Return to MLRA Homepage...

 Mousam Lake Region Association

Lake Watch Program
 

Maine Boating Laws
Lake Watch, a program developed by the Mousam Lake Region Association to provide education and assistance to lake visitors.
 
The Lake Watch team will randomly patrol Mousam Lake in a specially marked boat to monitor lake activity and encourage safe boating practices. The team will be available to answer questions and offer information as needed, such as offering this pamphlet to those who may not be aware of Maine’s boating laws or the meaning of the lake markers.
 
In order to maintain a safe and natural environment for all visitors, those who are disrespectful of Maine boating laws or of the lake and its wildlife will be asked to desist. If necessary, the appropriate authorities will be contacted by the Lake Watch team.
 
We ask that you help make the Mousam Lake experience an enjoyable one for all our visitors by following the guidelines contained in this pamphlet. Thank you for your part in making the Lake Watch program a success.
 
Sincerely,
Board of Directors of the
Mousam Lake Region Association
 
If you witness boating violations or environmental abuse, you may report it to the Game Warden

To reach the local Game Warden, please contact the following:

Gray Regional Headquarters

1-207-657-2345

To reach a Game Warden 24 hours a day, please contact the Maine State Police at:
1-800-482-0730

 
 Motor Boats
 
•Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore, rafts, other boats or swimmers.
 
•Must be 12 years or older to operate a boat with more than 10 hp, unless supervised by someone at least 16 years of age.
 
•Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.
 
Personal Watercraft
(Jet Ski or similar type)
 
•Must be 16 years or older to operate.
 
•Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore and from specially marked buoy areas.
 
•No operation between sunset and sunrise.
 
•Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

 
Lake environments are very fragile. For their protection and yours, please keep in mind these basic rules:
 
•Before launching your boat, please make sure that it has been washed clean of any possible plant material that could endanger the lake.
 
•Be careful of spills when refueling or mixing gas.
 
•Keep a container aboard your watercraft for trash and take it with you when you leave.
 
•Always use headway speed only in channels or as otherwise indicated by markers.
 
•Use the toilet facilities provided at the public boat launch ramp or the public beach at the foot of the lake.
 
•Be aware of water skiers and tubers who may cross your path when boating.
 
•Remember to turn on your anchor and navigating lights at dusk.
 
•Please respect the rights and privacy of waterfront property owners by not abusing their property.
 
•Keep a safe distance (100 feet) away from wildlife such as loons and their chicks to prevent injury.
 

Meaning of Lake Marker Symbols
 

®Hazard Area, Shallow Area, Rocks = White marker with orange identifications.
 
®Headway Speed Only  = White marker with orange identifications. Headway speed is defined as the minimum speed required to maintain navigation – NO WAKE.
 
®Black & White Vertical Stripe = Boats should not pass between marker and nearest shore/land.
 

Thank you for your consideration –

Have a great time on Mousam Lake!