What is at Stake?

Towering pines…the call of the loons…the smell of wood smoke from an evening campfire under a canopy of stars… the feel of cool, clean lake water…the graceful arc of a dry fly about to land on expectant waters…a cabin by the lakeshore filled with memories...

Maine's freshwater resources look so plentiful and that's precisely the problem. We take for granted what is seemingly limitless…but our freshwater resources are indeed finite and fragile. Maine is within a days drive of over 70 million people and her freshwater natural resource jewels—her lakes—need our active stewardship.

Your Lake, Your School, Your Community, Your Job.

Maine's lakes are vast reservoirs of culture and tradition. They are economic pumps that contribute over $2.8 billion dollars a year to Maine's economy and are the source of over 50,000 jobs.

Her lakeshores are the "gold coasts" of inland Maine and most often contribute the lion's share of a town's property tax base. This property tax revenue funds our children's education and funds critical local services including emergency services.

Maine's environment and the economy are at stake—as well as the way of life that has drawn untold number of visitors, summer residents, and year-round residents to our Maine communities.

The Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute (MLCI) was founded in 1999 to address the environmental and economic impact that Maine's lakes have on our communities. The centerpiece of MLCI is our middle school Lake Science Education Program. We also conduct civic programs for students of all ages. Through our active outreach programs we invite people from all walks of life to become more informed about Maine's freshwater resources, especially her lakes.

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