What is LakeSmart?
LakeSmart is a state-wide education and outreach program that promotes managing lakefront properties in water quality friendly manor. LakeSmart is the flagship program of Maine Lakes, partnered with 7 Lakes Alliance as a regional hub and your local lake association. The program is free, non-regulatory, and voluntary.
Homeowners participating in the LakeSmart Program receive an in-person site evaluation by a trained evaluator as well as individualized suggestions for keeping pollutants out of the lake. Properties that meet the LakeSmart criteria earn the coveted LakeSmart Award, consisting of two distinctive signs that can be posted at the waterfront and driveway. The signs identify the homes of good stewards and illustrate what lake-friendly living looks like.
Why Participate in LakeSmart?
All stormwater runoff carries excess nutrients and other pollutants into the lake. Over time, the cumulative impact can be thousands of pounds of pollutants. The result means algae blooms, fish kills, high bacteria count, and the loss of water clarity and wildlife habitat. LakeSmart aims to reduce runoff by providing homeowners the education and tools to address it. Reducing runoff protects your personal property as well as the property values of everyone else on the lake by preserving the lakes water quality.
What do LakeSmart properties look like?
LakeSmart properties are more natural than manicured, host zero sources of runoff, and have a robust vegetated buffer between any structures and the lake. LakeSmart landscaping mimics nature’s rich mosaic of ground covers, shrubs, and shady trees; enhancing privacy, wildlife habitat, water quality, and the vitality of local Maine economies.
How does it work?
Homeowners looking for a LakeSmart site evaluation can make an inquiry by filling out this form or by contacting their local lake association. Once an inquiry is made a volunteer from your lake’s local LakeSmart program will contact you to schedule a LakeSmart site visit and provide you with a pre-evaluation survey.
The LakeSmart site visit will consist of trained volunteers assessing your property starting at the driveway and working their way down to the lake. After the site visit the volunteers will submit the evaluation to Maine Lakes for review and write a report detailing their finding which will be delivered to you.
After final Maine Lakes review of the submitted evaluation; if your home scores well in all 4 categories and all criteria met, you will get the prestigious ‘LakeSmart Award’ and two handsome blue and white signs for posting at the roadside and lakefront. If you pass in 1 to 3 LakeSmart categories but not all criteria met, you will receive a ‘Certificate of Commendation’, helpful suggestions, and our thanks for caring about the lake. Whatever the outcome, you’ll learn how to become more lake-friendly, and that is just as important.
If you do not receive an award, 7 Lakes Alliance’s Erosion Control Team can help you with your erosion control projects. Email stuart.cole@7lakesalliance.org for more information on 7 Lakes erosion control services.
Local LakeSmart Contacts:
North Pond: Ed Glasheen eglashe@yahoo.com, Katie Meikle meiklekatie@gmail.com
McGrath Pond-Salmon Lake: Kim & Dave Hallee khalleern@gmail.com
Great Pond & Long Pond: Nancy Whyte & Stuart Cole lakesmart@7lakesalliance.org
East Pond: Mel Croft mcroftnlw@yahoo.com
Messalonskee Lake: Janna Townsend jannatownsend48@gmail.com
Register for an Evaluation
Want to have your property evaluated by a LakeSmart representative? Register for an evaluation here LakeSmart Evaluation