May 17, 2006

2005 Land Heritage Award Presented to Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Topsham: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) has named Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) as recipient of the 2005 Land Heritage Award. Each year MCHT presents the award to an individual, organization, or coalition for exemplary conservation efforts in Maine.

"Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust has had a tremendous positive impact, not only on the landscape, but also on economic health and community traditions in the remote corner of the state it serves," said Jay Espy, President of MCHT, when presenting the award at the Maine Land Conservation Conference. Founded in 1991, RLHT, has participated in the protection of more than 12,000 acres, including 12 entire islands, 40 miles of lake and river frontage and a prominent mountain. The land protected by RHLT includes ecologically significant wetlands and riparian areas as well as significant streams and rivers including the Rangeley, Kennebago, and Rapid Rivers and South Bog and Cascade Streams. These waters provide important spawning and habitat for the Rangeley region's legendary fishery. In addition, large tracts of forestland are included in the Trust's ownership, managed for sensitive and sustainable timber harvesting, which contribute to the forest products economy. RLHT's commitment to pubic access to conserved lands includes miles of non-motorized trails in addition to permanently protected snowmobile trails that provide public access to thousands of acres of land throughout the region.

In accepting the award, executive director Nancy Perlson commented on RLHT's ongoing commitment to environmental education and to caring for the land it protects. "RLHT takes stewardship seriously, developing management plans for each of our owned parcels and a regular monitoring program for our conservation easements. Our management priorities include enhancing habitat for fish and wildlife, improving the timber stand, and increasing opportunities for public recreation."

For the past nine years RLHT has sponsored an environmental education/outdoor recreation program called EcoVenture that provides five weeks of free programming to local and seasonal children. This award-winning program, serving about 150 children (over 60% local school children) every summer hiking, paddling, camping, and learning is entirely supported through grants and contributions.

Contact: Rich Knox, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (207) 729-7366

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide conservation organization dedicated to protecting land that is essential to the character of Maine, its coastline and islands in particular. Since 1970, more than 121,000 acres and 270 entire coastal islands have been permanently protected. For more information, contact Rich Knox, Director of Communications and Public Policy 207-729-7366, or visit www.mcht.org.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is dedicated to the protection of significant natural resources of the Rangeley Lakes region for the public and future generations. For more information contact Nancy Perlson, Executive Director 207-864-7311 x 2 or visit www.rlht.org.