Request for Comments
In the 2023 Annual Meeting two work groups were formed to address issues with the Dam Management Plan and the TPIA By-Laws. Both working groups have completed drafts and TPIA is soliciting comments from Members and other Interested parties before finalizing the proposed revisions for a vote at the
Annual Meeting of the Members
on June 22, 2024 at 9AM
at the Raymond Public Safety Building
Comments are due by May 22, 2024 In order to provide TPIA time to review them and incorporate any needed changes into a final version of the proposed new plan and amendments. TPIA intends to post the to-be-voted-on versions of these documents on June 7, 2024.
Dam Repair Funding Request
Thomas Pond Dam Needs Repair
Its been 30+ years since the last major repair and the Thomas Pond Dam is showing signs of its age. TPIA wants to repair the current non-structural damage to the concrete before it becomes more extensive or becomes a structural issue. In 2023 we obtained an estimate of $19,000 to repair the concrete and add armor plating to prevent future damage to the dam structure.
We're seeking donations to raise $25,000 to cover the expected costs of the repair and ancillary items like permits and other miscellaneous expenses.
Click here to see more photographs of the damage to the dam
Click here to donate or click the Donate button above and contribute right now, or you can mail a check to TPIA at the address below.
Please be generous, your pond depends on you
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.
Maine DEP has a vulnerability model used to assess lakes throughout the state. This model identifies lakes with phosphorus concentration projected to increase by at least 1 part per billion over the next 25 years, putting them at greater risk.
In 2023, TPIA measured higher Phosphorous levels
than in prior years.
We don't know the cause, but in 2024 we plan to increase the frequency of monitoring and keep a very close eye on the trends.
TPIA's efforts help protect this lake, which is so precious to us all.
You can help too 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.
2023 Dam Management Summary
2023 was an extremely challenging year for the dam keeper due to dry spells, lots of heavy rainfalls, two large logs obstructing the dam, and an incredibly busy beaver population. The Dam Keeper and Dam Monitors made 421 observations, reported 60 dam visits, cleared debris at least 41 times, and made 32 adjustments to water flow. Yes, that's a lot of dam work!
The chart above shows the pond outflow over the dam and the pond levels compared with the target values we were aiming for in 2023. Note - the target levels & dates for the spring and fall "shoulders" and off-season low aren't officially established in the current Management Plan so we show roughly what we aimed for.
Weather and Precipitation
Thomas Pond Weather
Note: The weather station in the link has been changed.
Precipitation by Year
Note: does not include current year.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Thomas Pond Improvement Association is (1) to maintain and preserve mutually agreeable water levels through the acquisition 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.
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.
