Minutes for the June 13, 2012
Members Present: Steve Hitchcock, Bill Getman, , Todd Grass, Bruce Hussey, and Jim Shaw, Wendy
Todd- Absent: Dan McClung- Guest: Rich Hoppe
Item #1 - Mars Hill Pond and the Prestile Stream.
State of Maine Wildlife Biologist Rich Hoppe attended this meeting to provide history and current
regulations pertaining to the Mars Hill Pond. He has been involved in the operation of the current dam
as related to waterfowl, beaver, and etc. His responsibilities do not include fish.
The greater pond area is 27 acres and the current open water area is 9 acres. The difference is area that
has filled in over the years because of sediment buildup. This is a natural condition caused by the
existence of the dam and the backed up calm water. The fine soil particles washed down from upstream
settle out where the water is not flowing. The grass area has gotten larger over time. In the 60’s most
of the 27 acres was open water.
Since the late 80’s the appearance and operation of the town pond has been very controversial. The
former dam washed out about 1975 during a heavy storm. The spillway could not handle the volume of
water coming down stream and began to flow around the ends of the dam. This eventually washed out
the embankment and destroyed the dam. This dam had two large vertical rise gates, a fish way, and a
board walk over the top of the spillway.
About 1985 the town decided to have a replacement dam constructed. It was designed with a larger
spill way to accommodate the water flow from a large storm. It was also designed without a fish way so
that the section of the Prestile Stream from the dam up stream to the headwaters in Easton and Fort
Fairfield could be maintained as a brook trout fishery only. Other species such as bass cannot pass up
stream of the dam.
The entire width and height of the spillway is needed to handle the 100 year design storm water flow.
However, the bottom of the spillway opening is approximately two feet below the level of water held
back by the former dam. To maintain this historical water level, wooden walls called “flash boards”
were to be installed in the new dam. They were initially designed and installed with hinges at the
bottom and with bolts at the top designed to shear and allow the flash boards to fall providing full flow.
These flash boards were problematic. They would not hold back the design two feet of water reliably
and the ice and debris with the springtime freshet tore them from their anchors. Several heavier
designs were tried but they failed also. Standing the flash boards up or installing new ones in the spring
did not work either. If workmen tried to do the flashboard work with water flowing over the spill way,
the slippery surface and flowing water became a safety problem. If the gate at the bottom of the dam
was opened and the pond was drained enough to dry the spill way, it created an unsightly up stream
condition and interfered with animal nesting. The flash boards have not been installed for
approximately the past 8 to 9 years (2004 to 2005)
In the early 90’s the grassy area which was formerly pond area was designated by the federal Natural
Resources Department as a significant Inland Wading Bird & Waterfowl Habitat (IWWH). It is rated as a
high nesting area and construction and disturbance within 250 feet is limited. Over the years an ever
increasing number of ducks and geese use the pond for resting, roosting, and nesting. Therefore the
droppings from these birds have created a high nutrient load in the water which causes algae blooms.
About 2003 the Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
departments raised issues relative to waterfowl nesting in the spring. It was determined that the flash
boards cannot be installed any earlier than June 15 each year because earlier placement would flood out
nests. Also the flash boards must be removed no later than October 1 because this is when beaver and
muskrats begin to gather their winter supply of branches under water next to their lodges.
One possibility going forward is to remove the tree snags that wash down into the existing pond area in
the spring, install the 2 foot high flash boards on June 15 and remove them on October 1. It would be
necessary to involve Eric Hitchcock of the DEP and Rich in the debris removal plan. Todd thinks that the
gate in the dam does not work presently.
Sediments have filled the current open water area to a high degree so that the depth of water is quite
shallow. Some of the pond area was dredged many years ago and the material was used to cover the
former waste dump. Permitting for dredging today would involve the DEP, IF&W, and the Army Corps of
Engineers (and perhaps others). Existing sediments would have to be tested for contaminants and dealt
with accordingly. It is likely that the permit process would be detailed and lengthy and that the cost of
dredging would be high.
There are people who use the Prestile Stream and the pond for canoeing , kayaking, and fishing. Some
folks also enjoy watching the waterfowl and other birds. Occasionally there are birds in and around the
pond that are quite rare in this area. They attract birdwatchers from afar. Recently there was a Great
Egret which is a large completely white wading bird. Perhaps the pond can be developed with paths and
boardwalks to attract people and business to our town. Collins Pond in Caribou and a wetland walk in
Bangor may be worth looking at for examples. Rich said that the amount of money spent on birding is
ten times that spent on hunting and fishing combined in Maine.
Organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Pathways to America, and others might help
define and fund a study of the stream and pond to explore potentials for the future. Bruce suggested
that there may be potential for a walking/biking path north to Westfield and Easton and South to Blaine
and Bridgewater. Committee members see the pond as a huge asset that should be managed for the
benefit of the townspeople. Don Collins from Houlton can be a resource for pathways and Bill Sheehan
can be good source of information on birding. The International Appalachian trail organization may
play a part in our local trail system.
The Prestile Stream itself was well known as a fine trout fishery. It still is a good fishery but access is
mostly through private land. If fishing is to be promoted to folks from outside, access must be
developed and promoted.
Bruce attended a presentation of the walkway along the river in Houlton, elements of which may work
for us. Sections of the pathway were used for erosion control and access to the Meduxnekeag River. He
learned that a high value wetland designation can be modified if a town comprehensive plan calls for
alternative uses.
Items #2&3- Approval of Minutes
The committee voted to approve the minutes for the May 10 and the May 31 meetings.
Item #4- Maine Farm Land Trust Presentations
Stacy Benjamin, consultant for The Maine Farm Land Trust, is scheduled to make a presentation to local
farmers and our committee on Monday, June 18that 4:00 PM at the fire station. I will introduce the
program by describing our current Comprehensive Plan efforts and goals. At 7:00 PM the same day she
will make a brief presentation of the same program to the Town Council.
I have notified Trent and Jackie Lundeen, Ward McGlaughlin, Nick McCrum, and Bryan Bell. Todd will
invite Dick Porter, Wayne and Greg Garrison, and Smith Farms. Wendy will invite Neil Grass, Jay Boyd
and Duane Grass.
Item #5- Upcoming Schedule
Public Facilities and Cultural Resources will be discussed at the July 11 meeting. We are on track for our
original schedule to be complete with the 10 basic inventories and the initial discussion of issues in
September.
Item #6- Housing Section Draft
The need for building lots in Mars Hill in order to be able to grow our population is quite evident. The
land now being cut over west of Benjamin Street to the Clark Road may be available for development.
Jim knows the Gardner family who presently own the land and is going to speak with them about the
future use of the parcel. There seems to be a dearth of rentable apartments for young families starting
out. The four major apartment complexes in town are adequate for this type of residence.
There has been much concern in town about dilapidated structures. (the yellow buildings north of the
former laundry building is currently gone) Since Mars Hill is located on the major routes north, the
impression our town makes on the traveler is negative because of so many shabby structures. Over
time, the town should continue to work to improve the impact of Main Street. It is hard to draw tourists
and businesses to town with the current appearance.
One development next to Big Rock ski facility was created over 20 years ago and has one or two homes.
A development 6 20 acre lots was approved about 15 years ago and 2 lots remain.
The issues presented in the draft of the Housing section provide a good starting place for future comp
plan public input.
Item #7- Transportation
Issues #1 & 2 in the draft of Transportation about Mars Hill’s location on major routes, and the road
access from the border in Bridgewater are valid.
Rail access to town is far off and at this time there is little interest in development of rail service and
sidings in the next 10 years. Perhaps this will be an issue of more interest in the future.
Issue #6 having to do with walking/biking trails is of great interest to the committee. We have some
existing trails which need to be identified and promoted. There is potential for expansion so that we
become a destination to the young who walk and bike and to others. The International Appalachian
Trail system needs to be identified in Mars Hill and connected and promoted.
Extra Item- Information Technology (IT)
Wendy agreed to explore the current internet connections available to Mars Hill and to learn more
about possible new businesses in the IT area. She will speak with Steve Dame, and Adam Metzler and
get their ideas about potential and possible new businesses.
Extra Item- Large Land Parcels at the base of the mountain.
Steve will contact the several major land owners at the base of the mountain and explore their
development interests to bring new businesses to town.
Item # 8 Adjourn at 9:10
Respectfully Submitted
Steve Hitchcock - 551-5048-June 15, 2012