Branch Lake Watershed Improvement Project- Phase I

In the fall of 2008, the District completed the Branch Lake Watershed Improvement Project (319 Grant) which started in the spring of 2007.  Outcomes of this grant included:

ü 26 road sites and 7 residential sites were fixed in the northeastern section of the watershed to reduce erosion and help protect water quality.  Some of the best management practices (BMPs) installed included vegetative buffers, new culverts, ditching, open-top culverts, and turnouts)

ü An estimated reduction of over 180 tons of sediment, over 159 pounds of phosphorus, and over 318 pounds of nitrogen from entering Branch Lake per year

ü Development of a long-range plan for education/outreach needs in the Branch Lake Watershed which guided the implementation of 8 public outreach activities including Gravel Road Maintenance workshops, a Low-Impact Development workshop, and Buffer Boat Cruises for the City of Ellsworth staff and City Council

ü Update of the watershed survey which identifies remaining erosion issues around the lake

Click here to view the 2008 Branch Pond Watershed Survey report: Branch Watershed Survey Report

Click here to view the Final Project Report: Final Project Report

Thank you to all the road commissioners, volunteers, and residents who helped to make this project a success!  The Branch Lake Watershed Improvement Project 319 Grant was funded in part by Maine DEP through a US EPA Nonpoint Source Grant under section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act.