Published on August 10, 2020

When you look at a map of Cape Elizabeth, most of the local streams and ponds do not have a name that appears on standard maps. Over time, some of these water bodies acquire names, but it is unclear if town residents are involved in the naming. The Conservation Committee is hoping the public will participate in an online survey to suggest names.

The last two comprehensive plans have recommended that names be assigned to local water bodies. The Town Council referred to the Conservation Committee the following recommendation from the 2019 Comprehensive Plan:

#72 Assign names to significant unnamed bodies of water and streams

The survey will collect suggestions until Aug. 31, 2020. The Conservation Committee will then review suggestions and provide a recommendation to the Town Council.

The Conservation Committee is hoping that the water body names will eventually be used on official Cape Elizabeth maps. To accomplish this, names must be submitted to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey. The Board of Geographic Names requires that "no natural feature be named for a living person. A potential honoree must have been deceased for at least five years, and must have had either a direct and long- term association with the feature, or must have made notable civic contributions." Distinctive names that are not already in use for other water bodies, streets, etc. are preferred.

The survey divides the town into 6 sections, with a map for each section. Using the map for reference, survey responders may type in a name for 1 or more water bodies, and then indicate if their property abuts the water body. The maps show ponds greater than 0.75 acres in size and streams longer than 500 feet.

To submit suggested names, please follow the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W8QTSMC