Maine DEP Basic & Advanced Erosion Control Practices Certification Course - WAITLIST only

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 8 AM - 4 PM, at Evening Star Grange in Washington

Register for this day-long training using the form below by Monday, January 13, 2025. Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are provided. Course fee is $95. Contact us for WaitList payment at 207-596-2040.

This course, co-sponsored by Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP, is necessary to become a Contractor Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the DEP. In the 8-hour course, participants will learn why erosion control practices are important, be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation, learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control ('ESC') Best Management Practices (BMPs), regulations requiring ESC, using the Departments Permit By Rule process, in-water work procedures, and ESC planning. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation and maintenance of ESC practices using Maine DEPs Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors. The course is of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal code enforcement officers, consultants, engineers and public works employees. Courses can be tailored to either an audience of primarily contractors or for inspectors and municipal officials.

This class qualifies for 6 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH afford Certified individuals one year of recertification. This class is approved for 4 Credits for Certified Tank Installers by the Board of Underground Storage Tank Installers, 2023.

Inland Shoreline Stabilization Practices Certification Course (in-person only)

Fee: $55 per person for 4-hour course

Location: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust’s David Moses Bridge Education Hall at 3 Round Top Lane in Damariscotta.

Soil erosion is not only a source of non-point source pollution; it can also threaten structures and other development along waterbodies. Historically, there was a single approach to shoreline erosion: fill the shoreline with rock or riprap without regard to the ecological functions of the shoreline. While this approach can be successful in solving the erosion problem when done correctly, we now know it creates other problems for waterbodies, fish, and wildlife.

Shoreline erosion can be caused by several factors, and finding an appropriate solution requires an understanding of each reason behind the erosion. In this class, participants will be exposed to the factors leading to shoreline erosion, how land use and behavior affects shorelines, state permitting standards related to shoreline stabilization, the importance of vegetation and other natural processes in stabilization of shorelines, and how to minimize impacts to the water on shoreline projects.

This 4-hour class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP.

**A 48-hour notice of cancellation is required to get a 50% refund. No refunds for a “no show”. All programs and services of the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District are offered on a non-discriminatory basis.

Join Louisa Crane of Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District on August 28th at 3:30 pm for a 1-hour walk to identify invasive plants around Rockland, departing from the Rockland Public Library Lawn at 3:30 p.m.

Walk and Talk participants will be guided on a walking tour of Rockland and will learn how to identify, prevent, and remove invasive plants along the way. Invasive plants can increase erosion, reduce the capacity of a natural area to absorb rainwater (increasing runoff), and interfere with pollinator food sources.

Join Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (KLSWCD) on Wed., July 17th from 4:00 – 5:30 pm at Merryspring Nature Center in Camden for a walk to focus on strategies for invasive plant field identification, using Merryspring’s grounds for learning. Attendance at the first program is not required.

Louisa Crane, Program Coordinator at KLSWCD led the efforts in 2021 on phase two of the invasive plant management plan at Merryspring. She helps landowners and organizations identify invasive plant species and develop invasive plant management plans.

Maximum attendance is 15; pre-registration is required. Register below.

This event is full - all registrants will now be added to a WAITLIST! Please register if you are interested as there are often shifts in our attendee list as people’s schedules change. If there are enough individuals on the waitlist, we may be able to schedule this program for a second day later in the summer.

Join Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (KLSWCD) on Wed., June 12th from 4:00 – 5:30 pm at Merryspring Nature Center in Camden for a walk to learn field identification skills of key terrestrial invasive plant species impacting Midcoast Maine.

This is the first part of a two-part series. The second event on Wed., July 17th will focus on strategies for invasive plant management, using Merryspring’s grounds for learning. You can attend both programs, although not required.

Louisa Crane, Program Coordinator at KLSWCD led the efforts in 2021 on phase two of the invasive plant management plan at Merryspring. She helps landowners and organizations identify invasive plant species and develop invasive plant management plans.

Maximum attendance is 15; pre-registration is required. Register below.

ME DEP Basic Training for Sediment and Erosion Control Practices Certification Course -registration deadline Mon., Jan 15th - Registration is now closed.

Registration is now closed.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a day-long event in Basic Training in Sediment and Erosion Control Practices for Certified Contractors.

This course is necessary to become a Contractor Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Department. In this 8-hour course, participants will learn why erosion control practices are important, be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation, learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control ('ESC') Best Management Practices (BMPs), regulations requiring ESC, using the Departments Permit By Rule process, in-water work procedures, and ESC planning. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation and maintenance of ESC practices using Maine DEPs Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

Conservation Bus Tour of Lincoln County

Registration Deadline Extended; Seats Still Available

From coastal communities to bucolic farmlands lands, Lincoln County offers a snapshot of the best of Maine. We will highlight four local agricultural producers passionate about their conservation practices ensuring soil health, water quality and abundant habitat for wildlife.

Participants will see conservation practices in action, learn about mitigation of invasive plant species, experience working farms and enjoy local agricultural products. We will have speakers at Singing Pastures Farm, Meadowcroft Farm, Wanderwood and Spear Farm to explain their approach.

Fee:

• Mail-in payment: $85 per person

• Online payment: $88 per person

Questions? 207-596-2040 or julie@knox-lincoln.org

Registration is required by Oct 10th. Limited seating, so please purchase your tickets today .

ME DEP Gravel Road Maintenance Practices Certification Course

Fee: $95 per person (mail-in) / $98 per person (online)

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a four and a half-hour classroom and field event hosted by Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust.

The proper maintenance of gravel roads in Maine is important for providing residents safe access to their properties and minimizing costly capital repairs to these roads over time, but it is also an important part of protecting our natural resources from degradation. In this training, participants will learn how proper maintenance protects water quality, review gravel road materials, evaluate a gravel road for maintenance needs, create a road maintenance plan, discuss gravel road Best Management Practices, and will include a site-walk of a local gravel road to provide a real-life scenario for discussion of potential improvements and practices. This training is intended to provide a resource for gravel road owners, town officials, contractors, and watershed organizations to better understand methods and practices for evaluating and maintaining gravel roads using the Maine DEP Camp Road Maintenance Manual.

This class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH afford Certified individuals one year of recertification. Presented by John Maclaine Non-Point Source Training Center Coordinator and  Dave Roque, Retired Soil Scientist ME DACF.

Stream Smart Phase I Workshop with Maine Audubon

Registration is required and the fee is $35 (includes materials and refreshments)

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting Maine Audubon and Boothbay Region Land Trust to present Stream Smart Training – Phase One on April 28 at the Boothbay’s Land Trust Oak Point Farm located at 60 Samoset Road, Boothbay Harbor. The training will be held in-person from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and fee includes refreshments and resource materials.

This half-day introductory workshop provides training for professionals to expand the local knowledge base on how to include aquatic organism passage and higher storm volume capacity when designing stream/road crossings. Applying the Stream Smart principles to road crossings can help connect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat while protecting roads and public safety. Stream Smart crossings can also help towns prepare for the large and frequent storm events that have been washing out roads around the state and the northeast.

Participants will learn about: the value of free-flowing streams; the regulations that are applicable when working on road/stream crossings; the principles of building Stream Smart crossings; the costs and benefits of Stream Smart crossings; and where to look for funding.

These workshops are designed for professionals responsible for road-stream crossings, including municipal leaders, managers, and public works employees. They cover road-stream crossing projects from site assessment to permitting and installation, and emphasize maintaining and restoring aquatic habitat and economic values of the stream. Workshop presenters include professionals from state and federal agencies , as well as, statewide non-profits. Participants can receive recertification credit for Maine DEP’s Voluntary Contractor Certification Program, and information on potential funding sources.

Pre-registration with payment is required. Register through Maine Audubon here:

FMI: Maine Audubon.

Advanced Training in Sediment and Erosion Control: Winter Best Management Practices Certification Course (in-person only)

Fee: $95 per person

Location: Wiscasset Parks and Recreation • 242 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset, ME.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring this 4-hour classroom event in Advanced Training in Sediment and Erosion Control: Winter Best Management Practices.This course is intended as a refresher for basic erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) techniques for DEP-certified individuals seeking re-certification credits, but also serves as an introduction to basic and advanced DEP-approved practices in ESC. In 4-hour course, participants will learn why erosion control practices are important, be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation, learn how to properly install and maintain ESC Best Management Practices (BMPs), regulations requiring ESC, and have a chance to discuss ESC applications in in real life situations. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation and maintenance of ESC practices using Maine DEPs Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

This class qualifies for 4 hours of Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. This class is approved for 2 Credits for Certified Tank Installers. Presented by John Maclaine Non-Point Source Training Center Coordinator.

Conservation Bus Tour of Knox & Waldo Counties

We are excited to bring back our Conservation Tour traveling through Knox & Waldo counties on a luxury motor coach. This year we are joining Waldo Soil & Water Conservation District to highlight residences and a public park that have implemented our Conservation Landscape Certification program practices. Along the way, we will enjoy lunch at The Hoot, a farm-to-table restaurant in Northport. Limited seating, so please purchase your tickets today .

Join us for our 75th Anniversary and Annual Meeting! We are excited to return to Jewell Lodge at Camp Kieve to celebrate 2022 and the past 75 years of conservation activities. We will enjoy a BBQ and pies for dessert prior to listening to speakers summarize the past 75 years and discuss future plans.

We will be meeting in-person and there is an option to view the speakers online. Please select either option when you pay for your ticket.

ME DEP Gravel Road Maintenance Practices Certification Course

Fee: $95 per person

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a four-hour classroom and field event hosted by Boothbay Region Water District.

The proper maintenance of gravel roads in Maine is important for providing residents safe access to their properties and minimizing costly capital repairs to these roads over time, but it is also an important part of protecting our natural resources from degradation. In this training, participants will learn how proper maintenance protects water quality, gravel road materials, how to evaluate a gravel road for maintenance needs, creating a road maintenance plan, gravel road Best Management Practices, and will include a site-walk of a local gravel road to provide a real-life scenario for discussion of potential improvements and practices. This training is intended to be provide a resource for gravel road owners, town officials, contractors, and watershed organizations to better understand methods and practices for evaluating and maintaining gravel roads using the Maine DEP Camp Road Maintenance Manual.

This class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH afford Certified individuals one year of recertification. Presented by John Maclaine Non-Point Source Training Center Coordinator and  Dave Roque, Retired Soil Scientist ME DACF.

Join Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (KLSWCD) on June 16th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at Merryspring Nature Center for a walk to identify invasive plant species, discuss effective methods to mitigate the invasive plants and review tips to encourage healthy habitat for wildlife. Louisa Crane, Program Coordinator at KLSWCD led the efforts in 2021 on phase two of the invasive plant management plan at Merryspring. 

This is event is the third in our Conservation Landscape Certification (CLC) information series this year.  Controlling invasive species is the third core criteria of the CLC program created by Waldo Soil & Water Conservation District and later joined by Knox-Lincoln SWCD in 2021 to expand into Knox and Lincoln counties. This newly developed CLC program guides property owners on conservation practices to implement in a systematic way.

Maximum attendance is 15; pre-registration is required.

Stream Smart Phase I Workshop with Maine Audubon - cancelled

Fee: $25 per person (includes materials and refreshments)

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting Maine Audubon to present Stream Smart Training – Phase One on Thursday, May 26th at the Camden Opera House and online. The training will be held from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and includes refreshments and resource materials.

This half-day introductory workshop provides training for professionals to expand the local knowledge base on how to include aquatic organism passage and higher storm volume capacity when designing stream/road crossings. Applying the Stream Smart principles to road crossings can help connect and maintain fish and wildlife habitat while protecting roads and public safety. Stream Smart crossings can also help towns prepare for the large and frequent storm events that have been washing out roads around the state and the northeast.

Participants will learn about: the value of free-flowing streams; the regulations that are applicable when working on road/stream crossings; the principles of building Stream Smart crossings; the costs and benefits of Stream Smart crossings; and where to look for funding.

These workshops are designed for professionals responsible for road-stream crossings, including municipal leaders, managers, and public works employees. They cover road-stream crossing projects from site assessment to permitting and installation, and emphasize maintaining and restoring aquatic habitat and economic values of the stream. Workshop presenters include professionals from state and federal agencies , as well as, statewide non-profits. Participants can receive recertification credit for Maine DEP’s Voluntary Contractor Certification Program, and information on potential funding sources.

Pre-registration with payment of $25 (mail-in registration) / $26 (online registration) is required by Friday, May 20th.

Advanced Training in Sediment and Erosion Control for Certified Contractors: Best Management Practices for Landscapers (Online)

Registration deadline is November 26, 2021.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a 4 hour training in Advanced Training in Sediment and Erosion Control for Certified Contractors: Best Management Practices for Landscapers online workshop on Dec. 2nd  The workshop is from 8 am to 12 pm.

John Maclaine of Maine DEP and Rebecca Jacobs of Knox-Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District will focus on the Best Management Practices for Landscapers. Soil erosion, which is not just a concern on large construction sites but can also be an issue on established residential properties. Landscape professionals can not only help to control erosion and its impacts to natural resources but help landowners prevent future degradation to our lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands with proper site design, plant selection, and other ecological considerations. In this class, participants will be exposed to important concepts for controlling erosion on residential sites, be exposed to regulations and permits required when disturbing soil near natural resources, discuss the importance of selecting and installing appropriate vegetation for the site, and explore other tools available for creating long term resilient residential landscapes.

This course is intended as continuing education for individuals currently Certified in Erosion Control Practices by the Department to meet re-certification requirements, however certification is not required to attend this class. This course will be of interest to a variety of individuals and may be attended by anyone with interest in increasing their knowledge. This class qualifies for 4 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) for individuals Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP. Each CEH afford Certified individuals one year of recertification or reinstatement credit.

The registration fee for the course is $35 by Nov 26 and includes educational materials. Attendees may register via online or mail. No refunds after Nov 26.

Please join us for this online event to learn about NRCS-Maine programs available for technical and financial assistance in Lincoln County with particular emphasis on NWQI: improving water quality in the Sheepscot River and Dyer River Watersheds and sub watersheds. USDA conservation program funding is available to assist agricultural and woodlot producers in implementing conservation practices that control soil erosion and contain nutrient runoff. Practices such as vegetated buffers, manure management structures, improved stream crossings, or other trapping practices would be eligible. Towns included in this initiative are portions of Whitefield, Jefferson, Alna, Newcastle, Wiscasset, Edgecomb and Pittston in Kennebec County. Interested farmers and woodlot managers may be eligible for cost share funding to implement conservation practices. Producers along the Sheepscot and Dyer Rivers and tributaries are strongly encouraged to attend.

Join us for our Annual Meeting and Conservation Awards Banquet. We will have a panel discussion on forest carbon mitigation, highlight Conservation leaders in 2021, and review District programs and future plans. Registration is free and required for event link.

Join Rebecca Jacobs, Program Manager at Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, Alyssa Gregory, Forester with the Maine Forest Service and Joseph Roy, Wildlife Biologist with the Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for a forest walk to identify trees by autumn foliage and offer tips to encourage healthy habitat for wildlife. MCC Americorps Volunteer Louisa Crane will share her experience working with invasive plant species on the property.

Maximum attendance is 15. Pre-registration is appreciated.

ME DEP Basic and Advanced Erosion Control Practices Certification Course

Registration deadline is September 10.

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Maine DEP are co-sponsoring a day-long event in Basic Training in Sediment and Erosion Control for Certified Contractors.

This course is necessary to become a Contractor Certified in Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices by the Department. In this 8-hour course, participants will learn why erosion control practices are important, be exposed to the principles of erosion and sedimentation, learn how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control ('ESC') Best Management Practices (BMPs), regulations requiring ESC, using the Departments Permit By Rule process, in-water work procedures, and ESC planning. Participants are provided with information on the proper selection, installation and maintenance of ESC practices using Maine DEPs Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Field Guide for Contractors.

Join us for a Pasture Management Walk and Talk at Sheepscot Valley Farm: Learn about grazing and pasture management and best practices to ensure water quality along the Sheepscot River watershed and subwatershed.

Join KLSWCD and our co-host NRCS for this event to discuss grazing and pasture management and best practices to enhance soil health and water quality. Technical and financial assistance to implement these practices will be discussed while walking the Sheepscot Valley Farm. Emphasis will be on how sound pasture management benefits soil health and water quality.

This program is free to the public. Space is limited, and registration is required.

CANCELLED

Our 2021 Conservation Tour of Knox & Lincoln Counties is cancelled.

Join us for a Forestry Walk and Talk at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson: Learn about how to manage forest trails, maintain water quality, improve forest stands and encourage wildlife habitat.

Join KLSWCD and our co-host NRCS to discuss forest, water, and wildlife habitat best practices. Technical and financial assistance to implement these practices will be discussed while walking the property. Emphasis will be on maintaining, protecting, and enhancing habitat, soil and water quality to improve water quality in the Sheepscot River watershed and subwatershed areas.

This program is free to the public. Space is limited, and registration is required.