NSB Makes $2,500 Donation to Lake Stewards of Maine
AUBURN—A recent study conducted by the University of Maine found that the state’s lakes and ponds contribute over $14 billion in annual value to Maine’s economy. Protecting them requires ongoing monitoring and early detection of changes to maintain the health of these freshwater havens, and that’s a mission Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is determined to fulfill. Based in Auburn, the organization encourages citizen participation in the gathering of credible scientific information that allows LSM to serve as the primary source of lake data in Maine.
“LSM is a statewide nonprofit that trains, certifies, and provides technical support to volunteer community scientists who collect water quality data and survey lakes for aquatic invasive species. Over 1,200 LSM volunteers are actively monitoring nearly 550 lakes across the state,” said Alison Cooney, Executive Director of LSM.
Volunteers provide early warnings that improve LSM’s ability to protect Maine’s lakes.
“All of our training and support is provided at no charge to the public, and we welcome all participants,” said Cooney.
NSB has long supported LSM to help ensure that training and support remains free, most recently donating $2,500 to the LSM effort.
“Community-based monitoring, training, and education are vital,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Volunteers play such a critical role in this effort and NSB is proud to play a small part in helping Lake Stewards of Maine expand this early detection network.”
“We are very grateful for the partnership between Norway Savings Bank and Lake Stewards of Maine which has been critical to our ongoing statewide work,” said Cooney. “It makes such a difference in keeping Maine’s lakes and ponds clean and healthy.”
There are many ways to help LSM in its protection of Maine’s lakes and ponds. To learn more about the organization and how you can pitch in if you are able, visit www.lakestewardsofmaine.org. To find information about nearby lakes, visit www.lakesofmaine.org.
