What is LakeSmart?

LakeSmart is a invaluable program originally developed by the Belgrade Lakes Association and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to help homeowners learn how to manage and landscape their property in a manner designed to protect the water quality of our fragile lakes.

The LakeSmart program in Maine today is managed today at the state level by Maine Lakes, a statewide nonprofit devoted to protecting lakes, ponds, and watersheds. Maine Lakes develops the LakeSmart curriculum, standards, training and overall coordination of the program. 

Local delivery of LakeSmart — including scheduling evaluations and working with lakefront homeowners — is carried out by volunteers and local lake associations (often organized as regional “LakeSmart hubs” such as 7 Lakes Alliance, Lakes Environmental Association and other watershed groups) in partnership with Maine Lakes.