Belgrade Stream is Under Attack!
We need your support to fight the spread of invasive variable-leaf milfoil.
The Worst Infestation of Milfoil in the State of Maine
Over the past three decades, Belgrade Stream’s water quality and native plant and animal diversity have declined due to the spread of variable-leaf milfoil, a highly invasive aquatic plant. Today, milfoil blankets the area from the Wings Mills dam to the marsh on Rt. 27 at Messalonskee Lake.
The infestation is severe in Messalonskee Marsh, a sensitive nesting habitat for the endangered black tern. It has established in over 15 areas of Messalonskee Lake and further downstream into Messalonskee Stream and the Kennebec River.
Given the scale of and density of the infestation, manual approaches such as barriers and hand-pulling alone are unlikely to produce measurable improvements and would require an unsustainable level of effort.
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Display a Stream Sign on Your Property
Help get the word out about our cause by placing a Stream Sign near your camp or home along Belgrade Stream. People motoring or paddling by could become volunteers and donors to Help Save Our Stream. It’s important that our community understands and supports this effort for it to be successful.
- Size: 24 x 18”
- Material: Lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant coroplast board
- Frame: Display frames/stakes are NOT included with purchase. Nail it to a wooden stake along the water’s edge or to a small tree on your property.
PRICE: $20
TO PURCHASE: Please email info@friendsofbelgradestream.org to arrange for sign pickup and purchase. Cash or check only.
How Milfoil Affects the Stream
Milfoil displaces native plants and animal communities.
Invasive milfoil reduce property values and diminishes water quality.
Thick milfoil coverage reduces fishing and recreational opportunities.
What’s the Plan?
Recent changes in state and federal permitting and management tools have made a comprehensive, achievable plan for Belgrade Stream possible.
Beginning in 2026…
…targeted, low-risk herbicide treatments in Messalonskee Lake and Belgrade Stream will launch a multi-year management effort. This work represents one of Maine’s most significant invasive aquatic plant treatment initiatives to date and will help reduce milfoil biomass and restore balance to the stream.
The goal is to meaningfully reduce milfoil growth and set the stage for long-term, sustainable management. This will be a major undertaking for 7 Lakes Alliance and one that will benefit the communities across Maine, as Belgrade Stream is a significant pathway for milfoil spread both within and beyond the watershed.
Designated Area for Treatment
The largest area of concern is from the dam on Wings Mills Road in Mount Vernon to the marsh on Routes 27/8 entering Messalonskee Lake in Belgrade by Hammond Lumber. As of now, the variable-leaf milfoil has not appeared on the north side of the dam in Mount Vernon going towards Long Pond. We’re hoping to keep it that way!
Learn More
STAY INFORMED AND INVOLVED
Please join our email list to stay informed via email updates. Community understanding and support are essential to the success of this effort. We encourage water users, property owners, and residents to stay informed, attend upcoming public meetings, and share questions or concerns as planning continues.
