News from the Friends of Messalonskee
Early summer has finally arrived! Docks have been installed, boats have been launched, loons are nesting, hummingbirds are settling in around feeders, eagles are fishing, fish are biting, and the magic of Messalonskee Lake continues. Friends of Messalonskee (FOM) is already busy at work on lake health projects and education.
We are in our second year of partnership with 7 Lakes Alliance (7LA) in our milfoil operations. Last year, under 7LA management, 9,000 gallons of invasive variable leaf milfoil was removed from 10 of the 12 most infested areas. This year, with Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversight, herbicide treatments will be applied to four areas of Messalonskee that are heavily infested with milfoil. A public meeting regarding herbicide treatments was held by DEP on June 3, and treatments are scheduled for July 9.
FOM will continue to contribute to the milfoil removal efforts through two new community education programs coordinated by Danielle Boutin, our Lake Education Coordinator. Milfoil Survey Team volunteers monitor designated areas of the lake for new milfoil growth, and report location findings to Peter Koons, FOM’s Data Manager. Peter then coordinates with 7LA, which adds these findings to their database. FOM also has an “Adopt Your Shoreline” program, through which volunteers identify and collect milfoil fragments in front of their properties, preventing future growth. We will conduct an outreach program this year to expand these efforts. Contact . if you are interested in participating. In partnership with RSU 18, two plant paddle classes are scheduled for July 13 and August 10. The paddles are free and all equipment is provided.
LakeSmart evaluations are underway. LakeSmart is a free property assessment program that helps prevent toxic sediment runoff into the lake from individual properties. Janna Townsend and Bill Tiernan, the FOM LakeSmart Coordinators, will be conducting LakeSmart property evaluations again this year and developing remediation plans that include the best types and placement of plants to slow runoff.
The Oakland boat launch will be undergoing much needed renovations and repairs this summer. The launch will be closed beginning July 6, and the project is expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete. The Sidney launch will remain open. Certified Boat Inspections (CBI) managed by 7LA will continue in Sidney.
For the second year in a row, FOM is conducting a fundraising raffle to help in the costs of these operations. Last year, a $5,000 grand prize was awarded to a lucky ticket purchaser. This year, in addition to $5,000, other prizes will be awarded, including a scenic seaplane ride, a guided Messalonskee Lake boat tour, a towable tube, a paddle board, and a yard cutter/trimmer. The drawing for prizes will be on August 30 at noon at the Oakland Park gazebo. Tickets can be purchased online with a debit card or in person at the Belgrade Village Green Artisan Fairs on June 28, July 26, and August 1.
Messalonskee Lake will be hosting eight bass fishing tournaments this year on the following dates: 6/27, 7/18, 8/1, 8/22, 9/18, 9/19, 10/4, 11/18. FOM appreciates that since 2020, all bass clubs participate in standardized training on aquatic invasive species inspections. Trained inspectors conduct inspections on all watercraft associated with a tournament both upon launch and retrieval of the watercraft. This is immensely helpful in preventing milfoil fragment spread as Messalonskee Lake and Belgrade Stream is currently one of the most heavily infested areas in the state. The complete schedule for bass tournaments in Maine in 2026 by water body, including Messalonskee Lake, can be here.
FOM’s annual meeting will be held on August 8, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Sunrise Bagel, Main St., Oakland. There will be social time and topics will include updates on the herbicide treatment, current DEP 319 Road Construction and Youth Conservation Corps projects, and LakeSmart. Invasive Plant materials will be available. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
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