Summer Sunset Shimmers on Sebago Lake in Maine

by Leigh Macmillen Hayes

Maine lakefront property owners should know that a bill is now before the legislature that would finally provide some significant funding for those working to control invasive aquatic plant infestations. LD 1626 was presented by Representative Mike McClellan of Raymond. It would raise the milfoil sticker fees for in-state boats by $7 and $15 for out-of-state boats. The proceeds would help fund suction harvesting, bottom barrier work and hand-pulling.
McClellan says, “The bill sought to let people know how bad a problem invasive plants are (milfoil), get state help and organization toward a collaborative effort and to provide more local monies to the groups in the fight. Originally the bill sought this for the two largest bodies including Sebago Lake. We are open to amend it to all bodies in Maine.”

In his testimony, Peter Lowell, executive director of Lakes Environmental Association, encourages “support  of LD1626 in recognition of the work being done in Maine to rid our lakes of the invasive aquatic plants that degrade property values and reduce recreational opportunities for Mainers and visitors alike. Additional funding at this point in the fight will give Maine a fighting chance to clean up its lakes before infestations spread further and become totally unmanageable.”
Lowell tells us that only a small percentage of sticker revenues currently supports plant control. Seventeen groups in Maine have programs underway and the most anyone receives from those fees is $5,740 annually. Private groups working to clean state waters contributed over $500,000 in cash and donated time and materials in 2013.
Bill sponsors and supporters feel this inequity in funding must be addressed if Maine infestations are to be brought under control before they create further damage to the resources, property values and local tax bases. Many infestations are on the threshold of being out of control, so time is a major factor.
Please contact your legislators and ask them to support LD 1626. Click here for a list of state legislators listed by town.  Even if your favorite lake is not infested, it is probably close to one that is. Each infested lake threatens every other lake in Maine. Courtesy boat inspections have proven to be a powerful line of defense by intercepting plant fragments, but there has been little help for groups fighting existing infestations. Please take the time to help these programs and protect your lake in the process.
To learn about lakefront properties for sale on Sebago Lake, click on the green box above.
To learn more about the aquatic plants in Maine lakes, check out the blog links below.
Maine Lakefront Property Owners Benefit By Joining Lake Association
Maine Lakefront Property Owners Check For Aquatic Invaders