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 […]
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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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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Crayfish  Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) – Photo courtesy of Jeff Gunderson Quick Links  Maine is now home to several non-native crayfish species. Of those species known to be from ‘away’, two are considered by state experts to pose the greatest threat to native ecosystems: rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus
Survey123 for Aquatic Invasive Species 2024 Recording Now Available Quick Links Survey123 is a powerful and popular tool that allows volunteers to log accurate lake data in real-time. In this webinar, Becky Schaffner of Maine DEP will teach about Survey123. Watch Here LSM’s AIS Screening forms are available in a digital format using the Survey123
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Advanced Plant Identification Quick Links This workshop picks up where IPP 101 leaves off, with more emphasis on learning the ecology and the distinctive physical characteristics of the native plants that inhabit Maine’s lakes and ponds. Attendees will hone their identification skills with live specimens, and have the option of participating in an Aquatic Plant ID Proficiency Certification exam.
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Invasive Plant Patrol Leaders Quick Links Invasive Plant Patrol Leaders ~ Welcome to our webpage just for YOU! When Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) achieves its ultimate goal as an organization, virtually every lake in the State of Maine will have one or more water quality monitors and an active team of trained Invasive Plant Patrollers routinely
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Water Quality Monitoring Quick Links Together, We Protect Maine’s Lakes Join the powerful movement of hundreds of trained volunteers keeping our waters healthy and clear through water quality monitoring and stewardship. Every summer, hundreds of trained and certified community scientists work with Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) to collect vital, high-quality data about lake conditions.
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Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Quick Links The introduction of non-native, invasive aquatic plant and animal species to the United States has been escalating with widespread destructive consequences. The impacts of the spread of invasive aquatic plants are well known: habitat disruption, loss of native plant and animal communities, reduced property values, impaired fishing and degraded
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