members to help us do this important work. If you haven't renewed your membership since July 31, please do so today, or contact us about ways to get involved.
9/4/2021 - Chart - Water Clarity and Rainfall
After securing some data from the National Weather Service regarding rainfall in the area, we built the chart to the left, which shows the visibility and water clarity readings and the total rainfall, aggregated into two week periods to match the readings.
8/19/2021 - Trout Restocking
Communication between our President, Brian Levesque and Wes Ashe, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regarding the restocking of trout on Lake Winnecook.
8/16/2021 - Loon Count 2021
View the Loon Count for 2021 and the historical numbers in a chart.
8/12/2021 - Algal Bloom
Message from Linda Bacon, Maine Department of Environmental Protection regarding the necessary precautions to take during the current algal bloom on Lake Winnecook.