Conserving Forests for Clean Water

A Rare and Critical Resource

Sebago Lake is one of only 50 surface drinking water supplies in the country that requires no filtration before treatment. One out of six Mainers (more than 200,000 people) and Maine’s fastest growing businesses depend on this pristine resource. The forests that serve as the wellspring for these waters create, filter, and sustain this exceptionally pure water supply.

The Challenge

The 234,000-acre Sebago watershed is 84 percent forestland. With only 10 percent of this region conserved, it represents one of the Northeast’s most vulnerable watersheds. A U.S. Forest Service study identified the Sebago watershed at high risk of losing important forestland to development pressure. It is imperative to increase the pace of conservation to avoid significant infrastructure costs and protect the watershed’s many natural values.

The Solution

Our collaborative initiative comprised of conservation organizations and a regional water utility aims to engage individuals, communities, and businesses in helping to protect 25 percent (35,000 more acres) of the Sebago Lake watershed in the next 15 years. To enable these conservation efforts, we will raise $15 million from public and private funding sources.