**--- PRESS RELEASE ---
"For Immediate Release"

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*Wetland restoration projects receive $1.2 million in funding from MNRCP*

 
*AUGUSTA, MAINE, January 6**, 2025* — The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) awarded over $1.2 million for three projects that will restore and enhance freshwater and coastal wetlands, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) announced today.

Recipients of the funding include a project in Kennebunkport that will restore nine acres of former agricultural field to forested and scrub-shrub wetlands; a project in Bowdoinham that will upgrade three tidal restrictions to improve tidal flow into upstream wetlands; and a salt marsh enhancement project in Biddeford that will rectify past agricultural impacts to the marsh and improve habitat for saltmarsh sparrows. In total, $1,278,182 was awarded to restore or enhance wetlands that will improve climate resiliency, enhance wildlife habitat, and reduce flooding impacts.

"We are delighted and grateful to be the recipient of a MNRCP grant," said Tom Bradbury, Executive Director of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. "The funding will allow us to work with consultants to restore a ditched hay field within our 1,200-acre Edwin Smith Preserve to the wetland it once was. This will help mitigate the effects of flooding during heavy rain events, sequester carbon in the soil, reintroduce bird and animal species to the property, and provide important habitat for the rare turtles that have been observed in the area. What's more, it will become an important part of our well-established educational programs. We are excited!"

Andrew Morgan, Land and Stewardship Director for the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, shared that “This MNRCP funding will enable Kennebec Estuary Land Trust to upgrade three restricted tidal crossings with replacements designed to handle increased tidal flow with projected sea level rise. These new structures will enhance 22 acres of freshwater tidal wetlands, thereby improving high value wading bird and waterfowl habitat, enhancing fish habitat connectivity and nutrient exchange, increasing flood water drainage capacity, and facilitating freshwater marsh migration. This is particularly important in Merrymeeting Bay — one of the most diverse ecosystems in the state.” 

MNRCP is one of the most important funding sources for wetland restoration and conservation projects in the state. Since it began in 2008, the program has awarded over $33 million for 175 wetland restoration and conservation projects. Public agencies, municipalities, Tribes, and non-profit conservation organizations are all eligible to apply for funding. MNRCP funding can cover the costs of wetland consultants and engineers who support project design and implementation.

MNRCP is part of the state’s In Lieu Fee Compensation Program, whereby developers who are seeking permits for environmental impacts can pay a fee to compensate for those impacts. The fees are assessed by the Maine DEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) during the permitting process and are pooled in a dedicated fund for each region of the state. MNRCP holds an annual grant cycle and awards funds for wetland restoration, enhancement, or preservation projects that serve as compensation for the development impacts.

The next round of applications for MNRCP funding is expected to begin in May 2025. MNRCP will be prioritizing wetland restoration and enhancement projects that actively restore or enhance damaged wetlands. Projects may include removal of fill material from wetlands or removal of artificial tidal or stream barriers. MNRCP funding can cover most project costs, including site selection, design, project management, construction, and long-term monitoring.

MNRCP is administered by The Nature Conservancy in Maine, working in close collaboration with Maine DEP and the Army Corps. For more information about MNRCP, visit [link removed]



"For additional information, contact":

*David Madore*, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, [email protected]

*Jeremy Cluchey*, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, [email protected]

*Tim Dugan*, New England District Corps of Engineers, [email protected]






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