Issue No. 1: The destruction of
Sebago Lake's shores and natural beaches.
This is Songo Beach at Sebago Lake State Park on May 6, 2000. Note
that there is no beach. This is because the SAPPI paper company, which controls
the outlet dam at Sebago, keeps the lake at "full pond" for much
of the spring. A decade of abnormally high water levels has eroded the protective
berm of beach sand here, allowing lake levels to encroach even further into
the wooded area of the park.
Want to have a picnic? Better bring your rubber boots. This is Songo
Beach at Sebago Lake State Park on May 6, 2000. High water levels, as controlled
at the lake's outlet dam, flood the beach, the old growth pines and even
the picnic area at Sebago Lake State Park. Note the two trees in the upper
left corner of the photo. High water levels are eroding their root systems
and causing them to lean and eventually fall. Dozens of trees over a century
old have been killed by high water at the State Park beach in the last decade.
Harmon's Beach, Sebago Lake, May, 2000.
Park your boat right at your front steps at Harmon's Beach. No
worries of getting sand in your shoes here, although you may twist your
ankle on eroded tree roots or an eroded house foundation.
More photos ....
Back to shore ...