celebrating maine Lakes Heroes

Andy Reed, friends of lake winnecook, unity

Andy has been a member of Friends of Lake Winnecook (FOLW) for more than 30 years and has sat on its Board or Directors for most of that time. He is also the Chair of Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District (WCSWCD), and is involved with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services and other organizations.

Late last winter, as FOLW was drumming up support to update its watershed protection plan, Andy took the helm by having WCSWCD jump on and sponsor the application process. In the midst of the pandemic late winter early spring, Andy was instrumental in organizing and laying the foundation for the grant process with only days to the application deadline.

In June, WCSWCD was awarded a conditional grant, but as the summer progressed, Unity College a sub grantee backed out of its agreement as they stopped on campus classes. This left the project in peril with Andy once again pulling it together by finding another organization, Center for Wildlife, to fill the void. Andy had to practically start the process over to make the accommodations and meet the grant guidelines by October for finalizing the grant award. 

This is just one of many of Andy’s dedicated commitments to Lake Winnecook, its watershed, the surrounding area and the whole State of Maine.

For his work and time, the Board of Directors of FOLW and Maine Lakes congratulate Andy for being a true Lake Hero.

Marvin Ellison, Treasurer, Georges Pond Association in Franklin

In 2018, Georges Pond experienced its fourth algal bloom since 2012.  The small, and relatively inactive, community around the pond needed to come together to study and understand the watershed problems; consider and plan a solution; and then coordinate, communicate and execute the plan.  Towards that end and for the last three years, Marvin has helped membership grow 500 percent, published Georges Pond’s informative newsletters, and has helped raise more than $300,000 to fund its efforts.  This work has included a year of collecting baseline scientific data, creating a ten year Watershed Based Management Plan (WBMP), completing the first of two alum treatments (the first in May 2020, with the second planned for 2021), and supporting a productive 319 Grant (ME DEP and USEPA).

Marvin has also been integral in the association’s LakeSmart effort that has resulted in the evaluation of more than 70 properties (50 percent of the total properties on Georges Pond) over the last three years. Not only is Marvin remarkably effective, he does so in a manner that is calm, clear, informative and productive.  Marvin is successful in part because he seeks advice from other experts and listens carefully to the membership.  As confirmation of his effective approach, members consistently rate his Treasurer and Fundraising Report as the best presentation at their Annual Meeting each summer. Behind the scenes, Marvin also personally thanks every member and donor for their annual support; writes and produces (along with Nancy Cooper) the association’s well-received newsletters; is leading a website redesign; is an integral LakeSmart volunteer; and continues to apply for many grant opportunities. Georges Pond enjoyed the best water clarity on record in in 2020 (since 1977), an accomplishment that could not have happened without Marvin's leadership. 

Linda bacon, maine department of environmental protection

Linda Bacon is the leader of Maine DEP’s Lakes Assessment Section and is widely recognized across the state as an expert lake researcher. Linda has unmatched tenacity and passion for getting work done to exacting standards - a commitment that applies to all facets of monitoring, assessment and protection of Maine’s lakes. She is an innovative problem solver with a diversity of talents. Whether it is fixing boat motors, fabricating lake sediment coring devices from scratch, or building computer hardware and writing code for data storage and analysis before computers were widely available at DEP, Linda is constantly searching for ways to help everyone involved with lake research do their work more effectively, efficiently, and economically.

Linda is a strong guardian of lake data quality assurance and controls – a task which extends to credible data collection, proper equipment maintenance, implementation of sound sampling protocols and meticulous data storage practices. Linda is constantly striving to support citizen scientists and collaborating organizations with information and technical guidance. Her dedication to these responsibilities is an important reason why there is such a comprehensive and trusted dataset on Maine lakes, which helps to inform lake protection decisions at many levels. Everyone who works to protect Maine’s lakes has benefitted from her skills and hard work. Linda goes far above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis, yet still found time to be the keyboardist, singer and songwriter for the DEP’s environmental cover band, the Electric Eels. Rock on, Linda!

kacey webber, Piscataquis county soild and water conservation district

Kacey Weber, this week’s Lake Hero, has worked for the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) for 7 years as its Educational Coordinator. She works to educate constituents, landowners, children and people of all ages; and dedicates her time bringing diverse programming including LakeSmart evaluations and Watershed education across Piscataquis County. Kacey carried the LakeSmart program at PCSWCD into a HUB last year and works extremely hard to bring recognition to the program. Kacey works to identify local programs and people that can help push LakeSmart and its core values. She is always planning to maximize LakeSmart and streamline efforts by consistently pushing outreach for this program.

When Kacey isn't working you will most likely find her on Sebec Lake with her family. What is most important and why Kacey really is a true Lake Hero, is her shared love of keeping Piscataquis County waters clean and pristine and to help other lake residents to care for the lake/pond they live on with full commitment. Kacey's dedication to the LakeSmart program is led with a big heart and the love of Piscataquis lakes and ponds!

carolyn shubert, coastal rivers conservation trust

Carolyn Shubert, this week’s Lake Hero, has worn many hats at the former Pemaquid Watershed Association, which recently joined Damariscotta River Association and became Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust. When it comes to fresh water protection and stewardship, she has done it all. She has provided education to the public, met with local pond associations, shared her wealth of knowledge about LakeSmart related matters, promoted loon conservation through the Lead Tackle Exchange program, coordinated volunteers, forged new relationships, kept the municipal governments apprised of changes, worked with the Healthy Beaches program to see beaches were monitored, and so much more.

The volunteers and the staff have formed lasting relationships with Carolyn over the years because she is just one of those incredibly hard-working, thoughtful and kind people. Carolyn gave her notice to Coastal Rivers some months ago as she and her husband had plans to sail across the Atlantic in their boat. Unfortunately, covid-19 changed the world and they have had to delay their trip but we wish her many wonderful adventures in the future!

Thomas larned, kennebunk pond association

Thomas Larned, this week’s Lake Hero, has been a force since 1997 for water quality and community on Kennebunk Pond (KP). Creator and advocate of the "Keep Kennebunk Pond Blue" philosophy, Tom edited the "Kennebunk Pond Ripples," a quarterly newsletter, from 1997-2007. And since 2001, as president of the Kennebunk Pond Association (KPA), he has led 16 certified plant patrollers, eight directors, and a team of six certified LakeSmart members, coordinated by Richard Morse.

He has built a strong base of volunteers from the 112 members who show up yearly to KPA’s annual meeting in July, where a speaker is chosen to support the quality of our lake water. He has helped to install six new septic systems. He has taken e-coli tests on the pond for 21 years. Tom has spent countless hours making loon rafts and loon signs for first one pair, now two, on Kennebunk Pond. He helped turn KP from an endangered lake back to normal, and spear-headed with Rich Mead the 2001 watershed training sponsored by a state grant.

With the help of Sal Gebbia, Tom orchestrated a KP public beach improvement project on Lyman’s Beach, benefitting the water and public from erosion. Since 1997, he has attended the annual Maine Lakes Conference, and he is recognized by name by involved lake people, especially those at Maine Lakes and Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM). Twice he assisted Roberta Hill's LSM team as a plant patroller at Acadia National Park. For several years he collected water readings for a UMaine professor and sent in ice-in and ice-out dates.

If there is a question from anyone regarding water clarity, erosion control, a vegetated buffer, nonpoint source pollution, the Lyman Beach bulletin board – Tom is there with a hand and an answer.

Kathy hoppe, maine dep

This week’s Lake Hero, Kathy Hoppe of Maine DEP, has had many contributions to lake protection and public understanding of lake science, fragility and remediation. She was one of the initiators of the LakeSmart program when it was at the DEP, and she has assisted with and lead water quality and NPS projects throughout Aroostook County. Her work combines scientific, technical and regulatory knowledge with practical, real-world smarts.

Kathy has recently been of tremendous help to the Friends of Cross Lake (FOCL) with its efforts to improve and protect Cross Lake's water quality. She knows that knowledge alone is not enough; to make a difference it must have an appealing application the public will take up. She is tireless and uniquely responsive to any request for help with lake information, research or programs; and has been an advocate for water quality in lakes, streams and rivers all across Maine for many decades. Considered by many to be one of the most important “Lake Heroes” in the state of Maine, she remains an active advocate for water quality in lakes, streams and rivers.

Kathy (middle) is pictured here with a former colleague, Leon Tsomides (L) and a former Americorps Volunteer (R).

Friends of Wilson Ponds Association

The Friends of Wilson Ponds Association is an outstanding example of lake residents combining efforts to care for the lake/pond they live on. Their organizational skills shine and as a group, they organize invasive plant paddles, loon counts and are actively involved in LakeSmart. Between the two Wilson Ponds – Upper and Lower – there are a number of LakeSmart properties and trained LakeSmart evaluators! Lower Wilson Pond is home to Rum Ridge Association, which is a community surrounded by a 100ft in-tact buffer, which protects the pond.

Additionally, Friends of Wilson Ponds works very closely with the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District and sponsors two youth from the Greenville community to attend PCSWCD’s Teen Wilderness Expedition program. This program encourages youth to explore and engage with the outdoors and inspires future stewards of our land and waters.

George Fergusson, Clary Lake

In 2011, Clary Lake and its Association were in trouble. A dispute with the owner of the dam controlling the lake level was leading toward seven years of unswimmable, unboatable water and significant environmental damage to the natural resource. Only 28 of 100+ littoral owners were members. Now in 2019, thanks to the unwavering efforts of George Fergusson, the Association’s long-time Secretary, the CLA has purchased and repaired the dam, the water level has been restored, and 148 (!) members can once again enjoy the benefits of a healthy lake.

George has lived on Clary Lake his entire adult life, and has been its prime steward for decades. He instigated the 2012 petition to DEP for a Lake Level Order, and then bore the brunt of legal harassment by the dam owner that prevented the Order from being implemented for five years. This included endless hours compiling and drafting documents for court, attending innumerable hearings, and managing fund-raising for legal expenses.  His personal solicitation of new members meant that when the dam fell into bankruptcy, the Association could raise $120,000 for purchase and repair. George is a certified Water Quality Monitor, and has measured and maintained daily records of the lake level for years, information that was crucial to DEP’s recent approval of CLA’s Water Level Management Plan. He has been tireless in meeting with town officials, state agency staff, the press, contractors, and attorneys to keep the effort moving forward, and continually encouraged the Board of the CLA even when the quest seemed hopeless and endless.

Bart Hague of Waterford

Bart Hague, President Emeritus of the Maine Lakes, was inspired to a life of environmental activism by a visit to his aunt’s “Haunted House” overlooking McWain Pond when he discovered that his favorite pine grove had been cut down.  He went on to study Forestry at Yale, began work for the Eisenhower administration and helped form the US EPA, eventually retiring from there. Along the way, he has been active in many environmental organizations in both Massachusetts and Maine, including the Newton Conservators, McWain Pond Association, Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (Now Lake Stewards of Maine), National Resources Council of Maine, Western Mountains Land Trust, Crooked River Watershed. He has been honored for his activism by both US EPA and VLMP (2006 Outstanding Lake Stewardship Award), and now the Maine Lakes Hero Award. He and his wife Mary Ann, now own his aunt’s house in Waterford and have placed most of their property and over a mile of Crooked River shoreline in a conservation easement that helps protect the headwaters of Sebago Lake.

John Eliasberg of Georges Pond

John Eliasberg, president of the Georges Pond Association, has helped to energize volunteers to adopt a highly effective LakeSmart program while also building a strong leadership board; increasing membership in the lake association from 35 to nearly 200 dues-paying members over the course of three years; securing grants and private donations to pay for an alum treatment of the pond as well as make watershed improvements; and developing key partnerships with the Maine DEP, water-quality experts, community leaders, and others. All the while, he shows up with an abundance of energy, clear thinking, immense integrity, awe-inspiring persistence, and characteristically good humor. Every lake association would be blessed to have a John Eliasberg!

Dave Gay of belgrade lakes

Dave Gay has been actively involved with LakeSmart in the Belgrade Lakes for more than 10 years. He has worked tirelessly as a screener and an evaluator. At several points he has stepped in to rescue the program when unseen circumstances led to other staff and volunteers leaving the program with unfinished business. He has volunteered to encourage lakefront owners to sign-up for screenings at the local farmers market. He took 2 years to research and collect information about what lake and road associations existed on Great and Long Ponds. He has spoken regularly at homeowners’ associations about LakeSmart. He formed a committee to write a “white paper” with recommendations to streamline and improve the organization and its conservation corps partner. His dedicated participation led to more than 80 screenings being done several years in a row. He’s an unsung hero.

Lake Stewards of Maine

This week we are pleased to recognize our friends and colleagues at the Lake Stewards of Maine as Maine Lakes Heroes. We work with LSM on many different lake issues, and admire their hard work training and organizing more than 1,300 volunteer citizen scientists and maintaining their water quality monitoring, watershed survey, and invasive plant patrol data from more than 450 lakes across the state. That data is invaluable in our fight to keep Maine’s lakes clean, healthy. 

LSM has been training volunteers and supporting citizen lake science in Maine for nearly five decades. Currently about 1,300 LSM-certified citizen scientists are active on approximately 450 Maine lakes, monitoring water quality, conducting invasive aquatic species screening surveys, and/or carrying out watershed surveys. Thousands of others have participated in one or more free LSM trainings or otherwise tapped into LSM technical resources over the years, using what they have learned in myriad ways to strengthen local and statewide lake protection efforts.

What is most remarkable about Lake Stewards of Maine is the passion and commitment of its volunteers, many of whom have been continuously active for multiple decades! We are all continually struck by the extraordinary dedication, care and competence LSM volunteers bring to their work, and aware of how critical this work has been over time to the better understanding and protection of all Maine lakes. All who treasure Maine’s clean, clear lakes owe a debt of gratitude to Maine’s citizen lake stewards. LSM staff feel privileged to be reminded of this debt every day. Indeed, we are all in awe of LSM volunteers, and also thank LSM, whose role to serve and support volunteers is at the heart of everything they do! 

Peter Kallin of rome

We are honored to honor our good friend and recently retired long-time board member Peter Kallin as this week’s Maine Lakes Hero. Peter has been described as a “walking encyclopedia” (or in these days, a “human internet”), and we don’t think anyone who has met him would disagree with that statement. Peter’s knowledge is both wide and deep—ranging from legislative lake policy and politics (in Maine and across the country); to all things lake science; to organizational and board development; wildlife, natural history, fishing, as well as all things beer, stout or ale. Peter is generous with that knowledge, and is always available for a phone call (or in the old days, a meeting) with anyone who wanted to know more. His efforts and knowledge have shaped much of Maine Lakes past successes, and Maine lakes are better for having a generous expert in our midst! Thanks, Peter, and we look forward to tapping your expertise and enthusiasm for many years to come!

Lenny Reich of McGrath Pond, Salmon Lake Assoc.

Currently its Vice President, Lenny Reich was a prime mover in the evolution of the McGrath Pond–Salmon Lake Association (MPSLA). His ongoing contributions over three decades have brought together the interests, fears and aspirations of a diverse group of people–many with conflicting perspectives. As the membership, priorities and needs of the association changed, Lenny’s involvement with the day-to-day affairs of MPSLA took many forms. Though he could easily have rested on his laurels long ago, he was always there for yet another tour of duty when the association needed him, and rarely hesitated to support what can sometimes be a frustrating–if not thankless–venture. Lenny is a true master of “inside baseball”–often magically able to move state agencies, town governments, politicians, public utilities, and even recalcitrant locals in directions helpful to the cause.  Whether it requires editing and overseeing the printing of the association’s newsletter; representing it to an alphabet-soup of local, regional and government organizations; or just schmoozing up target audiences—Lenny is proof that the adage “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it!” still rings true.

Kim & David Hallee of Oakland

Kim & Dave Hallee (pictured in the back row) have worked tirelessly for years to spread the gospel of “LakeSmart” and “buff enough” around the 15 miles of the very challenging McGrath Pond–Salmon Lake shoreland. They serve on the front-lines of our outreach efforts, selling our message to people who often don’t really wish to disturb their generations-old camp roads, manicured lawns and waterfronts. Kim and Dave’s energy and enthusiasm for this venture is truly contagious, and their capacity to enlist the participation of skeptical lakeside denizens is quite remarkable. Beneath their dyadic charm is an astounding wealth of both scientific and practical knowledge about how to resist the forces of entropy, eutrophication and human abuse. They’ve powered our lake surveys, imposed order on record-keeping chaos, recognized responsible land use, and helped to bring available resources to bear on remediating troubling deficiencies. Our lakes would not be the same without their truly outstanding efforts.

Avian Haven of Freedom

This week’s Maine Lakes Hero is Avian Haven, a non-profit bird rehabilitation center in Freedom founded by Marc Payne and Diane Winn (pictured here). They and their dedicated staff treat more than 2,500 birds each year, including those that are orphaned, sick or injured with the goal, always, of releasing them back into the wild. We are recognizing them as Lake Heroes this week because of their dedication to rehabilitating Common Loons, a species notoriously difficult to treat. Over the last 20+ years, Avian Haven has treated several hundred Common Loons, many of whom were suffering from lead toxicosis after ingesting lead tackle. They have pioneered new treatments in loons, including lavage and chelation to reduce the after-effects of poisoning. We thank Mark, Diane, and their staff, for their dedication to rehabilitating and releasing Common Loons in our state.

Ted Koffman of bar harbor

Today we recognize Ted Koffman as of one of Maine’s long standing Maine Lakes Hero!

Ted’s conservation career began at the College of the Atlantic, where he worked for 25 years. While there, he helped establish “Eco-Eco” (short for ecology and economics) to engage business, environmental, academic, and civic leaders in discussions focused on the environment and economy in Maine’s future. Ted’s exposure to public policy led to his successful 2000 campaign for the State Legislature, where he served for 8 years. While there he advocated for bills addressing invasive aquatic plants, climate change, protection of habitat for wading birds and waterfowl, and bills to protect public and private drinking water.

Following his legislative service, Ted joined Maine Audubon in 2009 as Executive Director. Ted provided leadership for Maine Audubon’s advocacy work to protect vernal pools and wetlands, and to reduce the threat of lead poisoning to loons from fishing gear. Ted also helped spearhead new conservation initiatives such as the Brook Trout Pond Survey and Stream Smart.

After he retired in 2014, Ted returned to Bar Harbor. He serves on the board of Island Housing Trust (IHT). IHT creates affordable housing opportunities for families working and living on MDI year-around. Thank you, Ted!

Sue Neal of Winthrop

This week’s Maine Lakes Hero is Sue Neal of Winthrop. After 15 years as Annabessacook Lake Improvement Association’s (ALIA) president, Sue Neal stepped down in August of 2019. Having joined ALIA’s board in 1968, she has tirelessly worked over the last 52 years for the health of the lake. She saw Annabessacook Lake through its time as a Superfund site, the site of an oil spill, and now a site with a variable water-milfoil infestation. She has attended countless meetings and continues to engage with a large number of people, other lake associations and town councils about these threats to Annabessacook Lake. Among the entities working with Sue include Maine DEP, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Cobbossee Watershed District and the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed. Sue will undoubtedly be missed as ALIA’s head honcho, although all are thankful she continues to sit on the board. Thank you, Sue, for more than 50 years of work to protect Annabessacook Lake! (And thanks to Jill Halligan for the nomination!)

Dr. Mark Pokras

Today we honor Dr. Mark Pokras as one of Maine Lakes Heroes, but we can also call him a Loon Hero! Mark has been researching mortality in common loons since 1987 and is widely recognized for his work on lead poisoning in wildlife and public health. His research on lead poisoning in loons led to restrictions on fishing tackle in Maine and a number of other states.

After earning his D.V.M. from Tufts University in 1984, Mark stayed with the university as a resident in wildlife medicine. He became a faculty member in 1988, where he later served as Director of the Wildlife Clinic and was a founder of the Tufts Center for Conservation Medicine.

Mark is well-known in the worldwide scientific community for his important contributions to research and wildlife medicine. But aside from his many professional talents and accolades, we also know him as a spirited mentor and collaborator who’s generous with sharing his time and knowledge. Now retired and living in Maine, Mark still regularly consults for a variety of private, state, and federal wildlife agencies on issues of environmental health and policy. A lifelong teacher, Mark remains involved with education for veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, students, and the public! Thank you, Mark!

matt scott

A true hero for Maine’s lakes for more than five decades, Matt Scott is considered the grandfather of lake protection in Maine. He is a walking encyclopedia about Maine’s lakes and ponds, and can recall the status of the fisheries, the history of water quality, and the on-going issues at almost any lake he’s visited. Matt first worked in fisheries for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in the early ’60s, but was recruited to the fledgling Department of Environmental Protection in 1970 as the first biologist in an agency of primarily engineers. He developed strong scientific programs to protect water quality, which led to a Maine Lakes Working Group, made up of state agencies promoting management of Maine’s lakes and ponds. In 1974, Matt formed the Maine Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program (now Lake Stewards of Maine), leading to four decades of water quality data from hundreds of lakes. Under Matt’s leadership, staff at DEP developed a biological monitoring program assessing water quality and a nutrient management model regulating development, both among the best in the country. Matt officially retired from DEP in 1988 but since that time has remained active in many lake conservation organizations. And we aren’t the only ones who think Matt is a hero. Matt was recently recognized by the EPA with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you, Matt, for serving on the Maine Lakes board and for all you do to champion Maine’s clean lakes. Check out more information on Matt’s recent award.

East Pond Association

For more than 20 years, East Pond Association has worked with many partners to find the causes and work on a remedy for the almost annual intense algae blooms on the pond. With the able assistance of Colby College, 7 Lakes Alliance (formerly Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance), Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and others, East Pond Association identified the need to address internal phosphorus loading as the best strategy to improve water quality. Much work had already been done by LakeSmart property owners to reduce runoff and erosion as external sources of phosphorus. An alum treatment, where aluminum compounds chemically bind the phosphorus in the water column, turned out to be the recommended procedure but a huge obstacle was the $1 million price tag. The association, with assistance from the 7 Lakes Alliance, applied for grants from Maine DEP and the Alfond Foundation totalling $400,000. The association raised the balance from East Pond property owners, a massive undertaking! The 2018 alum treatment has resulted in dramatically improved water quality for the past two years. The treatment is expected to last for 15-20 years. We recognize and thank the East Pond Association as this week’s lake heroes! (Thanks to Rob Jones for the nomination!) 

The Staff of Lakes Environmental Association

This week’s Maine Lakes Heroes are our colleagues at Lakes Environmental Association in Bridgton. When the lakes are frozen, LEA staff are busy testing water through the ice, visiting schools,  and taking kids of all ages out on their preserves and trails. They meet with landowners throughout the year to help them with sustainable management, test water quality on more than 40 lakes in the region, and run the Maine Lakes Science Center, a cutting-edge research and water testing lab. They also manage the Courtesy Boat Inspection program and lead the charge on efforts to fight invasive aquatic invasions. LEA is a regional hub for the LakeSmart program and supports the work of Maine Lakes in so many ways. Incidentally, LEA also turns 50 this year. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of our favorite collaborators doing great work for lakes and land in western Maine! 

Sandy & Wynn Muller of Wilton

This week’s Maine Lakes Heroes are Sandy & Wynn Muller, a tireless dynamic duo in their ongoing work to support the health of Maine’s lakes. They have been especially active on Wilson Lake in Wilton, where they’ve had a home since 1987. Through the decades, they have devoted their talents, time, and appreciation of science to building community awareness (and taking action!) to protect Maine lakes. Their list of accomplishments is long but includes helping develop education programs in local schools, leading the local Courtesy Boat Inspection program, supporting LakeSmart evaluations, monitoring water quality as certified Lake Stewards, and leading the Friends of Wilson Lake as well as committees of the Maine Lake board. They were honored for their work by the Natural Resource Council of Maine this past year as a People’s Choice Award Finalist (pictured here at the ceremony last fall). Their leadership at the local and state level, their encouragement of other organizations and individuals, and their continued emphasis on learning more and doing better make them models of commitment for protecting and preserving Maine’s lakes for the future. We thank them for their efforts!

Midcoast Conservancy

This week’s Maine Lakes Heroes is Midcoast Conservancy, an organization that cares for the waters in the midcoast region in so many ways! They have restored fish passage routes through projects to remove the Coopers Mills Dam and redesign the Head Tide Dam. They are preparing in 2020 for work on the Branch Pond Dam. They monitor water quality on the Sheepscot River and their Invasive Plant Patrol program trains volunteers who do bi-weekly monitoring on Damariscotta Lake. Their Courtesy Boat Inspectors are posted at both Clary and Damariscotta Lakes, and their Youth Conservation Corps installed anti-erosion projects on 11 lakefront properties on Damariscotta Lake. We love working with Midcoast Conservancy as a regional hub for the LakeSmart program and thank them for their hard work to keep Maine’s lakes clean and healthy!

Maggie shannon, belgrade

We thought it was appropriate to kick off our 50th anniversary celebration of 50 Lake Heroes by recognizing our own Maggie Shannon, who has been the heart and soul of our organization for more than 16 years! Her passion and dedication for lake conservation helped grow Maine Lakes from its roots as Maine Congress of Lake Associations, and was instrumental in the growth of LakeSmart as a Maine Lakes flagship program. We know Maggie’s passion for clean lakes will remain as she transitions away from Maine Lakes and onto other projects and adventures in the year ahead. We hope she is able to relax and enjoy all that lakes have to offer in the years to come and thank her for all the work she has done!