Camp Roads and Water Quality

A: Stormwater runoff pollution resulting from soil erosion is one of the most significant problems contributing to the decline in water quality being experienced in many of our lakes and streams. It has been estimated that up to 85% of all erosion and sedimentation problems in lake watersheds originate from improper construction and maintenance of camp roads. Soil erosion is the single largest pollutant (by volume) to our lakes, rivers and streams. Implementation of proper camp road maintenance practices helps to prevent this form of pollution and preserve our surface water resources.

A: The most obvious effect of erosion is the brown color that results from suspended soil particles in the water. A somewhat less obvious effect is the green/murky color a lake turns long after the brown is gone. This green color results from excessive algae growth, which is nourished by the influx of nutrients (primarily phosphorus) attached to the eroded soil. These soil particles can also smother spawning and feeding grounds of fish. Other effects include:

Gradual filling of desirable shoreline (i.e., encroachment of weeds).

Depleted dissolved oxygen levels from excessive algae growth, resulting in the loss of desirable cold water fish species.

Diminished recreational, aesthetic, and property values resulting from a decline in water quality.

A: The answer is maintenance. Eroding camp roads are not maintained at a level that allows them to hold up to the forces of vehicle traffic and weather. As a result these roads degrade to the point where fixing them properly can be very expensive. Akin to an old car with high miles, there are two options; 1) spend a little money each year on repairs and run it into the ground or 2) spend a large amount of money on something newer that will be cheaper to maintain. Many camp road owners take the first approach to road maintenance and are literally running their road into the ground. Once a road is run into the ground, small repairs or band aids aren’t going to cut it, major repairs are needed. Major repairs are expensive, but after the initial expense yearly maintenance will be much cheaper. Once a road is upgraded, proper yearly maintenance will make it last for many years before major repairs are needed again. In many cases a large upfront expense can be too much to bear for camp road owners. In this case a strategy must be developed to prioritize maintenance work within the road owners budget. This should be a long-term strategy concentrating resources on the worst sections of the road until there are no more “bad” sections.

A: Many contractors know how to properly build a road, and they know that it costs money. Often, they have a limited budget to work with and can only do so much. Some contractors have taken a course through the Maine Department of Environmental Protection certifying that they have knowledge of erosion control practices. For a list of these contractors go to: http://www.state.me.us/dep/blwq/training/ccec.htm Your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) can also provide you with some assistance in prioritizing road maintenance work. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person you can prioritize maintenance yourself using the Camp Road Maintenance Manual as a guide. For a copy of this manual contact your local SWCD.

Central Maine residents can contact Nate Sylvester @ 622-7847 ext 3 for assistance.