Our Story

They recognized that safeguarding Cobbossee Lake required protecting the entire interconnected network of lakes, ponds, and streams that flow into the Watershed. Collaborating with the Cobbossee Watershed District – established in 1973 to monitor and remediate water quality – they saw the need for broader community involvement. To mobilize shorefront owners, businesses, and recreationists, The Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (now doing business as “Watershed Friends”) was formed in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

From the outset, Watershed Friends focused on combating two major threats: non-point source pollution and the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). These challenges threaten not only the ecological health of the watershed but also its significant contributions to the Kennebec County community. Clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and conserved open spaces are foundational to our region’s economy and quality of life. Our healthy watershed is the cornerstone in supporting our vibrant tourism economy and sustaining local property values.

Over two decades, Friends grew its impact. Starting with two full-time staff, the organization expanded to six year-round employees by 2023, with seasonal staff growing from a handful of Conservation Corps members to over 40 team members annually.

In 2024, faced with financial constraints, Friends made the difficult decision to streamline its programs. While the Education and Slow-the-Flow initiatives were discontinued, the organization redoubled its conservation efforts. Today, Friends is fully focused on preventing, detecting, and mitigating AIS, a critical threat to the watershed’s future.

Looking ahead, Watershed Friends is collaborating with lake associations, municipalities, and other partners to build a financially sustainable model for protecting these vital waters. Together, we are working to secure the ecological and economic integrity of the watershed for generations to come.

We remain profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of donors, local businesses, municipalities, and volunteers who share our vision.

To learn more or join us in this mission, call 207-395-5239.

Together, we can ensure the waters of the Cobbosseecontee Watershed remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.