How We Operate
We are part of a national network comprised of ~3000 conservation districts across the country.
As a locally-focused group, which operates as an independent subdivision of state government, HCSWCD is partially funded by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. Additional funding for our work is secured through project-specific grants, one-on-one consultations, and our annual trout sale and native plant sales.
The District Team for Hancock County SWCD is made up of two part-time staff members and seven board members: 3 elected, 2 appointed, and 2 Associate Supervisors. All board members are volunteers from our County who contribute hundreds of hours to District work each year. Read our Bylaws to learn more about our structure.
The District takes on many roles throughout the county, often acting as a low-cost consultant or a liaison between farmers/landowners and state and federal agencies or other local conservation organizations. We provide technical services for erosion control, watershed surveys, shoreline stabilization, water quality testing, and Conservation Landscape Certification assessments. Our Board and staff are also able to act as fiscal sponsors and grant writers for municipalities and lake or road associations needing to apply for federal funding.
Outside of offering direct assistance to landowners, municipalities, and lake associations, we are involved in educational community events such as Envirothon and Back to the Forest Day. We are also active in conservation research and environmental advocacy, including Red Tide Monitoring and the Hall of Flags Day in Augusta. For more details about our community involvement, check out our Get Involved page.
In addition to our involvement in many state and local initiatives, we host our own educational events and hands-on workshops such as invasive plant workshops and wild blueberry field days. For more details about our upcoming activities, visit our Events page.
Whether you’re a farmer looking to increase your water supply, a lake association looking to mitigate shoreline erosion, or a passionate citizen looking for more information or ways to get involved in conservation work, please reach out today to see how we can help you!
