State to replace lake channel markers as aid to boater safety

Maine’s Conservation Department has 1,275 navigational aids on 25 of its busiest lakes.

This season, the state is replacing buoys marking center channels and submerged points with those bearing markings consistent with coastal buoys to avoid confusion and enhance safety of boaters.

Lakes with the most buoys are Moosehead in Greenville (192), Sebago near Naples (130), Great Pond in Belgrade (128) and Mooselookmeguntic in Oquossoc (80).

Other lakes with state buoys include Brandy Pond (Naples), China Lake (China), Cobbosseecontee Lake (Monmouth), Eagle Lake (Eagle Lake), Great East Pond (Acton), Horn Pond (Acton), Lake St. George (Liberty), Long Lake (Naples), Long Pond (Belgrade), Maranacook Lake (Winthrop), Messalonskee Lake (Belgrade), Rangeley Lake (Rangeley), Sebec Lake (Dover-Foxcroft), Songo River (Casco), Webb Lake (Weld), Damariscotta Lake (Jefferson) and Tacoma Lakes (Litchfield).

The state has maintenance agreements covering buoys on Embden Pond (Embden), Hancock Pond (Denmark), Mousam Lake (Acton) and Sebasticook Lake (Newport).