SEBAGO — Maine officials say boats traveling up the river that connects busy Sebago and Long lakes in southern Maine will be inspected to slow the migration of milfoil while allowing boaters to continue using the popular waterway.

Beginning this week, the Lakes Environmental Association will have volunteers and state-paid boat inspectors who will be positioned at the Songo Lock on the Songo River. Inspectors will examine the engines and hulls of boats traveling upriver from Sebago Lake into Brandy Pond and on to Long Lake in Naples.

The association last month called for closing the Songo Lock to prevent the spread of milfoil up the river.

But the Department of Environmental Protection says the milfoil problem can be addressed without closing the lock, which would limit access for boaters who use the river.