Progress 09/15/03 to 09/14/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Water Quality Outreach Outputs: Landscape/Buffer/Rain Garden trainings: A major issue with lakefront property is the conversion of the natural landscape to the suburban-style lawn. Through LEAP, twenty-four presentations, workshops and trainings on lake-friendly landscaping were delivered during the project period. Audiences ranged from landscapers and master gardeners to lakefront residents, Soil and Water Conservation District staff, town officials, Extension staff and other professionals, and garden club members. Information was further disseminated through demonstration projects and publications. Watershed trainings: Over the project period, nineteen workshops/workshop series were delivered covering the topic of lake and watershed science. Based on the popular Maine Watershed Stewards Program, each lake-based workshop series was developed to meet the needs of the specific targeted audience. Many of the programs require volunteer service activities in return for the
training, including documentation of soil erosion in a lake watershed, and outreach activities. Trainees are expected to further disseminate lake science information to other lakefront landowners through one-on-one contact, and their own lake association meetings, and through their newsletters. Watershed Alliance/Youth Education: Seven specialized trainings based on the UVM Watershed Alliance model were implemented during the project period. In New Hampshire, this took the form of a college-level course, in Maine it involved an AmeriCorps Environmental Educator working in local schools in nine communities. Partnerships with local Stormwater Phase II communities have led to long-term funding for continued efforts in Maine. In New Hampshire, the UNH Watershed Ecology Institute trained 8 K-12 teachers and 2 decision-makers. Outreach Trainings: Nine outreach trainings for lake groups (based on the New Hampshire NROC process) were held during the project period. During these trainings,
each group creates a LOGIC-model based outreach plan. As these plans are implemented, lake protection related information is disseminated to the lake group's target audience (other lakefront landowners, town officials, town road crews, etc.). Youth Conservation Corps: Twelve Youth Corps efforts occurred on multiple lakes over the project period. Trained students implemented best management practices, including lakefront buffer installations. These students also disseminated lake protection information to lakefront landowners. Information is shared at an annual Youth Corps training in Maine, developed and hosted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Outputs associated with Youth Corps include Training programs developed for training interns and youths; Survey developed for youth teams to use with residents to identify potential NPS pollution threats; and an NPS and buffer educational material packet for distribution by youth teams to lakeshore residents. Other outputs
include example landscape designs for lakefront properties and demonstration projects to show buffers that are both effective for water quality protection and appealing.
PARTICIPANTS: ME LEAP participants: Project Director: Laura Wilson, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. AmeriCorps Environmental Educators/Volunteer Leaders (4): Tara Goodrich, 2004; Lyndsey Monroe, 2005; Michael Dennett, 2005; Katy Green, 2006. AmeriCorps Environmental Educators/Volunteer Leaders designed and ran the Youth Corps and Watershed Survey/Following the Flow portions of LEAP. They provided supervision to student workers, coordinated with Landowners, and LEAP partner organizations: Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, Penobscot County Soil and Water Conservation District, Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Portland Water District, Kalmia Landscape Designs, Branch Pond Association, Pushaw Lake Association, Lake Winnecook Association, Coleman Pond Association, Megunticook Lake Association, Belgrade Lakes Association, Great Moose Lake Association, Sebasticook Lake Association, Green Lake
Association, Phillips Lake Watch, City of Ellsworth, Town of Lincoln, Bangor Area Stormwater Group (Municipalities of Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, Orono, Hampden, Veazie and Milford, Maine). Collaborators: UNH Cooperative Extension, UVM Extension/Lake Champlain Sea Grant, Maine Master Gardener Program, Portland Water District, UMaine Cooperative Extension. VT LEAP Participants Project Director: Jurij Homziak, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, University of Vermont. Contractor: Marli Rupe, Coordinator, Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District. Partner Organization: Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District, Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, Northwest (VT) Regional Planning Commission, VT Agency for Natural Resources, WQ Division, Lakes and Ponds Section. Lake Associations at lake St Catherine's, Lake Bomozeen, Lake Hortonia, VT Federation of Lakes and Ponds, Green Mountain College, Vermont Green Lawn Coalition, The Nature Conservancy. Collaborators:
University of Vermont Extension, UVM Master Gardener Program, UVM Plant and Soil Sciences Department, UNH Coop Extension, UMaine Coop. Extension, Cornell Coop. Extension (Essex County). NH LEAP Participants Project Director: Jeffrey Schloss, University of New Hampshire Partner Organizations: NH Lakes Association, the Newfound Lake Region Association, Plymouth State University, Acton/Wakefield Watershed Alliance, Bow Lake Campowners Association, UNH Watershed Ecology Institute, NH Department of Environmental Services Collaborators: University of Vermont Extension/Lake Champlain Sea Grant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, UNH Master Gardener Program, UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Plant Growers Association/ NH Landscapers Association Training or professional development. Trainings provided to lake associations, lakefront residents, landscapers, and conservation district staff. VT: Green Mtn. College undergraduates as Intern youth action team/youth corps leaders; nine lake
association volunteers. ME: Eight undergraduates as Youth Corps members and four AmeriCorps Environmental Educators as Youth Corps Leaders
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences. Lake shore property owners, lakeshore community residents, seasonal residents, local officials of lakeshore communities, landscape service providers - Lake St. Catherine's , Lake Bomozeen, Lake Hortonia, VT; Pushaw Lake, Sebasticook Lake, Mattawamkeag Lake, Branch Lake, Green Lake, Phillips Lake, Unity Pond, ME, Newfound Lake Regional Association, Bow Lake Camp Owners Association, Acton/Wakefield area lakes, NH. NRCS/Soil and Water Conservation District staff in Hancock, Penobscot and Waldo counties, ME. University of Maine undergraduate students. Local high school youth, VT. Local middle school students, Bangor area, ME. Local middle school students, Newfound Lakes Region NH.
Impacts
Maine trainings resulted in volunteer-based soil erosion surveys for 4 lakes. Lakefront residents and Soil and Water District staff found over one hundred eroding sites in each watershed. Four surveys are planned for 2008. 125 individuals participated in trainings, and showed increased knowledge of NPS threats. Each pledged to volunteer 20 hours to lake protection. 9 volunteers used newly acquired lakeshore stewardship skills in their communities to lead landscaping workshops, organize monitoring and promote awareness of NPS pollution prevention for lakeshore communities and landowners. After education efforts, surveys show over 60% of lakeshore households at Lake St Catherines, VT (71/118) are aware of link between lawn care and other practices and water quality. Over 25% of lakeshore households contacted (30/118) adopt at least one pollution prevention practice; 11 owners agreed to conserve 1200 ft of lakeshore vegetation as a buffer rather than removing vegetation.
Youth Conservation Corps will be sustained in all three states. The Acton/Wakefield (NH) group secured funding from towns, associations, 319 grants and license plate funds, and helped pilot YCC at Newfound Lake, NH. Pushaw Lake (ME) uses resident volunteers and Master Gardeners, and Green Mountain College (VT) has created an internship program to sustain their YCCs. Buffers installed on 85 properties; designs provided to 62 additional homeowners (ME,NH,VT). Many pledged to complete improvements within a year. EPA Region 5 and the Water Erosion Prediction Project models estimate load reductions for NH&ME projects showed decreases of 45.4 tons sediment loading/yr and 61 pounds of phosphorus/yr. Lake St Catherines reported increased clarity after rain events along shorelines where buffer strips were installed or vegetation maintained. LEAP assistance to the Saco River monitoring program promoted stronger multi-jurisdictional (ME/NH) collaboration and prompted efforts to secure grant
funding to further assess surface/groundwater. We initiated a water/nutrient budget for Mendums Pond, NH. Participants used data to prove violations from a newly created subdivision. Staff implemented a Water/Nutrient Budget on Newfound Lake in six watershed towns. A collaborative DES Watershed grant was approved. 10 UNH students trained in GIS Watershed Analysis and Comprehensive Lake Inventory performed 5 watershed GIS analyses and completed the Inventory for each lake. 915 middle school students in Maine increased knowledge about stormwater and NPS. Shoreline Stabilization Handbook awarded 2004 Outstanding Project of the Year by the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association. In 2006, the American Planning Association awarded it Outstanding Planning Tool of Year. Ecological Approach to Landscaping at the Waters Edge (Schloss, plenary presentation). Green-Blue Summit (2007) brought together 100 professionals interested in IPM and water in turf and structural
settings. Participants from industry, government, universities, and nonprofits collaborated to identify issues and develop strategies for educating consumers. Agenda/ideas: http://neipmc.org/greenblue/project_ideas.htm
Publications
- Wilson, L.R., J. Schloss and J. Homziak. 2007. Northern New England LEAP: New Audiences for Water Quality Programming. Poster Presentation. January 28 to February 1, 2007. USDA CSREES National Water Conference: Research, Extension and Education for Water Quality and Quantity. Savannah, Georgia. Abstract in proceedings online at http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2007/2007_Abstracts_PDF/Po sters/Watershed%20Assessment%20and%20Restoration/Wilson.pdf
- Waninger, B, S. Warren and J. Homziak (eds.). 2005. The Shoreline Stabilization Handbook for Lake Champlain and Other Inland Lakes. Northwest Regional Planning Commission, St. Albans, VT. available on line at http://www.uvm.edu/~seagrant/extension/erosion.html In September 2004, the Shoreline Stabilization Handbook was selected as Outstanding Project of the Year by the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association (NNECAPA). In January 2006, the American Planning Association awarded the guidebook as the APA Outstanding Planning Tool of Year.
- Wilson, L. and M. Gilbertson. 2006. Adding a Rain Garden to your Landscape. University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2702. Available online at http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2702.htm .
- Wilson, L.R., J. Schloss and J. Homziak. 2006.Linking Students, Landowners and Lake-Friendly Landscaping through LEAP. February 5 to 9, 2006. USDA-CSREES National Water Conference: Research, Extension and Education for Water Quality and Quantity. San Antonio, TX. Abstract in proceedings online at http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2006/Abstracts/Wilson2.pdf
- Dennett, M. and L. Wilson. 2006. Narrows Watershed Survey Report. Available upon request from lwilson@umext.maine.edu
- Homziak, J., L. Wilson, and J. Schloss. 2006. Sharing water quality best education practices: Reducing time and cost of new water quality protection projects for northern New England lakes. Abstract. USDA CSREES 2006 National Water Conference Proceedings, February 5-9, 2006, San Antonio, TX. (abstract) http://www.extension.iastate.edu/WaterConf2006/ShowAbstract.aspx?Type ID=1&PresID=53
- Reberg-Horton, K., L. Stack and L. Wilson. 2005. Designing your Landscape for Maine. University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2701. Available online at http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2701.htm.
- Schloss, J. and C. Neal. 2007. Landscaping at the waters edge: Challenges in promoting ecological based practices to homeowners and their service providers. University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, 38 College Rd., Rm 133 Spaulding Hall, Durham, NH 03824, USA, Ph: 603.862.3848, Fax: 603.862.4757, jeff.schloss@unh.edu. 2007. Podium presentation at the North American Lake Management Society International Symposium Orlando FL : Abstract (published in hard copy and on-line) available at http://www.nalms.org/Conferences/Orlando/Default.aspx Schloss, J. 2007. Ecological approach to landscaping at the waters edge University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, 38 College Rd., Rm 133 Spaulding Hall, Durham, NH 03824, USA, Ph: 603.862.3848, Fax: 603.862.4757, jeff.schloss@unh.edu. Plenary presentation at the 2007 Green Blue Summit (7/18/07); Green-Blue Summit: Clean Water through Residential Integrated Pest Management on July 18-19, 2007, brought together more than
100 professionals interested i
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, 2007. Landscaping at the Waters Edge: An Ecological Approach. University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824.
|
Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
LEAP combines education, outreach and implementation programs from UMaine Cooperative Extension (UMCE), University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (UNHCE) and University of Vermont Extension/ Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG). In year three, progress was made in implementation (Watershed Alliance(LCSG)(Maine Y3,4)) (Following the Flow Watershed Assessment (UNHCE)(UMCE Y3)) (Education and Outreach Training(UNHCE)(UMCE Y1,2,3, LCSG Y4)) (Watershed Stewards Program(UMCE)(LCSG Y3, UNHCE Y4)) (Youth Conservation Corps (UMCE Y1,2,3; LCSG Y1,2,3; UNHCE Y2,3)). Watershed Alliance: UMCE hosted an Environmental Educator AmeriCorps with the Bangor Area Stormwater Group. Year one was spent developing relationships with local educators. As a result of this experience, the Bangor Area Stormwater Group has funded another Educator with UMCE to continue the program. Following the Flow: (UMCE) A Following the Flow erosion survey for the Narrows Lakes in Lincoln resulted in
partnerships with the town of Lincoln and the Penobscot County Soil and Water Conservation District. The District and the Town will apply for US EPA funding to begin remediation of the 120 eroding sites documented in the survey. Education and Outreach Training: UMCE held programs for the Bangor Area Stormwater Group (a group of MS4 communities), and two lake associations. This training is now a regular offering from UMCE. Watershed Stewards Program: UMCE held the Watershed Stewards Program in Camden and Lincolnville, Maine (26 participants). Continuing Trainings were held for Belgrade Lakes Stewards (topic: Lake Biology) and Lincoln Stewards (topic: Watershed survey - Following the Flow). LCSG integrates LEAP into existing meetings and workshops, including annual UVM Extension-led town officers (TOEC) and municipal officials (MOMS) training seminars. LCSG presented two LEAP training sessions at the April 2006 TOEC conference. In the October 2005 MOMS seminar series, LCSG covered
regulations and requirements for buffer strips, setback zones and stream bank and lakeshore vegetation protection. Planting guidelines and other information on preventing and halting lakeshore erosion was presented to a mixed audience of local officials and lakeshore organization members at the annual Lakes and Ponds association workshop. Youth Team/Buffer Brigade: UNHCE: The Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance and its crew of local high school students (11) from the Youth Conservation Corps completed 10 projects and 37 Technical Assistance designs on most lakes in Wakefield. LCSG Youth Team: The youth program was advertised in local high schools in spring 2006, and recruited students for two teams, nine and eight high school students and a half-time intern. The teams did field work and provided on-site education to residents and to the broader public in the watershed of Lake St Catherine. UMCE: The Buffer Brigade installed eleven buffers, including one large-scale demonstration
project. Landowners reported spending an average of $225 and 20 volunteer hours each on these projects. For the smaller projects, 3500 square feet of lawn was converted to functional buffer.
Impacts
Due to the demonstrated success of LEAP's Youth Teams, our partner organizations (Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance, Green Mountain College, Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership, Penobscot County Soil and Water Conservation District) have either committed to sustaining the Youth Teams through local funds, or have committed to seek grant funds to continue the program beyond this grant period. The success of the Maine Watershed Alliance pilot has prompted the Bangor Area Stormwater Group to place a second AmeriCorps Educator at UMCE. Through LEAP-related efforts, youth and adult volunteers devoted over 4000 hours of time regarding natural resources protection including lake and tributary sampling, watershed assessment, outreach planning, buffer installation, storm drain stenciling, and grant writing. Youth teams installed 31 lakefront buffers and provided 37 additional landscape designs to landowners. These projects have reduced phosphorus loading to project lakes
by over 43 pounds/year, and reduced sediment loading by over 24 metric tons per year. The Englesby Brook project led to a phosphorus reduction of .45 - .93 metric tons to Lake Champlain. LEAP partner lake groups have been awarded over $200,000 in grant funding, and generated (or committed to) an additional $180,000 in local match. Strengthened/new partners: NH Lakes Assoc., Plymouth State University, UNH and UMCE Extension Horticulture Teams, Lakes Hortonia, Carmi and Bomoseen (VT), the Vermont Agency for Natural Resources, the Bangor (ME) Area Stormwater Group, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
The Northern New England Lake Education and Action Project (LEAP) combines the best elements of NPS education, outreach and implementation programs from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE), University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (UNH CE) and University of Vermont Extension/ Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG). In year two progress was made in sharing guidance and initiating implementation: Watershed Alliance (LCSG) (Maine in year 3) Following the Flow Watershed Assessment (UNH CE)(UMCE in year 3) Education and Outreach Training (UNH CE)(UMCE in year 1 and 2, LCSG in year 3) Watershed Stewards Program (UMCE)(LCSG and UNH CE in year 3) Youth Conservation Corps (UMCE) (LCSG in years 1, 2, and 3 and UNH CE in years 2 and 3). Workshops and Trainings: Watershed Stewards Programs in Belgrade and Lincoln, Maine (39 participants). Low Impact Landscape Design Training and demo project planning session for Forest Lake, Cumberland, Maine, with volunteer
installation. Education and Outreach Programs held in Ellsworth and Belgrade Maine (training by Julia Peterson, UNH CE) for 29 participants, representing 10 Maine lake associations, and for Maine Drinking Water Program staff in Augusta, Maine (6 participants) (training by Wilson, UMCE). January,Education and Outreach Program held in Wakefield NH for Seven Lakes Region community volunteers from NH and Maine (10). March, Data to Action Training provided to AWWA (Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance group (9) in preparation for their presentation to the Town of Wakefield, NH. April, Advanced Monitoring Training provided to Strafford Water Quality as part of NH NROC assistance. June, Low Impact Lakeshore Management for lakefront landowners training (60 participants) at VT Lake Association Conference. July, AWWA (NH Maine) and two NH youth attend Acton YCC orientation training. August, Following the Flow Training Workshop and discussion of the YCC model was held as part of the UNH Watershed
Ecology Course for educators and decision-makers (11 participants) in Bow, NH. Other Activities: Poster presentation for USDA CSREES Water Quality Conference. Helped facilitate 9 meetings of the AWWA in NH and Maine and 4 meetings of the Strafford (NH) Water Quality Working Group. Great East Lake (Maine) and Pine River Pond (NH) YCC pilot projects, summer 2005 YCC projects in Maine and Vermont. Northwest (Vermont) Regional Planning Commission, LCSG, Vermont Agency for Natural Resources, with input from local partners, produced a Shoreline Stabilization Handbook for Lake Champlain and other inland lakes. Available online at http://www.nrpcvt.com/publications.shtml. Worked with UNH CE Extension Interdisciplinary Horticulture Team to begin the development of a water front friendly landscaping educational series. Developed sample lakefront buffer designs, and worked with UMCE Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist to develop a Designing Your Landscape factsheet series. UMCE
initiated partnership with area communities to develop school Watershed Alliance trainings. Working with a MS student from Colorado State University to design additional protocols for LEAP program evaluation.
Impacts
As a result of LEAP, more lakefront and watershed landowners will care for their property in lake-friendly manner. Three UMCE groups (Belgrade, Great Moose, Unity) implemented outreach based on the NH training, and increased lake-friendly practices in their watersheds. UMCEs YCC created 5500 square feet of buffer on 13 properties (8 lakes) including a demonstration Rain Garden. Landowners spent $17000 and volunteered 41 hours per project. On Lake St. Catherine, VT, 8 students completed 9 buffers varying from 5 to 150 linear feet and a demonstration welcome garden. Lake Bomoseen (VT) has requested a YCC in 2006. Two YCC pilot projects were completed on Great East Lake and Pine River Pond (NH). After Education and Outreach Training and Data to Action Training, AWWA presented an overview of the lakes water quality status to Wakefield town selectmen and obtained partial YCC support. AWWA also secured a 2006 Education Program Grant from NH Department of Environmental
Services for over half of the expenses for the first two years of the YCC, as well as funding for the project from 7 lake associations in Wakefield NH. The Strafford WQ Working Group was asked to draft wetland regulations by the Strafford Planning Board and Conservation Commission. 10 Strafford WQ volunteers provided 170 hours of volunteer time (watershed sampling) in the first 6 months of their 12-18 month commitment. The Shoreline Stabilization Handbook was selected as Outstanding Project of the Year by the Northern NE Chapter of the American Planning Association (NNECAPA) and Vermont Planners Association.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|