It’s Been a Great Summer
It just took a few minutes to carry my kayak down to the dock and launch on the Belgrade Stream. I am fortunate to have had a lifetime of experiences kayaking in some amazing locations, but to go paddling after work? I’m lucky. With the calm of the evening and my paddle nearly silent in the water, I felt solitude.
I traveled the stream roughly north along the Fogg Island Preserve — two full miles of protected shoreline — to the inlet for Ingham Stream. I stowed my paddle and drifted, immersed in the sights and sounds of lower Long Pond, alone. Outdoor recreation is a privilege I have enjoyed throughout my life, but on this outing, on this night, I am not just thinking about the paddle. I am struck by the intimate connection between the land and the lake and the graceful progression as water recedes and land emerges, gradual wetlands yielding to upland forest. This setting allows me to witness all the aspects of a functioning ecosystem, with all my senses, in the quiet of the evening.
Experiences like these and my training as an ecologist combine to give me great enthusiasm for all the work we do at 7 Lakes Alliance. It’s been a great summer for me to join the team and celebrate many accomplishments. Of course, our efforts will continue throughout the year, but here are a few highlights that stand out for me:
- Land conservation projects continue to be very successful this year. We have already conserved over 270 acres with several more projects slated for completion in 2024 that will conserve approximately 380 additional acres. This work protects the lakes, safeguards wildlife, enhances the climate resilience of the watershed and provides valuable connections to nature for all.
- Advancing the science of water quality remains at the core of our mission. Just this year alone our lake scientists have processed over 1000 samples and of course are closely monitoring the situation in North Pond, which has been particularly challenging this year and where we are actively planning an alum treatment for 2026
- Our invasive aquatic plant program continues to have a major impact. Here’s just one example: Since our management efforts began in 2021 on the East Pond Serpentine, we have seen an 89% reduction in invasive curly leaf pondweed growth. This is a shining example of how early detection and persistent manual removal efforts are effective in controlling an invasive once it has colonized.
- Our trail stewardship program received a noteworthy Federal Recreational Trails Program grant to expand and enhance the trail system on the Dolly property which 7 Lakes conserved adjacent to the Kennebec Highlands.
- The list goes on and on… the Erosion Control team, Youth Conservation Corps, Courtesy Boat Inspectors, LakeSmart evaluators have all been in the field and exceeding the number of projects and contacts from previous seasons. Our Summer Scholar Program with Colby and Bates college students conducted seven water quality and land conservation research studies, which have an immediate impact on the work that we do.
- Our community engagement team organized a packed calendar of educational events every week both at the 7 Lakes building and in the field. For example, we hosted a successful, two-day program at Camp Tracy on McGrath Pond with our new educational boat with approximately 140 participants. The program featured a hands-on program on water quality assessment, aquatic plant identification and examination of the shoreline ecosystem.
Back in my kayak, the impending darkness of twilight caught me a bit by surprise, and with the help of my headlamp, I start for home, content. I’m also thankful for the foresight and support of this community to conserve the lands and waters for all.
Chris Monz, PhD, is president and CEO of the 7 Lakes Alliance.
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