Water Quality Program Overview
We are incredibly fortunate to have the Belgrade Lakes Association Water Quality Committee—driven by passion and care—leading volunteer efforts to “Protect and Preserve” our lakes.
Volunteers Reen Maslak and Maggie Shannon on Long Pond
The Water Quality Committee works on several fronts to address phosphorus pollution, cyanobacteria blooms like Gloeotrichia, invasive plants like milfoil, swimmer’s itch, and long-term lake monitoring.
Our recent focus is building a robust long-term monitoring program, growing out of the 2005–2025 Gloeotrichia Research Project in collaboration with Colby College and the Maine DEP. Learn more in our Gloeotrichia FAQ .
Committee members also implement LakeSmart—a property owner education program now stewarded by the Maine Lakes Society.
The Courtesy Boat Inspection Program continues to grow with the help of BLA and BRCA. Five public landings and Belgrade Stream are routinely surveyed by trained volunteers.
Volunteers also take Secchi disk readings and dissolved oxygen measurements through the Lake Stewards of Maine. These efforts support broader ecological studies.
Meet the Committee
Chair: Richard LaBelle
Members: Pat Donahue, Andy Cook, Dick Greenan
Have an idea or want to get involved? Email us at info@blamaine.org or stop by and share your thoughts. We’re always looking for new volunteers!