Messalonskee Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Messalonskee Lake |
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 Messalonskee Lake
Location in Maine
Messalonskee Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Belgrade Lakes Region, Maine |
| Coordinates | 44°29′N 69°47′W / 44.48°N 69.79°W |
| Type | Dimictic, marginally eutrophic |
| Primary inflows | Belgrade Stream |
| Primary outflows | Messalonskee Stream |
| Catchment area | 177 sq mi (460 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 8.3 mi (13.4 km) |
| Max. width | 1.4 mi (2.3 km) |
| Surface area | 1,419 ha (3,510 acres) |
| Average depth | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Max. depth | 113 ft (34 m) |
| Water volume | 110,427 acre⋅ft (136,210,000 m3) |
| Residence time | 0.63 years |
| Shore length1 | 30 mi (48 km) |
| Surface elevation | 234 ft (71 m) |
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| Settlements | |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Messalonskee Lake is a beautiful body of water located in the Belgrade Lakes area of Maine. It is surrounded by the towns of Oakland, Sidney, and Belgrade. This long, narrow lake stretches about 9 miles. It was naturally formed by huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, moving across the land a very long time ago. In 1905, a dam was built in Oakland, which made the lake even bigger.
Messalonskee Lake is also often called "Snow Pond." This name comes from Philip Snow, who was one of the first settlers in the area back in 1774.
Contents
Lake History and Importance
Powering the Past
In the early 1900s, the water flowing out of Messalonskee Lake, called Messalonskee Stream, was very important. It provided power for many factories in Oakland. One of these was the Cascade Woolen Mill. There were also factories that made axe heads. Because of these factories, Oakland was once known as the "axehead capital of the world."
How the Lake Was Formed
Messalonskee Lake is a natural lake. It was shaped by powerful forces over millions of years. First, the land was pushed up by continental collisions. Then, during the Ice Age, massive glaciers moved across the area. These glaciers carved out the long, deep basin that became the lake. This process is called glacial scouring.
Wildlife and Nature
Animals of the Lake
Messalonskee Lake is home to many different kinds of animals. You can often spot great blue herons wading in the shallow waters. The lake is also full of fish, including bass, yellow perch, white perch, and sunfish.
Other animals you might see include:
- Painted turtles
- Snapping turtles
- Loons, known for their unique calls
- Sometimes, even Bald Eagles can be seen flying high above the water.
Protecting the Lake
The people who live around Messalonskee Lake care a lot about its health. They have formed a group called the Messalonskee Lake Association. This group works hard to protect the lake and keep it clean for everyone.
Dealing with Invasive Plants
Like some other lakes in Maine, Messalonskee Lake has faced challenges with invasive plants. One plant that has caused problems is Milfoil. These plants can grow very fast and take over parts of the lake. This can harm the native plants and animals.
Fun and Recreation
Messalonskee Lake is a popular spot for summer activities. Many summer camps and places for tourists are located along its shores. One well-known place is the New England Music Camp. This camp was started in 1937 and offers music programs for young people.
