Friends of Belgrade Stream, 7 Lakes Alliance, and the Maine DEP held their first joint meeting on May 9, 2026 kicking off collaborative efforts to combat variable-leaf milfoil in Belgrade Stream and provide an update on this year’s efforts on Messalonskee Lake.
The Center for All Seasons in Belgrade was the perfect venue for this two-hour gathering, that saw over 20 concerned residents attend.
Brief introductions were held and Sharon Mann, the Invasive Aquatics Director at 7 Lakes Alliance, provided an excellent history, overview, and explanation of the time, money, and efforts needed to help combat and maintain the 7-mile stretch of Belgrade Stream from the Wings Mills Road dam to the marsh on Messalonskee Lake.
John McPhedran from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provided information on how their agency’s plans to reduce the risk of introduction and further spread of invasive aquatic plants in the state’s 6,000 ponds, lakes and streams.
The meeting concluded with an engaging Q&A session, providing the community with an opportunity to pose questions and express any concerns they may have. As expected, the majority, if not all, attendees agreed action was necessary to address the milfoil infestation in this particular stretch of water, not only for the benefit of Belgrade Stream itself but also for the well-being of other interconnected water bodies.
Following the meeting, Stream Signs were made available for purchase. These signs are designed to be displayed along the banks of the stream and serve as a means for property owners to promote our collective efforts. If you are a property owner residing along the stream and wish to actively support our initiatives, please click here to learn more about purchasing Stream Signs.
To stay informed about ongoing developments, please subscribe to our email updates through our website. Additionally, you can contribute to our cause by making a donation through the 7 Lakes Alliance.
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