How Climate Change is Affecting the Belgrade Lakes Watershed
Recent extreme weather events in the Belgrade Lakes region are a very visible reminder of how climate change is affecting our watershed. More frequent, intense storms cause major tree damage, power outages, destruction of homes; these storms can also have a profoundly negative impact on the water quality of our lakes. Flooding and significant storm runoff from shorelines and upstream sources put dirt, pesticides and pollutants in our streams and lakes, including phosphorus, an essential nutrient driving algal blooms, which can be toxic. This erosion of sediments into our lakes is referred to as “external” nutrient loading. With extended warm weather in the summer and fall months, less oxygen is present in the lower waters, which can trigger the release of phosphorus from the lake bed. This is referred to as “internal” nutrient loading.
Impact of Rising Temperatures
Rising air temperatures, in addition to directly affecting water temperatures, mean less snow, later ice-in and earlier ice-out. Less ice coverage during the winter means extended periods of open water, creating the potential for more shoreline erosion and a longer growing season for many invasive plants, such as variable-leaf milfoil. The warmer lake water temperatures also create ideal conditions for cyanobacteria (“bad” algae) to bloom. Cyanobacteria are better suited for warm water than many of the “good” types of algae that we need in the lakes to sustain the food chain. Cyanobacteria can also produce toxins, which can be harmful to humans and pets. While we haven’t measured any toxins in the Belgrade lakes, it is likely only a matter of time.
According to Dr. Danielle Wain, 7 Lakes Alliance’s Lake Science Director, all seven lakes in our watershed are under threat. Dr. Wain points out that “the combination of warmer air and water temperatures, increased internal and external nutrient loading, creates a perfect storm for unhealthy lakes that are at risk for sustained algal blooms.”
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Impact of Climate Change in Our Watershed
A major focus of the year-round work at 7 lakes Alliance is to reduce runoff into our lakes. In addition to the 319 Program at 7 Lakes Alliance, the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) completes extensive projects throughout the watershed for homeowners who want to do their part to reduce erosion into our streams and lakes. Becoming LakeSmart-certified is another impactful way to ensure that your property has buffers and other measures to stop run-off. If you would like to discuss how you might partner with 7 Lakes with a YCC project or LakeSmart review, please call Stuart Cole at 495‑6039.
Save the Land to Save the Lakes
Recognizing that conserved land in our watershed plays a vital role in saving our waters, 7 Lakes Alliance is working to conserve 30% of our watershed, up from approximately 10% today. This goal, while ambitious, is in keeping with national standards for land conservation. Undeveloped land is ten times more protective of water quality as it filters and stops run-off from entering our streams and lakes. Highlands and wetlands are particularly effective in protecting water quality, in addition to shorefront land.
Water quality protection is the # 1 priority in selecting which land should be conserved. In addition, conserved land provides opportunities for recreation and connectivity with nature that fosters well-being in our community. Providing wildlife habitat, is yet another benefit. Not to be overlooked is the fact that having clear lakes and conserved land has a major economic impact that benefits our entire community.
We are honored that many local landowners have entrusted 7 Lakes Alliance with conservation easements that forever protect land that protects the lakes. 7 Lakes Alliance also conserves land that is donated or purchased, through the support of many generous donors. Please contact Noah Pollock at 495‑6039 if you would like to discuss the opportunity to donate land or an easement with 7 Lakes Alliance, a nationally accredited land trust.
This article orginally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of The Conservationist, the newsletter of the 7 Lakes Alliance.
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