Maranacook Lake, Winthrop, Maine: Home to Model Boat Wash Station

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Maranacook Lake, Winthrop, Maine: Home to Model Boat Wash Station

Maranacook Lake, Winthrop, Maine: Home to Model Boat Wash Station

Driftwood and Drifting Clouds Above Maranacook Lake in the Winthrop Lakes Region of Maine

Lakefront property owners on Maranacook Lake in Winthrop, Maine, and throughout the state know that lakes are the lifeblood of our economy. The risk that invasive aquatic plants pose is grave.

 

 

Aquatic, as well as many non-aquatic, invasive species are readily spread by flowing water. Anglers and recreational boaters hopping from lake to lake pose a potentially devastating threat to our waters–as they become the unintentional couriers of unwanted hitchhikers.

In addition, many aquatic invasive species are capable of survival out of water for extended periods of time. To prevent the accidental introduction of organisms transported through water, all watercraft and equipment that are to be placed in a waterbody should be cleaned to remove invasive species, including any fragments, seeds, or other materials.
According to the Courtesy Boat Inspector Handbook, “It is illegal to transport ANY aquatic plant, native or non-native, on the outside of a vehicle, boat, trailer or equipment. Violations may result in fines up to $500 ($2,500 for subsequent violations). MRSA Title 38, Section 419-C.
“It is also illegal to possess, import, cultivate, transport or distribute any of the 11 invasive aquatic plants named in the law. Violations may result in fines up to $500 ($2,500 for subsequent violations). MRSA Title 38, Section 419-C. More serious fines, between $500 and $5,000, may be levied on boaters who launch boats carrying a prohibited invasive aquatic plant (defined in MRSA 38 Section 410-N). MRSA Title 12, Section 13068-A.”
If every boater gave some thought to having a clean boat, our lakes would be a lot better off. No one is moving the hitchhikers on purpose, but without intending to anyone can be the bad guy.
Best management practices to reduce the chance that invasive species are introduced or transferred into Maine waterways should include boat wash stations. These stations provide a convenient way for people to clean their boats while ensuring that invasive hitchhikers aren’t along for the ride. The wash stations should be easy to pull into with a boat so people can hose it and the trailer down both at the beginning and end of the day.
In 2006, Bob Moore of the Friends of Cobbossee Watershed and Peter Lowell of Lakes Environmental Association developed a handbook entitled A Practical Guide to Building Wash Stations–A Valuable  Tool in Helping Protect Maine’s Lakes From Invasive Aquatic Plants. This handbook was underwritten by LL Bean. It explains the five essential steps to building a wash station: selecting a location; funding; permits and approval; construction; operation and maintenance. A model station, also funded by LL Bean, is located at Norcross Point on Maranacook Lake.

“In simplest terms, a boat wash station is merely a designated area large enough to accommodate a boat and trailer. A hose and nozzle allow boaters to rinse the boat, motor, trailer, anchor lines and fishing gear to remove plant fragments. Along with descriptive signage, clear entrance and exit routes are a must. How to handle water (and plant fragments) generated by the washing process itself is also an important consideration.”

None of us like seeing our favorite lakes filled with invasive species. As we travel around the state, we occasionally see wash stations located near boat launches. Occasionally is the key word. If your lake doesn’t have one, we strongly encourage you to approach your lake association and put this on the agenda.
To learn more about lakefront properties for sale on Maranacook Lake, click on the green box above.
To learn more about the Winthrop Lakes Region of Maine, check out the blog links below.
Maranacook Lake in Readfield and Winthrop, Maine: Be Mesmerized by the Setting Sun
Hamlets, Villages and Small Towns of the Winthrop Lakes Region of Maine
Hikes In and Around Winthrop, Maine

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