Lakesmart Training Program to be held in Bremen

LakeSmart Volunteer Site Evaluator Training will be held at the Bremen Town House, Monday June 22nd, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Two sample site visits will be conducted to supplement the training on Damariscotta Lake. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer for the Lakesmart Program please RSVP with info@pemaquidwatershed.org.

What is Lakesmart?

How we develop the land that drains to a lake can have a huge effect on the water quality. If we bring the suburban landscaping practice or large lush lawns to the lakeshore or even the lake watershed, we bring more sources of pollution. With fewer natural, vegetated areas to absorb stormwater, more pollutants from the land get washed into the lake each time it rains or snow melts.

Pristine lake waters add beauty, increase property value and provide recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. Studies have shown that as water quality declines the value of shorefront property also decreases. Declining water quality can also affect the type and number of fish species that inhabit the lake and can hinder other recreational uses of the lake as well as the local economy.

Clearly it is in everyone's best interest to take whatever actions they can to protect lake water quality. LakeSmart is an educational program that offers FREE opportunities for homeowners to learn how to manage their home and yard to protect the water quality of their lake. The goal of LakeSmart is to change the increasingly common suburban landscaping practices around lakes to more natural, lake-friendly environments.

The primary focus of LakeSmart is to keep our lake water clean by stabilizing eroding areas, reducing the use of chemicals, diverting rainwater into vegetated areas, and minimizing lawns and other impervious areas. Landscaping and managing your property in an environmentally friendly manner through LakeSmart is one way to do your part in protecting your lake's water quality and have a low maintenance, great looking property.

For more info on the Lakesmart Program click on the link below:

www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart/index.htm

ALB Threat: Asian Longhorned Beetles

The Maine Department of Agriculture will be holding a day-long workshop on Tuesday, June 16 in Augusta to train volunteers to educate the public about the potential threat of ALB. They are looking for people willing to attend this workshop and share the information within their communities. The workshop is free, and lunch and snacks will be provided. Participants will be asked to conduct three or more outreach events in their communities in July and August, with the assistance of the Department.

If interested please contact Anne Bills at the Department of Agriculture at annebills@rocketmail.com or 207-287-3892 and more information will be provided.

The Asian longhorned beetle is a destructive pest of many hardwood tree species including maple, elm, ash, and birch. The threat to shade trees, forests, lumber and maple sugar production, nurseries and tourism is very high should this beetle become established in Maine. ALB was first discovered in New York in 1996 and has since been found in three other states, the closest being Massachusetts. Beetles may be transported by movement of wood products such as firewood, packing crates and pallets. Educating the public about this major forest threat is crucial to the health of Maine’s trees.