How to Get the Cost-share Programs

What you get

The Lake Ripley Management District cost-shares up to 50% of a project that controls erosion, protects water quality, or restores wildlife habitat on a property in the district. Eligible projects include shoreline erosion control and native plantings, rain gardens, and native buffer strips between the lake and a lawn. No dollar cap is published (Lake Ripley Management District Cost-share Programs page and its Landowner Cost-Share Project Packet; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Up to 50% cost share (no published dollar cap)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Lake Ripley Management District customer
• Property located in: Cambridge, Oakland
• Property within the Lake Ripley Management District
• Site visit and Cost-share Committee review, then Board approval before work begins
• Three contractor bids required
• Shoreline plantings: 1,000 square foot planting area with a 20 foot average depth from shore, district-approved native species
• 10 year soil and water conservation easement

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 Lake Ripley Management District 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.