Watershed Information

Pushaw Lake has a surface area of 5,056 acres and a direct watershed of 75 square miles including portions of Bangor, Orono, Old Town, Hudson and Glenburn. Each of these communities has established Comprehensive Plans. The lake is located approximately 5 miles north of the city of Bangor and is a part of the larger Penobscot River Watershed. It is a significant environmental, recreational, cultural and economic resource for the greater Bangor area, with several boat launches, public beaches, private campground and cottage rentals in addition to seasonal and year round residences.

With such close proximity to Bangor, the lake continues to experience heavy developmental pressure. Approximately 75% of the shoreline has been developed, while the other 25% remains in a natural setting teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The residential development is extensive along portions of the eastern, southern and western shores. It is estimated that there are approximately 900 camps, cottages and year round homes adjacent to the lake.

The lake is surrounded by some paved roads, but predominantly unpaved dirt roads border the lake. Responsibility for road maintenance varies by town. For example, in the town of Hudson, maintenance is performed by private road associations and in Glenburn; the town maintains the majority of lakeside roads.

The lake supports diverse flora and fauna, including a warm water fishery of yellow perch, pickerel and smallmouth bass. Its wetland areas provide significant waterfowl habitat. According to Keel Kemper, Wildlife Biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, three endangered or threatened species are found in or near Pushaw watershed including the Bald eagle, Yellow Lampmussel and Tide Water Mucket. These species have been adversely affected by human development throughout the watershed.

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