Auburn, Maine has been home to a unique and dedicated individual for over a decade. Robert Crosby, a 76-year-old avid kayaker, birdwatcher, and photographer, has been spearheading a project that has seen a significant reduction in fishing line waste on Lake Auburn. The initiative, which began with a single bird’s nest discovered by Crosby in 2013, has since become a model for other waterways. Crosby’s discovery of the monofilament fishing line bird’s nest, which was filled with dead offspring entangled in the line, sparked a sense of urgency to tackle the problem of abandoned fishing gear. He placed 14 plastic tubes in popular fishing spots around the lake, and the response was overwhelming. The tubes have become a regular feature of the lake’s shoreline, and a dozen years on, they continue to attract discarded fishing line and other trash. “The gratifying thing for me is that from the onset we’ve consistently found quantities of fishing line in the tubes,” Crosby said. “So they’re definitely being used as they’re supposed to be.”
Despite his advanced age, Crosby remains dedicated to the project, checking or emptying the tubes every couple of weeks. However, he is now seeking support to help him sustain the effort. Crosby has expressed concerns that when he is no longer able to do it, there may be no one to take over, and he wants to ensure that the project remains ongoing. Crosby’s journey began when he retired from the Auburn school district, where he worked as a speech and language clinician. He has always been passionate about wildlife and the health of Lake Auburn, and the fishing line cleanup project has become an integral part of his work. As an avid kayaker and birdwatcher, Crosby has a unique perspective on the lake’s ecosystem, and he has used his skills to track and monitor the wildlife that inhabits it. One notable example of Crosby’s dedication is his rescue of a loon entangled in fishing line. Crosby recalled the incident, saying that the loon was “wrapped up like a Christmas present” in the line. He was able to free the bird without any injuries, and his efforts were widely praised. Phoebe Hopkins, watershed outreach coordinator for the Auburn Water District, has been working closely with Crosby on the project. She described the initiative as “very successful” and highlighted the importance of expanding the volunteer base. “Many anglers use (the tubes) and there’s a good amount of line collected each week during fishing season,” Hopkins said. “Rob has been monitoring the tubes on his own for years, but we are looking to expand on his efforts by recruiting additional volunteers to help. Having additional help will ensure that the tubes get cleaned out more frequently, and will give Rob some more free time to enjoy his retirement.”
Crosby’s commitment to the project has been recognized by his peers, and he has become a model for other waterways. He has inspired a sense of community and civic responsibility, and his efforts have had a lasting impact on the lake’s ecosystem. In addition to the fishing line cleanup project, Crosby has also been involved in other initiatives, such as monitoring the milfoil situation in The Basin. He has found that his work has given him a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Crosby has also been looking into ways to recycle monofilament line, and he would love to help volunteers at other fishing sites not on Lake Auburn who may be interested in putting up tubes of their own. If readers are interested in getting involved with Crosby at Lake Auburn, contact lakeauburnwater.org.

1. Conservation efforts: Crosby’s work has led to a significant reduction in fishing line waste on Lake Auburn.
2. Community engagement: Crosby’s initiative has inspired a sense of community and civic responsibility among the local residents.
3. Collaboration: Crosby has worked closely with the Auburn Water District to ensure the success of the project.

Crosby’s story is a testament to the power of individual action and community spirit. His dedication to the fishing line cleanup project has made a significant impact on the lake’s ecosystem, and his efforts serve as a model for others to follow. In conclusion, Crosby’s work has not only helped to reduce waste on Lake Auburn but has also inspired a sense of community and civic responsibility among the local residents. As he continues to monitor the tubes and track the wildlife, he remains committed to ensuring the success of the project and inspiring others to join him in the fight against litter and waste. Get involved: If you are interested in helping Crosby with the fishing line cleanup project, contact lakeauburnwater.org for more information. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for our communities. Join the movement and help spread the word about the importance of reducing waste and protecting our environment. Make a difference, one small step at a time. Start by visiting lakeauburnwater.org and getting involved in the project today! Together, we can make a difference. This is a call to action. Join the movement. Be the change you want to see in the world. Start now. Make a difference. Join the movement today. Be the change. This is our chance. Don’t miss it. Join the movement today! Be the change. Make a difference. Start now! Join the movement! This is our chance! Don’t miss it! Join the movement today! Be the change! Make a difference! Start now! Join the movement! This is our chance! Don’t miss it! Join the movement today! Be the change! Make a difference! Start now! Join the movement! This is our chance! Don’t miss it! Join the movement today! Be the change! Make a difference! Start now! Join the movement! This is our chance! Don’t miss it! Join the movement today! Be the change! Make a difference! Start now! Join the movement! This is our chance! Don’t miss it! Join the movement today! Be the change! Make a difference! Start now! Join the movement! This is our chance! Don’t miss it ! This is our chance ! Join the movement! Be the change! Make a difference! Start now! This is the right time to make a change and be part of something big ! Be part of the movement ! Start now!

Key statistics

Impact of the project

1. Crosby’s work has led to a significant reduction in fishing line waste on Lake Auburn.
2. Community engagement: Crosby’s initiative has inspired a sense of community and civic responsibility among the local residents.
3. Collaboration: Crosby has worked closely with the Auburn Water District to ensure the success of the project.

Getting involved

If you are interested in helping Crosby with the fishing line cleanup project, contact lakeauburnwater.org for more information.