The minutes from the 2000 – 2010 are below. Please note that minutes have been typed as they were written (except for any typo’s that you find – those are probably mine).
Annual Meeting August 19, 2000
Thirty members and guests were present for the annual meeting.
Ron welcomed all campowners to the meeting.
Blaine Winchester from LURC spoke and Dick Libby from the Forestry Department.
Ron discussed the letter he wrote to the state of Maine and to Free Todd of DEP regarding a ban on personal watercraft on this lake.
He read the letters in reply from both. He received a phone call from LURC asking for names and addresses of camp owners so he can contact them regarding personal watercraft, how many times they have bothered you, in what way, and when and any specifics. We each need to write to the Department of Conservation, ATTN. Any Fiske. He needs to hear our comments. This, if approved, will be next year and they will have to post signs and be enforced.
Secretary to send list of camp owners to Andy Fiske at the Department of Conservation. Election of officers, same slate of officers reelected.
Resolution made: Camp owners made a motion to ban jet ski’s (31 votes for) on Nicatous Lake. If this proposal passes legislature camp owners will help enforce it by calling in violators.
3000 brown trout 8 to 10 inches long restocked the lake this year.
Dam and fishway working good, fish are going through.
Ron mentioned boat safety on the lake. Boats passing on your right have the right-of-way.
Dick Libby of the forestry department spoke. There will be no more new additional fireplaces put on this lake. There is an illegal camp built on the lake and used by out of state campers, children, and counselors. The matter is under investigation by Dick Libby and Blaine Winchester of LURC. Boy Scouts built new lean-to on the upper end of lake and did a good job.
Blaine Winchester said he will be in charge of recreations development on this lake. He will be checking illegal fires and jet ski’s if the ban goes thought.
Thanks to Blaine and Dick for the information of interest.
Cheryl Damien gave two gifts to be drawn for door prizes.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Botting, Secretary
Annual Meeting
August 2001
President Ron Pelletier welcomed everyone, 32 attending, to the annual meeting.
Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted.
Liz Burrow, Forest Conservation guest speaker spoke today.
2800 brown trout were stocked in the lake this summer.
LURC and Andy Fiske from Augusta discussed the ban on jet ski’s on the lake. Bill Damien and Cheryl attended a meeting in Augusta representing the lake association as Ron will not be able to attend.
Pat Sherwood spoke about how the use of jet ski’s stir up the bottom of the lake as well as upsetting the loons.
Ron read the letter he got from LURC about their findings on use of jet ski’s on the lakes.
Matt Dunlap, Rep. from Old Town helped Ron in Augusta in contacting LURC and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife departments. The lake association will enforce a ban on jet ski’s and post their own signs. John Betts agreed to have his telephone number posted on the sign to be notified of any infraction.
Ron red the letter from Dept. of Conservation notifying us of the ban on jet ski’s and it was legally in effect as of June 21, 2001.
A big round of applause to all at the lake for their help. Also appreciation to Cheryl Damien who spoke at the Augusta meeting and also for her speech to the legislators and giving her rendition of a loon call on our lake as well as a roar of the jet ski’s on the lake. The legislators were impressed. Thanks to everyone who helped on this matter.
Reelection of officers – elected same slate as before.
Liz Burrows From Forest Society of Maine spoke and she will monitor the lake shore and surrounding area. She will be here at the lake every summer.
Ron discussed having our association meeting here for the past 18 years with permission to use the beach at the narrows. Due to the state easement, Robbins Lumber Company can no longer authorize permission to use the site. Ton will talk to the sate about using this site in the future.
John Devin spoke about he new power line proposal to put a line along the Stud Mill road. He has a notice of a public meeting in September to discuss this power line. Joy will copy this notice and send to all camp owners with newsletter.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Botting, Secretary
Annual Meeting
August 18, 2002
President Ron Pelletier welcomed everyone, 32 attending, to the annual meeting.
Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted. as read.
Ron told us about jet ski signs have been made and put up again all around the lake. Everyone agreed it is nice not to have the jet ski’s here.
The water level at the dam is very satisfactory this summer.
all officers were reelected with one vote.
Ron got permission from Robin Smith to hold the association meeting here for this year, future is questionable due to state giving campers use of this site.
Liz Burrows, guest speaker, spoke about her job with the Forest Society of Maine. There are no plans at this time to keep Nicatous Lake shore undeveloped.
Ron spoke about a nest of large mouth bass in the lake. He read an interesting article by Mike Smith, state of Maine biologist, about bass tape worm parasite and the effect on small mouth bass. Fish and Wildlife has a report on this matter. John McKay will give Ron a copy of it.
Ron spoke on the milfoil problem and asked if the association would like to post signs at the landings to have each person launching their boat to check to see if they have milfoil on their boats or trailers. He read an article on the milfoil problem infesting Maine lakes.
Ron Sider asked to have Ron put up a sign to have everyone check their boats for milfoil and post it at the boat landing and also at the lodges where a few boats are launched. Milfoil is a weed and Ron will get pamphlets explaining it. All members agreed to have these signs made and posted. Phil Brown made a motion and it was passed for the association to pay the money to make the boxes to hold the pamphlets regarding milfoil on your boat prior to launching at the boat areas.
Ron read an article about ATV’s on paper company lands and their proper use of ATV trails and a list of clubs in the area to join if anyone is interested. Signs on ATV trails are not marked well. Ron will check on this.
Ron asked if anyone was interested in changing our association meeting date to July. Everyone felt it should stay as it is on the 3rd Saturday in August.
Vic suggested the dead head log in the water in the narrows be removed for safe boating, the men agreed to attach a rope or chain on it and pull it out of the way today.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Botting, Secretary
Annual Meeting
August 2003
President Ron Pelletier called the meeting to order August 16, 2003 with 33 camp owners present. The secretary’s and treasurers reports were read and accepted.
Mike Smith, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist stated the following about the condition of Nicatous lake. The illegal introduction of the large mouth bass which are not well suited to this particular lake create our biggest ecological problem Mike will continue to monitor this situation in regard to the overall fish population. On the positive side, he indicated that the mercury level is in the moderate to low range. Milfoil is not a big problem on Nicatous because the lake composition is not conducive to the rapid growth of milfoil. Mike indicated that 2000 brown trout and 2000 salmon were stocked in the lake in the spring this year. He also note that the lake has a healthy perch population. Overall, Mike was very positive about the healthy ecological condition of Nicatous Lake.
Liz Burrows, stewardship manager of the Forest Society of Maine spoke about the conservation easement which was completed in April of 2000. She stated the following. The easement prevents any further development of land which is owned by Robbins Lumber Company. “An easement can prohibit development, protect key ecological values, guarantee public access, and ensure sustainable forest management. The Forest Society of Maine monitors the easement, ensuring that all terms are met”.
Mike Smith, the biologist addressed the issue of the smelt population on Nicatous Lake. He indicated that the situation is posing no problem to the fish population. Mike said he would make a commitment to keep a check on the smelt population.
Bruce Loring, game warden, spoke on the following issues:
Wardens are pulling fishermen’s licenses if they are caught keeping live fish because they are trying to prevent the introduction of new species of fish in existing lakes. Bruce spoke of ATV enforcement problems. He indicated that ATV’s are not allowed on the Stud mill road. Another issue the game warden discussed was the impending demolition on October 1, 2003 of the Gassabias bridge by order of International Paper Company. A proposed small bridge will be put in for the snowmobiles and ATV’s only. Blaine Winchester, a ranger from the Department of Conservation said the state is trying to fight the effort. International Paper company says the bridge is a liability. Blaine and Bruce both agreed that not having a bridge is a safety issue because it will take much longer for emergency vehicles to gain access. The state had the materials to build a bridge and or repair it, but IP will not allow it. The issue remains unresolved at this time.
Ron proposed having next year’s annual meeting at the beach behind the Pelletier’s camp. The association approved this proposal and the secretary will send directions before the next years meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverly Brown
Acting Secretary in absence of Joy Botting
August 2004
The annual meeting was called to order at 11:30 AM. Meeting was held at the new location on the beach behind Ron Pelletier’s camp with 13 members present. Guest speakers scheduled to speak today were not available to attend.
Secretary and treasurer reports were read and accepted.
The same slate of officers were voted into office for another year.
Ron Pelletier, president presided at the meeting. His first news item was a rumor that the state of Maine wants a bridge put back on Gassabias Stream for safety sake. He has asked the paper company to remove the beaver dam on the 32-00-0 road at Coombs Brook. It has now been re-flooded. He has called them again to have the beavers and dams removed and the culverts cleaned out again.
Smelting on Coombs brook is not longer being done due to the dam clogging the waterway.
The presence of cormorants on the lake was discussed and many have been seen on the lake this year.
A discussion was held about changing meeting date to an earlier time in the month due to less people being on the lake at this date now. The meeting date was changed to the first Saturday of August, Sunday in case of rain.
Secretary asked to send Ron a list of names of campowners where notices could not be delivered due to address changes.
The new meeting site was very pleasant and everyone requested we continue having the meeting and picnic here in the future.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Botting, Secretary
August 6, 2005
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Lake Camp Owners Association was called to order at 11:30 AM by president Ronald Pelletier, with 64 members present.
Guest speaker, Mike Smith, a biologist for the state of Maine spoke about restocking brown trout in the lake. He said that 20 brown trout had been caught and weighed up to five pounds on a test by the biologists and that showed a good growth rate. They wil continue restocking brown trout and they will also stock salmon in the future.
If anyone on the lake can report a brown trout caught with a clipped or non-clipped fin to Mike, he would appreciate it for his research. The lake water quality in improving steadily. No new reporting of milfoil spread.
Mike received a good round of applause and everyone enjoyed his informative news to us.
Ron reported a pair of golden eagles behind his camp. Mike said they are very rare.
Ron read a letter from Debbie Bourgeon from the paper company regarding lots for sale. Land sales pending three months per LURC approval of sale of the land. Call her if you have an questions about buying your lots.
Road repair on the 32-00-0 road will be done on the week of August 8th to repair a large culvert.
New Business: Election of officers – the same slate of officers was duly reelected for another year. All in favor. President, Ron Pelletier, Vice President, Vic Botting, Secretary/Treasurer, Joy Botting.
ATV trails were discussed. It seems that ATV trails are being closed to ATV use. Most trails near this area are closed now. Ron asked all ATV riders to obey signs, follow rules for good ATV use and also join an ATV club for current information.
Meeting was adjourned at 12 noon for picnic lunch.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Botting, Secretary
Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association
Minutes of Meeting, August 5, 2006
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association was called to order at 11:30 AM by president, Ron Pelletier, with 54 people present.
Ron read the minutes from the first meeting of the NLCA that was held in December of 1959. He then introduced Liz Burroughs and Charlie Corliss, who would be speaking later in the meeting.
Minutes and treasurers’ report were read and approved, as read.
An election of officers was held. Ron Pelletier was reelected. Steve Buzzell and Gladys Buzzell were unanimously elected vice president and secretary/treasurer, respectively. Gladys & Steve were voted in to replace Victor and Joy Botting who have done a great job over a number of years, but unfortunately they have sold their camp.
Liz Burroughs of the Forest Society of Maine was the first guest speaker. The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) is a statewide, Maine-based, nonprofit land trust focused on working forestlands, with a special emphasis on conservation and stewardship of large tracts. Liz spoke of easements held by the State of Maine, stating that the Society is contracted by the state to be sure all restrictions are met. An easement can prohibit development, protect key ecological values, guarantee public access, and ensure sustainable forest management.
Charlie Corliss from the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission was our next speaker. He was very informative, speaking about LURC’s rules regarding permitting and compliance. He also answered questions from camp owners’.
Charlie is also the Trails Vice President of ATV Maine. He spoke briefly on area trails and of the importance of following state ATV rules and staying on marked trails.
New Business: Steve Buzzell spoke next on the maintenance of approximately four miles of the 32-00-0 road. Camp owners’ using that road to access their camps are now responsible for maintaining it. Steve was asked by Ron prior to the meeting to find out any information on rules & regulations, pricing, etc. from SFT. Steve read a letter from Jim Ward, the area Forester from SFT. Mr. Ward suggested that the camp owner’s create a road maintenance account and long term maintenance plan.
An open discussion followed. Bill Damien made a motion to set up a 32-00-0 road maintenance committee with a representative from each spur road with Steve Buzzell heading it. Ron Sider seconded the motion and motion was passed. Volunteers were selected from each spur road. They are:
32-28 – Michael Crowley 32-30 – Dorian Vinson 32-32 – John Devin
33-33 – Jim Varney 32-34 – Warren Hedstrom 32-36 – Louis Buck
32-38 – John Ford
Jane Simmers suggested that we break for lunch at this point because it was getting so late and Ron announced that we would break and then come back to the road discussion.
The 32-00-0 road maintenance fund was discussed when we returned from lunch. Bill Damien made a motion that each property owner that used the 32-00-0 road to access their camp pay $100.00 per year, payable May 1, to be adjusted up or down as needed. John Ford seconded the motion and motion was passed. It was discussed that the committee would be a separate committee within the Nicatous Land Owner’s Association, called the 32-00-0 Road Maintenance Committee and that the NLCA treasurer would be responsible for maintaining funds. A separate checking account will be set up for road maintenance funds.
A discussion was also held on maintaining the spur roads. Jim Ward advised us that the right-of-way easements granted us permission to perform maintenance activities, provided that we follow the best management practices for erosion control and water quality protection. These practices are described in a handbook published by the Maine Forest Service, “Best Management Practices in Forestry: Protecting Maine’s Water Quality.” This booklet can be found online or ordered from the Maine Forest Service.
After discussion on the 32-00-0 road, Steve Buzzell told the group that SFT has asked that we consider paying $500.00 for having the road graded this spring, as a good faith gesture. John Mackay moved that we NOT pay them. No one seconded the motion and it was not passed. Ron Sider moved that we pass a hat around and pay them. Bill Damien seconded the motion and motion was passed. Enough money was raised and SFT will be paid soon.
Len Price made a motion that instead of having the due date for collecting road funds on May 1 of each year, to have it November 1 of each year instead. Leroy Bridges seconded the motion and motion was carried.
John Ford moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bill Damien seconded the motion and meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gladys L Buzzell
Secretary/Treasurer
Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association
Minutes of Meeting, August 4, 2007
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association was called to order at 11:30 AM by president, Ron Pelletier, with 43 camp owners and guests present.
Ron introduced guest speaker, Allen Starr.
Old Business:
Association minutes and treasurers’ report were read and approved, as read.
32-00-0 road maintenance fund treasurers report read and accepted, as read.
Ron thanked Leroy Bridges for contributing buoys and time to mark some known navigational hazards in the lake.
New Business:
An election of officers was held and the same slate of officers was re-elected.
Guest speaker, Allen Starr, Maine wildlife biologist spoke to us about loons and then took questions from the audience about loons and other area wildlife. Karen Ford told a coyote tale but she was shy and would not give us her rendition of a coyote call.
During Allens’ presentation, the question was asked if anyone on Nicatous had counted the loons for the Maine Audubon Society annual loon count. Nicatous is not on the loon count roster. Steve Buzzell suggested that if folks were interested, he would find out the information and come up with a plan and post it on the web site for next years count. Because of the size of the lake, numerous volunteers will be needed.
Steve Buzzell gave the 32-00-0 road maintenance fund report. He reported that 50 out of 57 camp owners had contributed to the fund. SFT did the grading of the road and replaced the damaged culverts this year because they are still cutting on the road. This gives us the chance to get funds ahead for any major repairs in the coming years. Fran Palmeter wanted to know the estimated cost of grading and culvert repair. Steve quoted 2006 prices of $250 a mile for grading and $2000 – $2500 per culvert stating that these prices are driven by many variables. Len Price questioned if Downeast Wilderness Experience (Deer Lake Campground) had any responsibilities on maintaining the 32-00-0 road. Steve said that he would check with DWE and SFT. Bill Damien moved to continue with the $100.00 per camp owner fee and to re-evaluate it each year. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Doug Palmeter moved that the meeting be adjourned and John Ford seconded it and meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gladys L Buzzell
Secretary/Treasurer
Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association
Minutes of Meeting, August 2, 2008
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association was called to order at 11:15 AM by president, Ron Pelletier, with 47 camp owners and guests present.
Ron introduced guests which included Allen Starr from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Chris Hoffman from the Forest Society of Maine and Karen Bolstridge of LURC.
Chris Hoffman gave a brief rundown of the part that the Forest Society of Maine plays in the easement and said that all is going well. She said that there will be some forestry done on the lake and that she and Charlie Todd, wildlife biologist for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will work with the foresters to assure that the eagles nests are not disturbed.
Karen Bolstridge of LURC introduced herself and said that she would take any questions from individuals after the meeting.
Old Business:
Association minutes and treasurers’ report were read and approved, as read.
32-00-0 road maintenance fund treasurers report read and accepted, as read.
Ron thanked Leroy Bridges for contributing the bright orange buoys and his time to mark some known navigational hazards in the lake.
New Business:
An election of officers was held and the same slate of officers was re-elected. Bonnie Biller made the motion and Bill Damien seconded it. The vote was unanimous.
Guest speaker, Allen Starr, Maine wildlife biologist from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, gave an interesting talk on eagles and touched briefly on Wildlife Management areas in the state. He then took questions.
Steve Buzzell gave the 32-00-0 road maintenance fund report. He reported that 46 out of 57 camp owners had contributed to the fund. He asked for opinions on the road and most everyone thought that it was ok. He reported that SFT had fixed a culvert and large washout early in the year near the 38-00-0 road and that they would be grading the road before bad weather sets in. He reported that there would probably be a nominal fee for mobilizing the equipment for the culvert. Ron Pelletier moved to continue with the $100.00 per camp owner fee for next year. Motion was seconded by Bill Damien and passed unanimously.
Ron talked about the camp break-ins that had occurred. A discussion followed. Leroy Bridges suggested that it might be a good idea to have some sort of decal for each camp owner’s vehicle to identify the folks that belong in the area. Everyone thought that would be a good idea and it was decided that the association would pay to have these decals made. Leroy Bridges made a motion to have the decals made with the association paying and Bill Damien seconded the motion. Motion was passed unanimously. .
Steve Buzzell said that the association had received a letter from the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program that was asking for volunteers to monitor the lake and donations. John Devin is already a volunteer and spoke about his part in checking the clarity of the lake. Bob Stratton made a motion that we get more information on this program for next years meeting. Brad Taylor seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Steve Buzzell asked for camp owners suggestions on speakers for each years meeting. He also mentioned that with the tightening economy that many of them charged a nominal fee to come to a meeting to speak. A discussion followed and a suggestion was made that we could use association money to pay for a speaker. Bob Stratton made the motion to give authority to the association administration to acquire speakers for the meetings and to pay the fee’s from association funds. Brad Taylor seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Bill Damien made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Brad Taylor seconded the motion. Motion was passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Gladys L Buzzell
Secretary/Treasurer
Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association
Minutes of Meeting, August 1, 2009
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association was called to order at 11:30 AM by president, Ron Pelletier, with 60 camp owners and guests present.
Old Business:
Association minutes and treasurers’ report were read and approved, as read.
32-00-0 road maintenance fund treasurers report read and approved, as read.
Ron thanked Leroy Bridges once again for marking known navigational hazards on the lake.
Steve Buzzell said that John Devin would not be available this year to give the report on the Maine Volunteering Lake Monitoring Program and the quality of Nicatous. We hopefully can get an update next year.
New Business:
An election of officers was held and the same slate of officers was unanimously re-elected..
Ron thanked Leroy Bridges and Larry Poulin for trimming the sides of the landing road. Steve Buzzell took Leroy’s suggestion of making some improvements to the boat landing to Jim Ward of AMF. AMF granted permission to build a turn-around at the boat landing with volunteers from the lake doing the work and AMF would contribute to the fill. Leroy Bridges, Steve Buzzell, Larry Poulin, Troy Varney, Larry Duclos, Bill Damien & Will Damien spent a Saturday getting it ready for the dirt.
Steve gave a loon count report. He said that thirty-two adults and three chicks were counted. This was down a bit from last year—perhaps because of the high water. Thanks to Pat Sherwood, Bonnie LaForme, Jane Simmers, Carol Grant, Ron & Ruby Pelletier, Larry & Dawna Duclos, and Steve & Gladys Buzzell for getting out on that rainy Saturday morning to count loons.
The policy of stocking brown trout and the effects on the fisheries of Nicatous was discussed. A motion was made and passed to see if a speaker could be found to address the cause and effect of the stocking of the fish. Leroy Bridges will follow up on this and asked that folks let him know if they have any specific questions.
Next on the agenda was the 32-00-0 road fund with discussions on the annual fee paid by camp owners and who had the responsibility of sub-roads. Sub-roads are the responsibility of the camp owners on each road and the 32-00-0 road fund is not used for that purpose.
A motion to continue the annual fee of $100.00 was made and passed unanimously.
Jane Simmers questioned who was responsible for the repair or updating of the boat landing on the northern part of the lake. She stated that it was in very poor condition. Ron Pelletier will look into who is the owner of the landing and if it would be possible to do repairs. He will report back on this.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Gladys L Buzzell
Secretary/Treasurer
Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association
Minutes of Meeting, August 7, 2010
The annual meeting of the Nicatous Lake Camp Owner’s Association was called to order at 11:15 AM by president, Ron Pelletier, with 63 camp owners and guests present.
Old Business:
Association minutes and treasurers’ report were read and approved, as read.
32-00-0 road maintenance fund treasurers report read and approved, as read.
Ron welcomed guests Nels Kramer, Maine Fisheries biologist and Wes Hatch, Maine Forester to the meeting.
New Business:
An election of officers was held and the same slate of officers was unanimously re-elected.
Ron gave condolences to the family of Arthur Dayton who passed away earlier this year.
Steve Buzzell gave a loon count report. Thirty-two adults and one chick were counted. He thanked all the folks that counted the loons this year. Loon counts results are turned over to the Maine Audubon so they can monitor the health of the loon population in the state.
Nels Kramer, Maine Fisheries biologist spoke about the effects of stocking brown trout in the lake. Nels addressed concerns of camp owners that feel the stocking of the brown trout has caused the decline of bass fishing.
The declining smelt population on the lake was also discussed. Nels stated that often it is the beaver dams that causes the smelts to not be able to reach their destination. Many camp owners feel that over fishing of the smelts is causing a shortage. A motion to look into the possibility of closing smelting on the lake for period of time was made and passes. Ron will send letters with this suggestion to the proper authorities.
Next on the agenda was the 32-00-0 road fund with discussions on the annual fee paid by camp owners. Steve spoke about the 32-00-00 road management and our part in it. He also mentioned that he was trying to coordinate with AFM to cut back the trees on the side of the road. A motion to continue the annual fee of $100.00 was made and passed unanimously.
Ron said that he had looked into the landing on the north end of the lake and was told that there is no public landing.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Gladys L Buzzell
Secretary/Treasurer
