We are very pleased to announce that the communities of Windham and Gray have both stepped in with funding to assist Little Sebago Lake Association (LSLA) with milfoil removal efforts this summer. The LSLA had the opportunity for up to $25,000 in matching funds if we could raise an equal amount from municipal or private sources. The town of Gray has contributed $4,000 and the town of Windham $12,500 to fund the Milfoil Mitigation and work toward achieving the matching $25,000.
Both communities recognize that Milfoil in our lakes is a problem that affects the personal recreation of all the citizens as well as the economic impact that tourism contributes to the town. These funds will help toward restoring the pristine quality of Little Sebago for our townspeople and visitors.
The lake association is nearing completion of the construction of our own Suction Harvest Apparatus. This was accomplished through the conversion of a donated pontoon boat and donated engineering design by a local company, plus many man hours of labor all donated by generous individuals on the lake.
There are also a group of trained volunteers ready to hand pull in areas of mild infestation and lay bottom barriers in areas of heavier infestation. As a matter of fact, at a recent state sponsored Milfoil training session 16 out of 22 participants were from Little Sebago.
Also, LSLA has obtained authorization from Maine State Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (who are the owners of the public boat launch) to install a public toilet and trash receptacles on the site. We hope all visitors to the lake will make use of the sanitary facility and respect the effort it took to obtain permission to provide them. Although the site is state owned, permission to install the facilities was conditioned on LSLA funding the installation and upkeep. We will do this out of general treasury funds because we recognize the importance of keeping contaminants out of the lake.
Lastly, please don’t forget about our potential for matching funds! The two towns have gotten us over halfway to achieving the $25,000 necessary for the match. Individuals need to step up to the bat now and make certain we reach our goal! Donations may be mail to LSLA-Milfoil Program, PO Box 912, Windham, ME 04062.
Also, please join us for a silent auction and annual meeting at AMHI Lodge on July 9.
Sharon Bard-Young,
Director, LSLA
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