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BELGRADE LAKES – Maine Lakes Society has hired Brooke Hafford MacDonald, of Levant, as the LakeSmart program manager.
LakeSmart is the society’s signature program working with lake associations and volunteer evaluators who meet with lakefront owners and help identify ways they can reduce runoff and erosion on their property to protect lake water quality.
MacDonald recently completed an master’s of science in ecology and environmental sciences at the University of Maine, where she studied lead poisoning in Maine’s Common Loons and attitudes about lead tackle. She has worked as a ranger in Acadia National Park and as a field biologist with Biodiversity Research Institute.
“Brooke brings to MLS a deep knowledge of social science and an understanding of the many factors that motivate, or limit, behavior change,” said Susan Gallo, MLS’ executive director. “Her energy and enthusiasm for working with people and volunteers, along with her background in ecology and conservation, make her an incredibly valuable asset for the LakeSmart program and a great new addition to the MLS staff team,” she added. Gallo also noted “LakeSmart had its most active year in 2019, with more than 250 evaluations; and as MLS enters its 50th anniversary year, we are looking to expand the program even more.”
MacDonald replaces veteran LakeSmart program manager Maggie Shannon, who has retired after more than 15 years with the society. LakeSmart was established by the Maine Department of Environmental Protectionin 2003 but was transferred to MLS in 2013 after Shannon, then executive director of MLS, worked tirelessly with DEP staff on a successful plan to use volunteer evaluators. Under Shannon’s supervision, the program has grown exponentially.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to lead LakeSmart and build on the momentum Maggie has built over the last seven years,” said MacDonald. “LakeSmart is unique in its use of trusted community members from local lake associations to deliver messages to neighbors and friends about best practices for pollution reduction. The neighbor-to-neighbor transmission of information is the key that motivates behavior change. I’m excited to work on this innovative program that has already been replicated in other states like New Hampshire and Vermont.”
Formed as a non-profit, charitable membership organization named the Congress of Lake Associations in 1970, Maine Lakes Society has since catalyzed and supported the state’s numerous grassroots lake associations; provided science-based lake and watershed information to the public, lake users, activists and government decision-makers; and advocated strenuously for strong stewardship through wise land use.
For more information, visit www.mainelakessociety.org or email info@mainelakessociety.org.
