Eastbrook & Franklin, Maine – This second phase of watershed protection work at Abrams Pond resulted in a significant reduction in pollution from gravel roads and driveways, a strong emphasis on raising public awareness about water quality, and formation of a neighborhood erosion control work force.
Ecological Instincts was contracted by the Town of Eastbrook to serve as the Grant Administrator for this Phase II US EPA Clean Water Act Section 319 funded Watershed Protection Project at Abrams Pond. Over the course of the two-year project, erosion control practices were installed at 15 sites to reduce nonpoint source pollution, including 6 residential projects, 6 driveway projects, and 4 private road projects (through cost-share agreements with private landowners). An erosion control mulch and live stake installation and delivery program was established that resulted in installation of 24 cubic yards of erosion control mulch and 220 live dogwood stakes to protect the shoreline of Abrams Pond. The project also included a septic vulnerability analysis, outreach to blueberry farmers, a buffer plant mailing, and an educational tax-bill insert. The project prevented an estimated 85 tons of sediment from reaching Abrams Pond annually. Project partners include Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, Abrams Pond Association, Town of Eastbrook, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Maine DEP.