The District provides advisory services to residents and municipalities on such matters as soil testing, recreational and farm fields, and erosion control measures at construction sites and on shore frontage. We also provide topographical maps, soils information, sand & gravel aquifer maps, flood insurance maps, aerial photos and much more. We are available for presentations to schools and civic groups by request.


The District coordinates an annual tree & shrub sale in the spring. We focus on plants that promote Backyard Conservation that will help minimize erosion, in addition to berries, fruit trees, perennials and much more. Our catalogue is usually available in December, and a link to a downloadable version, is posted on our shrub page. However, we have listed a sample of some of our many offerings on our shrub page.


Lead & Loon Exchange Program

The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking the lead in a Fishing Tackle Exchange Program 2009 in partnership with the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and Somerset County SWCD. anglers within Franklin County's borders can clean the toxic tackle out of their boxes and get replacement non-toxic tackle for free! The program begins ends Aug. 1, so hurry while supplies last.

When sinkers and jigs are lost by anglers, these items settle on the bottom of the lake, where they do not dissolve. Loons and other water birds forage the bottom of lakes for gravel. This gravel or "grit," enables their gizzards to break down fish bones. Lead sinkers and jig heads are ingested when they are mistaken by the birds for the grit they require. Birds may also ingest lead when feeding on fish attached to lead fishing gear. As the lead sinker or jig is exposed to the pebbles in the gizzard and acids of the stomach, lead enters the bird's system and slowly poisons the bird. The good news is that tragedies like this can be prevented. There are many non-toxic alternatives to lead fishing tackle, including those made of natural rocks, tin, steel, bismuth, ceramic and more. Many retail stores carry these alternatives and still more would be carried if the public demand for these products increased.

GPS Training

FCSWCD is offering a GPS Class on Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 8 am to noon at the USDA Service Center, 107 Park Ave., Farmington. (CLP credits available). Contact FCSWCD if you are interested in taking this informative classes. Register early because these classes prove very popular and fill up fast. Pre-registration and prepayment are required.



In addition, we have Rain Barrels and Compost Bins on clearance. Once supplies are gone, we won't be offering them for sale. Contact FCSWCD for details.

FCSWCD offers our Annual Shrub Sale. Our 2011 Shrub Sale will be in May. Orders can be placed over the course of the winter.

For a sample of our 2010 offerings, click on the images below



Lilacs
Blueberries
Conifers
Brambles & Raspberries

Fruit Trees
Edibles
Flowering Shrubs
 order form
Download a Shrub Order Form


Through our partnership with the USDA we are also able to provide cost-share assistance to landowners through many Farm Bill Programs.

Our Annual Public Auction is held in the Spring to help support our many programs. All items for the auction are donated by businesses and individuals.

We want to extend a thanks to all businesses and individuals that have made a donation valued at $100 or more for our 2010 Annual Auction, that was held March 12 at Mt. Blue Middle School. We also thank all of our generous donors that are helping to make this annual event a tremendous success.

FCSWCD has a spring and fall trout program where we sell brook trout and rainbow trout to stock your private pond. A Fish Stocking Permit from the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife must be provided before we can place your order. To download a copy of the IF&W application,click here.

If you have any conservation or natural resources issues please contact us, we will try to help.



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Copyright © 2007 Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District