Summer in Maine is one of my favorite times of year. With farmers markets, state fairs and local festivals all in full swing, there’s lots to do in our community and across the state. It is also a fantastic time to get outside.

We’re lucky here in Maine to have so many state parks and historic sites to explore. Our beaches and lakes are my favorite places to visit during the summer months – especially Sebago Lake State Park, right in our backyard. It is one of 12 state parks that offer campsites if you’re looking for an overnight adventure close to home. To learn more about recreational options on public lands, visit the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/

This has been one of the hottest summers in recent memory, so getting to the beach has been a great way to stay cool and spend time with family this year. Unfortunately, this past winter, many of our favorite spots were severely impacted by storm damage. With historic levels of flooding, erosion and damage to iconic Maine landmarks and vital working waterfront infrastructure, our beloved coastline has changed shape in a major way.

In response, my colleagues and I in the Legislature made significant investments to help coastal communities recover and to bolster local resources so that municipalities can be better prepared for the future impacts of severe weather events. We are investing $60 million in storm relief for public infrastructure repair and improvement and grants for impacted businesses and organizations. This support will go a long way toward helping communities rebuild so that we can continue to enjoy all that our beloved coast has to offer.

Changing conditions are affecting inland communities, too. Maine has some of the country’s most pristine freshwater lakes and ponds, which support high quality habitat for fish and wildlife as well as endless opportunities for recreation. Unfortunately, invasive species are posing increasingly serious risks to these natural resources. Infestations result in habitat disruption and harm the environment. They also affect residents directly, causing decreased property values, diminished water quality, and reduced fishing and water recreation opportunities.

The introduction of invasive species of fish, plants and diseases usually occurs as a result of human activity. Some examples include illegal stocking of fish like carp, Eurasian milfoil from boat and gear transport, and zebra mussels from engine cooling water and live wells. We know how it happens, which means we can take steps to prevent it.

Once an aquatic invasive species is established, it is extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate. And it is not always successful, potentially causing permanent damage to the spaces we have enjoyed for generations. That’s why prevention is key. To ensure that our inland bodies of water remain in good condition, with healthy ecosystems for all to enjoy, it’s critical that we act to protect Maine’s lakes and rivers. This session, we increased funding to improve the prevention and control of these invasive aquatic species.

There are also simple ways we can all help mitigate the spread of these harmful critters. If you plan to take a boat out on the water this summer, please be sure you’re not bringing invasive species along for the ride. You can visit mainelakes.org to learn more about how to do your part to protect our inland waters. If you’re interested in finding out more about preserving our lands and waters while enjoying the Maine outdoors this summer, I would love to hear from you. As always, you can reach me at (207) 287-1430 or maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov.

Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry, D-Gorham, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is the House Majority Leader, where she serves as head of the Democratic caucus. Outside of her legislative work, Rep. Terry is a chef and small business owner. Contact her at maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov.