The CRLA is a partner in the multi-agency effort to create and implement a new China Lake Watershed-Based Management Plan. The Plan - accepted by the State and the USEPA in March 2022 - aims to restore water quality in China Lake over a 10-year period.

The planning effort, spearheaded by China Lake Association and project consultant EcoInstincts, included water quality monitoring, watershed modeling, an internal recycling analysis, a watershed survey, agriculture/forestry survey, and septic system vulnerability analysis. Some highlights from this project include:

• An updated land cover map, water quality monitoring, water quality analysis, internal loading analysis, septic system vulnerability analysis, and agriculture and forestry survey were completed.

• Three technical review committee and three steering committee meetings were held, as was a public meeting attended by 57 watershed residents and stakeholders.

• A watershed survey identified 161 erosion problems (including 20 that were considered high impact) that contributed nonpoint source pollution to the lake.

What’s Next for the China Lake Watershed-Based Plan?

The WBMP will be led by CLA with guidance and support from a watershed steering committee, including the China Lakes Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA), Kennebec Water District (KWD), the towns of China and Vassalboro, Kennebec County Soil & Water District (KCSWD), and local stakeholders.

Year 1 of the action plan is underway with some additional sediment sampling and analysis in the works for the east basin in 2022 thanks to Maine DEP, KWD, CLA and Colby. CLA and CRLA are forging ahead with fundraising and on-the-ground work this year to address NPS pollution identified during the watershed survey.