GeoInsighter Winter/Spring 2002 Newsletter

Grant Programs For Lake and Pond Management in Massachusetts

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Lake and pond associations are often formed by local residents with the objective of protecting and managing the use of a common resource. Lake and pond associations typically need to address a multitude of issues. One of the most common issues is assessing water quality and, in some cases, implementing remedial measures based upon the results of the assessment. The threats to water quality in lakes and ponds are often varied. They may include point source discharges from storm drains, boats, and watercraft, and they may also include non-point source discharges including septic system infiltration and surface runoff containing phosphorous and nitrogen from lawn fertilizers and animal waste. High levels of nutrients commonly result in the excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, which is both an aesthetic nuisance and a safety concern. While the potential threats to a lake may be numerous, the financial resources of lake and pond associations are typically very limited. However, there are two programs available to lake and pond associations through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that provide funding for water quality monitoring and/or in-lake management. 

The first program is the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management's (DEM's) Lake and Pond Grant Program. This program is designed to provide funding to both municipalities and private organizations for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of public lakes and ponds. Grants are available to municipalities, local commissions, and government lake districts. Private parties, including lake and pond associations, can apply as co-applicants with a local governmental body.

Projects that may be funded through the program include lake management plans, public education, monitoring of engineering controls for pollution prevention, implementation of best management practices, and physical, biological, and chemical in-lake management techniques. Funding for water quality sampling is only allowed in conjunction with a proposed project. The grant program will provide up to 50 percent of the cost of a project with a maximum grant amount of $25,000. 

To be eligible, the body of water must be publicly owned and there must be at least one formal means of access to the lake or pond that is open to all residents of Massachusetts. 

Additional information on the DEM's Lake and Pond Grant Program, including grant prioritization, can be found at the DEM's website (www.state.ma.us/dem/programs/lakepond/lakeapp.htm) or by contacting Steve Asen of the DEM at (617) 626-1353.

The second program is the Massachusetts Environmental Trust's (MET's) Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP). The MET is an environmental philanthropic organization funded by the settlement of the federal lawsuit over the pollution of Boston Harbor, as well as the sale of license plates with an environmental theme. 

MET grants fall into two categories: restricted grants and unrestricted grants. Restricted grants are used to fund environmental programs with a focus on specific issues or geographic areas. Unrestricted grants are used to fund a variety of environmental programs throughout the state. The EMP is one of ten general categories of unrestricted grant funds. 

EMP grants are awarded on an annual basis. Funding may be used to educate stakeholders or the general public regarding the ecological health of a resource, build constituencies for the protection and restoration of water resources, further scientific research in environmental monitoring, and address management issues for specific resources. The program generally has $100,000 to $150,000 in funding available per fiscal year.

Additional information on the MET's EMP can be found at the MET's website (www.agmconnect.org/maenvtr1.html) or by contacting the MET directly at (617) 727-0249.

Jonathan S. Moore
jsmoore@geoinc.com

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