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University of Maine Pleasant Lake

Research Project Report 

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    SAVE THE DATE
    RECREATIONAL KAYAK,CANOE, & S.U.P.
    RACE
    AUG 2, 2026 AT BIRCH POINT
    (KAYAKS + CANOES AVAILABLE TO BORROW FOR THE RACE AT REGISTRATION)

     

    ANNUAL MEETING, DINNER + RAFFLE
    JOIN US WEDS. AUG 8

    We are a non-profit organization established to protect the ecosystems of Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Pond as well as their watersheds by promoting an appreciation of natural resources and responsible preservation, conservation, stewardship, development, and public policy.

    LEARN MORE

    Arrow Down

    PAY YOUR
    ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES

    HERE

    OUR MISSION

    The deterioration of a lake is death by a thousand cuts. If each of us does our small part, the lakes will stay pristine. Become a member and help support our lovely lakes.

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    Become
    LakeSmart

    IFLA provides funding to help pay for approved projects to minimize stormwater runoff and preserve water quality. Get your LakeSmart classification and help protect our lakes.

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    Sustainable
    Plants

    Planting natural vegetation along the shore will absorb stormwater, reduce erosion from boat waves, and beautify your property.

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    Protect

    Our Loons

    Loons call our lakes  home. Avoid known nesting areas, use lead free sinkers and jigs, steer clear of loons while boating and keep predators at bay by limiting garbage at your property.

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    Phosphorous
    Effects Our Lakes

    Phosphorus is the number one threat to lake water quality. It feeds the algae, algae depletes oxygen, low oxygen kills fish and lakes. We can each do our part to keep phosphorus out of the lake water.

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    Managing
    Invasive Plants

    Each year non-native plants species are introduced to our lakes. Prevent infestations by inspecting and rinsing your boat and propeller at boat ramps.

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    Safer
    Septic Systems

    There are state grants available to provide matching funds for upgrading your septic system. Contact us for more information. 

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    Divert
    Rain Runoff

    Rain carries phosphorus in dirt and mud from our driveways, roads, and bare ground. By creating a diversion, water will run into the woods and be naturally filtered through the ground before entering the lake.

    Idea

    Be A Water
    Monitor

    Volunteer to be a trained water monitor at one of the training sessions at The Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program in Auburn, Maine.

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    Lake
    Friendly Products

    Volunteer to be a trained water monitor at one of the training sessions at The Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program in Auburn, Maine.

    OUR MISSON

    2026 SUMMER EVENTS

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    SUN., JULY 27
    KAYAK & CANOE RACE

    Birch Point Campgroun

     

    Find your competitive spirit and enter our fun canoe/kayak race! All proceeds from this fun event goes to our college scholarship fund. Paddle Pleasant Pond while helping a local high school student fund their college dreams.

    Registration: 12PMRace: 1PM

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    WEDS., AUG 6, 5PM - 8PM

    ANNUAL I.F.L.A MEMBERS MEETING,
    DINNER + RAFFLE

    Tickets: $25 Per Person
    The Slice, 142 Walker Settlement Rd, Island Falls

     

    Join us for our Annual Member Meeting &  Dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal of baked haddock or prime rib, connect with community and listen in on our annual board meeting. 

     

    This is an IFLA Member event. Members and their guests are welcome.

    Purchase tickets below.

    DINNER TICKETS + MEAL CHOICE Reservations due by 8/2

    Choose your ticket + meal choice
    DINNER TICKET: BAKED HADDOCK ($25 + 4.33% processing fee)$26.1
    DINNER TICKET: PRIME RIB ($25 + 4.33% processing fee)$26.1
    MAKE A DONATION TO IFLA
    $25
    $50
    $100
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    JULY 25 - Aug 3
    SUMMER FEST

    The Town of Island Falls Celebrates "Summerfest" beginning
    in late July with multiple events.

    MEET THE BOARD

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    BOB GUERETTE
    IFLA President

    Pleasant Lake

    My time on Pleasant Lake started 44 years ago when I first met my wife Candy (Byron), who spent all her summers on the ‘Pond’ as a child. A biology major turned entrepreneur, my career paths led me to ventures in Human Resources management, commercial property ownership and a successful insurance agency. Retired since 2017 we live in Topsham ME and enjoy as much time as possible at our camp on Rand Rd.

    MARCIA PANKRATZ
    IFLA Vice President

    Pleasant Lake

    When I was 3 back in 1968, my dad bought some land on Pleasant Lake and built a camp. SInce then, our family has spent every summer in Island Falls. My parents have seen their children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren grow up at the lake, enjoy its beauty, and fall in love with this special place...I have made lifelong friends in the Island Falls community and appreciate the peaceful, grounding feeling it gives me. These beautiful lakes have become part of my heart and soul. I am committed to preserving the quality of both Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Lake for future generations. Being a member of the IFLA allows me to give back to a place that has given me so much.

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    MARY ARRIDIZONE
    IFLA Board Member

    Pleasant Lake

    I have been spending vacations and summers at camp on Pleasant Lake for over 60 years and four generations, it is my happy place. I enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and happy hours on the porch. My love of the lake and surrounding area motivates me to want to help keep the lakes clean and spread awareness by serving as a member and trustee for the IFLA

    GARY McCUE
    IFLA Treasurer

    Pleasant Lake

    My life before retirement was 29+ years as a Mainframe Computer Programmer in banking, then 10 years driving truck for a greenhouse/nursery business. We have owned our camp on the Pond since fall 2003, and lived full time here since spring 2010. I currently maintain Rand and Sandtrap roads in the summer, grading, repairing, and coordinating major work with a local contractor. My primary concern with the Pond, being in a bowl, is trying to minimize the amount of sediment runoff.

    SHERRY PETTYJOHN
    IFLA Board Member

    Pleasant Lake

    I have been coming to camp at Pleasant Lake since I was in utero. I spent happy childhood summers enjoying jumping from rock to rock around the islands, at Sand Cove, and at Barker Rocks. In the 70’s and 80’s, listening to Doc Daniels and Artie Smith discussing water quality degradation (those rocks down the lake are now too slippery to run on), I became interested in the testing protocols, accompanied Doc and Artie out testing, and decided to train. I have been a certified water quality monitor since 2005.

    CANDACE NEWMAN DUDMAN
    IFLA Board Member

    Pleasant Lake

    Candace Joy Dudman has been enjoying Pleasant Lake since she was 8 years old. She enjoys all that the Pond has to offer. You will find her out and about no matter the weather! In her own words, “Pleasant Lake is my happy place”.

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    ESTHER HARTE
    IFLA Board Member

    Mattawamkeag Lake

    I work with I.F.L.A. to help preserve our lakes in memory of past generations and in regard to future generations of people, plants and animals.

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    JEN COGLIANTRY
    IFLA Board Member

    Mattawamkeag Lake

    Summers on Mattawamkeag have been part of my life since the age of 4. It has been the backdrop to countless summers complete with family, fishing, and quiet kayak paddles! Being a member keeps me informed about ways to help to protect my beloved lake and be part of the great IFLA community.

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    SUE BURGOS
    IFLA Board Member

    Pleasant Lake

    Sue Burgos is a third generation camp owner on Pleasant Lake who grew up fishing, swimming, and boating with her grandparents, parents, and siblings. She has made life-long friends with other summer residents. In addition to lake activities she enjoys hiking in Baxter State Park and exploring the region on foot, in a kayak, or on a bike.

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    DONNA DAVIDGE
    IFLA Board Member

    Mattawamkeag Lake

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    LISA WILLIGAR
    IFLA Board Member

    Mattawamkeag Lake

    MEMBERSHIP

    Your involvement and generous contribution will help our community from fostering education, provide college scholarships to local students, and provide information about our lakes and sponsor fun events throughout the year.

    Annual Membership: $25
    (Plus a $1.00 transaction fee)

     

    MAIL CHECK TO:
    Island Falls Lakes Association
    PO Box 63, Island Falls, Maine 04747
    MEMBERSHIP
    Tropical Leaves

    DONATE TODAY!

    Your generous support will also fund educational workshops, local academic scholarships, informational signage,
    the annual meeting, special events and so much more.
    DONATE

    OUR PARTNERS

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    CONTACT

    Thank you for contacting us!

    For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call: 123-456-7890 or fill out the following form

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    ©2026 Island Falls Lakes Association

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