Recent events within the Quimby Pond watershed have brought to light that it has been 25 years since the first Quimby Pond Roundtable was held. The 2009 events were algal blooms, weed and plant growths, increased total phosphorus readings, and an overall worsening of the look of Quimby Pond.

This appears to pose the question: Can Quimby Pond be turned around or is its ultimate fate to become a dead pond sometime down the road?

The selectmen and the town manager of the Town of Rangeley think that Quimby Pond can be turned around. However, it will take the hard work and dedication of a number of agencies: the town, private

organizations, and especially, the property owners in the Quimby Pond watershed.

The town is ready to start by sponsoring the second Quimby Pond Water Quality Roundtable to be held at the Rangeley Town Office Meeting Room on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

One of the goals is to set up a plan to bring together the existing data and to set forward steps toward turning Quimby Pond around. There are survey forms to gather information and the town will keep everyone who wishes to participate, in the information loop, as well as provide information to the various media outlets and our state and county representatives. A second goal is to have Quimby Pond monitoring ready to go in 2010 at a higher level than what is presently being done.

This project will not be easy or quick, and will require some sacrifice, but the goal of a swimable, fishable and pleasant looking pond should be within reach of the dedicated.

So, please mark your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 1, for the second Quimby Pond Water Quality Roundtable from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Rangeley Town Office Meeting Room.

Hope to see you all there!