We check it so you don’t wreck it
Tacoma Lakes are at its best when the only things growing in them are the ones that belong there. That’s why our Certified Boat Inspection (CBI) check vessels for invasive plant species that love to hitch a ride on trailers, props, and that one mystery corner no one ever remembers to clean.
A quick inspection helps protect water quality, local wildlife, and your favorite fishing spots—plus it ensures that the only green you’re bringing onto Tacoma Lake is envy from other boaters admiring your spotless ride.
Woodbury Pond Boat Launch Inspections
Do you want to help?
As you may know, aquatic invasive plants are living in several bodies of water very close to our beloved lakes. Annabessacook Lake, Cobbossee Lake, Cobbossee Stream, Pleasant Pond and Purgatory Stream all have invasive plants!
With the Woodbury boat launch being among the busiest in the Cobbossee Watershed, the need for Certified Boat Inspectors is critical. Catching invasive BEFORE they enter our lakes is the number one defense against the spread. Currently the Tacoma Lakes Association spends thousands of dollars annually, to staff the boat launch with inspectors on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months, as well as on holidays. This leaves Monday through Wednesday with no inspections.
TLA is seeking volunteers to help cover these open days. Training is quick, approximately 1 hour, and can be easily arranged! Shifts are extremely flexible! Typically the busiest hours at any boat launch are from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with another spike between 2 and 3 p.m.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
For more information please reach out to any of our board members, or to President, Jim Adams at 240-6539
Do your part to protect Maine waters
from invasive AQUATIC plants and animals.
CLEAN plant debris, mud, algae and animals from boat, trailer, motor, fishing gear and other equipment. Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing back into the water.
DRAIN all water from boat (live well, bilge water, engine, etc) and other equipment away from the lake.
DRY everything that comes into contact with the water (including your boat, trailer and equipment.) Wipe with a towel before reuse.
AVOID FINES as outlined below:
fines up to $2,500 for transporting any aquatic plant or failing to drain watercraft before launching
fines up to $500 for failing to affix the invasive species sticker to your motorized craft (including seaplanes).
To report a violation, call DEP at 800-452-4664
Illustration courtesy of Maine DEP