LakeSmart Lake Friendly Landscaping for Healthy Lakes
The LakeSmart program was started by Maine DEP in 2003 as a way to encourage shorefront property owners to use lake-friendly practices at their home or camp. The entire property – driveway, structures, septic system, lawn, buffer, and shorefront – is evaluated, and properties that score well in all areas receive a LakeSmart award and the sign as shown above. Just as important, the evaluation includes recommendations to help homeowners make their property more lake-friendly. A primary benefit of these lake-friendly practices is to reduce erosion and runoff to the lake, which in turn reduces phosphorous inputs to the lake. LakeSmart came to the Belgrade Lakes Association in 2005. To date, more than 70 property owners on Great Pond and Long Pond have received LakeSmart awards or commendations. See the link below to see all of the LakeSmart properties.
In 2009, BLA began participating in a new pilot program – LakeSmart evaluations will be conducted by volunteers from around the lakes. Volunteers evaluators are needed for this program (training is provided). And as always, BLA members are encouraged to have their properties evaluated.
How do I participate? Contact BLA to schedule a free evaluation.
Why should I have my property evaluated? To protect your lake! The LakeSmart process will give you ideas and technical assistance to make your property more lake-friendly in addition to recognizing the work you have already done. If you qualify for the LakeSmart award, your property will serve as an example for other lakefront residents and encourage them to take action. We think every homeowner concerned about protecting their lake should have a LakeSmart evaluation.
How is the evaluation scored? Properties are scored in four categories: driveway and parking area, structures and septic system, lawn, recreation areas, and paths, and shorefront and buffer area. Properties scoring over 67% in all four categories receive the LakeSmart award. There is also a bonus recognition category for undeveloped land.
I don’t think I’ll get the award. Should I still have an evaluation? Absolutely! Even if you don’t qualify for the full award, the evaluation will give you ideas on how to help protect your lake (and how to qualify for the full award, if that’s your goal). Besides, you might be wrong!
Is there any obligation? No. The LakeSmart evaluation is simply an opportunity to learn how lake-friendly your property is and get ideas on how you can help protect your lake. You don’t have to follow any of the recommendations (but we hope you will), and LakeSmart evaluations will not result in any enforcement action from DEP.
How else can I help? Contact BLA to become a volunteer LakeSmart evaluator. DEP will provide training. And yes, you can volunteer even if you don’t have a LakeSmart award.
What is LakeSmart?
Information about this environmentally friendly watershed program
How can I get started with LakeSmart?
There are a variety of ways you can choose to participate in the LakeSmart Program
Will you commit to become LakeSmart? (PDF Document)
Take a big step and seal your commitment in writing by signing the Belgrade Lakes Association LakeSmart Pledge Card. Review and print a copy of the pledge card.
LakeSmart Awards and Certificates of Recognition (PDF Document)
See the list of Great & Long Pond property owners who have received LakeSmart recognition.
LakeSmart Pre-evaluation Questionnaire (PDF Document)
You’ve made the decision to have your property evaluated but you cannot be present during the evaluation. No problem…now you can complete a LakeSmart Pre-evaluation Questionnaire and have your property evaluated even if you can’t be there.