Grants for Boothbay property owners to address runoff and erosion problems within the Adams Pond and Knickerbocker Lake watersheds are still available.

In May, the Boothbay Region Water District was awarded a $10,000 state grant to fund “lakescaping” consultations and grants for watershed property owners. The Water District Board of Trustees also voted to dedicate watershed program funds to the project. In late May, the district sent letters to 15 watershed property owners offering them the opportunity to participate in the grant program. So far, six landowners have responded.

Since funds are still available, the district is now offering the grant to all property owners within the watershed. Priority will be given to erosion and runoff problems determined most likely to affect water quality due to their proximity to either lake or tributary streams. Grants will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are expended.

Grant monies are limited to $1,000 per property and will be provided from the water district directly to the property owner to fund projects to reduce erosion and runoff. These projects may include rain gutters, rain barrels, runoff diverters, native plant buffers or erosion control mulching for bare soils.

A representative from Knox Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation will help grant applicants design a project to fit their needs, budget and interest. The grants will be offered on a 50/50 basis with the water district funding up to $1,000 for half of the cost and the homeowners funding the other half. The homeowners’ portion of the funding can include materials, contractor’s fees or their own labor.

The first step for anyone interested in the grant program is to contact Sue Mello at 207-633-4723, ext. 111. A site visit will then be scheduled to walk your property with you and to develop recommendations to address runoff and erosion. There is no charge for the visit or recommendations and no obligation to do any work recommended.

Property owners whose property has already been visited are reminded to contact the water district before beginning any work.