North Pond has experienced severe and recurring algal blooms in recent years (pictured above and on the left). Photo Credit: Alex Wall

7 Lakes Alliance and North Pond Association Awarded $2.35 Million Federal Grant for Clean Water Restoration on North Pond

Belgrade Lakes, Maine – 7 Lakes Alliance, in partnership with the North Pond Association, has been awarded a $2,350,000 Congressionally Directed Spending Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior to support an alum treatment on North Pond, one of seven lakes in the Belgrade Lakes chain. North Pond has experienced severe and recurring algal blooms in recent years.

The funding was forwarded and championed by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, whose leadership made this critical investment in Maine’s freshwater resources possible. “Maine’s lakes and ponds play an important role in communities throughout the state, offering recreational, fishing, and birding opportunities for locals and visitors, said Senator Collins. “This funding aims to address the frequent algae blooms and improve water quality on North Pond, helping to ensure this natural resource will be available for all to enjoy for generations to come. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this important funding.”

“This is a major step forward for the health of North Pond and the entire Belgrade Lakes watershed,” said Chris Monz, CEO of 7 Lakes Alliance. “We are thrilled to be able to do this important work and grateful for Senator Collins’s support.” He added. “This investment in clean water through science-based solutions will have lasting benefits for North Pond, local residents and the regional economy.”

Algal blooms on North Pond have worsened over the past several years, threatening water quality, recreation, wildlife habitat, and property values. Pine Tree Camp, located on North Pond, is the largest camp of its kind in Maine, serving children and adults with disabilities. The camp lost over 30 days of water access during the summer of 2024 due to harmful algal blooms. The alum treatment, a well-established, science-based restoration technique, binds phosphorus in lake sediments, significantly reducing the nutrient loading that fuels harmful algal blooms.

The North Pond Association has successfully raised the required 20% local match as required by the grant, demonstrating strong community support for the project. North Pond Association President, Katie Meikle, noted.  “We’re proud that our local community stepped up to raise more than 20% of the total estimated cost of the planned alum treatment. We are grateful for federal support from Senator Collins and for our strong partnership with the outstanding professional team at 7 Lakes Alliance, a regional and national leader in lake science.”

The scientific foundation of the project is built on years of lake monitoring and research conducted by the lake science team at 7 Lakes Alliance, in partnership with Colby College. Their long-term data-collection and analysis have guided remediation efforts across the watershed. The North Pond alum treatment is expected to follow the successful model of the East Pond alum treatment, completed in 2018 and one of the largest treatments of its kind in the United States.

“This work represents exactly what effective conservation looks like: strong local commitment, science driving solutions, and deep community collaboration.” Monz added. “We are confident this project will lead to meaningful improvements in North Pond’s water quality, as part of a broader restoration effort that includes additional erosion control work by 7 Lakes Alliance.”

Planning and permitting are underway with an expected start date of June 2027.

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Media Contact
Laurie Raleigh
Development Director
laurie.raleigh@7lakesalliance.org
207-931-8806
7lakesalliance.org

About 7 Lakes Alliance
7 Lakes Alliance supports land and water conservation in the Belgrade Lakes region by engaging with the community to achieve clean water, well stewarded lands, and a vibrant economy.  In late December 2017, the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance and the Maine Lakes Resource Center combined forces to create 7 Lakes Alliance. 7 Lakes Alliance is committed to a mission of conserving the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes region for all.  For more information, visit www.7lakesalliance.org.

About North Pond Association
The North Pond Association (NPA) was formed in 1985 to construct a dam on Great Meadow Stream that would allow for better management of the level of water in the lake.  The association is made up of dues paying members, 13 of those being volunteer Directors. In 2005, the NPA became a 501c3 organization.  For more information, visit https://www.northpondmaine.org/home.