Youth Conservation Corps
Youth Conservation Corps (YCC):
The Lake-Friendly Landscapers!
Stopping soil pollution for cleaner lakes
Did you know that soil pollution is the #1 cause of declining water quality in Maine lakes? This is because the soil surrounding our lakes naturally contains phosphorus. Phosphorus is the nutrient that most influences the growth of algae in lake ecosystems. Even small increases in phosphorus can cause substantial increases in algal growth, hindering water quality as well as the economic, recreational, and aesthetic value of our lakes.
With increased development along our lakefronts, rain water now flows faster across the landscape and carries more sediment (and phosphorus!) into our lakes. Controlling erosion on each and every property is important to reducing the collective impact we have on water quality.
Who we are & what we do:
30 Mile employs local high school and college students each summer to protect water quality in our lakes through the installation of erosion control measures along shorefront properties.
Our YCC crew works with individuals, towns, pond associations, and businesses to control erosion along the shorefront and reduce the amount of sediment and phosphorous reaching our lakes.
Request a Project on your Property
To decrease erosion on your property, the YCC can implement a variety of management practices including rain gardens & buffer plantings, water diverters, infiltration steps & trenches, stable pathways, and more.
Our YCC program is a low-cost option for landowners, as we are able to provide a cost-sharing opportunity that significantly reduces the labor expense of your project. Our experienced staff will provide guidance along the way and can help obtain any permitting required for your project.
All work is strictly cooperative with landowners and no sites will be identified for enforcement action. Our purpose is to encourage good stewardship of our lakes.
If you are interested in the services of the Youth Conservation Corps, or would like to arrange a free site visit, please complete this online YCC Project Request Form and we will get in touch with you. We are available to look at specific problems or simply to review your property and suggest ways to reduce your impact on the lake.
Past YCC Projects in the 30 Mile River Watershed
Each point on the interactive map represents a project. Click on a point to learn more about each project.
Request a YCC project on your property by filling out a YCC Project Request Form. If you have any questions about YCC, reach out to 30 Mile’s Program Manager, Whitney, at whitney@30mileriver.org.