submitted by Linda Heminway

Due to rather frigid temperatures today, getting out of the boat and wading into tributaries such as the Hawkins Pond Inlet to obtain proper samples would have been difficult and very cold.  But thanks to Don Thibeault (photo at right) and his trusty waders we were able to get our test samples without getting too wet or too cold. Thanks Don!

For the testing conducted today, I, along with resident volunteers Mark Heminway, Donna Saia and Don, was accompanied by Sara Steiner and a UNH intern, Julie.

Thank you to all who participated.  Final results will be available in about 2 – 3 weeks, including e-coli for all inlets that were flowing.

Though a cold day, our beautiful lake showed off for us!  A great blue heron waded on the shore right in front of our DES expert, who promptly noted this sighting for her records.  We are asked to note wildlife sightings during testing, and the heron was quite superior.

We were told by intern Julie that she had asked Sara on the drive up if this is “one of the nice lakes” and Sara said it is.  Apparently, some of the DES visits are to lakes with “green slime” and other undesirable conditions. So, our beautiful Lake Winona is among the “favored” lakes for water testing visits.