February 12, 2025: We are excited to issue the Request for Proposals and Application Form for our 2025 York River Watershed Grants Program. Applications are due by April 16, 2025.
The Stewardship Committee created this annual funding opportunity in 2024 to support projects that implement the York River Watershed Stewardship Plan to protect or enhance watershed resources. The committee anticipates issuing a request for proposals each year for projects that start on or around July 1. Funding from the National Park Service Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program supports this grant program.
Congratulations to our 2024 grant recipients whose projects are underway:
York Parks and Recreation Department
York River Kayak Tour Series
York’s Parks and Recreation Department purchased kayaks and developed a kayak tour series along the York River to expand river recreation opportunities and provide information about river resources and ecology to tour participants. Parks and Recreation will continue to offer free tours for several years to help connect residents to the river. Visit the P&R website to learn more or sign up for a kayak tour.
York Land Trust
Expansion of McIntire Highlands Preserve
The York Land Trust completed boundary surveys, title research, and other due diligence before it will acquire three parcels from the Town of York. The parcels are in the York River watershed and will expand YLT’s existing McIntire Highlands Preserve by 42 acres. YLT ownership and stewardship of the parcels preserves important wildlife habitat in this large unfragmented forest area, enables long term public recreation on existing hiking trails, and protects the water quality of Boulter Pond, one of Kittery Water District’s water supply sources.
Town of York River Access Ad Hoc Committee
Feasibility Study and Designs for a Paddle Craft Dock at Goodrich Park
The Town of York River Access Ad Hoc Committee hired a consultant to evaluate options, develop designs, and complete permit applications for a new public access paddle craft dock at Goodrich Park along the York River. Designs will incorporate accessibility considerations and sustainability features such as low-impact materials, erosion control measures, and sea level rise projections. The York Harbor Board also provided funding support for the design phase.
Town of Kittery & Save Kittery Waters
CreekSmart Campaign
The Town of Kittery, on behalf of the citizen’s group Save Kittery Waters, hired a coordinator to implement the CreekSmart program to encourage practices that protect water resources. The program promotes S-M-A-R-T actions: S-say “no thanks” to lawn fertilizers; M-mow high; A-avoid toxic pesticides; R-restore vegetative buffers near waterways; and T-take care of your septic system. Visit SKW’s website to learn more and take the CreekSmart pledge.
York Conservation Commission
Pesticide and Fertilizer Education
The York Conservation Commission developed and mailed a brochure to residents to encourage practices that decrease overall use of pesticides and fertilizers in yard care. The goal is to reduce risks to people, pets, and wildlife and protect water quality throughout the town.
View the Brochure (also available on YCC’s “York Healthy Yards Community” Facebook page).
