We care for Thomas Pond
Invasive Species Alert
Chinese Mystery Snails
Chinese Mystery Snails have been found in Thomas Pond. We’re looking for a volunteer to help write an article about this.
The best option at this point is for everyone to try to reduce the number of mystery snails in the pond. Here is an article from Square Pond about their efforts and just how bad snail infestations can get.
There is a lot of information and photos online about identifying the snails and the best way to control the snail population.
We ask that if you identify Mystery Snails in the water near your property that you remove the snails from the lake and properly dispose of them. The easiest way to do this appears to be to collect the snails in a bucket, then put them into a zip lock bag, freeze them, then put them out still frozen with your trash. You can also use a bleach solution in the bucket before freezing and disposing of them.
Mystery snails can be quite smelly and freezing will keep down the odor. They can survive out of water for quite a while, so just throwing them in the woods isn’t a good option. While not harmful directly, they often have parasites that can be harmful or irritating.
We thank everyone who helps us control this invasive species.
2025 Dam Repairs Are Complete
Pond Level
As of 8/22/26 Thomas Pond is 25.5″ below the top of the dam. That is far below our target maximum level for in-season of -17″.
Water flow over the dam is 1″. This is the Seasonal Aquatic Base Flow, the minimum currently allowed by Maine DEP.
Thomas Pond
Water Quality
is “Most at Risk”
Per Code of Maine Rules Chapter 502, Thomas Pond is included in the 2018 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 than in prior years.
TPIA Mission and Purpose
(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.
