2022 Watershed Survey
The CPA is actively working to reduce the risk of algal blooms in Clemons Pond. In the spring of 2022, we worked with landowners in our watershed, state and local governments, and local nonprofits to conduct a watershed survey that identified risks and possible solutions. Please check out our 3-minute video below, and the letter to landowners and FAQ to learn more
In August 2022, the survey team compiled all the information gathered during the survey and prepared a Summary Fact Sheet. The team notified affected property owners of conditions it found that may contribute to polluted runoff into the pond and encouraged the owners to address the concerns.
The culmination of the watershed team’s data gathering, research, analysis and recommendations is contained in the final Clemons Pond Watershed Survey Report published in the fall of 2022.
If you want to get involved or have questions, please reach out to our watershed team at cpawatershed@gmail.com.
Clemons Pond Water Quality Reports & Historical Data
Victor Lerish and Nancy Serrell have voluntarily monitored Clemons Pond water quality for many years, the results of which can be reviewed below. We all share ownership in maintaining the health of the pond so we can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.
We have archived the water quality reports back to 2007. You can search by year in the search box above the table, or click on the previous/next buttons below the table to find the report you’re looking for.
| Year | Water Quality Report | Water Quality Report Suppliment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  | -- | |
| 2022 | | -- | |
| 2021 | | -- | |
| 2020 | | -- | |
| 2019 | | -- | |
| 2018 | | -- | |
| 2016-2017 | | -- | |
| 2014-2015 | | -- | |
| 2013 | Not Available | -- | |
| 2012 | | -- | |
| 2011 | Not Available | -- | |
| 2010 | | -- | |
| 2009 | | | |
| 2008 | | -- | |
| 2007 | | -- | |
| 2006 | | -- | |
| 2005 | | -- |
Maine VLMP Near Real-Time Lake Data
Per Victor Lerish, the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) recently introduced a new website called VLMP Near Real-Time Lake Data.
This new site allows participating members to input their water’s clarity data, which is then displayed as both raw data and plotted on a line chart.
In addition to seeing Clemons Pond data, visitors to VLMP’s site can also view the same data from other participating Maine lakes and ponds.
Victor will update Clemons Pond data on the VLMP site going forward with all future readings.
Click here to view the most recent Clemons Pond data.
Maine Lakes organization
Maine Lakes (formerly The Maine Lakes Society) website provides comprehensive information on protecting and preserving Maine’s lakes, ponds, and watersheds. Information on their LakeSmart initiative can be found under the PROGRAMS tab on their website.
LakeSmart – Maine Lakes’ Flagship Conservation Effort
At the Fall 2015 CPA meeting, guest speaker Maggie Shannon, from Maine Lakes Society (since renamed to simply Maine Lakes), provided background and details about MLS’s LakeSmart program. Pamphlets were made available to members at the meeting. Additional information on the LakeSmart program is available via the MLS website by clicking here. A comprehensive list of available online resources can be viewed on their website by clicking here.
Click here to view the LakeSmart video Saving Our Lakes, One Shore at a Time.
In 2021 Maine Lakes recognized the efforts of the CPA’s members who participate in the LakeSmart program by presenting the CPA with the LakeSmart Gold Award. The CPA is proud of this accomplishment which helps to ensure the ongoing health of Clemons Pond.
Information about Maine lakes
The website Mr. Lakefront provides information and articles on Maine lakes, including Big Clemons Pond and Little Clemons Pond. (Note that the website is a realtor’s blog. Mention of it here in no way constitutes an endorsement of the realtor or his website.) Thanks to Richard Hunt for this information.
Do High Mercury Levels Pose a Possible Threat to the Future of Maine’s Loons?
A March 2012 Bangor Daily News “Maine Outdoors” article and video present information on and biologist analysis of this topic. Thanks to Jeanne Smith for the link to this information.
Environmental Sources
Maine Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program
We submit our water quality testing results to this program. The MVLMP website provides a trove of resources and tools for learning about and monitoring water quality. You can look up water quality statistics of Big and Little Clemons Ponds (as well as other lakes and ponds throughout Maine) using the “Search for Your Lake” tool. This interesting website is packed with useful information.
Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection
There is a wealth of information on this website, including homeowner information. See the “I am a…” tab in the table on the Home page of the website. The “Homeowner, Renter” link and “Shorefront Property Owner” link, especially, provide many sources of useful information.
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Lakes Environmental Association (LEA)
Based in Bridgton and covering lakes in the Bridgton area, LEA runs many educational programs and outings.
The Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy
Invasive Plants – Maine Natural Areas Program (ME Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry)
Invasive Aquatic Plants – Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection
The University of Maine’s Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions
Power Boating – A Message from the Pond Association
The Clemons Pond Association would like to remind Clemons Pond residents and visitors of the long history of respect for each other, safety on the pond, and our common focus on shoreline protection and conservation.
Click here for additional information and to view a map of the pond showing the 200-foot setback comprising what the State of Maine defines as the “Water Safety Zone.”
For additional information on power boating in Maine: The Boater’s Guide to Maine Boating Laws and Responsibilities.
Inland Fisheries Decision – Watercraft Horsepower on Clemons Pond
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife issued its decision on the request to limit horsepower on Clemons Pond. The Commissioner, after considering all testimony, public comments and materials presented to him, decided not to impose a horsepower restriction at this time. (Click here to read the Commissioner’s letter.)
On behalf of the majority of members of the Association, I would like to thank all who offered their services and wrote letters to Inland Fisheries in our attempt to limit the horsepower rating on our pond.
Special thanks to Bill Tate and Harold Gillman for all of their hard work.
-Richard Hunt
Protecting Clemons Pond
Our pond is a fragile ecosystem. How we care for our properties and other areas around the pond, particularly the Shoreland Zone, directly impacts the water quality of the pond and the life within it. The Shoreland Zone is land within 250-feet of a pond or a wetland, and within 75-feet of a stream (e.g., 10-Mile Brook). We should all do what we can to help protect that ecosystem. To help us understand what we can do, the Maine Lakes Society’s website offers helpful information and references.
Landscaping
Limit the cutting of Trees and Brush, particularly within 100-ft of the pond. Try to keep a well distributed stand of trees that provide a uniform canopy; don’t remove vegetation less than 3-feet in height or ground cover; you may prune branches on the lower 1/3 of trees. Beyond the 100-ft buffer, clearing should not exceed 25% of the total lot area. Consider “A Lakers Dozen” which includes such ideas as: limit lawn sizes and use fertilizers with no phosphorus – and as little of that as you can. Make your path to the pond no more than 6-feet wide and winding one so that rain runs off to the side of the path instead of down into the pond.
Docks, Roads and Driveways
Docks should be temporary (in the pond no more than 7 months of the year and pulled out for the winter) and made of materials that will not put harmful chemicals in the pond (e.g., no pressure treated wood).
Roads and driveways should be designed, built and maintained so that runoff does not go into the pond.
Additional References
The following documents provide information on various ways to improve and maintain shoreland areas. The first two items are key shoreland zoning documents produced by the State of Maine and Town of Hiram, respectively.
Maine Shoreland Zoning – A Handbook for Shoreland Owners (Maine DEP)
Town of Hiram Shoreland Zoning Ordinance
Lakes Like Less Lawn – Environmental Landscaping for Water Quality (Portland Water District)
Planting and Maintaining Buffers – Using Vegetation to Protect Water Quality (Maine DEP)
Lake Shoreline Riprap – Stabilizing Severe Erosion on Lakefronts (Maine DEP)
Erosion Control for Homeowners (Portland Water District)
Sebago Lake Ecology Center’s Pervious Pathway – A Low Impact Development Demonstration (Portland Water District)