Shoreline Buffer Planting Reimbursement Program
NEW IN 2025
WHAT: The Shoreline Buffer Planting Reimbursement Program
WHY: As we know, erosion from our shoreline into the Lake is a major contributor to non-point source pollution, impacting the quality of our Lake water and eventually property values. BLAI is committed to helping property owners with any education and, where possible, financial assistance to ensure that this erosion is eliminated or substantially reduced.
HOW WILL IT WORK:
1. The program will be available for BLAI members that have paid their dues for 2025.
2. There is a list of designated plants that qualify for reimbursement under this program on our website found HERE. The list is extensive - you should be able to find a shoreline buffer plant that works for you!
Plant material only will be reimbursed (not soil, fertilizer etc.).
3. Several local nurseries will participate in this program by stocking many of the appropriate shoreline buffer plants that qualify for reimbursement. Suggested nurseries can be found HERE.
4. The program will be effective starting May 1, 2025 and ending October 31, 2025.
5. Each camp will be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $250 (after tax), on a one-time basis only.
6. To get your reimbursement—the member will buy the plants, submit a copy of the receipt to Holly Griffin, BLAI Treasurer, by emailing it to treasurer@branchlakeme.org with the attached reimbursement FORM. The reimbursement will be made within two (2) weeks of receipt of the reimbursement request.
WHO IS PAYING FOR THIS PROGRAM: BLAI was the recipient of $8,500 awarded to us by the City of Ellsworth as part of a fine levied on a property owner on Branch Lake for unauthorized clearing of the shoreline. The Board has made the decision to offer these proceeds to our membership as a reinvestment into the health of our Lake.
If you have any questions on the Program or buffer planting, please contact us at info@branchlakeme.org.
To learn more about planting in your buffer zone, click HERE.
And please join us on July 27th at 1:00 pm for the Buffer Planting Workshop to be held at The Quinn's Camp, 128 Walls Farm Way. For more info, or to let us know you are coming, please click HERE.