On this page, we will try to keep you up-to-date regarding news and events that go on around the lake. To do this successfully will require help from you, our readers. Therefore, if you have something newsworthy to contribute, send it along to us: commodore@cycmaine.org.
CYC Sponsors
July 2009 finds the CYC with another new sponsor, Paul Blouin Suzuki of Augusta, now a financial contributor to our Annual Meeting! We thank Paul as we do all of our sponsors, because his generous contribution allow us to fulfill our main obligation "to promote the appreciation and wise use of Lake Cobbosseecontee, protect its natural beauty, promote boating and water safety, and promote the overall improvement of water quality."
As you can see by visiting our "Links to Our Sponsors" page (click here), we have many contributing friends. Their continuing generousity allows the Executive Committee to use funds collected from membership dues and other donations to fulfill its stated and extremely important purpose. As you know, this lake of ours is a treasure and must be protected! And it certainly will take all of us to do so with any degree of success!
Therefore, we take this opportunity to again thank the following along with our newest sponsor, Paul Blouin Suzuki: Andy and Sherree Wess at Lakeside Motel and Cabins, Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta Fuel Company, Lorraine Heikkinen of Mid Maine Keller Williams Realty, Peter Frantz of Maine Entertainment, Alan Hewey at Chief-Lee Signs in Manchester, and our great friends at Clark Marine in Manchester. Thank you all!
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News from the Cobbossee Watershed District
Keeping a Close Eye on Lake Water Clarity
As many of you know, Cobbossee Lake was removed from the State of Maine's list of impaired lakes in 2006 due to improved water clarity. At that time, the lake had successfully avoided a severe algae bloom for 9 consecutive years, which is defined by the DEP as a minimum water clarity reading of 2 meters or 6.6 feet. As Bill Monagle, CWD Executive Director, reported at the annual meeting on July 13th, that trend had continued through 2007. Based on recent water quality data collected by the CWD, and that collected by a volunteer monitor, the lake has looked pretty good again this summer (2008), but not quite as good as 2007. Water clarity in July this year was approximately 1/2 to 1 meter (1.6 to 3.3 feet) lower than at the same time in 2007. The July values more closely resembled those typically observed in mid to late August. This may simply reflect the normal variability in climate, such as distribution of rainfalland available sunlight, and may not be cause for concern. The lake will continue to be closely watched, however. Hopefully, this will mark 12 consecutive years without a "severe" algae bloom.
On another but related note, the CWD seeks a volunteer to record water clarity twice monthly from May through October in the north basin of Cobbossee Lake in Manchester Bay. Training and equipment will be provided by the CWD. Interested applicant will need a boat, anchor, and sufficient line to anchor in 60 plus feet of water. If interested, please contact the CWD at 377-2234, or via email atcwd@fairpoint .net.
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A look back at winter 2007-2008 with some of our photos, just in case you missed them!
And, For You "Awayers!"
Do you recognize what you are seeing in this dynamic photo below? Right! This is what you would experience were you here with us during our wonderful Maine winters. This is a direct shot of Lake Cobbosseecontee taken from the Commodore's front porch (the inside of the porch!) at about 9:18 am on December 12, 2007. Now is Florida, Arizona, California, the Carolinas, whatever, worth missing this? That's ok.......no response required!
Actual snow on the ice just west of the lighthouse!
December 12, 2007 at 9:18 AM.
December 12, 2007 at 11:37 AM.
And here is some past information along with photographs. Enjoy!
LoonsLoonsLoonsLoonsLoonsLoonsLoonsLoons
(Fall 2007)
Last year at the end of the 2006 summer season, those on board "Comfort II," the Commodore's party barge,saw some 23 loons flocked together off Richard's Island near the "deep hole."
Just a week ago the Commodore and his wife, Vivian, counted 30 loons as they crossed from Welch's Point to the west shore while heading home about dusk! At the time, they figured that would probably be about as many loons traveling together as they would ever see!
Then came early evening on September 3, 2007 as "Comfort II" crossed the lake just north of the lighthouse. On board to verify this sighting were Vivian's brother, John, along with his wife, Beth, and Amos, the First Mate. Don't know if you can get Amos to verify this story though.
The pictures here do not show all of the loons at once, but there were, and everyone on board (except for Amos?) counted a couple of times, 34 loons traveling together! 34!! 34!!! 34 loons, all at once, traveling together. Where to? Why? In fact, do you know why they do this at this time of year? Have you seen this many loons together? More? Contact the Commodore with your story!
Were you ready for some great fall sailing?
Did you participate in the 33rd Annual Loon Cup Regatta on Saturday, September 8, 2007 sponsored by the Cobbossee Sailing Fleet and the Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club at the CSF clubhouse on Molazigan Island? We heard that it was a rousing success. Let this be a lesson! Next year when the Regatta schedule comes out.....MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!
As you can see, with the help of the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, Andy and Sheree's Lakeside Motel has had some buffers created on the waterfront. Not only is this just great for the lake, but it looks super too. Thanks for caring folks!
Did you miss the Fourth of July Fireworks? 2007
Congratulations to The Birches Campground and Camp Cobbossee for again this year putting on an outstanding display. What a joy it is to sit back in the boat, and partake of that spectacular occasion! Thanks you, thank you, thank you!!!
Moose on the Loose! So, is this a majestic beast or what?
On the first day of summer, June 21, this moose celebrated by peering in the bathroom window of the Shawn, Christine, and Luke Johnson residence on the northwest shore of Lake Cobbosseecontee. Shawn, immediately let the Commodore know that there was a moose in his backyard, thus these few pictures. It then walked from the Johnson to the Dennett property and came out on Larson Lane just west of their respective homes. What a sight. The Commodore only wishes that his new Nikon SLR digital camera with a decent close-up lens had arrived in time for this event! Oh well. Still quite a sight and quite a unique experience. Let Shawn tell you the "rest of the story" one day!!!
The Saga Ends! See Below.
Note in the photos below that loons had nested on Picnic Rock. At that time we asked that they be given space until the eggs hatched. The ending does not appear to be positive, unfortunately! We definitely need to try to keep people off the island during nesting time if this occurs in the future! We must respect our loon population!
June 15 and mother is still on the nest!!!
Papa loon appears to be protecting the nesting site. Let's stay clear!
He's also doing a bit of fishing while trying to keep us humans at bay!
Someone tried! Thanks!!!
June 21 and the nest is now empty!!!
Unfortunately, one broken egg shell was found in the water today and there is no sign of Mom and Pop loon. Anyone know the rest of the story?
And thanks to whomever put up the neat sign. Next year we will have to keep better watch early. Anyone out there speak "loon?" Mother needs to be told that there are safer places on the lake to nest!
This is the nest on Picnic Rock as of June 21.
Just off the rock, this remains of a shell!
In the photo below, Andy is on the left, and Bob Moore of the is in the boat, the first Otter, used by that group on our area lakes. Learn more about that very important organization by clicking on their name!
Congratulations to Bob for being named by the Calumet Club, "Outstanding Citizen of the Year." This is certainly a well deserved recognition!
So where's the ice cream, guys?
As you are most likely aware, Andy and Sherry Wess are the super nice folks who run theat the north end of Lake Cobbosseecontee near Island Park. Andy has been extremely helpful to the CYC and we have to thank him for that. Whenever your Commodore needs to get to the lighthouse for some kind of repair, or to decorate for the holidays, or just to replace a bulb, Andy is there to help. In fact, this year he left one of his boats in the water until almost December just to be able to help us out! Thanks Andy!
Now check out these two photos. Both are taken at a past Bassmaster's tournament that Andy sponsored. Note on the right, Bill Green from the TV show, Bill Green's Maine. He was apparently here to do a story on the tournament which featured some of the country's top bass professionals.
Always something going on around the lake!
So, do you have news? Any news that is fit to print?
This site has been created by the CYC and is brought to you courtesy of Clark Marine of Manchester, Maine. "Fun on the water starts at !"
