Dedicated to preservation and Conservation of Webb Lake

The WLA employs an on-going effort to encourage people with property in the area adjacent to Webb Lake to help us keep pollutants from entering the water. The WLA sends newsletters to members three times a year, or you can sign up for our new e-Newsletter (coming soon!) on this website. The newsletter provides insightful information on how to protect and enhance our environment and surrounding community. In addition, volunteers periodically distribute educational packets. You can download newsletters in PDF from this site.

In an attempt to capture the essence of Webb Lake as a recreational gem, the WLA sponsors or organizes a number of events open to the public. During the month of July, we assist the Audubon Society with its annual “Loon Count” and host Lake Day for the whole community. Throughout the summer we have additional events that include the donuts and coffee at the weather ball in the middle of the lake, and a program in August at the town hall that is open to the community. Please visit our events page for more detailed information around the Summer Schedule of Events.

The WLA obtains its financial support mainly through membership dues and donations, although we also sponsor an annual raffle and make available for purchase clothing with the WLA logo.

Membership is vital to the success of our mission and existence. The WLA is administered and organized solely by volunteers… your friends and neighbors. If you are not currently a member, please join to help us achieve our worthy objective to preserve beautiful Webb Lake.

Webb Lake benefits from the Town of Weld’s Shoreline Zoning Ordinance. This ordinance is in place to protect and preserve the land and lake we all love. Before planning any project within 250 feet of the shoreline or Webb River, consult the Shoreline Zoning Ordinance (weld-maine.org) and consider these ideas:

• Safeguard shoreline vegetation which is a protective buffer;

• Choose native replacement plants when possible.

• Protect forest duff as it helps filter runoff.

• Minimize runoff and erosion with winding pathways (less than 6’ wide), water bars and natural vegetation that grows within 100’ of shoreline.

• Avoid using fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals.

The WLA has established a very extensive water-testing program which includes periodic water sampling of the lake and streams that feed the lake. The samples are sent to the State of Maine laboratories in Augusta for testing and the results are submitted to an independent environmental company to be analyzed. The results are delivered back to the WLA with information as to the condition of the lake with recommendations for improvement and preservations.

Of growing concern has been the presence of invasive plants which have infected many lakes throughout Maine and in bordering states. Each year, the WLA certifies volunteers to inspect boats entering the waters, assisted by inspections of boats launched at the State Park. The WLA has also worked with a group of University of Maine-Farmington students to identify and map native plants in the lake as a baseline for future reference. We have recently acquired a glass bottom kayak which is used to patrol lake shores over the summer months to search for new invasive plant growth.

Like all plants, algae requires phosphorus to grow. Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element and is a key ingredient in fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus—as phosphate—and potash, respectively).

Aquatic plants are essential to a healthy lake ecosystem by producing oxygen and contributing to a healthy food web for animals in and around the lake.

Phosphorus can either limit or fuel algal growth. In many northeastern U.S. lakes and ponds, it’s the weak link in the plant-growth chain.

However, too much phosphorus allows algae to grow profusely thereby causing algal “blooms.” Floating masses of algae can choke out the growth of many plants which wreaks havoc on the lake’s ecosystem.

Phosphorus Sources:

• Animal and human waste

• Fertilizers and cleaning products

• Water run-off from streams, roads, driveways

• Failed or damaged septic systems

• Decomposing plant material

High Phosphorus Levels:

• Contribute to algae blooms that block underwater sunlight

• Limit growth of organisms critical to the food web

• Decrease oxygen levels as algal masses decompose