Midcoast Conservancy, with support from a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant, has partnered with the Maine Cyanobacteria Group to launch a free poster and radio campaign as harmful algal blooms become a growing summer risk. 

"Maine is known for its natural beauty with sparkling freshwater lakes and ponds," said Midcoast Conservancy. "However, in warmer months algal blooms can develop in some bodies of freshwater, turning those pristine waters murky green. Cyanobacteria blooms, sometimes called blue-green algae, can produce toxins that pose serious health risks to young children and pets, including skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and in severe cases, more dangerous neurological or liver effects."

The free, printer-friendly poster gives municipalities, lake associations, conservation groups, and individual residents a ready-to-use tool, according to the Conservancy. It can be customized with local details, including recent water testing results, current bloom status, and local contact information, making it adaptable for lakes and ponds across the state. The material also provides guidance and links to Maine DEP for reporting suspected blooms.

The free, downloadable PDF is available on Midcoast Conservancy’s website: midcoastconservancy.org/cyano.   

This project was funded in part by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, in which proceeds from the sale of a dedicated instant lottery ticket (currently Leap for Loot) are used to support outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation. For more information about MOHF, go to www.maine.gov/ifw/mohf.