West Harbor Pond

The West Harbor Pond Watershed Association (WHPWA) is a community organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the water, wildlife, and recreational character of West Harbor Pond in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The 84-acre freshwater lake is part of a watershed linking Knickerbocker Lake with the town’s inner harbor and the Gulf of Maine. Its fish, birds, and other wildlife, along with its quiet shoreline, make the pond an important local natural resource.

The association supports conservation through water-quality monitoring and collaboration with Lake Stewards of Maine. Volunteers have collected water-transparency data since 2010 and have also monitored temperature and dissolved oxygen. WHPWA shares information about the pond’s history, wildlife, water quality, and responsible use, including guidance on motorized watercraft.

The organization also brings residents and visitors together through educational talks, annual meetings, seasonal events, and the Great West Harbor Pond Fishing Derby. Its website features photographs, news, meeting notes, and information about pond activities. Community members can join the association or donate to help fund its work caring for the pond.