Gov. Janet Mills has officially proclaimed July to be “Lakes Appreciation Month” in the state of Maine. The proclamation recognizes the immense value our lakes bring to us, from recreational resources to drinking water sources to habitat for much of Maine’s wildlife. And it encourages, “all citizens to take a moment to appreciate Maine’s lakes and ponds that we are so fortunate to enjoy today, and to let us all take the appropriate steps to safeguard the health of our freshwater bodies for future generations of lake stewards so that they may enjoy the same clean, clear waters in the decades to come.”
The proclamation also recognizes the recent finding from a study at the University of Maine documenting the value of Maine’s lakes and ponds at over $14.1 billion, with an additional $3 billion attributed to both direct and indirect spending associated with lake activities each year.
Lakes Appreciation Month gives Aroostook County residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about lake health and ways to be involved with lake protection efforts, such as invasive plant patrols, courtesy boat inspections, water quality monitoring, land conservation projects, loon outreach, and much more.
In July, Lake Stewards of Maine, a statewide lake nonprofit organization, will be offering free training in the County on how to monitor lake water quality and identify aquatic invasive species. According to LSM Board Member and Portage resident Kathy Hoppe, water quality monitoring is occurring in Aroostook County on some lakes, but LSM is hoping to find additional water quality monitors for Eagle, Mud, Long and Hanson Lakes. Volunteers are also needed on many other County lakes. Please visit https://www.lakesofmaine.org/ to see if volunteers are monitoring your favorite lake.
LSM’s aquatic species workshops train volunteers to identify invasive aquatic plants like milfoil that can ruin the recreational enjoyment of a lake. LSM will be hosting a free, fun and educational “Plant Paddle” workshop on Tuesday, August 13 on Cross Lake with a full aquatic plant survey of Cross and Madawaska Lakes that week. There will also be live plant identification workshops during July in Presque Isle and New Limerick. To learn more about LSM programs, and to preregister for a workshop visit https://www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/.
Maine Lakes, another statewide lake nonprofit dedicated to protecting lake health and habitat, among other programs, provides free information and education through their LakeSmart program to shorefront property owners. The goal of LakeSmart is to educate owners about how to have a lake-friendly property.
“Everyone loves their lake, but they don’t realize that what they do or don’t do on their own property can really make a difference to the lake. LakeSmart helps people learn how to help keep their lake healthy.“ commented Cheryl St. Peter, Maine Lakes board member, Cross Lake resident and Friends of Cross Lake project manager. “The greatest threat to a lake is the belief that someone else will save it. We all can play a part in helping to keep our lakes healthy.” To learn more about LakeSmart, Maine Lakes and their other programs, visit https://www.lakes.me/.
“Do you love the call of loons and want to help track their numbers? Maine Audubon also coordinates the annual Loon Count always held the third Saturday in July. This year it’s from 7–7:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 on each lake, and we need more loon counters in Aroostook County.” St. Peter added. To learn more visit https://www.lakes.me/loons and contact Cheryl St. Peter, Aroostook County Coordinator, at countyee@fairpoint.net, if you would like to count loons on a County lake.
July & August Lake Related County Events (pre-registration required for all LSM events):
LSM water quality monitoring training and recertification, Nickerson Lake, Friday, July 12
LSM water quality monitoring training and recertification, Cross Lake, Saturday, July 13
LSM Live Plant ID – New Limerick Town Hall: 1-4 pm, Thursday, July 18,
LSM Live Plant ID – Sargent Family Community Center Presque Isle: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, July 19
Maine Audubon Loon Count: 7-7:30 am, Saturday, July 20
LSM & FOCL Plant Paddle, Cross Lake, Tuesday, August 13
FOCL, LSM, & Maine Lakes BBQ & Educational Event, Cross Lake, Saturday, August 17
