WINSLOW $ Pattee Pond Association will use the Colby College water quality study as a springboard to reapply for a state-administered, federal grant of $103,000 to reduce runoff and help preserve the lake.

Members of the association this morning plan to jot down suggestions from representatives on Maine Department of Environmental Protection on how best to win the grant, for which the association unsuccessfully applied last year.

A relatively large watershed and shallow water basin, rutted camp roads and steep hills have combined to send large amounts of nutrients into Pattee Pond, degrading water quality by fueling algae growth.

"We're fighting a natural process that has been speeded up by human action," Pattee Pond Association President Brad Whitaker said. "We're really, really excited about the Colby study being a big step toward procuring this grant, with the ultimate goal being to improve the quality of the water and keep it at a good healthy level."