Committed to maintaining the water quality of Taylor Pond in order to preserve wildlife habitat, protect property values and safeguard recreational oportunities.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recently has created new guidelines for the Permit by Rule (PBR) process. Any activity that might affect the health of the pond is covered by this rule; this includes any soil disturbance or vegetation removal within 75 feet of the shore, movement of rocks or vegetation or the use of rip rap. This handout describes the sections of the rule. The state currently charges a fee of $320. For up to date information go to the Maine government website here.
A windy day on Taylor Pond with drifting snow, snowmobile tracks head towards ice-fishing shacks on February 7.
Inland Fish and Wildlife recently published recommendations on ice safety. Taylor Pond has completely frozen over and skaters, ice fishing and iceboats have all been enjoying the ice. I have copied IF&W’s recommendations below but you may wish to go directly to their site.
January 5th, 2025, an iceboat and miles of smooth sailing.
The first thing you should do before stepping on a frozen waterbody is to check the color and thickness of the ice. Knowing how to read ice color is a useful indicator of ice health, though color alone cannot guarantee “safe” ice.
Light gray to dark black – Melting ice, this can occur even if the air temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). This ice is not safe, it will be a weak density and cannot hold weight, STAY OFF.
White to opaque – This is water-saturated snow that froze on top of the ice which forms another thin ice layer. This can often lead to air pockets from being so porous.
Blue to clear – High density, very strong, safest ice to be on if thick enough, you should stay off if under 4 inches (10cm) thick.
Mottled and slushy or “rotten” ice – when judging this type of ice, it won’t be so much the color but the texture. You can tell by the ice thawing and slushy. This type of ice can be deceptive as it might seem thick at the top, however it is “rotting” away at the center and base. Most prevalent to see this kind of ice in the spring, it may even show signs of mud, debris, and plant matter surfacing from the bottom of the water body.
No matter what color the ice is or how sure you are of the strength you should check by using an auger, chisel, or an axe to determine that it is at least 4-6 inches thick. Start at the edge and check continuously as you move away from shore. If the ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, you should stay off. Don’t go on the ice during thaws and watch out for thin, clear or honeycomb shaped ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.
Make note of any inlets, outlets, currents, bridges, culverts, and other potential hazard areas when choosing an ice fishing or ice recreation location. When possible, stick to small sheltered bodies of water. Rivers and lakes are prone to wind and wave action, which can break ice up quickly. Avoid areas with currents, around bridges, pressure ridges, or inlets and outlets. Moving water can lead to unstable ice. If fishing or recreating on a river, the river bends are usually weaker as well due to the faster current.
New ice is stronger than old ice, though it never forms uniformly. It might be 12 inches thick in one spot but 20 feet away could be only two or three inches.
These guidelines are for new, clear (blue) ice on lakes and ponds. Ice is never 100% safe! White ice or “snow ice” is only about half as strong as new clear ice.
Under 4” – STAY OFF 4” – may allow for Ice fishing or other recreational activities on foot 5” – 7” – often allows for a Snowmobile or ATV 8” – 12” of good ice supports most cars or small pickups 12” – 15” will likely hold a medium sized truck
PLEASE NOTE: These thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe. Always check before you go!
The ice is starting to form on Taylor Pond and the open water is slowly disappearing. A variety of ducks stop off on their migration south. Mallards, Common Loons, Wood Ducks, Hooded and Common Mergansers all breed on the pond in the summer. In the fall, Ring-neck Ducks, Common Goldeneye, Buffleheads and Ruddy Ducks will appear. Flocks of Canada Geese find shelter on the pond in the evenings after feeding in distant fields. Their honking calls can be heard at night as they talk to each other.
A flock of about 100 Canada Geese landed on the ice this morning. Photo by Wylie Mitchell
This report summarizes the findings of the 2024 water quality monitoring program for Taylor Pond in Auburn, Maine (MIDAS ID#3750)
Clarity readings and water quality measurements were conducted monthly from June through September by Woody Trask with additional clarity readings taken June into October by Michael Heskanen.
Since 2004, Taylor Pond Association has been collecting its own water samples and performing most tests. Phosphorus analyses are conducted by the DHHS Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.
Woody Trask looking through a scope at a secchi disk to measure water clarity.
Result summary:
Whereas 2023 was an exceptionally poor year for Taylor Pond, 2024 was very good especially with regard to color and clarity and almost as good as 2022 which was the best year recorded. The highest clarity reading was 6.25m, which compares to a high of 5.65 in 2023. The average of all clarity readings was 5.65m which is 1.4m higher than last year’s average reading. The water had much less coloration than 2023 with an average color value of 18.75 versus 2023’s value over 31. Last year’s high numbers were attributed to very heavy rain events with significant particulate transport into the pond. 2024 had few significant rain events.
The average 5 meter core sample phosphorus reading was slightly lower/better than last year’s average but slightly higher than the historical average. The average 12 meter bottom phosphorus reading was lower than in 2023 and lower than the historic average.
Values for pH and alkalinity where all within the normal range of variation from the historic mean. The conductivity was quite a bit lower than both last year’s reading and the historical average, most likely due to the relatively dry summer with less mineral import into the pond.
The average surface temperature taken at 1 meter depth was 24.8oC (76.6°F), which is 2.6°C (4.7°F) higher than last year and 3°C (5.3°F) higher than the average for the past 15 years. This was due primarily to the July reading of 29.1°C (84.4°F), the highest recorded in the last 15 years.
There were no algal blooms reported in 2024.
“Ice-in” didn’t occur until January 9, 2024. The “ice-out” date was March 15th, a whole month earlier than the historic average of April 14th, 4 days earlier than the previous recordgiving an “ice cover” period of only 66 days. Longer periods of ice cover are considered beneficial to the health of ponds, however it didn’t seem to have an adverse effect for this year.
To reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species in Maine, a law was passed by Maine Legislature that requires boaters to take specific actions to encourage water to drain from their watercraft prior to entering a water body or leaving a launch site (PUBLIC LAW 2023 CHAPTER 190). Aquatic invasive species are any fish, wildlife, or plant species that spreads to a water body where they do not naturally occur. These species are often transferred to new locations on watercraft, watercraft trailers, and other equipment associated with water recreation, and they impact the health of our waters, fish, and wildlife.Effective June 16, 2023, boaters are now required to do the following:Prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters are required to remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state.This puts into law what the Clean, Drain, Dry educational and outreach campaign has already been encouraging boaters to do. By ensuring that all boaters are draining water when it is from a different source than the inland water body they are about to enter, the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species including some that are not always visible by eye, to new areas is drastically reduced. Similar laws are already in effect in more than 20 other states, including neighboring New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. This law will limit the spread of aquatic invasive species we already have in Maine while proactively limiting potential for the introduction of aquatic invasive species that would be new to the state such as quagga mussels and the spiny water flea.Learn More
Zebra Mussel infestations in nearby New Brunswick and Quebec are a threat to our Maine waterways!
Invasive Zebra mussels have been found within the Saint John River drainage in both Quebec and New Brunswick, with the nearest visual confirmations less than 30 miles away from the Maine/Canada border and even closer potential infestations in the Madawaska River.This places the Saint John River at high risk for infestation and as a potential source for transport on watercraft of zebra mussels into other Maine water bodies. Zebra mussels have not yet been confirmed in any water of the state of Maine but represent a high threat level to the health of our waters, fish, and wildlife. Zebra mussel infestations result in irreversible negative impacts on native species and water body systems and are nearly impossible to eradicate once introduced.Zebra mussels filter and hold a substantial amount of important food and nutrients that native organisms require, negatively impacting all native fish and wildlife in the water body. In addition to significantly impacting our wildlife, and unlike our native mussels, zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces in the water, including watercraft, pipes (which can clog intake/outflow), rocks, docks, and even native mussels. Zebra mussel larvae are microscopic, making it imperative all outdoor enthusiasts use extreme caution to limit the spread.Help limit the spread of zebra mussels! Always practice standard clean, drain, dry recommendations and laws for watercraft. Allowing watercraft and all gear to dry thoroughly between water bodies is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of these microscopic zebra mussel larvae.This drying should occur for multiple days (2-5 days) when possible.
In June of 2023 Taylor Pond Association conducted a Watershed Survey which reviewed every property in the watershed; volunteers visited most of those properties. The results of that survey were posted on our website www.taylorpond.org (see December 11, 2023 post). In follow-up, Taylor Pond Association has worked with Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District (AVSWCD) to apply for federal funding to reduce “nonpoint source pollution”. Nonpoint source pollution comes primarily from erosion of soil into the pond. Soil washing into the pond carries phosphorus which promotes algae growth and can cause a decrease in water quality. Overgrowth of algae can be unsightly, smell bad, and produce chemicals that can be toxic to wildlife, pets and even people.
The grant was submitted in May 2024, requesting between up to $150,000 toward improvement of the Taylor Pond watershed. A funding decision won’t be made until this fall. If funded, the federal grant money would cover 60 percent of the total project cost and require local funding of the remaining 40 percent. Local dollars could include labor, materials, and equipment used in funded projects. We contacted people, businesses, and road associations eligible for federal matching dollars by letter this spring. We also contacted the towns of Minot and Auburn to coordinate efforts to address issues identified in the survey.
While only the largest projects are included in this federal matching grant opportunity, Taylor Pond Association still offers local LakeSmart matching grants of up to $500 to property owners who want to make their shoreline more lake friendly by decreasing sources of soil erosion into the pond. Association volunteers will conduct a LakeSmart property evaluation and make recommendations for improvements that will keep the pond healthy.
We are fortunate to be working with Emma Lorusso, Project Manager with AVSWCD who wrote the watershed survey reports and federal grant application. If our project is funded, she will coordinate these efforts. Ms. Lorusso will speak at our annual meeting this year to present the survey data, review the grant process and answer questions. The annual meeting is on Sunday, August 25, 2024 starting 7 pm at Taylor Pond Yacht Club.
Collecting data at an erosion site on Wyman Road, June 3rd, 2023.
Whereas 2022 was an exceptionally good year for Taylor Pond water quality, 2023 was an exceptionally poor one—especially with regard to color and clarity. The highest clarity reading in 2023 was a depth of 19 feet, more than 5 feet less than 2022’s top reading. The average of all 2023 clarity readings was only 14 feet, more than 6 feet less than 2022’s average of 20.2 feet. Clarity is determined by lowering a black and white disc into the water until it is no longer visible.
The water was also much more highly colored (yellow/brown) in 2023 compared to 2022. The average 2023 color value was 31.25, which was over twice the coloration value in 2022. Low coloration in 2022 was attributed to a year with low precipitation. Similarly, 2023’s high coloration level can be attributed to very heavy rain events with significant particulate transport into the pond. Fortunately, perhaps miraculously, the materials causing the high color and low clarity did not result in high phosphorus concentrations that could have created a serious algae bloom problem.
With so much rain in 2023, the water level of the pond rose to levels that had not been seen in many years, causing concern for bank erosion from wave action and boat wakes. This could only have added to the coloration issue. As many of us experienced, the high water level also caused havoc with dock panels, floats, toys and other things that wandered away from home.
The water temperature in 2023 was slightly colder than it was in 2022. This may have reduced the potential for algae blooms. The average temperature was 72 degrees, 3 degrees lower than 2022 and about 2 degrees colder than the ten-year average. Tests on water samples taken monthly indicated phosphorus levels were only slightly higher than the historical average, somewhat surprising considering the number of rain events causing high coloration. All of the other tests normally conducted to assess water quality — pH, alkalinity and conductance –were all within the normal range of variation from the historic mean and showed no reason for major concern.
A concerning situation that could increase the potential of algae blooms during the summer of 2024 is the very short period of ice cover we experienced this past winter. “Ice In” didn’t occur until January 9th and “ice out” occurred on March 15, giving a total of only 66 days of ice cover, one third less time than the historical average. Since algae needs sunlight as well as phosphorus to grow, fewer days of sun blocking ice cover could mean a higher potential for algae growth. Lake Auburn experienced the same short ice cover period and the water disrict has expressed concern that algae blooms are quite likely to occur this summer as a direct result. If you see what appears to be an algae bloom on Taylor Pond, please report it to a TPA Board member or take a picture and post it on Taylor Pond Ripples so that it can be verified and recorded.
Last spring Taylor Pond Association started Taylor Pond Ripples, a private Facebook group for Taylor Pond residents. From all indications, the group has served its intended purpose well—including reuniting owners with floating pieces of their docks during last summer’s high water and sharing information and many wonderful photos and videos. Joining the group is simple–search for Taylor Pond Ripples on Facebook. (You do need a Facebook account to join.) When you ask to join, you’ll answer two simple questions about your connection to the pond and your agreement with the group rules. If you are a member, you can also invite neighbors to join. Join now and connect with neighbors online (as well as in real life).
Northern lights over Taylor Pond, taken by Joan Macri on May 9th, 2024.
Boat Launch Among the many issues we have addressed this year, the one that garners the most attention is the impending closure of the boat launch on Sunrise Lane in 2025. The closure stems from the owner’s frustration with some inconsiderate users who fail to pay for launching, make excessive demands to open at inconvenient times or leave a mess on the property. A boat launch is understandably a valued service, but also a huge responsibility and imposition on the property owner. Board members Peter Bingham and Kristi Norcross are taking on the task of assessing the problem and looking for solutions. Their report is on page 4 of this years newsletter.
Watershed Survey & Grant Application Many volunteers completed a comprehensive watershed survey last year that identified 83 opportunities to improve properties and/or roads in the watershed and decrease erosion into the pond. In partnership with Androscoggin Soil and Water Conservation District, we have submitted a federal grant application to help pay for repairs/improvements. Details are on page 5 of our newsletter. In addition to this effort to fund larger projects, TPA continues to offer up to $500 in matching funds for property owners to prevent soil erosion. Eligible projects include having a vegetative border next to the shore (instead of a lawn), adding riprap, minimizing lawn area, cutting grass no shorter than 3 inches and avoiding the use of any pesticides or fertilizers. Contact us for a LakeSmart evaluation to learn how you can protect the pond from your own backyard.
Invasive Plants are one of the biggest threats to the pond. While most surrounding waters have invasives, Taylor Pond has only native plants. Because of the pond’s shallow depth, invasive plants could take over much of the surface area of the pond making boating or swimming unpleasant. The best way to avoid invasive plants is to remove any plant material from your boat or trailer, drain out any water and let the boat dry for several days. The state summarizes this in the motto, “Clean, Drain and Dry.” One can be fined up to $2,500 if found transporting invasive plants or animals and a new law, as of June 2023, now requires that: “Prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters are required to remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example: hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water. This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state.”
Many thanks to members of the Association who contribute their yearly dues, board members who contribute their expertise and all homeowners who work so hard to keep the pond healthy.
Maine boating regulations require:
Boats must maintain no more than “headway speed” (i.e. minimum speed needed to maintain control and forward motion) within 200 feet of the shoreline.
All children 10 years old or younger must wear a PFD (i.e. life jacket) when aboard any vessel.
All watercraft (including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) must be equipped with an appropriate PFD for each person aboard and proper light if operating at night.
Water skiing is prohibited between the hours of ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise.
Anyone towing a water skier or tuber must have an additional watcher at least 12 years old aboard.
On Taylor Pond, at any one time there are more kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small sailboats on the water than motorized craft. Please be considerate of others at all times. If you are transiting at night, be aware that loons and ducks may be in your path. Be vigilant!
Milfoil: Taylor Pond is one of the few area lakes that is not infested with milfoil, an invasive feathery plant that can completely take over a shallow lake in a season. Before launching a boat always check carefully to be sure that not a speck of plant material is on it. Just a tiny piece tucked away in a propeller can produce a whole colony of milfoil. The best, and almost only, defense is prevention. A one-inch piece of milfoil kept in a freezer for a year is still hearty and robust once submerged in water again. Thank you for your vigilance.
