Discussion at the Vassalboro Conservation Commission’s March 11 meeting started with, and kept going back to, seeking grants to fund local programs.
The meeting began with commission member Mary Schwanke seeking input on her almost-final application for a GROW grant from the Grassroots Fund (formally the New England Grassroots Environment Fund) for work in Monument Park, in East Vassalboro.
Commission members summarized the history of the park, centered around Vassalboro’s Civil War monument. Thanks to donors over the years, it now offers a fishing dock, a swing set, two picnic tables and a granite seat. Trees and a shoreline buffer to protect water quality in China Lake and Outlet Stream have been planted.
The grant, if received, would help pay for more buffer plantings.
Later in the meeting, board members discussed other grants available to municipalities. Commission chairman Holly Weidner and other members think Vassalboro is missing out on opportunities.
One grant they have in mind goes back to last fall. At the Oct. 30, 2025, select board meeting, Schwanke made a presentation on water quality in Three-Cornered, Threemile and Webber ponds and needed improvements, including several culvert replacements (see the Nov. 6, 2025, issue of The Town Line, p. 3).
Commission members believe that Vassalboro continues as a member of Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership, which, among other things, awards grants for projects related to environmental issues. At the March 11 meeting, they voted unanimously to ask Vassalboro select board members to support the commission’s application for a community action grant for funds for one of the culverts.
On another topic, commission members discussed Project Canopy tree planting. Weidner said she planned to attend the March 16 Vassalboro Cemetery Committee meeting as the two groups try to work together on decisions about where trees should and should not be planted.
Schwanke said the China Region Lakes Alliance is about to be expanded to include Togus Pond and Three-Cornered Pond. Plans are to continue the courtesy boat inspections at boat landings, intended to keep invasive plants out of member lakes.
The next regular Vassalboro Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, in the town office meeting room.
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by Mary Grow
