From The President’s Corner
So how much is your property by the lake worth? For some it’s priceless. That’s because of the whole environment of being by a lake in Maine. It’s nature, fishing, recreation, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, etc.. For some it’s a year round experience. For others the summer is favored when swimming, boating and fishing predominate. It’s always great to be by the lake.
Some also see their property in dollar values. Lakefront properties have risen in sale price over the last few years to high levels. The most recent lakefront buyers, I’m sure, want the same great experience the long time residents have enjoyed. There’s only one way to assure that we all continue to enjoy the lakes and maintain property values – KEEP THE LAKES CLEAN!
That means everyone has a part to play in making sure the Range Ponds are a place we want to be for years to come. The Range Ponds Environmental Association isn’t a “they” who takes care of the lakes for you. It’s an “us”. It’s our lake (and, I might add, it also belongs to the people of Maine who have public access). But if the lakes die, it’s the property owners who will suffer most followed by the taxpayers of Poland, New Gloucester and Raymond who will have to make up for the lost property values.
What can you do as an individual? Little things like not using phosphorus based fertilizers on your lawn (phosphorus run off into the lake is the leading cause of algae growth), maintaining camp roads to prevent run off, planting barrier plants along the water’s edge to capture run off, and making sure no plants are attached to your boat or trailer when putting it in or taking it out of the water to prevent the spread of non-native invasive plants.
Finally, you can support the efforts of RPEA through your dues and your participation. Your lake association has instituted a boat inspection program at the public boat launch and our vice president, Gar Roper, has trained his staff at The Flying Lobster to do the same at that ramp. The Middle Rang Watershed grant (see related article) only happens when RPEA members get involved.
So have a great year and join us for food and fun at the annual meeting on July 23rd.
Bob Limoges