LakeSmart
Introduction
How we develop the land that drains to a lake can have a huge effect on the water quality. If we bring the suburban landscaping practice or large lush lawns to the lakeshore or even the lake watershed, we bring more sources of pollution. With fewer natural, vegetated areas to absorb stormwater, more pollutants from the land get washed into the lake each time it rains or snow melts.
Pristine lake waters add beauty, increase property value and provide recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. Studies have shown that as water quality declines the value of shorefront property also decreases. Declining water quality can also affect the type and number of fish species that inhabit the lake and can hinder other recreational uses of the lake as well as the local economy.
Clearly it is in everyone's best interest to take whatever actions they can to protect lake water quality. LakeSmart is an educational program that offers FREE opportunities for homeowners to learn how to manage their home and yard to protect the water quality of their lake. The goal of LakeSmart is to change the increasingly common suburban landscaping practices around lakes to more natural, lake-friendly environments.
The primary focus of LakeSmart is to keep our lake water clean by stabilizing eroding areas, reducing the use of chemicals, diverting rainwater into vegetated areas, and minimizing lawns and other impervious areas. Landscaping and managing your property in an environmentally friendly manner through LakeSmart is one way to do your part in protecting your lake's water quality and have a low maintenance, great looking property.
For those who prefer to hire a professional, go to the Landscape Professional page to see a listing of landscapers and yard maintenance companies that have received LakeSmart training.
How Does the LakeSmart Evaluation Process Work?
The LakeSmart evaluation process involves a site visit by a DEP certified Soil and Water Conservation District employee or an educator from Maine DEP. During the visit the evaluator will ask you questions about your property. If for some reason you can not be present during the evaluation you can fill out the pre-evaluation questionnaire (Word or pdf) and return it to your lake association LakeSmart coordinator by their due date. Next the evaluator walks around the property and reviews landscape and management practices in the five following categories:
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Road, Driveway, and Parking Areas;
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Structures and Septic System;
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Lawn, Recreation Areas, and Footpaths;
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Shorefront and Beach Areas;and
- Undeveloped Land.
Points based on established criteria are given in each category. If a property owner scores 67% or more points in a given category, he or she is recognized for their efforts in that category with an award certificate. Check out who has received LakeSmart Recognition. Often an evaluator will make recommendations for improvements that will help the property qualify for the LakeSmart Award and protect water quality.
If the property owner scores 67% or more points in the first four categories, he or she receives an award certificate and optional sign (pictured above) for their LakeSmart property. The fifth category, Undeveloped Land, is an additional category added for 2005 for homeowners who have preserved undeveloped lands. Homeowners who do not have undeveloped land are still eligible for a LakeSmart award. Award winners are published (with the permission of the owner) in newspapers, newsletters and on the web page. See LakeSmart Awards.
How Can You Receive a LakeSmart Award?
At this time the LakeSmart program is working with 13 lake associations around the state in order to focus our resources to reach the self-sustaining point of 15% participation. Social marketing theory states that if 15% participate in a program, that program has the momentum to spread on its own. We can arrange a site visit if you lake association is one of our project lakes. If your lake is not on our list, we will tell you what your lake association needs to do in order to get on the list. For more information please contact Bill Laflamme at (207) 287-7726 or your local county Soil and Water Conservation District.
Program Evaluation
2005 Chicago Report - LakeSmart Lessons Learned
