Thursday, May 28, 2009

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


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