Fish Counters Needed

The Alewives are running in Waldoboro and one of the tasks at hand is counting them as they swim up the Medomak River. Fish counting coordinator Lincoln Smith is looking for volunteers. If you have a few extra hours between 8 am and 6pm and would like to get outdoors please give Lincoln Smith a call at 832-5570. Counting is done in 2 hour shifts off the Mill Street Bridge in Waldoboro.

Do we fertilize our lawns?

A recent statewide survey conducted by a Maine market research firm found that over 61% of Mainers do not fertilize their lawns which is good news for Maine’s lakes, rivers, streams, and estuaries where fertilizer washed off lawns can contribute to algal blooms and poor water quality.

This news is also consistent with recent research showing most lawns over 10 years old don’t need a lot of chemicals. As Laura Wilson from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service explains, “If your lawn looks healthy without fertilizers, do not fertilize; it is a waste of money. Most lawns over 10 years old do not need fertilizers, if you leave the clippings. The clippings provide a source of slow release nitrogen and adequate phosphorus for your lawn.”

Most lawns don’t need phosphorus. “Over 80% of lawns tested in the past 5 years did not need any additional phosphorus,” notes Wilson. “Reducing or eliminating phosphorus also prevents harm to neighborhood lakes, streams and rivers

Barbara Welch, who runs Maine’s Phosphorus-Free Fertilizer program at the Department of Environmental Protection explains, “Phosphorus controls a lake’s water quality. Keep phosphorus out and you have clear water. Add phosphorus and you get plant growth in the form of tiny algae that can turn lakes, streams and even some rivers green and scummy.”

For these reasons, the Maine legislature passed a law that took effect 2 years ago requiring stores that sell fertilizers containing phosphorus (this includes most starter fertilizers) to post a sign. The sign discourages the use of phosphorus lawn products unless reseeding, starting a new lawn, or results of soil test show phosphorus is needed. The statewide survey found that among those who use phosphorus-free fertilizer, practically all (89%) are satisfied with the look and condition of their lawn.

Wilson gives advice on when to apply fertilizers - not before spring green-up or later than September 15th. Early spring fertilizing feeds the weeds more than the grass. The best time to fertilize is around Labor Day weekend to get the grass strong going into winter. Avoid fertilizing in the midsummer when the grass may be stressed with hot, dry conditions.

Gary Fish of the Maine YardScaping Partnership says, "One of the best things you can do when applying fertilizer is get any stray particles off the sidewalk, driveway and street and back onto the lawn. Fertilizer granules or grass clippings on these surfaces can easily get washed into the storm drain or ditch and can end up polluting our precious lakes, rivers and bays.”

To see how Bremen stacks up against the state please take the poll on the right hand side of the blog.

For more information on safe, healthy lawns visit the Maine Board of Pesticides YardScaping web site http://www.yardscaping.org/lawn/six-steps.htm and County Cooperative Extension offices. For phosphorus free fertilizer information go to http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/fert/phospage.htm

David's Update 5-17-10

A  strange year for alewife runs in Maine, and to the south. What started as unusually early runs (April 4th in Jefferson) in parts of Maine, has found them somewhat standoff-ish in many other runs in the mid-coast lately. Muscongus Brook in Bremen has always started late; around Memorial Day. During high tides lately the harbor will show a couple of cormorants and sometimes loons, diving with purpose. An osprey and eagle have been reported near the mouth of the brook. A great blue heron well up into the brook may signify a few scout alewife have already explored a bit inland. I see nothing, but I trust the birds.

I plan to install the fish ladder tomorrow morning, Tue the 18th.  The water in the brook is running at a trickle today with the recent dry spell.  Good conditions for working below the RT 32 culvert.

I hung a few "no taking alewives" signs along the brook recently. I hated doing this, but I have heard some folks are already looking for these alewives as a bait supplement.  If any alewives run the brook, they will be at least 5 years old. This makes these fish survivors of previous runs, and therefor their genetics crucially important to the future of Webber Ponds alewife population.

Not So Slick

It was morning when I noticed a pair of wood ducks flapping their wings near our shore and yet for some reason not flying. They just flapped and paddled their wings on the water. The ice had let out of the pond almost a week before and many waterfowl had been moving through. No sign of loons yet and there was a dusting of fresh snow. I’d never seen ducks act quite like that before.

Our power was out because of the storm, as were most of Bremen and much of the coast. There were trees down, wires down, roads closed, and roads flooded. This had been an historic storm the like of which we are told to expect with more frequency. The ducks appeared to be in trouble. I went for a closer examination.

With having only taken a few steps toward the pond I was struck with a strong aroma. This was a smell that was so familiar, yet far out of place by the shore of Webber Pond. The closer I approached the pond, the more concentrated the toxic sent. It reminded me of paint thinner. I had a terrible feeling and the wood ducks did not look right.

I now saw the problem; or at least part of it. There, creating a horrible, iridescent slick on the surface of the pond, as far as I could see, lay a film of oil. Oil, as far as I could see on the pond! Oil was actually and unbelievably in dear, pristine Webber Pond. I felt a sickness I find hard to express in words. I’ll never forget the moment of dread when I realized there was no practical way this environmental tragedy could be undone. I needed to make a phone call.

The Maine DEP response team arrived by early afternoon. They were quick to determine the slick was caused by kerosene or #2 fuel oil. We immediately began to seek the source. A pink colored tinge to the snow along part of the waters edge eventually led the team to the cause.

A single gallon of kerosene will kill fish in one million gallons of water. In more dilute forms it will cause cancers in reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish. You don’t want to know what it will do to people exposed to it long term. The water in Webber would likely not recover for decades if as much as 20 gallons of fuel oil made it into it. It was a horrible discovery when the MEDEP team member found the empty 125 gallon fuel tank with a severed fuel line. This was at a summer camp and the line was simply cut by a limb falling from a tree during the storm. This was a completely preventable misfortune. The wood ducks would likely die. I knew more wildlife would as well.

The above scenario did not actually happen…..yet. It is still waiting to happen or it might still be prevented. It’s our choice. Of all the burdens we place on Webber by living on its shore, I fear fuel spills the most. A cheap fix could prevent an accident like this. Your fuel company can install guards over the fuel line. Covering the tank entirely with a solid structure is better still. Are there trees over your fuel tank? Still better would be to move the tank inside. Ideally, eliminating fuel oils from your pond side property is best. Propane or fire wood are quite LakeSmart fuels.

What is LakeSmart? It is a Maine Department of Environmental Protection program designed to improve water quality in Maine’s ponds. We are fortunate to have a few trained property inspectors in Bremen. Several properties on Webber Pond were inspected last summer and 2 properties won the coveted LakeSmart award. These proud LakeSmart property owners are Steve and Jo Laurich and Bob Wheeler. We’d love to see more properties inspected this summer.

A little shy about an inspection? It is painless, anonymous, voluntary, and free. It is more of an informational meeting than judgment. The inspections look for a good vegetative buffer between your property and the water. They will look at outside fuel storage and a cursory look at your septic system (this will come with a reminder to pump your tank every 2-3 years). Driveways and paths will be scrutinized as they contribute to siltation. Short grass lawns are frowned upon. Perhaps the least we could do is to take a small quiet step to reduce our impact on the pond this summer.

I am not an inspector and would however be happy to share with you what I have learned. http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart/

Contributing Writer - David Wilkins

Check out David Wilkins' Bremen Alewife Restoration Project Page

The BCC welcomes David Wilkins as a contributing writer covering the restoration of Bremen alewives to Webber Pond. Find out all the latest on our fish friends as they attempt passage and learn more about this important conservation project. Click on the page tab above for more!

Invasive Insect Volunteer Training Program

The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Forest Service will conduct a volunteer training session to spread awareness about the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) and the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).  ALB and EAB are invasive pests that pose serious threats to the trees and forests of Maine.  The best defense is early detection by people who work with trees and those who enjoy the outdoors.

To find out more about ALB, visit www.albmaine.org 
For more info on EAB, visit www.emeralddashborer.info

When: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Where: Rockland Public Library Rockland, Maine

Cost: Free, including lunch, snacks and materials

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Thank You!

Bremen's roadsides are less "trashy" this morning thanks to all those who turned out Saturday morning to help pick up the winter's accumulation of trash along the roadsides.  Good job everyone!   

Alewife Talk

David Wilkins, local naturalist and president of the Muscongus Pond Association, will give a slide presentation on Alewives at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, at the Bremen Library. The presentation will focus on the status of the alewife restoration work in Bremen's Webber Pond, the importance of alewives in the ecosystem, and problems alewives face today. The Muscongus Pond Association began steps toward alewife restoration in 2002 with stone removal and stream widening at the old Webber Mill. Since that time, Maine Department of Marine Resources has stocked Webber Pond with spawning alewives to accelerate this restoration process. Beginning in 2007, alewives have annually returned to their historic home waters in Bremen, bound for Webber Pond. Wilkins will discuss this project as part of his presentation.

The presentation is sponsored by the Bremen Conservation Commission.

Home Rules, Home Tools

MEACC, the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions, will present information on Conservation Commissions at a public meeting in Waldoboro on Tuesday, April 27, 4 - 6 p.m. at the UM Cooperative Extension Office on Manktown Road.  The agenda includes on overview of role conservations commissions play in the community, and examples of some local conservation initiatives.  The session is free but registration is required.  For more information or to register, go to www.meacc.net/ .

Woods Tour

SWOAM, the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, is sponsoring Tour of the Brann Memorial Forest in Somerville from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 24.  The 250-acre property is in SWOAM's Land Trust.  Forester Mike Dann will lead the tour and discuss woodland managment including tree growth, water frontage, harvesting and more.  The event is free and open to the public.  For directions go to www.swoam.org and click on the EVENTS tab, or contact SWOAM MidCoast representative Dick Koubek, 529-4132; dickkoubeck@yahoo.com.

 

BREMEN EARTH DAY CLEAN UP APRIL 24

Bremen residents:  Celebrate Earth Day and help beautify Bremen by participating in the annual roadside clean up Saturday morning, April 24, sponsored by the Patriotic Club of Bremen.   Pick up empty bags, provided by the State Department of Transportation, at the Bremen Fire Department on Route 32 starting at 9:00 a.m.  Then fill the bags with trash that has collected along Bremen roads during the winter.  When the bags are full, just tie them up and leave them along the side of the road. Pickup of the bags will start at 11:30 a.m., with the last pickup at 12 noon.   The event will take place rain or shine. This is a great way to get the kids in involved in Earth Day.  Let's take pride in our community and work together to beautify Bremen and Mother Earth.

Courtesy Boat Inspection Training

Pemaquid Watershed Association courtesy boat inspection training will be held May 22nd from 9:30 to 11:30 am at the Nobleboro Town Office. We need volunteers to sit by local boat launches for a few hours at a time to help educate boaters about the serious invasives that are carried on trailers, fishing gear, motors and boats. This threat is very close to Bremen. Last fall, a trained (invasive plant) volunteer found the hydrilla in Damariscotta Lake.

Bremen Clean-Up Day

Mark Saturday, April 24, on your calendar and plan to participate in Bremen Clean-Up Day.  Pick up the trash that has accumulated along the roadside during the winter, put in it trash bags, and set the bags along the roadside for pickup.  Special trash bags will be available Saturday morning at the Firehouse.  Watch this space for further details. 

Harvest Dinner

As a way of showcasing Bremen's working farms and waterfront, the BCC plans to hold a Harvest Dinner in the Town House in September.  The first planning meeting for the event will be at 10 a.m. on Sat., April 3, at Diane O'Connor's home, 145 Waldoboro Rd.  Anyone who would like to help plan this event, suggest people who can provide food for the event, cook food, work in the ktichen etc., is invited to attend. 

Grant Writing Workshop

The Maine Association of Conservation Commissions and the Maine Land Trust Network are co-sponsoring a workshop designed to improve your chances of successfully obtaining funding from three major conservation grant programs in Maine.

The three include:

The Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program. MNRCP provides funding for wetlands restoration, enhancement and preservation,
thus is a good source for open space acquisition funds.

The Recreational Trails Program. RTP is an excellent source of funding
for trail building projects, including design, materials and labor.

Project Canopy. This Maine Forest Service program provides funds to
towns for both forest management and shade tree planting.

In addition, information will also be presented regarding Land for Maine’s Future
grants and various private foundation grant sources.

The workshops will be held on the following schedule:
Augusta, April 15th, Augusta City Hall
Scarborough, May 5th, Scarborough Public Library

Both workshops will start promptly at 5:30 and end by 7:30. A light meal will
be provided. The participation fee will be $20 for MEACC and MLTN members
and $30 for non-members, payable by purchase order or at the door. Please
register at least seven days in advance of each workshop

Town of Bremen Maintains Conservation Commitment

For the third straight year the people of Bremen have displayed their commitment toward conservation by voting to raise and appropriate monies to the Land Conservation Reserve Fund. Funds deposited into this account could one day be used to acquire conservation easements, rights-of-way, waterfront access or open space. As one of only a handful of towns to have a dedicated Land Conservation Fund, it is a critical component in the process of applying for grants and obtaining matching funds to complete important conservation transactions.

In another show of support Bremen voters passed an article not to operate an alewife fishery for the ensuing year of 2010.  Through passage of this article Bremen maintains its alewife conservation status, ensures annual stocking of Webber Pond with adult spawning alewives and works toward long term sustainability of the alewife fishery.

Once again the Bremen Conservation Commission is proud of Bremen's overwhelming support and commitment toward conservation!

Thank you!

Good News for Maine's Deer Population

Maine's deer population is getting a boost from this winter's mild weather after two straight harsh winters that thinned the ranks of the state's signature game animal.  With warm temperatures and scant snowfall, deer have had to expend relatively little energy fighting off frigid cold or tramping through deep snow in search of food.  Deer biologist Lee Kantar of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said fawns that were born last year have had a high survival rate, and the baby deer that are born this June are expected to be in good shape because their mothers are strong.  The most recent estimate puts Maine's deer count at under 200,000, down from more than 300,000 a decade ago. 

Article, Portland Press Herald, March 27, 2010

2010 BCC Wordle - Check it out!

Trees and Shrub Sale

Soil and Water Conservation Districts Tree and Shrub Sales

Looking for trees and shrubs to plant this spring?   Consider purchasing them through your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). SWCDs are non-profit organizations who provide conservation education and technical assistance. Their tree and shrub sales are typically a major fundraiser for these organizations.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD has announced its annual Tree & Shrub Sale. Orders are due May 3^rd, with pick-up in Nobleboro on May 8^th. More information, including a list of what's available, is at www.knox-lincoln.org.

Kennebec County SWCD reminds everyone that their annual Tree and Shrub Sale is ongoing. The deadline for orders is March 19^th. Pick up for orders is Saturday, April 24^th. A tree list and order form is available at their website, www.kcswcd.org.