Property owners in lake watersheds who landscape and manage their property in a manner that protects the quality of nearby lakes are eligible to receive a LakeSmart award from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The LakeSmart awards program is for individuals with an interest in taking action on their own property to assist in protecting lake water quality. The program, started in 2003, is designed to recognize these efforts by providing qualifying landowners with LakeSmart Award signs and a plaque.
In order to qualify for an award the property must meet certain criteria with regard to vegetated buffers, the stability of the shoreline, access roads and pathways. In addition, criteria need to be met with regard to septic systems, structures and recreation areas.
The best way for a landowner to determine what needs to be done in order for his or her property to qualify for an award is to attend a free LakeSmart workshop sponsored by the DEP. Workshops scheduled for this summer are on July 22 in Otisfield, at the Seeds of Peace Camp, and on August 2 in Rangeley, at the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. All landowners are welcome to attend. To register, please contact the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC) at: 253-8020.
Currently 68 landowners in the state have received a LakeSmart Award. To view a complete listing of these, see the LakeSmart Web page at: www.MaineDEP.com.
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