FALL 2024
Hello, Harriman Pond Neighbors!
Summer summary
The summer of 2024 included many community-building opportunities around the pond, including our second Harriman Pond Lake Association gathering. Read on for a summary and updates on our newly-formed Association–our application to become a Lake Association was recently approved!
The rain cleared over Harriman Pond in the early afternoon of a warm Sunday in early August. The ground was still wet and it was muggy, but everyone was excited. Over 25 Harriman Pond homeowners gathered at Cathy and Steve’s cabin for small talk about summer vacations and our beloved Harriman Pond. Neighbors brought baked beans, casseroles, salads, baked goods, and beverages and the hosts had cold cuts for sandwiches. Many people met each other for the first time or reintroduced themselves since they had met years before.
This was an opportunity to share some special stories about Harriman Pond from the summer vacationers or year-rounders. There were many stories about all the families gathering for the summer from all around the country and the different types of wildlife seen around the pond or captured on trail-cameras. However, everyone was particularly proud of the 2 baby loons that were born on the pond this summer on the float built for us by the Audubon Society. The babies had been seen around the pond and beginning to dive for their own food.
Thank you Cathy & Steve for hosting!
Injured loon update
The injured loon captured by Maine DIF&W in mid-September made the journey to Avian Haven for rehabilitation. The loon has some injuries to its legs and webbing of its feet, caused by entangled rope and fishing line, but is swimming and eating in captivity during the rehab. Avian Haven will treat the loon’s injuries and release him or her either back to the pond, if early enough before winter, or to the ocean where loons overwinter if it’s later in the season.
Please feel free to donate if you are so inclined, to help this great organization that relies on support from donors to rescue wildlife.
Summer summary, continued…
We also shared a poster describing Harriman Pond’s excellent water quality with water clarity (Secchi disk) measurements in the top 10% of Maine ponds, low phosphorus levels, and varied fish life. We participated in watershed survey with Branch Lake a few years ago and a Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Control (319) grant from the State of Maine. As a result, the culvert at the end of Harriman Pond on Bald Mountain Road was replaced (half the funds were matched by Dedham Township) and the mud runoff into Harriman Pond was significantly reduced this spring. Many neighbors used the grant to help them complete projects to continue to protect our special pond. Others noted how they intend to work on any identified issues in the coming months or next summer, although the grant ends in September.
Finally, we have reserved the name Harriman Pond Lake Association with the State of Maine and our application to officially become a non-profit Lake Association was approved. This has no legal authority, but the mission of the Harriman Pond Lake Association (HPLA) will be to work with landowners around the pond to protect and improve the water quality of the pond and watershed through education, action, and preservation while respecting the interests of property owners and providing the opportunity for fellowship among association members.
Contact us at: HarrimanPond@gmail.com
Web site: https://harrimanpond.org
