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Beattie Pond, at an elevation of 1,786 feet, lies at the headwaters of the Moose River. Forested mountains surround the pond. Throughout the Northeast the effects of acid precipitation have been observed in
small, high-elevation ponds similar to Beattie Pond. However, to date it appears that the chemistry of the water in Beattie Pond has not been seriously affected by acid precipitation. At the time of the survey the pH of the water was found to be 7.0, indicating neutral conditions. Beattie Pond is a shallow trout pond, with similar temperatures and an abundance of dissolved oxygen at all depths. Springs help to maintain cool areas that sustain trout through warm periods during the
summer months. The pond is one of a dwindling number of Maine trout waters without any competition from other species. Impassable barriers downstream in the drainage have prevented other fish from entering the pond naturally. Its isolated location has protected the
pond from fish introductions through the bait pail. All of the physical, chemical and biological conditions of Beattie Pond make it
ideally suited for trout.
It is quite likely that the trout population is maintained by spawning along the shore, as gravel shoreline areas were found to provide most of the habitat available for trout spawning. A small brook on the
eastern end of the pond, and a beautiful spring on the south shore provide
sources of cool water, but very little habitat suitable for spawning.
Many young trout were observed in the area influenced by the flow of cool water near the inlet brook.
The remains of an old beaver dam on the outlet presently hold about two feet of water in the pond. This dam blocks the movement of fish upstream from the outlet. Thus at the present time the outlet is of
little use for the production of trout in Beattie Pond.
Access to the pond from the east and south involves a long drive over a system of old gravel roads. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required in places. From the north access to the pond requires a walk of about a mile from a gravel road that originates in Canada. At the request
of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Beattie Pond has been zoned as a remote pond by the Land Use Regulation
Commission. This special zoning is designed to protect the pond from
permanent improvements in access that could lead to more intensive use or development.
Beattie Pond will be managed to protect its population of wild trout. Under present conditions general law length and bag limits appear adequate to maintain the trout population. To insure that no new
fish species will be introduced to the pond a regulation prohibiting the use or possession of live fish as bait will be established.