Gloeotrichia Quick Links Gloeotrichia (pronounced “glee-oh-tricky-ah”) echinulata is a colonial bluegreen algae that forms tiny spheres, which can be seen without magnification in lake water. “Gloeo” has been known to exist in Maine lakes for many years, but it has typically been observed in late summer, in relatively low densities. However, during the past decade, Gloeo appears to […]
Metaphyton Quick Links Metaphyton is a term used to describe free-floating, filamentous algae typically observed in shallow littoral areas of lakes, where it can become entangled in the stems of rooted aquatic plants (macrophytes). Metaphyton is often characterized as having the appearance of “green cotton candy.” This filamentous algae has relatively little substance, as anyone
Other Lake Phenomena Quick Links Other Lake Phenomena There are many factors besides water quality and invasive aquatic species that can affect lake health, and the LSM helps train volunteer citizen scientists to monitors and track a number of these. Below are brief descriptions of other types of lake health indicators and links to more information.
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Water Quality Certification Process Quick Links General Information Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) monitors a broad range of environmental indicators that affect the health of Maine Lakes. We have over 500 trained water quality (WQ) volunteers who collect quality scientific data. Their monitoring data and observations provide an extremely valuable resource for lake protection and a
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Ice-In & Ice-Out Tracking Quick Links Ice-In & Ice-Out Tracking Please help the Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) track ice-in and ice-out dates for your lake! Submit your ice-in and ice-out dates using our online ice coverage submission form. For more information on the designations “ice-in” and “ice-out” and how to properly identify theme, please see
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Cyanobacteria Quick Links Water clarity is the most highly valued lake attribute in Maine.1 One likely effect of a warming climate on lakes will be an overall increase in the abundance of algae in lake water, resulting in declining clarity. As lake water warms, the conditions for algal growth are generally enhanced. Of particular concern is
Invasive Aquatic Species Certification Process Quick Links Invasive Plant Patrol Workshops Greetings Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Patrollers! LSM provided training and informational sessions in an online format in 2020 due to the CoViD-19 outbreak. Since then we have been improving the format and offering of our certifications. In-person AIS workshops began again in 2022.
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Reporting Suspicious Aquatic Species Quick Links 🌿 Aquatic Invasive Species Reporting Guidance Information 🌿 Samples collected in 2023 for the Courtesy Boat Inspector Program should be sent to Lake Environmental Association (LEA). Instructions and general guidance for what to do if you find a suspicious plant or animal in your lake below… Collect a
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Maine’s Early Detection System Quick Links Case studies of infestations throughout the US indicate that once invasive plants become well established in a lake, stream or pond, they are nearly impossible to eradicate. A comprehensive, ongoing effort to prevent the introduction of aquatic invaders to Maine waters, through public education and Courtesy Boat Inspections is, and
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As awareness of this threat to Maine waters has emerged across the state, Mainers have taken swift and decisive action. In 2000, the State of Maine passed legislation that outlaws the sale, propagation, or introduction to Maine waters, of eleven invasive aquatic plants. In 2001 further legislation was enacted, instituting additional regulations, programs and planning requirements…
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