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 Parks and Recreation will purchase kayaks and develop a kayak tour series along York River to enhance and encourage river recreation opportunities and provide information about river resources and ecology to tour participants. A number of free tours will be offered by Parks and Recreation for several years to connect local residents to the river.
York Land Trust
Expansion of McIntire Highlands Preserve
York Land Trust will complete boundary surveys, title research, and other land acquisition-related activities before acquiring 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 will help sustain this large unfragmented forest area, preserve important wildlife habitat, enable long term public recreation on existing hiking trails, and protect 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
As part of its ongoing feasibility study, the River Access Ad Hoc Committee will hire a consultant to evaluate options and recommend designs for a 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 is also providing funding support for the design phase.
Town of Kittery & Save Kittery Waters
CreekSmart Campaign
The Town of Kittery and the citizen’s group Save Kittery Waters will hire a part-time coordinator to continue implementation of its 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
York Conservation Commission
Pesticide and Fertilizer Education
As part of a multi-media education approach, the Conservation Commission will develop and mail a brochure to residents to encourage practices that minimize misuse and decrease overall use of pesticides and fertilizers in yard care. The goal is to reduce risks to people, pets, and wildlife and minimize negative impacts to water quality throughout the town.
