In 1970, Title I and matching funding was obtained by Dr. R.F. Morrison of Bates College to launch a project measuring some essential properties of the water of several Southern Maine lakes. Thompson Lake was one of the lakes selected for the study, and the TLEA Observer's first two issues were paid for by the project, under the requirements of the study to "make the data collected available to the public."

The first issue of the Observer, dated July 1971, was sent to all known residents of the lake shore, complete with a map of the 20 data collecting sites where the Bates scientists would be collecting information about water quality. In this first issue, recipients were asked to respond on an enclosed card indicating whether they were interested in starting an ASSOCIATION which would continue monitoring the lake.

The second issue of the Observer, dated August 1971 included the first report on water quality in Thompson Lake, from data collected in the spring and early summer of 1971. It also stated that the response to the query about organizing an association had been positive, and therefore an organizational meeting was scheduled for 10 AM on August 28, 1971. It was on that day that the TLEA was created. 153 people attended the meeting.

Fred Peterson became the first editor of the OBSERVER. The first newsletter was sent to approximately 350 interested people.

Erland Starbird was the first elected president. The message in the Sept. 8 OBSERVER is here reprinted because it is just as important today as it was then.

"It seems reassuring that there is in fact, an Environmental Association aimed primarily at protecting the ecology and water quality in and around Thompson Lake. The increase of population along, and close to the lake shore, has made it imperative that some sort of surveillance and control be exercised if Thompson Lake is to remain the clear, beautiful body of water that it is today. Protection of such a nature can only be realized through a strong association of interested members. Sound and sure results are possible only if the membership supports the programs of the Association."

The above information came from THE THOMPSON LAKE BOOK: A NARRATIVE HISTORY by Joan C. Madden and Margaret Slattery. Copies may be purchased from TLEA for $20.00.