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Would you like to learn how to manage and landscape your property so that it
helps prevent algal blooms and does not negatively impact the water quality of
our lakes? You may not be aware that Great Pond is on the Department of
Environmental Protection's "Lakes at Risk from Development" list
and both Great and Long Ponds are on their "Non Point Source Pollution
Priority Watersheds" list. Minimizing the negative impact our activities
have on our resources has now become critical!
In response to this need, the Belgrade Lakes Association is pleased to announce
it's strong support for a program called LakeSmart.
The BLA is embracing this program because it is friendly, individualized,
science-driven and effective. Most importantly, this program was developed
for the people on the front line of defense, the watershed property
owners. Past participants of the program are telling us this program fits their
needs without being overwhelming or intrusive!
Here's How You Can Get Started With Lakesmart
Attend A free LakeSmart workshop where you’ll be given classroom instruction
and resource materials on lake ecology, buffer design and DEP-approved best
management practices for water quality protection. The presenters are
specialists, sure to engage you. Lunch is provided, and in the session hands-on
practice is the reward. Two sites are visited for practice in site evaluation:
one site is a "needs help" property while the other is a "looking good"
property. Then, back in the classroom, you’ll sharpen your pencil and work on
your own site plan with help and innovative ideas from the experts. To maximize
the value of this exercise, we recommend you bring a rough sketch of your own
property to work on!
To locate a workshop near you, visit the LakeSmart homepage at
www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart
and/or to review the LakeSmart brochure, click on "LakeSmart Brochure" available
in the LakeSmart section of the BLA web-site.
Attend Or Host A Free Walk ‘N’ Talk Session for your neighborhood, cove or
road association. This is a two-hour walk through a property with an educator
who will introduce the LakeSmart principles to your group of six or more.
To set up your session please contact: Barb Welch at (207)287-7682 or e-mail
her at barb.welch@maine.gov.
Schedule An Individual Evaluation Of Your Property with an evaluator who
will review your property with you, make recommendations and answer your
specific questions. To request an evaluation, contact Jeff Fredenburg or Josh Platt at 207-622-7847 Ext. #3, Barb Welch at 207 287-7682 or Bill Laflamme at 207-287-7726.
The Next Step
The Lakesmart Evaluation is the next step in the process of receiving a
LakeSmart Certificate of Recognition or LakeSmart Award. An evaluator will
conduct a site visit and score your property in five categories: road, driveway
and parking areas; structures and septic system; lawn, recreation areas and
footpaths; shorefront and beach areas; and undeveloped land.
If you’d like to review the form the evaluator uses, simply click "LakeSmart
Property Evaluation Form" in the LakeSmart section of the BLA website.
And Finally
Lakesmart Recognition is given to property owners who receive appropriate scores
in any of the five categories of property maintenance.
The Lakesmart Award plaque and sign is presented to owners who overall reach a
high level of environmentally sound design, maintenance and landscaping of their
properties.
For a list of individuals who have received awards on Great and Long Ponds,
please click "LakeSmart Awards and Certificates of Recognition" in the LakeSmart
section of the BLA website.
The Results
Imagine the impact we could have if every watershed property owner would commit
to making his property environmentally friendly. We invite you to join us and
learn more about how you can become LAKESMART!
BLA LakeSmart Program Contact information
Susan Therrien-Fenn
HC 00 Box 56
Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918
Phone number: (207)397-2731
Questions can be e-mailed to spbfenn@embarqmail.com
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