How to Get the Shoreline Vegetated Buffer Cost-Share Program

What you get

The Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance pays lakefront homeowners $500 to stop mowing and let natural vegetation grow in a shoreline buffer, or reimburses planting projects using native shrubs, trees, and plants: up to $1,000 for projects costing $1,000 or less, and 50% of cost (up to $1,000 total) for larger projects. Only two of the program's five eligible lakes are in Maine: Wilson Lake (fully within Acton, ME) and the Maine portion of Great East Lake (also in Acton, ME); the other three eligible lakes (Horn Pond, Lovell Lake, Lake Ivanhoe/Round Pond) are New Hampshire-only (awwatersheds.org Shoreline Vegetated Buffer Cost-Share Program; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: $500 flat for a no-mow natural buffer; up to $1,000 for a planted native buffer (full cost up to $1,000, 50% cost-share above $1,000)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance customer
• Property located in: Acton
• Lakefront property on Wilson Lake or the Maine portion of Great East Lake, in Acton, ME
• Buffer added or improved within 50 feet of the water's edge
• Native (local) shrubs, trees, and plants required for planting projects
• Property not for sale or in foreclosure; owner current on mortgage/loan
• Homeowner responsible for ongoing planting upkeep

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.