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Cobbossee Watershed Gets Second Demonstration Buffer
by Josh Platt As the Kennebec District continues to push the idea of planting vegetative buffers along shorelines, I am always explaining to landowners the benefits and trying to help them visualize what a buffer on their property might look like. It is one thing to explain how one might look to a landowner and quite another to have them see an actual buffer in place. Several years ago, with grant money from a Maranacook Lake "319" water quality improvement project, we installed a demonstration buffer planting at Norcross Point in Winthrop. Over the years, we have sent dozens of landowners to see this site before planting one of their own. Showing people that views aren't compromised, they can have color in their yard all season while helping the lake and improve property values at the same time goes a long way in selling the idea. Another demonstration buffer has been added to the Cobbossee Watershed just last week. Partnering with the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed and the Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the district completed a three-tier buffer at Peacock Beach State Park on Pleasant Pond in Richmond. This site was a challenge due to the high runoff flows that come off the parking lot and steep hill leading to the water. Prior to planting, the site was simply a steep grass slope. This particular buffer is sighted in the highest flow areas to intercept storm water before reaching the pond. Using all the elements of a good buffer (proper plants for the site, proper sighting and the right kind of mulch) this site was completed in just two days by the Friends Youth Conservation Corps. Heavy rains hit the site over the weekend and caused some of the mulch to migrate from the new beds. Because of the steep slopes and amount of rain we received this was not a total surprise. Once the mulch has been down for a period of time, it will "knit" together and should not move. If you get the chance and want to see the site, it is open to the public for a small fee that keeps the park going. Another buffer was planted several years ago in Belgrade at Hayden Park across from the infamous closed boat launch along Belgrade Stream. This buffer is sometimes in need of weeding and TLC but provides another yet example of how and where to locate one of these plantings. If an appropriate public site can be located we try to install at least one demonstration buffer in each watershed we work in. Keep in mind that the basic idea with a buffer is to create an area that helps to filter pollutants and impurities from runoff before that water enters the lake. There are many additional benefits of buffers but soil and shoreline stabilization from plant roots might be the most important. In addition to the positive environmental benefits, improved aesthetic value to the landowner should also be considered. Check out one near you! For information about any of our conservation projects please contact
Dale Finseth at | ||