Landscape Incentives Forum: growing your business in the watershed

Homeowners in the Lake Whatcom Watershed have a new reason to do Low Impact Development (LID) projects on their properties. The City of Bellingham is providing technical and financial assistance to watershed residents within city limits for projects such as reforestation (native planting), rain gardens, infiltration trenches, permeable pavements, sand filters, dry wells, stormwater planter boxes, and rainwater harvesting.

Financial incentives, paid through a water quality improvement grant from the Washington Department of Ecology, range from $1,000-$6,000 - depending on project type and size - and take the form of reimbursements for project-related materials, equipment, and labor.

The City would like to compile a list of interested and qualified professionals for distribution to participating homeowners. To learn how the Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) works, and how your business can participate in these projects, join Sustainable Connections for an informational lunchtime workshop on November 9th from 11:00am-1:00pm.

The workshop will cover the basics of the HIP grant and how it applies to you and will provide you with information about HIP projects using examples completed in 2011. The City’s HIP representative, Eli Mackiewicz, will provide a brief overview of the program and describe the HIP process from site assessment to project completion. In addition, City staff will be available to answer your questions about the HIP and the Lake Whatcom Watershed development code, working rules and construction regulations.

This workshop applies to landscapers, earthwork/grading contractors, rainwater catchment providers and garden designers. If you’re one of these businesses and looking for an innovative way to market your business, contact Sustainable Connections to RSVP for this workshop.

 Date: Wednesday, November 9 | 11:00am – 1:00pm

 Cost: FREE!

 Lunch: Provided by 22 Cousins Catering.  Menu includes:

• Bison Borscht
• The Bomb Squash
• Roasted root vegetables
• Quinoa salad with greens
• Breadfarm baguette, harvest apple bread
• Good for you Brownies!!!