Municipal & Organizational Services

Waldo County SWCD offers many services under our Conservation Assistance Program (CAP). Our CAP program offers conservation assistance to all landowners, municipalities & organizations in Waldo County.  Our services range from a basic site assessment to further assistance with land management including written recommendations, referrals, land management plans, trainings, and basic mapping.  The initial visit is free of charge.  Municipal properties such as parks or town forests may also certify their landscape through Conservation Landscape Certification Program. We offer advice and assistance to towns and organizations on a wide variety of topics, including erosion control, water quality and management, development or resource use planning, invasive plants and pests, or enhancing wildlife habitat or public access. For written recommendations, management plans, and additional visits, a modest fee is charged. See our fee schedule for more information. Please contact us to request assistance.

Technical  Assistance  Services for Towns and Organizations 

Erosion Control

District staff can assist you with erosion control recommendations prior to construction, or with resolution of existing erosion problems. Assistance can include site visits and written recommendations.

Soil Testing

District staff will provide soil test kits and assistance with sampling and lab testing for soil suitability for various uses.

Road and Bridge Stream Crossing Projects

Funding is currently available for municipalities to replace failing or inadequate culverts with environmentally sound alternatives that provide greater protection against floods and washouts as well as costing less over time. Available designs improve fish and wildlife habitat and reduce bank erosion. District staff can assist you with applying for these funds, implementing the improvement project, and provide project management and permitting assistance.

 Water Quality Planning for Lakes, Ponds, Wetlands and Streams

Our district offers trainings in many areas related to improving or maintaining water quality and shoreland zone management, including road and trail maintenance, pond construction and maintenance, gravel roads, shoreland best practices, wetlands conservation and septic systems. Assistance can also include site visits and written recommendations.

 Locally Important Soils Conservation and Planning

We assist landowners and towns with identifying important soils, including those that are best suited for various production uses locally, as well as prime agricultural and other important soils. This information can enable landowners and towns to plan or zone for best land uses.

 Invasive plant control

Our District’s invasive plant specialist can assess invasive plant and weed problems on private and municipal lands, parks and roads, and can prepare a practical management plan for controlling problem vegetation.

Control of browntail moth

This toxic insect pest has become a significant concern in many Waldo County communities. The District can provide trainings to residents or town employees on identifying and managing this pest, and also assist your municipality with managing specific infestations.

 Planning for emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid infestation

Ash trees are a significant component of urban and residential areas, and both ash and  hemlocks are an important component of Maine’s forests. District staff can assist your town to create a management plan to prepare for infestation and loss of trees from these pests.

 Wildlife and forest management

Our District biologist can visit sites and provide recommendations on managing forests for wildlife habitat and multiple use, as well as for future health and timber production.

 Natural Resource Assessments

Our District biologist can assess natural resources present on private and municipal land or lands slated for purchase or sale, provide a description of existing resources, resource assets or concerns; and make recommendations on how to manage land for specific natural resource goals or uses.

 Staff Trainings and Public Workshops

Training session on any of the above areas can be provided at your convenience, free of cost, as well as other outreach services or materials. The District offers frequent public workshops on many conservation topics.