Area news
Page A, The Bridgton News, January 1, 2015
Thompson Lake dam work update By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — Sometimes, municipalities share ownership of property or infrastructure. In the case of Thompson Lake, four towns share boundaries along its shores. Those towns are Casco, Poland, Otisfield, and Oxford. Therefore, those four towns all have an investment in the infrastructure, the dam, which controls the water levels of Thompson Lake. In fact, those towns have been investing $5,000 annually, with the exception of Oxford, which gives $15,000 a year. Recently, Dave Watson, the Casco representative on the Thompson Lake Oxford Dam Committee, provided an update on improvements to the dam as well as future plans. Watson spoke at a Casco Board of Selectmen workshop in December. He described the inability to control the water flow at the Thompson Lake Dam during a major rain or ice event using the nine-plank system that was in place. The committee, along with the Oxford Town Manager Michael Chammings, had looked at ways to make the dam operational. “The planks cannot do the job. We try to keep water levels down. But, it is hard to control the water level with planks during a major rain event,” he said, adding that “one inch of rain equals two inches in the lake.” So, action was taken to remedy the situation. “What we did to help to control the gate and the flow of water was we installed a debris catcher. It cost $12,000
to buy and install. It was just installed in November,” he said. “The next step is a walkway over the debris catcher. That will cost about $5,000,” he said. Another future upgrade to the dam will be getting the gate hooked up to electricity so operators can control it better, instead of manually trying to pull out planks with the pressure of water already running behind them. There is a sound reason behind investing in a more efficient water barrier, one that can stop water or allow it to flow through. Erosion control is that reason. Also, the dam keeps water levels at an appropriate depth for boating. “We have one of the cleanest lakes in Maine — Thompson (Lake),” Watson said. “We work hand in hand with TLEA Thompson Lake Environmental Association (TLEA) to keep the lake pristine, and to keep property values up,” Watson said. The town has dedicated $5,000 from its budget in 2011; and last year, the town also contributed $5,000, according to Watson. “And it is my hope they (Casco residents) continue submitting money” to the Thompson Lake Dam line item, he said. “We are spending some real money and getting some real results,” Watson said. The recent investments have upgraded the dam considerably. “We are getting the dam in shape, better shape than it has been in 20 years,” he said. Chairman Grant Plummer DAM, Page A
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DONATION TO SPECIAL OLYMPIANS — The local Knights of Columbus has made a donation to Special Olympics. Pictured are (left to right) Bob Pelletier, Phil Gabardi, Kurt Berger and Roland Dube.
Knights support Special Olympians NFI North Human Services in Bridgton is pleased to announce that it recently received a generous donation from the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Knights of Columbus Council of St. Joseph Parish in Bridgton. The human service organization serves children with behavioral and emotional disabilities in the Bridgton community, as well as provides case management services for adults with developmen-
tal disabilities. Over the past six years, the Knights have built a strong relationship with the program through regular donations and support to program activities and programs. The Knights of Columbus have long been known for their annual fundraising and donations through the Tootsie Roll Drive to support children and adults with cognitive disabilities. In addition, the council supports many
community efforts including the St. Joseph Food Pantry and their tireless support to the Mother Seton House in Fryeburg, which supports young single mothers and their babies. “We are very pleased to be thought of and recognized by the Knights of Columbus for our work serving children and families in the Bridgton community, said NFI program director at Dodge House School, Kurt Berger.
Funds will be used to support NFI North’s Special Olympics Team, which hosts over 10 athletes each year at the University of Maine at Orono. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Knights of Columbus for their kind and thoughtful donation as well as their support and volunteering of their time. It is greatly appreciated,” Berger said.
HARRISON — Harrison Multiuse Community Trails (HCT) will be mailing out a survey to all residences and landowners in the town of Harrison. Anyone residing in, or who pays property taxes in Harrison should expect to
receive the five-question survey during or around the first week in February. This groundbreaking survey will, for the first time, allow recreational planners to use actual community information to develop recreational opportunities.
The underlying premise of the survey is that most recreational land users also own land. By identifying who the users are and what properties they own, HCT can begin planning a comprehensive outdoor recreation trail system that is owned primarily by the users in the commu140 MAIN STREET nity. 207-647-2122 HCT will also be identifyBRIDGTON, MAINE ing nonlandowners who recjustinbbooks@gmail.com reate, as well as landowners Happy Holidays who are willing to negotiate access despite not participatfrom Justin, ing in use themselves, but the Pam and Sue focus will remain on user/ owners when possible. New Year’s Specials Over the last month, HCT CHRISTMAS BOOKS................ 20% OFF has been testing the survey CHRISTMAS CARDS................. 25% OFF on random landowners and users. What HCT found is 2015 CALENDARS.................... 40% OFF that many individuals who are 20,000 Titles • Special Orders No Extra Charge willing to allow recreational Mon.-Sat. 9:30 to 5:30 • Sun. 11 to 4:30 trails and other use of their Real Books for Real People land have never considered their land as a recreational
resource largely because they have never been asked. As survey results come in, HCT will create overlays depicting supply and demand for each use type. These overlays will be used with the Beginning With Habitat maps currently available through the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Not only will HCT be collecting information for use in recreational development, but the group will also use this survey to collect information on land abuse problems that landowners have encountered. Survey respondents will also be given the opportunity to register themselves as part of the land abuse response team. HCT hopes to establish the most capable and productive system for resolving land abuse problems in the state. SURVEY, Page A
Harrison group to survey residents
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