About Us
The Thomas Pond Improvement Association (TPIA) is an all-volunteer not-for-profit association whose membership consists of property owners with access rights to Thomas Pond.
Some 2024 Planned Activities
Here is a sampling of things TPIA hopes to accomplish in 2024
Revise TPIA By-Laws by Vote at Annual Meeting (Done)
• Circulate proposed revisions via website by May 1 for comment
Replace Current Dam Management Plan (Done)
• Propose New Water Level Management Plan to Replace Current Dam Management Plan
• Address practices in various weather conditions
• Circulate proposed new version via website by May 1 for comment
• Vote at Annual Meeting of the Members
Water Quality
• Increase frequency of monitoring of Phosphorous
• Investigate obtaining our own test gear so we can measure more often at lower cost
Construct and Install New Flow Gauge (Done)
Repair the Dam
• Raise approximately $25,000 to fund dam repairs
• Obtain at least two repair estimates and contract with a company for dam repairs
Continue to Manage the Dam within the Agreed Upon Lake Levels & Required Flows
2023 Highlights
• Closely managed the dam to cope with excessive water flows after 4/30
• 421 observations recorded
• Adjusted flows 32 times
• 60 In-person visits recorded
• Cleared debris 41 times
• 2 Work parties for removal of trees obstructing the dam
• Surveyed members to assess mutually agreed upon lake levels & management practices
• Monitored water quality monthly in-season
• Finalized a design for a new flow ruler and device to keep stop logs in place
• Obtained an estimate for dam repairs
• Formed working groups to propose changes to By-Laws & Dam/Water Level Management Plan
• Funded additional Courtesy Boat Inspectors for the Rt. 302 launch
What We Did in 2022
Here is a sampling of 2022 TPIA accomplishments.
Water Levels & Flow
- Managed lake levels & flows per the Dam Management Plan
- Cleared debris from a beaver dam near the Rt. 302 bridge and removed trash by the boat launch
Water Quality
- Monitored water clarity, dissolved oxygen level, and lake temperature. Reported readings to Lake Stewards of Maine.
- Purchased a replacement meter for measuring the dissolved oxygen and temperature in Thomas Pond.
Prevent Invasive Species
- Hired additional Courtesy Boat Inspectors for the Rt. 302 boat launch.
- Submitted suspicious algae sample to Lake Stewards of Maine for analysis. No threat.
Our Officers & Board Members
Officers:
Christine Bradbury (Treasurer)
Bob Chapin (President)
Sue Chapin (Secretary)
Steve Marchant (Vice President)
Board Members:
Dave DeLuca
Jerry Eaton
Richard Horr
Frank Jaffe
Paul McMeekin
Ted Oliva
Liz Tindley
Mike Polland (pending confirmation & acceptance)
Terms Expire:
2025 - Christine Bradbury, Sue Chapin, Dave DeLuca, Jerry Eaton
2026 - Dick Horr, Steve Marchant, Paul McMeekin
2027 - Bob Chapin, Frank Jaffe, Ted Oliva, Liz Tindley, Mike Polland
Thomas Pond Stats
• Max. depth: 64 feet.
• Mean depth: 22 feet
• Surface area: 533 acres
• Perimeter: 7.4 miles
• Elevation: 279 feet
• Flushing rate: .53/year
• Dingley Brook drainage area: ~5.5 sq. mi
• MIDAS # 3392 (Maine Information Display Analysis System)