Additional programs and activities
Water Quality Testing
Annual July 4th Boat Parade
Water Quality Testing
Sheepscot Lake’s water quality has been monitored since 1977. The best offense is a good defense in this regard so water clarity is tested using a Secchi disk & scope. Sheepscot is a golden colored lake with an average Secchi Disk Transparency of 16.1 ft.
A phosphorus surface grab test is done 3-4 times a year. The measure of total phospho
Sheepscot Lake’s water quality has been monitored since 1977. The best offense is a good defense in this regard so water clarity is tested using a Secchi disk & scope. Sheepscot is a golden colored lake with an average Secchi Disk Transparency of 16.1 ft.
A phosphorus surface grab test is done 3-4 times a year. The measure of total phosphorus averages 7 ppb (vs 12 ppb in other tested Maine lakes). The potential is low for phosphorus to leave the bottom sediments and become available to algae in the water column.
This is good news as phosphorus is a nutrient that feeds algae. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature are also monitored, the results of which tell us there is low dissolved oxygen depletion in the deep areas of the lake. This too is a good measure of a healthy lake.
Annual Loon Count
Annual July 4th Boat Parade
Water Quality Testing
The annual Maine Audubon Society’s loon count takes place on the third Saturday in July. Since 1982 Sheepscot Lake is represented by four boats, two spotters per boat, of trained local residents armed with a detailed sightings questionnaire supplied by the Audubon Society. Each boat is assigned to one of four survey areas giving 100% cove
The annual Maine Audubon Society’s loon count takes place on the third Saturday in July. Since 1982 Sheepscot Lake is represented by four boats, two spotters per boat, of trained local residents armed with a detailed sightings questionnaire supplied by the Audubon Society. Each boat is assigned to one of four survey areas giving 100% coverage of the lake. This summer, 2023, we counted 8 adults and one chick!
Of the five species of loons in the world only one, the common loon, breeds in Maine with often 4,300 loons in the state, affording sights and sounds of the haunting music of their voices. Loons need clean, cold water and help prevent overcrowding of fishing stocks.
Other threats to loons include approaching their shoreline nests, boat wakes, fishing line tangles, lead based fishing equipment and harassment near nests, such as fireworks.
Enjoy this article about a family outing participating in the loon count:
https://townline.org/family-outing-loon-count-on-sheepscot-lake/
Annual July 4th Boat Parade
Annual July 4th Boat Parade
Annual July 4th Boat Parade
Each year SLA hosts an annual July 4th Boat Parade around Sheepscot Lake. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the lake with your fellow residents. The 2024 boat parade was held Thursday, July 4th, with 42 boats and a jetski participating!
Join us next year as we circle the lake. Or, cheer us on from your docks!
Annual Meeting/Dessert Potluck
Annual Meeting/Dessert Potluck
Annual Meeting/Dessert Potluck
Each year Sheepscot Lake Asssociation's board hosts an annual meeting.. Our 2024 annual meeting will be held Thursday, July 25th, location to be announced. Please join us and bring a dessert to share!
At each Annual Meeting we:
- Discuss current activities
- Review each SLA program
- Elect the SLA Board (we welcome new board members!)
- Invite a gue
Each year Sheepscot Lake Asssociation's board hosts an annual meeting.. Our 2024 annual meeting will be held Thursday, July 25th, location to be announced. Please join us and bring a dessert to share!
At each Annual Meeting we:
- Discuss current activities
- Review each SLA program
- Elect the SLA Board (we welcome new board members!)
- Invite a guest speaker to discuss relevant topics
- Hold a raffle with great prizes
- Most importantly, welcome the comments, concerns and interests of every member!
We hope you'll join us!
Newsletters and Communication
Annual Meeting/Dessert Potluck
Annual Meeting/Dessert Potluck
The SLA Board regularly communicates the activities and programs underway each year on behalf of Sheepscot Lake. As a member you will receive our regular newsletters via email. You can also keep up to date with our efforts via the local newspaper, the Town Line (https://townline.org/)
Please consider subscribing to the Town Line as well
The SLA Board regularly communicates the activities and programs underway each year on behalf of Sheepscot Lake. As a member you will receive our regular newsletters via email. You can also keep up to date with our efforts via the local newspaper, the Town Line (https://townline.org/)
Please consider subscribing to the Town Line as well to support this wonderful weekly publication.
Please scroll down to see our current newsletter:
Local Regulations
Annual Meeting/Dessert Potluck
Local Regulations
PALERMO ADOPTS MOORING ORDINANCE:
MARCH 2023
The Town of Palermo voted in March 2023 to adopt a Mooring Ordinance which will apply to Sheepscot Lake as well as all lakes in town. The ordinance can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y7EfOzyvkMkZbcq97iQg5FLDsXLusFZO/view
Further information on the benefits of a mooring ordinance
PALERMO ADOPTS MOORING ORDINANCE:
MARCH 2023
The Town of Palermo voted in March 2023 to adopt a Mooring Ordinance which will apply to Sheepscot Lake as well as all lakes in town. The ordinance can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y7EfOzyvkMkZbcq97iQg5FLDsXLusFZO/view
Further information on the benefits of a mooring ordinance can be found here:
https://townline.org/palermo-voters-to-consider-mooring-ordinance/
PALERMO WINS BATTLE AGAINST LD922:
Palermo residents win battle over Sheepscot Lake dam opening
April 4, 2018
The residents of Palermo have won a major battle in the opposition to LD922, the legislative bill mandating the opening of the Sheepscot Dam to alewives, and other migrating fishes which would have a negative impact on the health of the lake.