Online News from BLIMP

Over the past year our primary focus has been on two items, # 1 Variable Milfoil Control and #2 Dam Management ( consistent water levels) which we will cover both items in more detail below along with some other issues.

We are again asking that each property owner donate $25.00 to BLIMP as this donation is the “KEY” to what it will take to preserve this beautiful lake. For all of you who have already contributed this year through your association we THANK YOU for your generous contribution . For those of you who have not contributed and would like to, please fill out the last section of this letter, detach and mail it to the BLIMP P. O. Box address listed above and below. Your generous and necessary contribution should keep us in a strong financial position to continue our efforts. This is an ongoing fight that can be won with your support.

Variable Milfoil

For the last 6 years ( 2003-2008) our approved treatment was with the chemical DIQUAT (Reward). This chemical kills off most of the plant but is not strong enough to kill the root. Therefore, the plant would “die off” during the summer and early fall months but would come back the following year. Each of these years our original permit application requested 2-4-D a much stronger chemical as the chemical of choice but we were denied because of numerous wells that were within 50 feet of the lake. This year, with the state changing some of the restrictions and the recommendation from Amy Smagula, Chief Biologist for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) in consultation with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, that we use the 2-4-D chemical. In previous years we have asked for the treatment to be done in mid June , this year we are asking for the stronger chemical treatment (2-4-D) to be done mid September. This change in treatment times is being done for two reasons #1 the state of New Hampshire has agreed to “Plot “ every location on the New Hampshire side of Balch in August that has Variable Milfoil growing. This will give us a better chance of treating ALL areas with milfoil . #2 In mid September there is less swimming and boating traffic along with less people at their cottages while this stronger treatment takes place.

We should know in mid July if we get approval. The treatment cost will be approximately $24,000.00 that includes 85 acres. (69 acres in Balch and 16 acres in Woodman Pond).

Two of our BLIMP members ( Nick Statdfeld and Jack Enos) are certified divers that continue to remove new areas of small “plumes” of variable milfoil on the Maine side of Balch. We continue to need volunteers to help Nick and Jack with this process. If you can help out please call Nick at 207-636-3194.

For the sixth consecutive year, with Jack Enos leadership, we have set up a net at the river inlet where it empties into Stump Pond. This net catches “fragments” of free floating weeds, some of which could possibly be variable milfoil. Each of the Balch Lake 12 Associations has the responsibility of cleaning the net on a specific week. The schedule for summer 2009 can be found on our website www.balchlake.org If anyone would like to help Jack with the net please call him at 603-522- 5284.

We spent $717 on courtesy boat inspections at the Marina in 2008. Because many new ingestations likely occur in shallow waters near public boat launch facilities, invasive plants move from lake to lake on the boats and equipment of unsuspecting boaters. The courtesy boat inspection program is our lakes first line of defense. New owners at the Marina, Tracy and Rich Gibson ( Peterson) will continue the Courtesy Boat Inspection Program in 2009.

#2 Dam Management Issues

Two years ago we had numerous complaints about the “inconsistent” water levels of our lake. Some people’s property experienced erosion issues due to, at times, high water levels and other people ,at times, experienced water levels so low that their boats were “hanging” from their docks. After several meetings with folks from most associations a consensus was reached on where the summer water level should be and a “marker line” orange fluorescent in color was painted on both sides of the Dams cement pillars, 36 inches down from the top of the pillar and the winter level 69 inches down from the top of the pillars. We also met with the Newfield Selectmen who control the water level and got an agreement that this new “level” should be adhered to! We also recommended that if the water level is 3 inches either above or below this marker than appropriate action should be taken to bring the water level back to the “marker”. The selectmen again agreed to try and do this. We also hired a local resident to measure and record the water level’s on a weekly basis from October thru April and if the water level is above the 3 inches or below to call the selectmen and let them know the water level is either to high or to low. This past winter (2008/2009) the above procedures worked extremely well. We again will review this procedure at our BLIMP meeting on the 20th of June at the Shady Nook Recreation Center at 9:30 AM and also with the West Newfield Seletmen in July.

#3 Fund Raisers

We have been very fortunate with the efforts that so many people have participated in . Fund raising through Auctions, Raffles, Entertainment Nights, selling of T-Shirts , etc. and donations to these events. We need this effort to continue as we are dependent on this money also for the increasing costs of treatments. A very special ThankYou to all of you that participated and crocheted or painted or just took an active role.

#4 Our Website

www.balchlake.org

The Website, headed by BLIMP member Peg Doyle continues to grow. We encourage all Balch Lakers to use this site. It now not only covers lake geographical and historical data along with boating laws for both Maine and New Hampshire but now includes Town and Local Government issues along with local “For Sale” items.

Respectfully your officer of BLIMP,

Lee R. Willson