Scott Williams, former executive director of Lake Stewards of Maine of Auburn and a consulting lake and watershed scientist, plans this month to discuss the impacts that climate change and development is having on Maine lakes.

The virtual presentation, hosted by Bethel’s Androscoggin River Watershed Council, is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, via Zoom.

While many think of climate change impacting coastal areas and our rivers, Maine’s lakes are also at risk from the warming temperatures and more frequent and intense precipitation events. Williams will discuss the implications of climate change that may include more frequent algae blooms and proliferation of invasive species amongst other impacts, according to a news release from Fergus Lea, watershed council chair.

The watershed council is perhaps best known for the Source to Sea paddle that invited canoers, kayakers and paddle boarders to join the multi-day event as it made its way from Lake Umbagog to Merrymeeting Bay. The council also presents many other events, such as the annual Watershed Conference and workshops on topics impacting the Androscoggin Watershed.

The council additionally has coordinated a number of projects to improve brook trout passage in both Maine and New Hampshire and to address erosion and nutrient enrichment of many lakes in the region.

On Monday, Feb. 12, the council will present another Zoom on climate change, to be presented by the staff at the Center for an Ecology Based Economy.

To register for the Jan. 17 session, email flea.arwc@gmail.com.

To learn more, visit androscogginwatershed.org.

 

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