Dam Repair Fund Raising
(to 12/20/24)
Approximate progress towards original goal of $25,000. We now expect to need about $42,500 available to cover all contingencies and expenses..
In addition to the funds we directly raise, TPIA asked the towns of Raymond and Casco to place an item on their 2025 annual warrants to provide additional funding. Both towns have agreed to do so in amounts to be finalized in February.
Dam Repair % of Original Goal Raised
66
%New Wakesurfing Law
On August 9, 2024 a new law (LD 2284) that imposes new restrictions on where wakeboard boats can be used in wakesurfing activities went into effect.
The new law limits wakesurfing to areas of the pond that are:
• 300' or more from the shore
• 15' deep or deeper
The map in the graphic shows the approximate portion of Thomas Pond where the law allows wakesurfing. It was marked up using the 15' depth only, so distances from shore are not to scale and some areas are not actually usable for wakesurfing.
Please be respectful. Wave action from boating is a significant contributor to shoreline erosion on Thomas Pond and creates a huge risk of stirring up phosphorou. The "standard" no-wake-zone remains unchanged at 200' from the shoreline.
Thomas Pond is "Most At Risk"
Per Maine Chapter 502, Thomas Pond is included in the list of water bodies most at risk from development, which means that this pond is particularly sensitive to additional phosphorus inputs.
In 2023, TPIA measured higher Phosphorous levels
than in prior years.
We don't know the cause, but in 2024 we increased the frequency of monitoring and will keep a close eye on the trends. The first readings for 2024 have been added to the graphic. Unfortunately the testing lab has been very slow to return results
TPIA's efforts help protect this lake, which is so precious to us all.
High phosphorous levels can have serious consequences and be very expensive to remediate. We're no where near having to perform remediation, but you may find this article on Togus Pond interesting (or frightening).
You can help too by ensuring your septic system is working properly and by using low or zero phosphorous content products for gardening, fertilizing lawns, laundry and dishwasher detergents. Donating to the Thomas Pond Improvement Association also helps TPIA protect the pond.
Precipitation
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Thomas Pond Improvement Association is (1) to maintain and preserve mutually agreeable water levels through the acquisition and operation of the Thomas Pond Dam and to act relative to the repair and on-going maintenance of said Dam, and (2) to perform acts appropriate to a non-profit Corporation dedicated to the protection and maintenance of water quality and natural beauty of Thomas Pond for the benefit of the majority of Members and the public use of Thomas Pond.
The TPIA is an all volunteer organization. We could use help. Please consider contributing funds and volunteering some of your time and skills to help the organization achieve its mission.
