6892-R3_ML&P_LSLA_2019_WinterNewsletter

Courtesy Boat Inspection 2019 - End of Year Report By Pam Wilkinson

explaining about our invasive milfoil program and other pertinent information about lake safety and prohibited island usage. We will be ramping up awareness and expanding inspections protocols next year.

These are two of the friendliest faces that greet you at the Mount Hunger Boat Ramp in Windham. Their mission is to inspect boats and gear for milfoil fragments or other invasive threats that may be coming into or out of our lake. We thank those who are patient on a warm summer day when asked if their boats can be checked so invasive plants or organisms do not enter or are taken from the lake. Many states and lakes in Maine have other invasive threats lurking. Their 15 years of experience is priceless. They help to educate those using the lake by handing out educational materials This year coverage was Friday through Sunday and the full week of the Fourth of July, 1667 boats entered the lake from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is an increase of 158 boats- 309 were non- motorized; opposed to 232 in 2018. In 2016 1951 boats were recorded and in 2017 1651 boats. There are some days approximately 30 boats can be turned away due to parking constraints. The activity we see are rental companies dropping off kayaks, canoes, watercrafts and boats along with the usual day trippers. Residents who cannot put their boat in on their property also use the boat ramp. Throughout the summer there are several fishing tournaments. At one event there were 27 trailers that took up the spots for day trippers creating frustration for parking. We have been advised by the State that inspectors cannot assist with parking which will lead to more frustrations on a busy hot day. We are honoring the request. Jim and Jackie’s main focus is milfoil checks. Please clean your boat and fishing gear appropriately before entering any lake. Become familiar with the CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY program. • CLEAN off any mud, plants, and animals from boat, trailer, motor and other equipment. Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing into any water body. • DRAIN all water from boat, boat engine, and other equipment away from the water. • DRY anything that comes into contact with the water. Drying boat, trailer and equipment in the sun for at least five days is recommended if rinsing your boat, trailer parts and other equipment with hot, high pressure water is not an option. Thank you Team Jim and Jackie for your dedication and Sharon Young for assisting with the bi- weekly and grant submissions.

12