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The words of regular vistor E.B. White recall the joys of summer
on Great Pond half a century ago, but speak just as truly of life on the
Belgrade Lakes today. Now, as then, visitors find renewal in the tranquil lake
at dawn, delight in children's laughter from the swimming dock, excitement in
land and water sports, and wonder in the midnight calls of loons across the
water. Here, the summer days still run in sync with the sun and end for us as
they did so long ago for White, "Sleep would come easily and in the morning the
red squirrel would be on the roof tapping out his gay routine."
...But at Risk
Glaciers carved these sparkling ponds into Maine's rugged granite
10,000 years ago. Through many ages, they were clear and beautiful, attracting
wildlife and sustaining it beside their shores and in their limpid depths. A
moment back, geologically speaking, mankind settled on the lake but only now we are beginning to learn just
how fragile these seemingly eternal lakes can be. A sparkling, transparent lake
car turn to muddy green in a surprisingly short time, or it can become choked
with weeds that make swimming and boating unpleasant, or even impossible. We
used to assume these lakes would always be here for us, but we know now we can
no longer take them for granted.
The Belgrade Lakes Association
It's a good thing these lakes have been shielded by the visonary
commitment of the sportsmen who founded the Belgrade Lakes Association (BLA)
a century ago. Their pledge "to protect and improve the waters, fisheries
and navigation of the Belgrade chain of ponds" lives on in the activities of BLA
members. The constant mission of the BLA, "To Protect and Preserve the health
and beauty of Great and Long Ponds" is evident in the programs we support.
"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is the
earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own
nature." - Henry David Thoreau
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Land Preservation
The BLA purchased The Mountain (225 acres) and works with the local land trust,
the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance (BRCA), to secure other parcels of
land, including the 6000 acre Kennebec Highlands.
Clean Water
BLA funds contribute to the support of a local youth
Conservation Corps that works 2 months each summer throughout the Belgrade chain
to eliminate erosion sites that would spoil the lakes if left untreated.
Education
The BLA promotes ongoing environmental education through
publications, workshops, and outreach activities.
Invasive Plant Prevention
BLA has been a regional leader in the effort to keep invasive plants and animals
out of our waters.
Watershed Protection
BLA supports and works closely with the Watershed Coordinator on
environmental issues in the Belgrade watershed.
Swimmers' Itch Eradication Project
The BLA sponsors an innovative program to harmlessly remove the source of
parasites which cause Swimmers' Itch
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