Androscoggin Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Androscoggin Lake |
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 Androscoggin Lake
Location in Maine
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| Location | Androscoggin and Kennebec County, Maine |
| Coordinates | 44°19′27″N 70°05′04″W / 44.32417°N 70.08444°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 4.5 mi (7.2 km) |
| Max. width | 2.8 mi (4.5 km) |
| Surface area | 3,826 acres (1,548 ha) |
| Average depth | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Max. depth | 38 ft (12 m) |
| Water volume | 23,892 acre⋅ft (29,470,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 269 ft (82 m) |
| Islands | Androscoggin Island, Blodgett Island, Lothrop Island, Norris Island |
| Settlements | Wayne and Leeds, Maine |
Androscoggin Lake is a beautiful body of water. It is located in the towns of Wayne and Leeds, Maine in Maine, USA. The lake covers a large area, about 3,826 acres. It is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long and 2.8 miles (4.5 km) wide.
Androscoggin Lake is not very deep. Its average depth is about 15 feet (4.6 m). The deepest part is about 38 feet (11.6 m). Because it is shallow, the water gets quite warm in summer. The temperature is usually the same from the top to the bottom. This makes it a "homothermous" lake.
There are four islands in the lake. They are Androscoggin Island, Blodgett Island, Lothrop Island, and Norris Island. These islands are special because they are home to many rare species of plants and animals. They also have unique natural areas. The areas around the Dead River are very important. This river connects the lake to the Androscoggin River. The islands are also important nesting spots for birds. These birds include bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. Lothrop Island has interesting black sand beaches. These beaches are important for geological study. They also have several rare plants.
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Life Around the Lake
Androscoggin Lake is not heavily developed. The towns of Wayne and Leeds are small. Each town has fewer than 2,500 people. This helps keep the lake area natural.
Public Access
There is one public boat landing. You can find it off Route 133 in Wayne. This is the only public spot to launch a boat onto the lake. The northern and eastern parts of the lake are part of the Winthrop Lakes Region.
Summer Camps
Androscoggin Lake is an important water source for Camp Androscoggin. This is a summer camp for boys. It is located right on the lake shore. Another summer camp, Camp Tekakwitha, is also on the lake. It is located at the southern tip in Leeds.
Keeping the Lake Clean
The lake's water stays clean thanks to the Androscoggin Lake Dam. This dam is located at the end of the Dead River in Leeds. It was built in 1940. The dam helps to keep the lake water pure and healthy.
Fish and Wildlife
Many different kinds of fish live in Androscoggin Lake. Fishing is a popular activity here. You can fish all year round if you have the right permit.
Fish Species
Some of the most common fish you might catch are:
Other fish that are found less often include:
Rare Plants
A very special plant called the cattail sedge grows on Androscoggin Lake. This plant is rare and endangered. Androscoggin Lake is the only place in Maine where this plant has been found. Its exact location is kept secret to protect it.
