About us

Our Mission:

Founded in 1966, the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA), a volunteer-based organization of nearly 500 member families, is committed to enhancing the quality of life in and around Damariscotta Lake, assuring enjoyment for all of its natural and human residents.

Through our programs, DLWA is committed to:

Protect water quality

Damariscotta Lake is a fragile ecosystem that reacts and responds to changes that take place in our watershed. In 1989 we established an annual water quality monitoring program in the three basins that make up the 7.2 square-mile lake. This serves as an early warning system to protect our valuable resource. In 1995, working with state and local agencies, DLWA began to solve specific erosion and sedimentation problems that are a major source of nonpoint source pollution in the lake.

Provide information for community residents and visitors

We must all understand the impact our individual actions have on water quality and take steps to minimize that impact on the Lake. DLWA tries to inform the public through our Web site and at our resource center at 38 Lake Farm Circle, in Jefferson. We support programs for school children and workshops for seasonal and year-round residents. Our quarterly newsletter, The Watershed, is mailed to more than 2,000 families and businesses within the watershed communities of Jefferson, Nobleboro, Newcastle, Washington and Somerville. So far, more than 400 families have chosen to join DLWA! Their dollar support is crucial to sustain our programs.

As a public service for those new to the watershed, DLWA has put together packets for new homeowners. These packets provide not only a wealth of information, but also a complementary one year membership to DLWA. Packets will be available at local realtors' offices, town offices and our DLWA office. Included in these packets are county maps, information on Damariscotta Lake and lakes in general and advice on how to keep our lake a wonderful place for generations to come.

Promote stewardship of open space in and around the watershed

Thanks to the continuing generosity of our friends and neighbors in the watershed, DLWA has embarked on a program of land acquisition and acquirement of conservation easements on lands owned by others. Each piece of property is maintained as open space, providing a protective buffer for the lake. By creating conservation lands within the watershed, we are positively impacting water quality and the general health of the area. Properties entrusted to DLWA will be set aside as a legacy for future generations and open for the enjoyment of the public. Meanwhile, we publicize guided tours in all seasons. For more information on our current projects, see the Land Conservation page.

Encourage healthy recreation

DLWA fosters bonds between watershed residents by encouraging creative and healthy recreational activities on Damariscotta Lake and in its watershed. We are the custodians of this beautiful place, and we believe it needs to remain available for everyone to enjoy.

Accomplishments

DLWA'a accomplishments in 2009

DLWA's accomplishments in 2010

Merchandise

DLWA sells books, clothing, maps and more. Click here to browse our offerings. You can order via phone or mail. Sorry, we are not set up to accept credit cards at this time.

The Watershed

DLWA publishes a newsletter with informational and entertaining articles of interest to anyone who cares about the Damariscotta Lake area. This newsletter is mailed to all watershed residents. Copies of past newsletters are available online here.

©2003 Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association
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