6892-R3_ML&P_LSLA_2019_WinterNewsletter

LSLA 2019 Watershed Protection Update Scott Lowell

Fellow Lake Residents When we think of how much we enjoy the lake we should also be thinking about how we treat the area around it as the two are directly connected. Everything we dump on the ground, spread on our lawns, or spray to control insects is headed toward the lake. The care of the watershed is not just about sediment and erosion. For those of us who love being on the lake, a decrease in water quality would mean we might enjoy the lake less or have to move to another place. For the other species that rely on the lake for their very existence like the birds, fish, turtles, frogs etc. it could be a life or death situation.

chemicals you introduce on you property to the cause and effect possibilities. Too often I see examples where people treat the watershed, the lake, the laws, and their neighbors with blatant disregard. There are some examples below. We have laws through our town and state to protect the lake and those around us. A simple call to the town CEO, Maine DEP, Cumberland County Soil and Water or at least a look on their websites to which LSLA has links will give you information about what is acceptable practice in the watershed. There is a wealth of information about how to care for the water body we have as our front yard by taking care of the ground around it. It takes some thought however and a conscience to want to do the right thing even if it may make the activity of the day less convenient. Lets all try to be good lake stewards and think about our actions and activities as how they might effect our loons or fish vs just how the view will be improved tomorrow or how we don’t like walking on leaves. If you have questions or need guidance please contact us or one of the other agencies we have connections for on our website. Enjoy the winter. Scott Lowell LSLA

It is the responsibility of all of us humans who impact the lake more than all the other species put together to be respectful of the environment we live in. Pay attention to what you dump, spread and spray as well as the vegetation you cut and exposed soil you create. All of our activities, as development escalates around the lake, have potential to affect the health of the water body we have in front of our home. I encourage you to think beyond the leaves you rake, trees you cut and

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