PORTLAND — The Portland Water District’s Board of Trustees have voted to contribute up to $5,000 toward a study officials say will examine ways to increase land preservation in the Crooked River watershed.

The Crooked River stretches 35 miles through Oxford County, draining into Sebago Lake. It is the largest tributary supplying water to Sebago Lake – the water supply for 15 percent of Maine’s population.

Michelle Clements, the Portland Water District’s spokeswoman, said the health of Sebago Lake depends on the health of the Crooked River.

Clements said the funds will be appropriated to support a study by the Loon Echo Land Trust.