Water Data - East Grand Lake

Lake Water Information - East Grand Lake and North Lake

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Water Quality, Testing and Monitoring - CLIC here

Forest City Dam: Current Standard Operating Parameters

The Primary Players:

The International Joint Commission (IJC), established by The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, is a bi-national agency with the mission of preventing and resolving disputes between the United States and Canada over boundary water - which includes the St. Croix Water system.

The St. Croix International Waterways Commission (SCIWC) - The SCIWC is an international partnership dedicated to managing and protecting the St. Croix River system, which forms part of the border between Maine and New Brunswick. It was established to preserve the waterway's natural, cultural, and recreational heritage while fostering sustainable development. The Commission works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and private landowners, to achieve its goals. Note: New Owners of the Forest City Dam

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), USA - The FERC regulates the Forest City Dam, owned by Woodland Pulp LLC, because it has the potential to generate even small amounts of electricity, thus falling under FERC's jurisdiction. For a full summary of the Forest City Dam issue, please CLIC here.

Woodland Pulp LLC - Note: former owner and operator of the Forest City Dam.

Current FERC Regulations that Govern Water Levels

Between May 15th and September 10 Every Year:

Watch for updates to parameters governing water levels.

To learn about "Forest City Dam: Next Steps" CLIC here

To protect Atlantic Salmon from stranding, flows must not be reduced by more than 667 Cubic Feet/Second during any 4 hour period

Daily - Maintain a minimum impoundment elevation of 427.94ft msl (Mean Sea Level) and a normal maximum elevation of 434.24 ft msl except when storing water to reduce downstream flooding. (This equates to 130.43 - 132.35 in meters.)

Between May 15th and July 16th, water levels are kept within well-defined upper and lower limits to support nesting Loons. This is called the Loon Nesting Window and that window is determined using the water level as measured on May 15 (so the water level to maintain changes from year to year). The formula for determining this window requires that within this time frame, the water must stay within a specific range from that year's initial May 15th water level reading. Water levels can vary no higher than 6" above the May 15th level and no lower than 12" below the May 15th level.

Between June 1st and September 10th - maintain impoundment elevation at or above 431.94 ft (131.65 m) msl to facilitate Recreation access

Minimum Allowable Flow at the Dam is 75 Cubic Feet/Second (CFS)

Water Quality and Testing

The Water Quality Committee slowly continues to expand its lake monitoring program. Currently, we are involved in two different monitoring programs. We are still monitoring water clarity by utilizing the Secchi Disc method. This involves slowly dropping a weighted black and white disc into the water and measuring how deep it can be visualized in its descent by using a viewing scope. The distance is recorded, and results are sent to Lake Stewards of Maine. Our results have consistently been in the “very good” range.

Our newest program is in the beginning phase of the invasive plant identification program sponsored by Lake Stewards of Maine. We had 3 volunteers attend an online 3-hour lecture that is the introduction to identification of invasive and normal aquatic plants seen in Maine and New Brunswick. It quickly became evident that to become proficient in this program, it is going to take a lot of studying/practice and further instruction. Hopefully, we will eventually gain the experience and expertise to help our lakes stay clean and healthy. For more information on specific invasive aquatic plant threats to our lake system, please CLIC here.

CLIC remains dedicated to ongoing lake quality monitoring and the identification of invasive species. The Water Committee is always looking for volunteers - Don’t worry, experience in water testing is not necessary! Training will be arranged and provided!

Any interested and/or experienced individual or group that wishes to volunteer in this important undertaking is encouraged to contact CLIC at CLICBoard@gmail.com