May 5, 2008

Dave Getchell Sr. named Espy Land Heritage Award Winner

David Getchell Sr.

Re-named award now includes $5,000 conservation gift

Topsham: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide conservation organization, has named David Getchell Sr. as recipient of the 2007 Espy Land Heritage Award. Each year MCHT presents the award to an individual, organization, or coalition for exemplary conservation efforts in Maine.

"Dave Getchell is truly an outstanding conservationist, and his enthusiasm and work ethic are contagious. His efforts have helped conserve some of Maine's most treasured landscapes, and have furthered the conservation ethic throughout the entire state," said David MacDonald, interim President of MCHT, when presenting the award at the Maine Land Conservation Conference this past weekend. "Dave is a worthy recipient of the first Espy Land Heritage award and of the new $5,000 conservation gift," added MacDonald.

Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Getchell was founder of the Maine Island Trail Association, co-founder of the North American Water Trails Association, founder of the Georges River Land Trust Conservation Trails Program, and inspiration behind the Georges Highland Path (an ambitious project involving nearly 40 different private landowners along a 36-mile footpath), and Honorary Director of the Friends of Baxter State Park.

In receiving the award, Mr. Getchell emphasized the importance of good relationships with landowners and a well educated public in creating conservation success. "In these somewhat cynical times, it is heartening to see so many private landowners willing to share their land with a caring public. In my experience, the vast majority of hikers and boaters do not need policing and strict rules but instead respond with respect and appreciation for the privilege of enjoying these beautiful places."

In honor outgoing president Jay Espy, the board of Directors at MCHT renamed the Land Heritage Award the Espy Land Heritage Award, and created a fund that will award $5,000 per year - with the winner able to direct the funds to the conservation charity of their choice. Mr. Getchell has chosen to direct his cash award to the Maine Island Trail Association, the Georges River Land Trust, and the Friends of Baxter State Park.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization dedicated to protecting land that is essential to the character of Maine, its coastline and islands in particular. Since 1970, more than 127,000 acres and 275 entire coastal islands have been permanently protected. For more information, contact Rich Knox, Director of Communications and Public Policy at 207-729-7366.