POLAND — The Androscoggin River and Watershed Conference will be held on May 16 at the Poland Spring Resort starting at 8:45 a.m. More frequent and intense storms causing frequent flooding, eroding driveways, washed out culverts and roads all linked to a warming climate is the subject of the conference. These are not the only issues.  Several changes are more subtle.  As our climate changes, our lakes and ponds are experiencing more frequent and longer duration algal blooms and the proliferation of invasive weeds.  Many rural dwellers are experiencing dry wells during summer droughts that are also becoming more frequent and longer lasting.

The warming climate is threatening the ecology that we know and love. The cold water fisheries of salmon and trout will disappear from at least some of our lakes.  Winter ticks endanger the moose population.  Invasive species of both plants, wildlife and fish are moving in crowding out native species.

These impacts are also threatening our economy.  Increasing amounts of our tax dollars go to repairs of roads.  Lakes provide a significant tax base to many towns and are a significant base for the tourism industry.  Loss of drinking water in rural areas causes significant hardships for residents.

The conference will explore both the problems and the actions needed to address them.  A session will discuss the past century of water quality improvements on the Androscoggin River and another session will include an open discussion on the future of our water resources.   More information about the conference is available at www.androscogginwatershed.org under Upcoming Events. (Cost will be $50 includes light breakfast snacks, lunch, and a day with wonderful people)