The Town of Belgrade Board of Selectpersons has approved up to $30,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to address erosion control at five Town-owned properties that border local lakes. 7 Lakes Alliance's Youth Conservation Corps will perform the erosion-control work.
The Selectboard unanimously approved the funding, which the federal government provided during the pandemic as part of a package to assist municipal and county governments with local needs.
The erosion control measures will mitigate harmful stormwater runoff into the lakes. Runoff sweeps dirt into waterbodies, and algae feeds off the phosphorus in soils. Left unaddressed, runoff risks algal blooms that turn lake water unhealthy for recreation, fisheries and wildlife.
"We are thankful and proud for the opportunity to partner with the Town of Belgrade to protect water quality in the community's lakes," said Anthony Wilson, 7 Lakes director of communications and operations. "Belgrade is walking its talk about the importance of conserving the lakes. 7 Lakes would relish the opportunity to engage in these sorts of collaboration across the watershed."
Erosion control will be performed at the following Town of Belgrade properties:
Peninsula Park, which borders Long Pond in the Belgrade Lakes village. The YCC will divert stormwater runoff into berms, establish hardened paths, plant vegetative buffers along the shore, and address a stump that is the remnant of a 2021 microburst.
Long Pond Beach, a popular swimming hole also in the village. The YCC will divert stormwater into a ditch, build terraces to slow runoff, plant vegetative buffers, and better define parking areas with bluestone.
Hayden Park, which is on the Belgrade Stream adjacent to Messalonskee Lake. Along with diverting runoff and planting vegetative buffers, the YCC will place riprap to fortify the shoreline and will mulch the area.
Center for All Seasons on Great Pond's shore. The YCC will divert runoff and plant vegetative buffers, along with laying bluestone in the driveway and a gravel parking area, and mulch.
North Belgrade Community Center, which is adjacent to Salmon Lake. 7 Lakes will plant vegetation to slow runoff and divert stormwater into the vegetation and will lay bluestone in the driveway and gravel parking area, and mulch.
The Youth Conservation Corps installs erosion-control measures at a greatly reduced labor rate. Property owners pay for the cost of materials, which 7 Lakes procures. 7 Lakes also secures any necessary permitting associated with a shoreland project.
To explore the possibility of erosion control projects on public or private properties, contact Erosion Control Project Coordinator Stuart Cole at stuart.cole@7lakesalliance.org or 207-495-6039.
Comments