Jane Pringle: Protecting Maine lakes and wildlife

By State Rep. Jane Pringle

As we enjoy these final moments of summer and anticipate the beginning of autumn, I am reminded of how beautiful it is to watch the landscape change with the seasons. Here in Windham, we are fortunate to have so much surrounding natural splendor, chief among them Sebago Lake.

State Rep. Jane Pringle

This lake – and all Maine lakes – are vital to our way of life, not only because they serve as crucial natural resources but because they are also a key symbol of our state’s heritage. Recognizing their immense importance, the 131st Legislature prioritized enacting measures dedicated to upholding and protecting Maine’s inland water ecosystems.

The Legislature understands that the ever-growing risk posed by invasive aquatic plants to our state’s inland waters requires continued effort. With this in mind, my colleagues and I passed a bill this year that will increase funding so the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife can increase efforts to prevent and control the spread of invasive species.

Both departments play crucial roles in mitigating the devastating impact that invasive aquatic species can have on our water quality, ecosystems and even our property values. With this additional funding, these departments can better ensure that necessary resources are available to continuously and effectively combat these threats to our freshwater systems.

In an effort to continue protecting the wildlife that inhabits Maine’s lakes, my colleagues and I united to pass two pivotal pieces of bipartisan legislation. The first, co-sponsored by my fellow Lake Region legislators, Sen. Tim Nangle and Rep. Jess Fay, strengthens local control by empowering municipalities across the state with the necessary tools to more effectively enforce shoreland zoning laws designed to protect water quality and wildlife.

Previously, towns struggled to implement environmental measures, which often resulted in misunderstandings and lengthy lawsuits between towns and residents who violated zoning ordinances, such as cutting down protected trees. This measure enables towns to restrict, suspend or revoke locally issued permits that violate zoning laws, holding violators accountable and easing the financial strain on local taxpayers from potential legal battles.

The second measure addresses the unintended consequences of wakesurfing on inland wildlife. While this popular pastime brings joy to boaters and spectators, it has been shown to have a significant impact on the ecosystem and geography of our lakes. Wakesurfing uses the full-throttle power of a motorboat to generate large waves, which crash against the shores, causing erosion and threatening the nests of common loons.

The new law prohibits operating a motorboat in less than 15 feet of water or within 300 feet of the shoreline while wakesurfing. It’s crucial to balance responsibly enjoying this sport with preserving our lakes, and the Legislature carefully crafted this measure to protect our lakes’ geography and wildlife while still allowing for summertime fun.

The measures above are only a sampling of the work we’ve done over the last two years to protect our state’s inland waters, but they show our commitment and dedication to preserving the beauty and integrity of Maine’s lakes. Through these efforts, iconic all-season retreats like Sebago Lake – and bodies of water throughout our beautiful state – will remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come.

State Rep. Jane Pringle is serving her second, non-consecutive term in the Maine House and is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services. <