Togus Pond Watershed Restoration Project, Phase IV

Current Updates

Togus Pond is a 662-acre waterbody located entirely within Augusta, originally formed by glacial processes and later enlarged through dam construction over the past 200 years. The surrounding watershed features rich wetland habitats, with 11 miles of streams, 498 acres of riparian habitat, and 131 acres of freshwater wetlands, along with four vernal pools. Two of the largest wetland areas are classified as inland wading bird and waterfowl habitat, supporting various wildlife, including loons.

The pond contains two boat launches, one of which is public and ADA accessible, and supports a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. It is home to a warm-water fishery, with 16 fish species, including 12 native species. Coldwater species like brook trout and brown trout are limited, though brook trout are stocked annually for ice fishing. In 2020, a state-of-the-art fish ladder was built to allow alewife migration past the 8-foot dam. The pond also supports a population of rainbow smelt, and commercial harvest of smelt is permitted

General information about the surrounding area:

  • Shoreline development includes 200 residences, with 73% year-round use and 27% seasonal

  • 84 acres of road networks consists of 61% unpaved gravel roads accessing shoreline areas, and 39% paved roads (including Routes 202 and 105)

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General Information

Environmental Concern

Togus Pond has a long history of water quality issues, with recurring algal blooms dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Data collected by Maine DEP and local volunteers show that the pond often experiences low water clarity, with regular blooms of algae. The pond’s water quality is impacted by phosphorus from surrounding areas. While an alum treatment has helped reduce internal phosphorus levels, managing pollution from the watershed is essential. Decreasing dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the pond are a growing concern, as low DO can cause phosphorus to be released from the lake's sediments, further fueling algal blooms

The pond's watershed is largely forested (78%), with developed areas covering 13% and agriculture just 1%. However, developed land contributes 47% of the phosphorus load, significantly affecting water quality. The pond’s slow turnover rate means nutrients from the watershed are retained longer, which contributes to the ongoing algal bloom problem. To improve water quality and prevent further degradation, it is important to address both the pollution entering the pond from the watershed and the natural processes within the lake.

Current status

Grant funding for this project has been provided through Maine DEP’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund