by Michael Dixon, May 2007

Each year, the Maine Congress of Lake Associations recognizes a lake association for its contribution to protecting Maine lakes and ponds.  I am very proud to report that we won the 2006 Outstanding Achievement Award for Lake Stewardship.  The award was announced at the 2006 New England Lakes Conference, held in Farmington on Saturday, June 3.  Dana Little and I attended the conference in order to accept the award.

Maggie Shannon presents the award to Michael Dixon and Dana Little.

I thought I would use this opportunity to tell you all a little about the organization that honored us, by including some information from the COLA website:

What is Maine COLA?

The Maine Congress of Lake Associations (Maine COLA) was formed in 1970 as a non-profit, charitable organization for Maine lakes. It is the only statewide network of individuals and lake associations devoted solely to the protection and preservation of our lakes.

Protecting water quality and promoting sound land-use practices are objectives Maine COLA has had throughout its history. More specifically the purposes of Maine COLA are:

• To provide a communication network and coordinating structure for      lake-related projects and issues;
• To provide a clearinghouse of environmental information pertaining      to lake management;
• To provide a pool of technical knowledge and expertise to advise      and assist members;
• To promote through education the appreciation and wise use of      Maine lakes;
• To promote boating and water safety;
• To establish liaisons with other environmental groups and      agencies;
• To monitor and report to members on legislation and administrative      actions affecting Maine lakes; and
• To advocate and support legislation and administrative actions      which promote sound lake management.

What Does Maine COLA Do?

From testifying at a legislative hearing or hosting a conference on sewage disposal to alerting members about important lake issues throughout the state, Maine COLA’s activities are as varied as its accomplishments.

Maine COLA has always had a strong commitment to individual lake associations: how to start one, where to obtain water monitoring equipment, how to reduce erosion. While lake associations have concerns unique to their lakes, there are common statewide problems as well. Maine COLA serves as a resource for both.

We are also active with legislative issues. In the mid-1970’s Maine COLA was influential in obtaining comprehensive legislation regarding dams and water levels, unchanged for centuries, which led to required water levels and better dam safety. Maine COLA is a member of the Great Ponds Task Force, charged with developing a package of recommendations which was passed by the Maine 118th Legislature in 1998. Supporting legislation for the welfare of our lakes continues to be an important component of Maine COLA.

The TPA is a dues-paying member of COLA, but the organization also offers individual memberships.  Please visit www.mainecola.org for more information.