TLIS Focus On Our Volunteers
Courtesy Boat Inspector
Ann Knausenberger
By: Buddy Potts
Volunteers who work to protect our beautiful Tacoma Lakes are the unsung heroes of the Tacoma Lakes Improvement Society. Ann Knausenberger is one of our courtesy boat inspectors this summer, working at the Woodbury Pond Boat Ramp.
Ann is lovely young lady with a friendly and engaging personality. On a recent sunny Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure to watch her interact with boaters, as she inspected boats going into and out of the lake. She greeted each boater with a pleasant smile, explaining the purpose of the inspection. She looked over each boat and trailer very carefully, looking for any evidence of invasive plants. She also completed paperwork required for each inspection. Watching her I could not help but wonder, why would a young person spend a beautiful summer afternoon looking over boats and trailers?
My first question was pretty simple, “Why do you do this?” Ann smiled and replied, “I think this is important. I believe in protecting our environment and our lakes.” I asked, “Do you enjoy this work?” “I enjoy this very much. I’ve learned a great deal about boats and fishing.” I then asked, “Is there anything you don’t like about being an inspector?” Ann was quick to reply, “It isn’t much fun when it is raining.” I asked her how people respond to her inspections. She said, “Most people are receptive and understand that we want to protect the lakes. Almost everyone cooperates with the inspections. I’ve only had a few people give me a hard time.” I wondered how she learned how to be an inspector. Ann said, “I was taught how important it is to inspect both going into and out of the water.” I wondered, “Have you found any invasive plants so far?” She replied “Thankfully, no. Most boats are very clean. Some trailers have grass from where they are parked, but I’ve not seen any milfoil so far.” My last question was “Do you feel this job is worthwhile?” Ann thought for a second and said “This has been very worthwhile. I am helping to preserve Maine’s environment.”
Indeed she is helping preserve Maine’s environment. All of us who live on or visit the Tacoma Lakes owe a great deal to every one of our courtesy boat inspectors. Thank you Ann, and thank you to each and everyone who has helped to made this program successful.
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