Swan Lake could become a pond and river again if town doesn’t buy dam

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 19, 2020

Swan Lake, the second-largest lake in Waldo County, looms over the town of Swanville. Houses and camps line its shores, and in the summers, it’s lively with swimmers and boaters. People picnic at Swan Lake State Park at the northern end, and fish off the dam at the southern outlet. Swanville voters will vote this weekend on the town’s plan to buy the dam from Goose River Hydro Inc., a small hydroelectric power company that owns both it and the water rights to the lake. If residents don’t vote to buy the dam, the consequences could be severe, according to town officials, who said that the lake itself is in jeopardy. Along with the recreational opportunities the lake provides.