WILTON — Friends of Wilson Lake [FOWL] held its annual meeting Sunday afternoon, July 21, where several members were recognized for their service to the organization which has been in operation for 35 years.

Judy Upham at right provides information Sunday afternoon, July 21, about Abigail Goodspeed, recipient of the David Prince Memorial Scholarship at the Friends of Wilson Lake meeting held at the Lions building in Wilton. Submitted photo

“We wish Mary Ryan all the best, she is who got us off the ground and started, and we cannot thank her enough,” Sandra Muller, outgoing president said.

Ryan was on the forefront of water quality testing on Wilson Lake after learning about it through VLMP [Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program], she noted in 2021. Her initial concerns dealt with seagulls and their impact on the lake. In 1989, Ryan served as a founding member of FOWL. In 1999, she was involved in the creation of the 238-acre Foothills Land Conservancy at the head of Wilson Lake, with the goal of limiting the amount of erosion, run-off, and nutrients entering the lake.

Abigail Goodspeed was presented the David Prince Memorial Scholarship by Judy Upham. Goodspeed plans to study environmental science at University of Maine.

“She is just a darling young lady,” Muller said later. “So polite. Her brother got the scholarship a few years ago. What a neat family.”

Rob Rogers of Chesterville was recognized as the new president of FOWL. He holds a degree in environmental science from University of Maine at Farmington, coordinated FOWL’s courtesy boat inspection program from 2011-2014, is engaged in water quality testing on the lake and serves on the board of directors, according to information provided at the meeting.

Rob Rogers, the new president of Friends of Wilson Lake is seen Sunday afternoon, July 21, during FOWL’s annual meeting held a the Lions building in Wilton. Submitted photo

Rogers has a background in GIS, mapping, and design, according to the information. He is self employed – providing cadastral mapping services to municipalities, teaches computer aided design at Foster Career and Technical Education Center in Farmington and is currently working on a master’s degree in engineering technology at the University of Maine, it notes.

“We are very pleased that Rob will be our new president,” Muller said. “He has a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise and we are  sure he will move the organization forward in new and exciting ways.”

Maine is fortunate to have numerous clean, beautiful lakes and ponds, Rogers noted. “Wilson Lake is no  exception,” he said. “We can be proud of FOWL for its stewardship of such an important resource.”

Watershed surveys, Lake Smart program, courtesy boat inspections for presence of invasive species and long term water quality monitoring are important initiatives to maintain, Rogers noted. “Maine’s lakes and waterways need all of us,” he added.