On the shore of Eagle Lake, a wayside exhibit features an informational panel angled atop a stone base. The exhibit overlooks a view of the lake, which stretches toward mountains in the distance. Nearby, a gentle slope down into the water works as a boat launch. A sign advises visitors to keep clear of the launch area. In winter, "no autos on ice." More text identifies the lake as a public water supply: There is no swimming, no windsurfing, and no pets allowed in the water.
The exhibit's title, "Pristine Waters," appears over a close-up of a calm lake that offers a clear view of the underwater terrain. An image shows water gushing from a faucet into a drinking glass.
"Eagle Lake's cool, crystal-clear waters attract an array of aquatic life - and humans. Besides serving as a wildlife habitat, the lake provides water to the Bar Harbor community. The water is so pure it does not need to be filtered before being treated for drinking. You may use a canoe or kayak, but wading, swimming, windsurfing, and any other body contact are not permitted. As you explore the lake, look for water striders and dragonflies, frogs and turtles, landlocked salmon and lake trout, loons and bald eagles."
An inset shows five examples of the lake's wildlife community:
-a bald eagle, its wings spread in flight. -a water strider, an insect with a thin body and long skinny legs. -a snapping turtle with a snake-like head and ridged shell. -a loon with a black head and black and white patterned back and wings. -and a lake trout, a spotted greenish-gray fish with a thick body.
