Weekly News & Updates

Inside This Newsletter

August 31, 2026

Office Closed - September 7

Road Closure

Holiday Potluck - Save the Date

Lakes of Maine Data Update

LSM Calendar

Water Quality Program

Data Submission Reminder

WQ Community Technical Discussion

Cyanobacteria Reporting

Aquatic Invasive Species Program

Wrapping up a Successful 2026 Workshop Season

LSM's office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

🚧Road Closure

The Auburn Water District and the City of Lewiston Water Division are working with Maine DOT to replace the Townsend Brook culvert on Lake Shore Drive, the primary road to get to LSM. The road will be closed starting September 8th. They anticipate having the road re-opened by October 6 .

If you plan to visit LSM during this time, please see the detour map.

Save the Date!

LSM's Holiday Potluck!

We know it seems early, but we wanted to get our

annual holiday potluck on everyone's radar!

Mark your calendars for

Friday, December 11th, 3:00-7:00 PM

at LSM's office in Auburn.

An RSVP will be sent out later this fall.

Lakes of Maine Data Update

The LakesOfMaine.org website has been updated with the latest water quality data, Lake Reports, and Maine DEP Scorecards. Please take a few minutes to check your lake and the data currently displayed there.

We have added most of the current monitors, but the list was partially based on 2025 monitoring records, so there may be some current monitors missing. If you don't see yourself listed, please let us know at stewards@lakestewardsme.org

Click Here to Access LSM's Calendar

Water Quality Program

To learn more about LSM's Water Quality Program, please visit our website.

⏰Data Submission Reminder

If you haven’t yet submitted your 2026 data, now is a good time to get it in. Please send completed datasheets to LSM by September 15. We need time to review and digitize the data before submitting finalized batches to Maine DEP.

If you’re still monitoring into October or beyond, no problem. Just send your completed forms when you finish your monitoring season.

🖥️Survey123: Even if you entered your data through Survey123, we still need the completed datasheet for QA/QC.

📤Scans: You can email scanned datasheets to Jonnie@lakestewardsme.org.

Thank you, as always, for another season of careful monitoring and for contributing to Maine’s long-term record of lake health.

Lake Stewards of Maine,

24 Maple Hill Rd,

Auburn, ME 04210

Next Community Water Quality Technical Discussions

Our next session will be held on

September 8th at 2:00 PM.

Cyanobacteria Reporting

Cyanobacteria on Sabattus Pond, Maine. Credit: Christine Guerette

Aphanizomenon flosaquae. Credit: Ryan Bart

Cyanobacteria on Watchic Lake. Credit: Eileen Burnell

Late Summer is peak in cyanobacteria bloom season in Maine. As lake waters warm, reports increase across the state, and blooms can develop quickly. Anoxic bottom waters and occasional rainfall carrying nutrient-rich water into the lake gives cyanobacteria all they need to grow exponentially.

🔎 Please keep an eye out for suspicious green water, surface scum, or paint-like streaks. If you think you've spotted a bloom, report it using the form below. You can also check the dashboard to see reports submitted from around the state.

Every report matters; it helps improve our understanding of bloom activity and keep Maine's lakes safe!

Submit a Report

See Reports of Blooms

Aquatic Invasive Species Program

To learn more about LSM's Aquatic Invasive Species Program, please visit our website.

🌿 Wrapping Up a Successful 2026

Workshop Season

Our 2026 Invasive Plant Patrol workshop season has officially come to a close! This year, we had the opportunity to train hundreds of volunteers across the state, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the season such a success.

A special thank you to our hosts, co-hosts, and participants for your time, enthusiasm, and commitment to protecting our lakes. 💚

📋 Before We Close Out the Season

There’s just one final step to help us wrap things up:

🔹 Submit your survey forms so we can complete and finalize this year’s data.

🔹 Share your feedback and results to help us document everyone’s efforts and support ongoing lake management work.

Your participation makes a difference, and these final forms help us understand the impact of this year’s program.

🌱 What’s Next?

While the 2026 season is now complete, we’re already looking ahead. Planning for our 2027 Invasive Plant Patrol workshop season will begin soon! Stay tuned for updates and more information about next year’s workshops.