China Lake Watershed Restoration Project
China, Vassalboro & Windsor, Maine – Strong local partnerships, supported by a $100,000 federal Clean Water Act grant, resulted in significant progress toward restoring China Lake.
Ecological Instincts served as Project Coordinator for this two-year Section 319 project in the China Lake watershed under contract with the Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District (KCSWCD). The project featured a targeted Buffer Campaign that resulted in native plantings at 50 lakeside properties, along with a hands-on buffer workshop, two live-stake demonstrations, a gravel road workshop, and a small farm workshop. Project staff completed 47 residential and 19 non-residential site visits and implemented erosion control projects at 15 properties throughout the watershed.
Ecological Instincts developed detailed erosion control site plans, administered cost-share agreements with landowners, and served as overall project manager. As a result of this work, an estimated 42 tons per year of sediment, 34 pounds per year of phosphorus, and 89 pounds per year of nitrogen are prevented from entering China Lake, and 221 feet of shoreline were protected.
Project partners included the China Lake Association (CLA), China Region Lakes Alliance, Kennebec Water District (KWD), Vassalboro Conservation Commission, Maine Environmental Solutions, and watershed municipalities. Funding for this project was provided in part through a U.S. EPA Clean Water Act Section 319 grant, with additional local match support from watershed partners and local businesses.