Citizen (volunteer) Lake Watershed Surveys that are conducted by trained volunteers from lake communities can be a very efficient and effective process for identifying and resolving watershed land use problems that are having, or have the potential to have a negative impact on lake water quality. Watershed surveys focus on identifying sources of soil erosion from gravel roads, driveways, construction sites, foot paths, unstable culverts and other sources. Soil particles from eroding areas can be carried to lakes in stormwater runoff that flows directly into a lake, or into a tributary, which in turn runs into the lake.

Eroded soil particles from lake watersheds can impair sensitive aquatic habitat for beneficial insects, fish and native plant communities. Eroded soil typically includes various forms of phosphorus, the nutrient that most directly influences the growth of planktonic algae in lakes. Excess phosphorus in lake water typically results in an increase in algae growth, reduced water clarity, and possible loss of dissolved oxygen in the water over time, leading to an overall decline in lake health.

A secondary, but equally valuable benefit to Citizen Watershed Surveys is an overall increase in public awareness in lake communities about the relationship between land use and lake water quality. Citizen surveys of lake watersheds have been successfully conducted for many Maine lakes during the past three decades (see interactive map, above). Details concerning the process of conducting a survey can be viewed at: www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/materials/lakewsurveyguide.pdf.

A Citizen Watershed survey can be a very effective component for building community support for long-term lake protection. Bringing together individuals with diverse ecological, economic, recreational and social perspectives, has been shown to enhance long-term lake stewardship. Lake Stewards of Maine can provide guidance, and in some cases, financial assistance in organizing and conducting a survey.

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Also included in this undertaking are a number of regional entities, including Lakes Environmental Association, Cobbossee Watershed District, Mid-Coast Conservancy, 30-Mile River Watershed, 7 Lakes Alliance, Belgrade Lakes Association, Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Portland Water District, Auburn Water District, Acadia National Park, and Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. Included are the sovereign nations of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, and the Penobscot Indian Houlton Band of Maliseets.

Data have also been acquired from private consultants, such as FBE and Lake & Watershed RMA, as well as others collecting lake data as part of regulatory requirements. Additional data are acquired through the DIF&W and through cooperative projects with the University of Maine System, Bates, Colby and Unity Colleges, and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Field data are also collected by the Maine DEP Lakes Assessment Section under probability-based studies conducted within EPA Region I, and as part of the National Lakes Assessment Study being conducted by EPA Headquarters.

We apologize if your lake data-gathering organization has been accidentally omitted. Please let us know if that is the case. Additional types of data are also submitted to the Lakes of Maine website, including Annual Loon Count data gathered by volunteers through Maine Audubon Society, and a variety of lake and watershed information provided by The Nature Conservancy.

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