Here in Cumberland County, our lakes, forests, and streams don't exist in isolation. They are part of an interconnected ecosystem that sustains our local wildlife, supports vibrant communities, and supplies pristine drinking water to more than 200,000 Mainers every day.
That is why we are thrilled to share big news for our regional waters: an $8.1 million federal grant has been awarded to protect the Sebago Lake watershed!
Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), this federal funding is bolstered by an additional $10 million in partner contributions. That brings the total investment in our watershed to more than $18 million.
What This Investment Means Locally
This new round of funding builds on the momentum of a successful 2020 grant that conserved 12,000 acres of forest and reconnected 42 miles of local rivers and streams. Over the next five years, partners across the watershed—spanning from Bethel to Standish—will focus on three core pillars of conservation:
Restoring Stream Habitats: Outdated culverts and deteriorating stream crossings disrupt fish migration and heighten local flooding risks. About half of the project's on-the-ground funding will directly support aquatic habitat restoration—upgrading infrastructure to reconnect 30 miles of stream habitat.
Permanently Conserving Forestland: Healthy forests act as nature's filtration system for our lakes. The initiative aims to permanently protect another 2,000 acres of essential woodland.
Empowering Private Landowners: Land stewardship starts in our own backyards and woodlots. Technical and financial support will be extended to private landowners across more than 6,000 acres to adopt best management practices for healthier, resilient forests.
Collective Efforts for Clean Water
Protecting a watershed of this scale requires strong regional collaboration. Led by the Portland Water District, this initiative relies on dedicated partners across the region, including the Lakes Environmental Association, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, and Trout Unlimited.
As Colin Holme, Executive Director of the Lakes Environmental Association, framed it: "Our lakes and streams don't exist in isolation; they depend on healthy tributaries and well-managed forests surrounding them."
At the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), we see every day how sustainable land practices, stream connectivity, and community stewardship directly safeguard local water quality. Investments like this safeguard public drinking water at the source while ensuring that the woods and waters of Maine remain thriving habitats for generations to come.
Get Involved
Stewardship doesn't just happen on a regional scale—it happens right on your property. Whether you are a forest landowner, a waterfront homeowner, or a resident passionate about local conservation:
Explore Technical Assistance: Learn how CCSWCD can assist you with soil management, erosion control, and watershed protection practices on your property.
Protect Local Streams: If you manage private roads or stream crossings on your property, reach out to explore best management practice (BMP) resources and grant opportunities.
Stay Informed: Sign up for the CCSWCD newsletter to receive updates on upcoming conservation workshops, landowner resources, and regional volunteer events.
Together, we can keep Cumberland County’s soil healthy and its waters clean.
