|
| |
2007 Program Highlights
- The Pushaw Partners Watershed project was in its second year of a
multi-phase project, designed to improve the water quality of Pushaw Lake.
The District worked on a grant from Maine DEP to install Best Management
Practices (BMPs) on the lake in Hudson and Glenburn.
- The District worked with the Bangor Bass Club, the Greater Pushaw Lake
Association, the Town of Orono and the University of Maine Cooperative
Extension to install an expansive demonstration site on Pushaw Lake. This
site highlights conservation practices that anyone can install to protect
water quality on Pushaw Lake. The site includes two rain gardens and a
“Lakeside Landscape”.
- The USDA sponsored Kenduskeag Stream Watershed PL-566 is now nearing
completion. Over the past 16 years we have worked with 42 farms in the
watershed. Over $2 million has been provided in cost share assistance,
relating to over $3 million in conservation practice installation.
- The District and the Cooperative Extension have continued to work with
the Town of Lincoln to help them protect their 13 lakes and ponds. In 2007
we surveyed Crooked, Upper and Folsom Ponds. These surveys were completed
using grant funding from the Maine DEP. In 2008 we will survey Cambalasse,
Center and Stump Ponds. The purpose of these surveys is to compile a list of
non-point source polluting sites that can be addressed in the future to
protect water quality on these water bodies.
- The Town of Lincoln requested a “Lakeside Landscape” on Mattanawcook
Lake’s shoreline next to the Junior High School. The District designed and
implemented the installation of this buffer. Bessie worked with the seventh
grade science classes to install this 134 X 25 foot buffer.
- The District once again provided LakeSmart evaluations to lakefront
owners in Dexter. During an evaluation District staff looks at the property
evaluating several categories including lawns, shorefronts, buffers, etc. In
2007 14 properties were reviewed.
- In an effort to increase our educational outreach the District kicked of
Project Conservation Education. Through this project the district provides
educational programs for children and adults. During the 2007 portion of
this school year we have already worked with 315 children in schools
throughout the county.
- In 2007 There were four natural resource priorities identified by our
Local Working Group that are addressed by EQIP Funding. Through EQIP 23 new
contracts were funded in 2007, totaling over $1.2 million of cost-share
assistance, which will be used to sustain and improve natural resources in
Penobscot County.
- We provided advisory assistance to many Penobscot County Municipalities
and citizens on soil testing, soil fertility, and erosion control measures
at construction sites and shore frontage. We also provide soils maps , flood
plain area maps, and aerial photography including interpretive assistance on
these topics.
- NRCS staff assisted a number of producers in complying with Maine
Nutrient Management Laws. In 2007, 6 producers were provided extensive
technical assistance in completing Conservation Projects that were partially
funded by grants from the Maine Department of Agriculture.
- We would like to thank all of our more than 300 customers who
participated in our Wildlife Tree and Shrub Sale, Trout Sale and Bulb Sale
in 2007. Remember when you buy from us you help support all of the great
programs you just read about!
|
Penobscot County
Soil & Water Conservation District
