SPRING 2025
Hello, Harriman Pond Neighbors!
Happy spring from the newly-established Harriman Pond
Lake Association!
Spring has sprung, and if you’re like us, you’re looking forward to
summer days on the pond. During the past winter, we took a few
steps forward in our mission, which is “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.”
- First, we were officially established as a non-profit in the State of Maine. This step formally created the Harriman Pond Lake Association* (HPLA). This allows us to be eligible for some grants and to collect donations and voluntary dues as we move forward.
- Second, the pollution-reducing 319 grant for work at Harriman Pond and Branch Lake wrapped up. See page 2 and the attached report for details. Importantly, we may move forward with another grant and want to know if you have erosion control projects like the ones in the report to propose.
*Note: a “lake association” has a definition, even if it seems redundant to have “pond” and “lake” in the name.
HPLA leadership:
Hans Kersten, President
Denise Goodwin, Treasurer
Sarah Nelson, Secretary
Directors:
Carl Goodwin
Cathy Anderson
Mike Strang
Join in! Send an email
with your interest.
Great progress protecting the pond… and potential for more projects!
This winter, Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation
District submitted the final report for the “319 grant” – $112,483
funding that helped reduce pollution to our pond and Branch
Lake. Here’s how Harriman Pond property owners helped –
and received a total of $21,000 in matching funds!
- Two out of the four List of Residential BMP Installations (landscaping, erosion control) were at Harriman Pond, the other two at Branch Lake.
- Roads, Driveways – Bald Mountain Road ditching and culverts, and one driveway received matching funds for ~50% of improvement costs. Also, Winkumpaugh Corners is now paved, a benefit to all who travel in the area.
Overall, “22 tons of sediment, 12 pounds of phosphorus and
30.5 pounds of nitrogen are estimated to have been prevented
from [entering] Branch Lake [and Harriman Pond].” These are
the pollutants that can cause algae to bloom, creating green
scum and causing problems for fish and water quality. Also,
170 feet of shoreline were protected. This is great news!
If you have projects in mind – let us know! (contact
harrimanpondmaine@gmail.com). We are looking to
determine the feasibility of a future grant. See the attached
“Special Report” from the project team for photos and details.
Join in!
Would you like to be more involved with the Harriman Pond Association? We meet monthly online and would be glad to have more neighbors join us!
Contact us at: harrimanpondmaine@gmail.com
Web site: https://harrimanpond.org
…and feel free to share your photos of the lake and its wildlife for the newsletter!
Neighbors Gathering July 27, 2025!
Save the date! We are planning to have another social gathering in summer 2025. Details and location to be announced.
Would you like to host? Contact harrimanpondmaine@gmail.com if interested in hosting our 3rd gathering!
Looking forward to seeing everyone out at the pond this season!
Hans Kersten, President, HPLA
Email: harrimanpondmaine@gmail.com