The Erie Conservation District is constantly striving to improve resource conservation efforts in our county. To better serve our communities, we are distributing funding and technical assistance to individuals and organizations seeking to positively impact our watersheds through the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on their property!
BMPs are actions that can be taken to improve ecological processes like filtering stormwater, providing pollinator habitat, and reducing invasive species spread. The variety of beneficial practices allows almost anyone to make a difference because their versatility allows at least one type of BMP to be installed on any property type!
Available Practices
This grant will refund the construction of eligible BMPs:
- Detention basin enhancement
- Invasive species removal
- Outdoor native plants
- Pollinator gardens
- Rain barrels and cisterns
- Rain gardens
If you have an idea for a project that is not on the list but think it might be beneficial for our county’s waters and wildlife, reach out to the District to discuss it before applying.
Grant Eligibility Requirements
- This grant targets property owners of Erie County or those who work at a school, library, place of worship, locally owned space, private or commercial space, and non-profits.
- Urban, suburban, and rural areas are eligible.
- State and federally owned properties are ineligible to receive funding but may receive technical assistance.
- New and active construction sites are ineligible for the program. Sites must be completed, stabilized, and have an occupancy permit issued for at least one year prior to the time of the application to be eligible.
- Projects completed prior to the award are ineligible.
Grant Criteria
- Award amounts are based on project type:
- Residential projects will be awarded 80% of the eligible project cost up to $500
- Community-based projects will be awarded 80% of the eligible project cost up to $1000
- Applicants may request 100% of eligible project costs up to the specified value if they can show financial need and live in an area of concern based on green space and development in the surrounding area.
- No funds may be used for tools, permitting, design, or volunteer/landowner labor.
- No more than one project per property owner will be accepted
- Projects must be completed by October 31st to be eligible for reimbursement
- A site visit by Erie Conservation District staff will be required to verify project completion and earn reimbursement
- All practices must be maintained
Application Process
- Education – There will be a number of education events on the various practices covered under the grant before the application period closes. This is a great opportunity to learn what BMPs suit your property and how to best meet your goals with these conservation practices. Attendance is highly encouraged but not required.
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Application – Complete the application form to the right. Be sure to include a simple, informal project design and an estimated budget. The project design should not be a professional design but should give a clear idea of where and what you want done on the property. Quotes are required in the budget if professional services are being sought. Applications will be due by May 8th, 2026.
- Review and Approval – The District will review applications and approve those that best align with the goals of the program. If there is still funding left after the initial review, applications will be reopened on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Project Installation – After approval, projects will need to be installed by October 31st, 2026. The District is available for technical assistance through the installation process. Setting up a preconstruction meeting with ECD staff is highly encouraged.
- District Inspection and Reimbursement – Once complete, projects will need to be inspected by the District to ensure that the project meets the approved plan. Applicants will then need to complete a reimbursement form which the District will then pay accordingly.
- One-Year Post-Construction Review – A year after installation, the District will reinspect the project to ensure that it is being maintained and functioning as intended.
For more information, please reach out to Jarett Trendel at jtrendel@eriecounty.oh.gov or call the office at 419-626-5211.
