PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 22, 2025
Maine’s lakes help define our state and our way of life. We have some of the cleanest, clearest lakes in the nation. Maine’s lakes are where many children learn to swim, families fish for trout and landlocked salmon and we hear the haunting call of loons. But these treasures are not immune to change. Our lakes need our help. At Lake Stewards of Maine, we work with hundreds of trained volunteers across the state to monitor lake health. Our community tests the water, documents invasive aquatic species and watches for signs of ecological change. This work is both scientific and deeply personal. You can help protect. Natural Maine lakes have wooded shorelines, not lawns. Clean your boat after each use. Never release live bait or move aquatic plants or animals. With vigilance, education and action, we can protect the lakes we all love – not just for ourselves, but for wildlife and future generations. ~ Tristan Taber, Lake Stewards of Maine