Maine DEP Takes Pleasant Lake in Casco OFF State’s Milfoil List
October 15th, 2010 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Fall colors on Pleasant Lake in Casco
Paul Gregory of the Maine DEP Invasive Species Program reports in the fall edition of Milfoil Update 2010 that in mid-September Pleasant Lake in Casco was officially removed from the State roster of 34 infested water bodies. This decision came about after Pleasant Lake remained free of variable leaf milfoil for three consecutive years.
Pleasant Lake joins Great East lake in Acton as being previously infested but now milfoil-free. Volunteers from the Pleasant Lake/Parker Pond Association used Benthic barriers and hand-removal controls to eradicate the milfoil.
Mr. Gregory quotes Andrew Fist, director of DEP’s Bureau of Land and Water Quality as saying, “Since this plant had been present in Pleasant Lake since 2001, what this group [of volunteers] has done is remarkable. What you are seeing here is a very effective state program that has helped build a strong statewide network of more than 1,500 volunteer citizen scientists to help battle invasive plants which are a real treat to Maine’s lakes and ponds.”
Pleasant Lake covers 1,077 acres and has a maximum depth of 62 feet. It’s rectangular in shape with few coves, and is a half mile wide and four miles long, perfect for waterskiing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Fishing is great as well. Pleasant Lake is teeming with trout and salmon. A state fishery abuts the lake in Casco Village.
The beauty of Pleasant Lake is that though it’s home to several summer residential camps, i.e. Camp Samoset for boys, Camp Arcadia for girls, Hoop Camp, and Seeds of Peace at the former Camp Powhatan, it’s relatively undeveloped.
If you are looking for lakefront property, consider milfoil-free Pleasant Lake. You’ll discover it really is a pleasant place to be.
Tom - MrLakefront
