awwaadmin May 31st, 2008
Join AWWA and the Lovell Lake Association for the Lovell Lake Watershed Survey Training
- When: Saturday, September 13, beginning at 9AM
- Where: St John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 118 High St, Wakefield, NH
- What: Training presentation at 9AM and then out into the field until about 3PM
As part of its Watershed-based Management Plan project, AWWA will be conducting watershed surveys on Great East Lake, Horn Pond, Lake Ivanhoe, and Lovell Lake. To learn more about watershed surveys follow this link to the Why Conduct a Watershed Survey? brochure.
Volunteers will meet for a two-hour classroom session learning the “whys” and “hows” of watershed surveys. They (you!) will be trained to identify and document sites where eroding soil is washing into the lakes and then work in teams to survey assigned areas of the watersheds. Information collected through the surveys will be used to help the communities keep the lakes clean for future generations to enjoy.
Watershed Surveys are voluntary and NOT used for any regulatory purposes.
Call AWWA at 603-473-2500 or email info@AWwatersheds.org to volunteer or for more info.
awwaadmin August 11th, 2008
On Wednesday, August 20th community members had a chance to tour a sampling of the 2008 Youth Conservation Corps projects. AWWA Technical Director, Adam Shoukimas welcomed the group at the Wakefield Town Hall and then participants were given a guided tour of sites on Lovell Lake, Great East Lake, Horn Pond and Wilson Lake. The youth tour guides – Crew Leader Patrick Jackson and crew members Anthony Stanton, Sam Wilson and Zach Pooler - described the advantages of Best Management Practices (BMP) installations in controlling stormwater and preventing pollution from reaching the local lakes and ponds. They explained the design and effectiveness of infiltration steps, rain gardens, dripline trenches, erosion control mulch, waterbars, rubber razors, and meandering pathways. Thanks to all who participated.
awwaadmin August 11th, 2008
2008 YCC Crew: Anthony Stanton, Crew Leader Pat Jackson, Zach Pooler, Sam Wilson and Technical Director Adam Shoukimas with their victory trophy “The Golden Rubber Razor”.
The 2008 YCC crew surprised us all by earning the 1st place trophy in the First Annual YCC Jamboree, organized by the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, held in Yarmouth, Maine on August 8. They competed against nine Maine YCCs in a sculpture contest using typical YCC tools and supplies and a relay race. Adam also took first place in a contest to identify native plants which was open to all attendees. The AWWA YCC is the newest and smallest YCC to compete but their enthusiasm, expertise and solidarity carried them to the Gold. Congratulations to the Crew!
AWWA President Carol Lafond was there to cheer on the crew and both she and Adam enjoyed sharing ideas with all the other YCC directors and board members. It was a great opportunity to compare notes on techniques and procedures.
awwaadmin July 7th, 2008
On June 14, 2008 volunteers met at the Acton Congregational Church in Acton, ME for two hour training session with the Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance, Wendy Garland of the ME Department of Environmental Protection and Sally Soule of the NH Department of Environmental Services. The volunteers learned the “whys” and “hows” of watershed surveys, and were trained to identify and document sites where eroding soil is washing into the lakes and streams. After the training session five teams were formed, lead by Wendy, Sally, Joe Anderson of the York County Soil and Water Conservation Department, Linda Schier, Executive Director of AWWA and Adam Shoukimas, Technical Director of AWWA. These teams ventured into the watershed surrounding Horn Pond and collected information by observation and by speaking with homeowners. Data, including measurements, photographs and anecdotal accounts from the homeowners, was recorded and returned to the AWWA officers between 2:00 and 3:00PM.
The volunteers and leaders reported having a very satisfying experience which included speaking with positive and concerned property owners, as well as learning, up close, what is happening that affects the quality of our lake and stream waters.
This information will be compiled into a report that will be used by homeowners, lake associations, towns, and AWWA to conduct improvement projects in the future. AWWA will compile the data and issue a report by the winter of 2009. Anyone interested in the results is encouraged to contact AWWA.
The Horn Pond Survey was the first of a series conducted by AWWA to complete the Watershed-based Management Plan for the headwaters of the Salmon Falls River. Other lakes to be surveyed include Great East Lake, Lovell Lake, Wilson Lake and Lake Ivanhoe.
The purpose of the Watershed Surveys are solely to gather information to lead to best management practices to improve and/or maintain the water quality in the Acton-Wakefield area. All homeowners are invited to join the survey teams and voluntarily permit their property to be included in the survey. If you would like further information or would like to volunteer AWWA can be reached at 603-473-2500 or info@AWwatersheds.org.
awwaadmin June 27th, 2008
The Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance (AWWA) Kickoff meeting for the Watershed-based Management Plan for the headwaters of the Salmon Falls River on June 20, 2008 was attended by a wide range of stakeholders.
Speakers included Linda Schier, Executive Director of AWWA; Fred Dillon, consultant from FE Environmental Consulting; Sally Soule of NH Dept. of Environmental Services; Wendy Garland of ME Dept. of Environmental Protection; Adam Shoukimas, Technical Director for AWWA; and Carol Lafond, AWWA President.
Linda Schier welcomed the group and initiated introductions. Attendees represented the Great East Lake Improvement Association, the Lovell Lake Association, the Three Ponds Protective Association, Horn Pond, the Wilson Lake Association, the Town of Acton, the Town of Wakefield, the UNH Lakes Lay Monitoring Program, the York County Soil & Water Conservation District and board members from AWWA. Linda also explained the history of AWWA and why they are enhancing their efforts to reduce the effects of pollution from stormwater runoff with their Youth Conservation Corps project and the new watershed-based management plan project for the headwaters of the Salmon Falls River.
Fred Dillon, from FB Environmental Consulting (FBE), explained how FBE will develop the plan using data collected from volunteer watershed surveys and water quality monitoring which will then be used with land-use modeling to explain present conditions and predict future conditions. Fred explained why phosphorus is the major contributor to lake pollution and how the plan will look at all contributing factors throughout the watersheds to define recommendations for ways to limit future phosphorus loading. Fred asked the attendees to share their concerns and hopes for the watershed plan which resulted in a lively discussion about stormwater issues throughout the watershed.
Sally Soule, NH DES project manager explained how the watershed-based management plan may be used by local town boards and other stakeholders to implement fixes for the identified problem areas and to plan for the increased development pressures expected in the region. She noted that the planning process must be completed before applications for grants to fix problems can be applied for.
Carol Lafond thanked the audience for attending and requested they show support for the project as volunteers or with a donation. AWWA is eager to hear from anyone interested in learning more about their projects and can be reached at 603-473-2500 or info@AWwatersheds.org.
awwaadmin June 4th, 2008
“Weathering the Storm to Protect Our Children’s Water - what we can do to protect water quality”
LaMarr Clannon from the Maine NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) gave an entertaining and informative presentation about how land use affects water quality. It was very educational for all attendees.
awwaadmin May 27th, 2008
What happens on your property when it rains?
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Does the water rush down your driveway into the lake?
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Does your roof runoff leave ruts under your eaves?
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Do you have an open slope to the lake with nothing to slow the water?
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Does water come pouring out of your downspouts with nothing to contain it?
Not only is your property disappearing but when sediment enters the lake it damages the water quality and habitat for aquatic creatures.
Sediments can cloud the water, damage fish gills, smother microscopic organisms, and carry pollutants. Those pollutants can increase plant and algae growth; harm aquatic insects, fish and birds; and can be dangerous for swimmers-all leading to lower property values.
None of us want that!
THE AWWA YCC CAN HELP!
For more info read about the Youth Conservation Corps program and then print, complete and mail our Request for Assistance Form to:
Adam Shoukimas, Technical Director
AWWA
PO Box 235
Union, NH 03887
Or simply call or email Adam at 603-473-2500 or techdirector@AWwatersheds.org
awwaadmin March 26th, 2008
At the moment we are working hard to bring you a dynamic and informative site revolving around AWWA and its various projects. Please feel free to offer your suggestions or comments at info@AWwatersheds.org.
