BLA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Belgrade Lakes Association could not exist without the many volunteers who generously donate their time and money. How can you help to preserve these spectacular lakes?

Click Here to Volunteer!

General: (no preference)

Swimmer’s itch (aka duck itch): Learn the source and remedial procedure for mitigating this potential skin rash. Spotters needed in mid to late May to locate shoreline duck (Merganser) breeding locations. In June, boaters are needed to guide duck families into capture nets preset under docks where biologists inoculate (non-destructive) and release the ducks.

Gleotrichia (blue-green algae): Observation Program. Observe and record algae density and existing atmospheric conditions three times a week from dock or deep water location. Record information on a back-up form which can be dropped off at the BLA office or preferably entered on a web page.

Courtesy Boat Inspector (CBI): inspects motorized craft entering and leaving Great Pond and Long Pond at their respective State launch sites. Responsible for removal of all vegetation and submission to BRCA of suspected invasive plants such as milfoil. Note issue dates of boat registrations and milfoil stickers and advise operators if expired. A good way to meet people who share your enthusiasm for protecting the environment.

Invasive Plant Patrol: We need volunteers to become familiar with species of invasive plants from literature provided by BRCA. Team inspections are made at various shoreline locations, and particularly public launches, using canoes or kayaks.

Centennial Membership Drive: Canvass shoreline property owners to join the BLA. One resident per camp road is needed to knock on doors and distribute promotional packs. Packs with membership application forms are available at the BLA office.

Raffle ticket sales: Sell tickets for the Annual & Centennial raffles on your own or at our table across from Day’s store. Tickets are available at the BLA office for sale by anyone at anytime. Midday hours on Sat. and Sun are the most lucrative times. The table is traditionally manned in two (2) hour shifts. The table setup also includes sales of memberships, lake maps, hiking trail maps, etc.

Centennial: Many events, aquatic and land based, will be held throughout the summer to celebrate BLA’s existence since 1908. Lots of volunteers are needed to coordinate and supervise activities for all ages and varying levels of athleticism. Activities include: Belgrade Lakes Triathlon (Camp Runoia venue ), July 4th Car Parade and Boat Parade, Lake Days programs including painting tee shirts (Center for All Seasons venue) AND The BLA Annual Meeting/Birthday Bash Lobster Bake and Auction on August 9th at Loon Cove.

Aquafest: The BLA, in conjunction with the Lakes Trust and the BRCA will host a family festival to raise money for the lakes on August 30th. The Volunteer Coordinator is Saskia Grody (397- 5055), 149 Penninsula Dr., Rome. Volunteer requirements for the activities are as follows:

Volunteers Required

Note: Membership recruitment table at all BLA Centennial / Aquafest events. Contact Susan Littlefield ( selittlefield@aol.com ) to volunteer.

LakeSmart: A voluntary state program for inspection of camp properties to bring them into environmental compliance. Property owners who successfully implement the necessary requirements are certified and receive 2 (two) LakeSmart plaques for display on their property. For more information, click here: http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart/index.htm

Model buffer: This is a program for flagging exceptional examples of shoreline environmental buffering. Appropriate signage placed on the shoreline buffered sites is intended to encourage viewers to follow suit. Volunteers would locate sites, make appropriate signage and place signs.

Newsletters: Help write- up quarterly and special newsletters.

Office help: Help with miscellaneous office work as needed.