Sheepscot Lake Association newsletter (June 2024)

PALERMO SUNRISE: Ashley Wills, of Palermo, photographed this sunrise over Sheepscot Lake, in Palermo.

by Maria O’Rourke, President
Sheepscot Lake Association

Happy Summer 2024! Sheepscot Lake is shimmering and calling out for many adventures ahead, and the Lake Association looks forward to enjoying the season to its fullest with you all, with the health of the lake in mind. This newsletter will update you on our programs and events planned for 2024!

Again this year, two Courtesy Boat Inspectors will be stationed at the Fish and Game boat launch each weekend throughout the summer. They will be inspecting boats and trailers for invasive species and plants. Inspectors are eager to show boaters how to conduct their own inspections for when inspectors are not on duty. Please remove all plants from boats, motors, fishing gear, and trailers to avoid invasives from entering the lake. Let’s keep our healthy lake free from these devastating species that have affected surrounding lakes in the area!

Our Annual 4th of July Boat Parade will be held on July 4, leaving the Fish and Game at 11 a.m. The rain date will be the same time on July 5. This year the Grand Marshall will be Eileen Kirby, of Bald Head Island, the former treasurer of SLA. Last year, despite the intermittent raindrops, 26 boats participated. Let’s aim for more this year, and better weather as well! If you’re enjoying the parade from the shore, please cheer us on and wave to us from your docks and decks!

This year we are happy to co-sponsor some live music on the lake on July 6 from 2 – 5 p.m. Stealing Sunday will be performing on shore for boaters to enjoy from the lake at Bald Head Island East across from Bear Island. Last year the band played in the cove of Iron Ore Point on Labor Day Weekend, and it was so well received that we wanted to help sponsor a repeat performance! So, mark your calendars and anchor your boats off Bald Head Island East for some music and fun on the lake! Thank you to the BHI sponsors (Gary & Tanya Parshley, Kristin and Jack Forbush, Anna and Eric Miller, and Carolyn and Erik Viens) for coordinating, and co-sponsoring the concert!

The annual Loon Count, sponsored by the Maine Audubon Society, will be held on July 20. It is conducted on the same day throughout the state and helps keep track of the health of the population. A healthy loon population is an indication of a healthy lake! Please safely discard any old lead-based fishing gear, keep used fishing line from falling into the lake, and remain a safe distance from both loons and their nests when boating. If you are interested in helping us count loons on July 20, please email us at sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com

Please mark your calendars for the annual general membership meeting on Thursday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m., location to be determined. Since it was such a success last year, the meeting will be a “dessert potluck” again, so please bring something sweet to share. Last year the speaker gave information about Palermo’s new mooring ordinance, which went into effect this spring, as well as background on the Harbormaster program. This year we will have yet another informative speaker, as well as information on our programs, samples of our merchandise to view, a chance to meet your neighbors and sample some yummy treats! Please join us and look to your email and our Facebook page for specifics closer to the date.

The Sheepscot Lake Association LakeSmart Team is looking for anyone interested in joining us. LakeSmart is an educational outreach program run by the Maine Lakes Society. The program helps waterfront property owners create “lake-friendly” spaces that are free from erosion. LakeSmart gives homeowners advice on how to avoid erosion, which over time does damage to the lake by increasing phosphorous levels. Learn how to combat erosion by scheduling an evaluation with us or join our team of evaluators. For more information, please email us at sheepscotlakeassoc@gmail.com

The online merchandise store has been doing brisk business, even during the off season! Please visit the site and view the various styles of short and long sleeved tees, sweatshirts, a tote bag and more. It’s never too late to order for the season, shipping is quite speedy! Wear your Sheepscot Lake garb with pride out there in the world.

You can keep up with all that SLA is up to by visiting our web page at sheepscotlakeassociation.com. Here you can find out about our programs, find the links to our merchandise store and our Facebook page, and renew your membership for 2024. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us. We would not be able to provide what we do without your support! Our dues have not increased since our inception, which can’t be said of much else these days! Individual – $20, Family – $30, Patron – $50. Keep an eye out for a flyer the lake association will be sending out, with lots of great advice for protecting the health of Sheepscot lake.