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FCSWCD To Offer Pond Building & Maintenance Workshop on April 5 in Farmington. For more info, click here.
FCSWCD To Offer Contractor Erosion Control Certification Class on April 15 in Rangeley. For more info, click here.
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.
Lead & Loon Exchange Program
The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking
the lead in a Fishing Tackle Exchange Program 2011 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! Hurry because
the program ends Aug. 1.
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.
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.
We regret the following lilacs advertised in our 2011 Shrub brochure are unavailable. They include Agincourt-Avalanche, Primrose, Cheyenne, Purple Glory, Sensation, and Edward J. Gardner.
We have listed our many offerings for 2011
below.
Through our partnership with the USDA we are also able to provide
cost-share assistance to landowners through many Farm Bill Programs.
If you have any conservation or natural resources issues please contact
us, we will try to help.
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2010 Conifers - Special Orders Will Be Taken