May 2022

Hello Harriman Pond neighbors. Many of us will be coming up to Maine to spend time on Harriman Pond this spring and summer. We wanted to give you some updates.

Harriman Pond is in the top 10% of lakes in the state in terms of water quality because so many of you have taken such good care of the pond over the years. Some of our homeowners have participated in loon counts for decades, as well as led efforts to limit motorboats to 6 HP and public boat access on the pond. No doubt these have contributed to the outstanding water quality on the pond and the excellent water quality measurements. Our Secchi measurements have been up to 9 m (basically, we can see 9 meters down in the lake on a clear day). As a result, Harriman Pond is listed as a “priority lake” by the Maine DEP because of this quality and potential development threats.

The expected hot weather this summer and COVID-19 pandemic have made many of us appreciate the specialness of Harriman Pond even more than usual. Many of us have also wanted to celebrate the uniqueness of our pond and connect with our fellow neighbors. Therefore, we have created this newsletter to highlight some of the notable updates about Harriman Pond and think about how we can protect our lake and watershed.

Updates since last newsletter

Watershed survey completed. THANK YOU for allowing us to complete this important survey.    Harriman Pond was included in the Branch Lake Watershed Survey last spring. Over 90% the lakeside properties were surveyed by a team of 4 homeowners (see picture below). The survey had a lot of minor findings on properties, but importantly there were very few major erosion issues on the properties surveyed on the pond. The analysis by Branch Lake Association and consultant EcoInstincts revealed 2 major concerns with road crossings that that affect the pond. 

Next steps after Watershed Survey. Now that the watershed survey is complete, we helped the Branch Lake Association (through Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District) submit a grant application to provide matching funds for projects to protect water quality in both lakes. This Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Project Grant (319 Grant) would provide funds to help address inadequate ditches on Bald Mountain Road that have caused sediment and mud to wash into the pond in storms. The Town of Dedham will provide matching funds for this work if the proposal is successfully funded. The 2-year grant will also allow us to hold workshops to help property owners learn more about buffer planting and the LakeSmart program. Stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, here is some information.

Prevent erosion on the pond. Please see below to see some ideas of plants for shoreline and creating paths to decrease erosion on our properties and steps being taken to remedy the 2 major issues identified during the watershed survey. These were put together by our friends on Branch Lake to help homeowners prevent erosion. 

First, protect our pond with native buffer plants: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9emVoUKg7VrNxNIpF9dofbdFcREEAn/view?usp=sharing 

Second, here are some ideas to control erosion on steep footpaths on your property: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mmkda2AvwNTHU8bfiI8mSV70NYAFHa0/view?usp=sharing 

Third, here is a low-cost approach to manage runoff on driveways: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R1aAQNkD_SAGIaoeQGryZgDflDyBMmnZ/viw?usp=sharing  

Road Paving. The Town of Dedham plans to repave part of Bald Mountain Road this summer. Watch out for construction crews. 

Consider Starting a Lake Association. We will begin to explore the idea of starting a Harriman Pond Lake Association with homeowners. A Steering Committee will meet in early summer to plan a summer gathering with homeowners. Please contact us if you would like to join the Steering Committee. Stay tuned for details about a gathering this summer. Here is more information about starting a Lake Association: https://www.lakes.me/start-a-lake-association 

Gathering on Harriman Pond. Stay tuned for information about a gathering of Harriman Pond homeowners this July or August. 

ALERT: Alamoosook Lake infestation. Unfortunately, Alamoosook Lake right over the border in Orland just documented the first infestation of invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil in Hancock County. This invasive plant spreads by small pieces that often hitch a ride on boats or other gear, so it’s really important to inspect boats, fishing gear, etc. that are coming from other lakes to Harriman. If you have guests coming to stay with you, please be sure to check for hitchhiking plants on any boats, paddles, floats, and other gear. 

http://wacf.com/water-quality/eurasian-watermilfoil/

Thank you for all you do to protect the lake! Looking forward to seeing you all this summer.