Here in the Belgrade Lakes watershed, it is important to remember that the quality of our water depends on the health of our lands. Undeveloped land is the best filter for preventing phosphorus from eroding into the lakes and causing algal blooms. Climate change and changing weather patterns are bringing more intense rain events, increasing the amount of run-off that carries phosphorus into our waters. Therefore, land conservation provides critical protection of the lakes and their tributaries that define the Belgrade Lakes watershed.

7 Lakes Alliance leads the charge year-round against the threat of green lakes, as well as invasive aquatic plants in our waters. In addition to our extensive water quality initiatives, land conservation is a critical component of our work to ensure the health of our waters.

Currently, nearly 12,000 acres, or 10% of the watershed, is protected from development. Nationally recognized conservation principles suggest that closer to 30% of land should be conserved to better protect water quality and habitat for wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities. Reaching this target over the next decade is an ambitious, yet reachable, goal with the support of everyone who values the timeless beauty of our lakes and lands. With finite and diminishing acreage of undeveloped land available for conservation, the time to act is now.

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The Belgrade Lakes Watershed has never needed you more! Thanks to a generous donor, your contribution will be doubled with a dollar-for-dollar match through September 30, 2023. Help 7 Lakes invest in the future of our lakes and lands!