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Online News from BLIMP
Balch Lake Improvement Committee, Inc.
BLIMP
P.O. Box 0494
East Wakefield, NH 03830
www.balchlake.org
Subject: 2010 Update
Last year was a very busy year for BLIMP. Our primary focus continues to be the control of the invasive plant, variable milfoil; but we were also involved with a number of other important issues that I’ll cover in this letter.
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, but would like to, please fill out the last section of this letter, detach and mail it to the following address: BLIMP, PO Box 0494 , East Wakefield , NH 03830 .
Your generous and very necessary contribution should keep us in a good financial position to continue our efforts. Again, this fight can only be won with your support!
Variable Milfoil
In previous years (2003 through 2008) our approved treatment was with the chemical DIQUAT (Reward). This chemical kills off most of the plant, but was 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 with 50 feet of the lake. Last year, with the state changing some of the restrictions, we were approved to use the stronger 2, 4-D chemical.
On September 16, 2009, 52 Acres of Balch Lake and Woodman Pond were treated with 2, 4-D (Navigate Herbicide). The cost of the stronger chemical treatment was $21,900.00. We are hopeful that in most of the treated areas the variable milfoil will not return. In addition, we spent $2,834.00 on Divers & Equipment. On the Maine side of the lake, Nick Stadtfeld and his team of divers removed Variable Milfoil from 9 different areas of the lake. Additionally, in late October, we purchased 50 Benthic Triangle Barriers. These barriers have been successfully used in many lakes and ponds for a number of years. They are constructed of steel rebar on three sides, covered with a tarp which gets glued, grometted and cable tied. The triangles (10’ x 10’ x 11’) are durable and easily emplaced and moved by one person. They are placed over the invasive milfoil, a sandbag is the placed in the middle of the triangle and then a rope is attached to a floatation noodle to identify the location of the barrier. The result is the invasive plant doesn’t get any sunlight, therefore eventually totally kills the plant. The barriers need to stay in place for 10 weeks. At our annual BLIMP meeting June 26th, we need to prioritize where on the lake we will initially put these Benthic Triangle Barriers.
Also, over the last couple of years a number of the lakes have successfully built their own DASH (Diver-Assisted-Suction-Harvester) Boat. Last year the Lake Arrowhead Conservation Council launched a newer version of the DASH concept. A pontoon boat that is updated with a unique basket system, updated pumps, that operates eight hours a day, six days a week using one diver and one captain. This lake (Arrowhead) two years ago was nearly 100% full of variable milfoil and as of late last year, 6 of the 14 coves and inlets in Lake Arrowhead have been brought under control. We (BLIMP) need to put together a team of volunteers to start a similar DASH Boat. If anyone would like to help with this project, please give us a call ASAP. We need YOUR help getting this started!
BOAT INSPECTIONS
Last year we spent $675.00 on 225 courtesy boat inspections. Because many new infestations 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 lake’s first line of defense. New owners at the Marina, Tracy & Rich Gibson will continue the courtesy boat inspections programs for 2010. By the way, their pizza is terrific!
NET CLEANING
For 6 (six) consecutive years, 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’s 12 Associations has the responsibility of cleaning the net on a specific week. The schedule for this summer of 2010 is posted on our website: www.balchlake.org. Unfortunately, Jack cannot oversee this responsibility this year, so we are looking for a volunteer to help us out this year. Please call me if you can help (207-636-3292).
DAM MANAGEMENT ISSUES
As most of you remember, 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 level and other people at times, experienced water levels so low their boats were “hanging” from their docks. After several meetings with folks for most associations, a consensus was reached on where the summer water level should be a “marker line” orange fluorescent in color was painted on both sides of the dam’s cement pillars, 36 inches down from the top of the pillar and the winter level 60 inches down from the top of the pillars. We also met with the Newfield Selectmen, who control the water level and got an agreement this new “level” should be adhered to. We also recommend that if the water level is three (3) inches either above or below this marker then 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 levels on a weekly basis from October through April, and if the water level is above the three (3) inches or below to call the selectmen and let them know the water level is too high/low. This past winter (2009/2010) the above procedures worked extremely well. We again will review this procedure at our BLIMP meeting on June 26th at the Shady Nook Recreation Center at 9:30am and also with the West Newfield Selectmen in July, 2010.
FUNDRAISER – Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 9:30am, Shady Nook Recreation Center
We have been extremely fortunate with the efforts that so many Balch Lake folks have participated in. Last year the Shady Nook Auction & Raffle took in $1,706.50. This year on Saturday, July 10th @ 9:30am, Anne Willson (our BLIMP secretary) and so many helpers are planning a Yard Sale/Raffle/Bake Sale. We are looking for items to contribute to this benefit. Whether you’d like to bake something of your own or have something worthwhile that you have no need for; we would greatly appreciate your efforts to help make this even a successful one!
Volunteers/questions can be directed to Anne Willson @ 207-636-3292 or email @ Lwaw48@yahoo.com
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 covers the lake’s geographical and historical data, the boating laws for both Maine and New Hampshire, “For Sale” items, as well as Town and Local Government issues.
Thank you,
Lee Willson, BLIMP President
Officers: Lee Willson, President: 207-636-3292
Nick Stadtfeld, Vice President: 207-636-3194
Michael Kattman, Treasurer: 603-522-3785
Anne Willson: Secretary: 207-636-3292
Board of Directors:
Patty Frackelton: 781-665-1779
Bob Saulnier: 603-642-9789
Paul (Doc) Phenix: 603-522-6757
The mission of BLIMP, a non-profit organization, is to educate lake residents about and raise money for those issues affecting the health and welfare of this beautiful lake.
LRW/AEW
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DETACH HERE – YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE
NAME:
ADDRESS:
ASSOCIATION:
DONATION:
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: BLIMP
PO BOX 0494
EAST WAKEFIELD, NH 03830
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PO Box 0494