Dues and Donations (we need your help in 2021)
We are a 501c3. Dues($20) and donations are tax deductible
Join Us
We are a 501c3
Dues are $20/year,but extra donations are appreciated. It's tax deductible.
Send check to ALA
P.O. Box 464
Orland, ME 04472 OR
see "donate" button above. IT's EASY!
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL!
Many opportunities for service and fun.
The Invasive Plant Paddle is a great way to learn about our native plants, AND to see the lake! 14 members are currently in training for identifying aquatic plant species.
Contact Katie Greenman for more info.
Courtesy Boat Inspections at the Hatchery needs volunteers. Contact Charlie Dodge.
Join the Water-Quality Testing Team
There are always educational opportunities through ALA. The Monitoring team checks monthly for phosphorus levels, water clarity and dissolved oxygen. Note May 2019 report below in "links".
Coutesy Boat Inspections --second summer
Volunteers are Needed
Training is necessary, but you don't have to become an invasive plant expert. People skills are more important. Last year's volunteers enjoyed meeting a variety of boaters of all ages and boat types. Consider joining us for 2021!
Below are some links with information:
https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/invasives/cbi-handbook.pdf
Brief History
"Alamoosook" traditionally means "place of many fishes".
Thousands of years ago, the Red Paint people lived and fished here. Their well made tools may still be found. Robert Treat built the first dam in 1775, and the lake would be used for water power from then on, with mills being built on at least 3 inlets as well as the outlet, and the first national fish hatchery on another inlet. Camps began being built after the Civil War: Captain Emerson of the Boston-Bangor boat at the outlet (Emerson Point), the Blodgett family at Beechwood, the Buck Family at Meadow Brook, the Pattersons, Homers, Gardners, and Auchus on the west side, the Randalls on Dead River, and the Atkins (Hatchery founder) at the Craig Brook inlet. As things got busier and access got easier, some of the camp owners got together with the idea of protecting the pristine quality of the lake. Early leaders Patterson, Emerson, Randall, Atkins and Gilliland (Frog Rock) incorporated the association in 1916. Besides family vacation time, camps became a major part of lake history until the 1960's. Alamoosook Island Camp, Camp Sparta, & Beechwood Camp for Girls exerted a profound influence on a couple of generations, their legacies still apparent on the lake. A history was published in 2012: "Alamoosook: the Lake, the People, the Stories."
Look in "Photo Gallery" for some historic photos.
Our partners
Maine Lakes Society--check out Web seminar below!
This group is made up of lake associations like ours, banding together to aid each other with information and influence.
Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District
For final reports from the 319 Grant for the Alamoosook Watershed, scroll down.
Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery
The United States' first national fish hatchery is located on Alamoosook's shores. The staff members and educational facilities have enhanced our community for 150 years.
Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust
Part of the conserved land touches Alamoosook's shores, and the presence of the Trust has greatly enhanced our community.
Lake Stewards of Maine
Volunteer Lake Monitoring is now Lake Stewards of Maine. They help us with the IPP. www.lakestewardsofmaine.org
Need info?
Be aware of new laws in Maine regarding septic systems:https://watchiclake.org/2019/05/12/new-law-requires-septic-system-inspections-for-me-lakefront-properties-starting-in-2020/