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.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust, area landowners partner on effort

Topsham: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization, today announced that it has protected four adjacent properties along the Bold Coast in eastern Maine totaling 1,500 acres. The newly conserved land includes nearly two miles of scenic shore frontage, spanning from Moose Cove in Trescott, to Bog Brook Cove in Cutler.

“Together, these properties include an incredible variety of natural resources that are valued by local residents and visitors alike,” said David MacDonald, MCHT’s interim President. “In the coming months MCHT will be creating plans to allow public access to the cobble beaches, headlands, grasslands, pond, and streams contained within these spectacular lands.”

The largest of the properties, Bog Brook Cove, contains 88 acres of productive blueberry barrens, which are currently leased to local growers, and MCHT plans to keep them in production. In addition to being a sustainable economic resource for the region, the barrens provide excellent habitat for marsh hawks and other grassland birds. The property also contains Norse Pond, an important freshwater resource for waterfowl and wading birds.

The newly protected properties add to other conserved lands in the area. The western side of Bog Brook connects to the 12,000 acre Cutler Coast Unit, managed by the State Department of Conservation. The eastern side of the Moose Cove parcel connects to a heath that MCHT conserved in 2005. Together these conservation successes add up to more than 13,500 acres of adjacent conserved land—a landscape large enough to support wide-ranging mammals such as black bear, bobcat and fisher.

The Bog Brook Cove parcel contains a clustered homestead that was owned by Jack and Katharine Pierce of Falmouth. The homestead provided MCHT leverage to extend conservation to the adjacent Moose Cove lands through a creative land-for-structures swap. The owners at Moose Cove, Alan Pederson and David Dixon, had planned to develop the Moose Cove land, but chose instead to swap the land in exchange for ownership of the homestead area at Bog Brook Cove. “I was thrilled when MCHT approached us about conserving Moose Cove,” said Mr. Pederson. “Being able to live in this area, without needing to add development pressure was a win-win.” MCHT retains a conservation easement on the 35 acre homestead now owned by Pederson and Dixon, as well as a right of first refusal should they decide to sell this in-holding.

Local support for the project has been positive, and MCHT is sensitive to the tax implications of conserving these parcels—having already begun talking with the towns about potential impacts. In reacting to the news, one member of the Town of Cutler Board of Assessors said, “As more and more people come to understand the value of natural resources like Bog Brook Cove for our community and our State, we’ll become even more thankful that this land has been conserved over time.”

MCHT has received generous financial support for this project from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, and the Pew Charitable Trusts through its Northeast Land Trust Consortium, and has a proposal pending with the Land for Maine’s Future Program. “We have until August to raise the balance of our needed funds for this ambitious project,” says MacDonald. “And are grateful to the generous and conservation minded landowners who gave us the opportunity to work with them.”

Contacts:

David MacDonald, Interim President, MCHT, 207-244-5100
Rich Knox, Director of Communications, MCHT, 207-729-7366

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 127, 000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 275 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine.

Mr. MacDonald has been with the Trust since 1991, serving as the Director of Land Protection since 1999. He works from MCHT’s Mount Desert Island office, and also serves as vice-chair of the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. “With all of the exciting conservation work now happening statewide, it will be a fun and challenging assignment,” said MacDonald. “We have a great team here, and together with the entire staff and Board of Directors at MCHT, I look forward to helping to meet the goals and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming months.”

Maine Coast Heritage Trust will conduct a national search for its new president, and Mr. Espy will continue at the Trust through November. "Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an extraordinary organization," said Mr. Espy. "I feel blessed to have worked these many years with a truly visionary Board of Directors and a team of the most talented land conservation professionals in the nation." Mr. Espy continued, "The opportunity to serve the Sewall Foundation as it pursues new goals is very exciting. And, I know I am departing Maine Coast Heritage Trust at a time when the organization is healthier and stronger than ever."

During Mr. Espy's tenure, Maine Coast Heritage Trust greatly accelerated its land protection efforts along Maine's entire coast, bringing its total conserved acres to more than 125,000, including 270 entire coastal islands. In addition, Mr. Espy was instrumental in establishing the Maine Land Trust Network, a program of the Trust that helps build capacity in local land trusts throughout Maine.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

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 125,000 acres, and 270 entire coastal islands have been permanently protected. For more information, contact Richard Knox, Director of Communications at 207-729-7366.

About the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation

Elmina Brewster Sewall of Kennebunk, Maine established the foundation in 1983. The mission of the Sewall Foundation is to support conservation of the natural environment and the well being of animals and human beings, primarily in Maine. Through its giving, the foundation seeks to make a significant impact, inspire the generosity of others and empower those who share its vision. Further information concerning the foundation's plans will be announced in the coming months through the Maine Philanthropy Center and other organizational and media outlets.

Contact: Richard Knox, Director of Communications, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (207) 729-7366

Rockport. Three organizations that work to preserve land –Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and Coastal Mountains Land Trust—have joined forces to protect a large tract of local farmland from development and to keep it working.

The property, which is located on the south side of Route 90 less than a mile west of Route 1, has been on the market for over a year. Once part of the Erickson Farm, the parcel contains about 35 acres of highly visible fields and about 60 acres of wooded backland. The fields are currently utilized by Aldermere Farm, which is a program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Maine Farmland Trust purchased the property on July 19, with the goal to permanently protect all of the open farmland and a good portion of woodland through an agricultural conservation easement. Maine Farmland Trust—a statewide organization with headquarters in Belfast—has helped preserve 10,000 acres of working farmland since its founding in 1999, often in partnership with local land trusts. This is its first project in the Camden/Rockport area.

“This is an important project for us and for the area,” explains John Piotti, Maine Farmland Trust’s executive director. “Mid-coast Maine is full of opportunities to boost local farming, but only if we can retain the land base.”

The easement that permanently preserves the property will likely be held by Coastal Mountains Land Trust, which stewards 5,825 acres of conservation land in the area. Once protected, the farmland will be conveyed to Maine Coast Heritage Trust, ensuring that the fields are forever available to Aldermere Farm.

“The site contains good hay land and pastureland,” says Ron Howard, who manages Aldermere Farm, known for its trademark Belted Galloways. “It’s very valuable to our operation now, and is critical to our future success.”

Beyond retaining working farmland and scenic vistas, this property also provides opportunities for local recreation and perhaps creative educational and community opportunities, said Howard. The land is located close to the Rockport Elementary School, the independent Ashwood School, and the Camden/Rockport High School.

The property sold for $965,000. Maine Farmland Trust has secured a federal grant that will cover about a third of the cost. A small portion of the woodland could be re-sold to raise additional funds. But most of the remaining funds will come from local fundraising.

Project partners will soon launch a fundraising effort, in conjunction with the Fund for Rockport’s Future, an initiative authorized in Rockport’s Comprehensive Plan. As described by Charlton Ames, who chaired the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Fund for Rockport’s Future is intended to help protect critical properties for future generations and for innovative community projects.

"We believe that the local community will be very supportive of farmland projects,” says Ames. “The Erickson Farm is a great place to start given its rural character and value to the community."

The recent purchase does not include portions of the Erickson family land that lie north of Route 90. This land is also on the market. Project partners are interested in exploring the possibility of ultimately acquiring it as well.

Contacts:

• John Piotti, Maine Farmland Trust, 338-6575
• Ron Howard, Aldermere Farm, 236-2739

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently acquired Jordan’s Delight, an island offering prime habitat for nesting seabirds, from Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization. Located in Narraguagus Bay in Washington County, the island will be managed as part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, according to Refuge Manager Charlie Blair.

The Service assumed ownership of 27 acres of the 30-acre island in June. The acquisition excludes a 3-acre conservation easement that allows members of the family that previously donated the island to the Trust to maintain a small house and to visit the island when the seabirds are not nesting.

“The Service would not have had the opportunity to protect this important seabird nesting area without the generosity of a conservation-minded family and Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s dedicated stewardship of our coastal resources. It is due to this successful partnership that Jordan’s Delight is now part of the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Blair.

Seabirds that nest on the island include black-backed gull, herring gull, double-crested cormorant, common eider, Leach’s storm petrel, and black guillemont.

"MCHT is pleased to have been able to play a role in saving Jordan's Delight - one of Maine's most beautiful and diverse nesting islands," said David MacDonald, Director of Land Protection at Maine Coast Heritage Trust. "With the generosity of a private family and the long-term stewardship commitment of the refuge, together we were able to bring this island back from the brink of development."

Jordan’s Delight is within the approved boundaries for the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and is immediately east of other refuge properties including Bois Bubert Island and Petit Manan Point Division.

The island originally came on the market in 2000 for $1.6 million. At that time, a 3,000 square foot house was under construction on the island. An anonymous private family foundation acquired the island to conserve the property's sensitive features. The foundation donated 27 acres to MCHT, with the hope that MCHT would remove the large house and restore the island to its natural state. The Trust deconstructed the house in 2001, restored the damaged habitat, and provided interim ownership and management of the island until the USFWS could secure appropriated funding from the LWCF to purchase the property this June at a sale price of $70,000.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 97-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 547 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. (http://www.fws.gov)

Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards Maine’s coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity and working landscapes. MCHT promotes the conservation of natural places statewide by working with land trusts, communities and other partners. Founded in 1970, the trust was a pioneer in the use of conservation easements as a way to protect land. Since this time we have worked to protect more than 125,000 acres in Maine, including more than 250 entire coastal islands. (http://www.mcht.org)

For immediate release: July 12, 2007

For further information:

• Charlie Blair, refuge manager, 207-546-2124
• David MacDonald, MCHT, 207-244-5100

Images available for download at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/images.html

“Tin Smith is truly an outstanding conservationist, and an individual of the highest integrity.  His efforts have helped conserve some of Southern Maine’s most treasured landscapes, and have furthered the conservation ethic throughout the entire state,” said Jay Espy, President of MCHT, when presenting the award at the Maine Land Conservation Conference.  Among his many accomplishments, Tin was a founding member of the Great Works Regional Land Trust (GWRLT) and has served that organization as a volunteer for 20 years, including 6 years as its President.  During his time there, GWRLT has grown into an organization served by two staff members supported by more than 900 active members with stewardship responsibilities for protected lands encompassing 3,400 acres in Wells, the Berwicks, Eliot, and Ogunquit.

Under his leadership, Great Works joined first the Mt. Agamenticus coalition and then the broader Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Initiative and he served as one of the Tri-Chairs of both those successful land conservation efforts. 

Tin helped launch the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm and currently serves as its stewardship coordinator.  Paul Dest, the manager of the Reserve, reacted to the news of the award saying, “Tin’s personal commitment to land conservation are reflected in his persistence, optimism, strong work ethic—qualities that have enabled him to be a true conservation leader for our region.  We’re so grateful for all of the contributions he has made to our community—and the humble way in which he goes about his work.”

In 1998, Tin spearheaded the creation of the Coastal Mosaic Project at the Reserve, which was a pioneering effort that provided natural resource data, maps, and information to land trusts and other conservation groups to assist in conservation planning.  In recent years the Coastal Mosaic Project has evolved into one of Maine’s top-flight GIS centers in Southern Maine.  Tin also helped found the Maine Land Trust Network, an education and training resource for land trusts across the state.

At a personal level, Tin is dedicated to caring for the land.  A resident of Wells, he is an active organic farmer and works on behalf of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association certifying organic farms and sharing his in depth knowledge of organic farming practices. 

Topsham: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) today reported that it is on track to complete nearly 40 land conservation projects in 2006, including the permanent protection of eight entire coastal islands. These results on the Maine coast mirror solid gains across the country—the Land Trust Alliance recently reported that total acres conserved by land trusts increased 54% to 37 million acres in the past five years.

“Coastal communities in Maine are seeing direct benefits from land protection,” said MCHT president Jay Espy. “Working with landowners, local land trusts, and other partners like the Land for Maine’s Future program, we’re helping to ensure public access to the coast, to conserve important wildlife habitat, and to protect traditional settings that are a part of Maine’s economic and cultural heritage.”

• In York County, MCHT continued its work as a partner in the Mount Agamenticus to the Sea Coalition. This year the Coalition conserved an additional 250 acres of threatened lands—including 2200 feet of frontage on the York River that provide expansive salt marsh habitat and an undeveloped upland buffer for wildlife.
• MCHT continued stewardship work on preserves in Casco Bay. At MCHT’s Malaga Island preserve, the Trust collaborated with archeologists from the University of Southern Maine who are studying the island’s historic settlement. On nearby Flag Island (conserved by MCHT in 2001), MCHT assisted the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife with their study to determine reproductive success of eider ducks in the bay.
• Partnering with conservation minded landowners, MCHT worked to improve existing protection on Monroe Island, a 225-acre gem off Owls Head. A new conservation agreement permanently restricts development on the island, ensuring that 223 acres will remain undisturbed—protecting important wildlife habitat and preserving beautiful views from Owls Head Light State Park and the Vinalhaven and North Haven ferry routes.


MCHT has conserved nearly seven miles of pristine shoreline at the Basin in Vinalhaven. Credit: Christina Epperson

• On Vinalhaven, MCHT capped a twenty year effort to conserve the shores of The Basin, a scenic and ecological landmark of statewide significance. In partnership with Vinalhaven Land Trust and local landowners, MCHT has now helped protect more than 750 acres of land surrounding this spectacular tidal inlet, including nearly seven miles of shore frontage.
• In 2006, MCHT began a multi-year study of interactions between sheep and seabirds at four islands off Addison that have traditionally been grazed: Nash Island, Big Nash Island (which is privately owned), Flat Island and the Ladle. Learning more about these changes will help inform MCHT’s future management decisions and should be helpful to owners of other islands where sheep and seabirds coexist.


Assisted by a grant from the Land for Maine's Future Program, MCHT is helping the town of Machiasport to conserve Jasper Beach, a popular destination for walking and picnicking.

• Among the Trust’s highlights in eastern Maine was the conservation of Jasper Beach (a traditional public recreation destination in Machiasport), a partnership with the Passamaquoddy tribe to protect an ancient petroglyph site and important wildlife habitat, and several conservation successes in the Mount Desert Island region.

MCHT’s accomplishments on the Maine coast reflect the statewide and national trend of balancing economic growth with the protection of places that preserve the quality of local communities. The recently released Brookings Report shows how the protection of “quality places” can be one of the keys to Maine’s growth in the years ahead. “An unspoiled coast is a vital resource for a variety of important Maine industries—from tourism to boat building to fishing. Voluntary land conservation gives Mainers the tools and resources they need to protect the character of the Maine Coast for future generations,” said Espy.

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 123,000 acres, and 265 entire coastal islands have been permanently protected. For more information, contact Richard Knox, Director of Communications and Public Policy 207-729-7366

Contact: Rich Knox, Director of Communications, MCHT, 729-7366

Topsham, December 11, 2006. Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization, has named Thomas E. Ireland its new board chair. Mr. Ireland succeeds Richard Rockefeller, who served for five years as board chair, spearheading MCHT’s successful Campaign for the Coast.

“MCHT is very fortunate that someone with Tom Ireland’s leadership capabilities will be serving as our new board chair in the coming years,” says Jay Espy, President of MCHT. “Tom is a proven leader with a keen understanding of the complex issues facing the land conservation movement, and a life long connection to the Maine coast. His collaborative, problem solving approach will continue a proud tradition at MCHT.”

Mr. Ireland is a partner at the private equity investment firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. He and his family have deep roots in the Pemaquid region, and they have widely explored the Maine coast and islands from Kittery to Lubec. “I look forward to working with MCHT’s board, staff, council, members, and others who care about Maine’s coast as MCHT proceeds with its efforts to protect the character of Maine,” said Ireland. “Working with local communities and landowners, we strive to conserve important lands for the future ecological and economic health of coastal Maine.”

MCHT also announced the appointment of Dawn Kidd, Kurt Klebe, and Didi Stockly to its board of directors. Ms. Kidd served for 14 years as the executive director of the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Mr. Klebe is a partner with Verrill Dana, LLP in Portland and serves as a director or officer on numerous boards throughout southern Maine including Maine Medical Center. Ms. Stockly is currently a director of Vinalhaven Land Trust, as well as a past director of the Falmouth Land Trust.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 265 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine.

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

“We are truly grateful for the generosity shown by the individuals who donated this land,” said Ciona Ulbrich, local project manager for MCHT. Ulbrich added, “With this valuable gift, the local community can now enjoy more than 180 protected acres at Witherle Woods for walking, cross country skiing, and nature observation at this beautiful coastal preserve.”

Thanks to a number of conservation minded landowners, Witherle Woods has been available to generations of Castine residents and others from nearby communities for recreational activities. In 1985, the Hatch family donated 96.5 acres of what was once Witherle Park to Maine Coast Heritage Trust so that it would be forever protected in its natural state. In 1995, the Foote family made a similar donation of 36 adjacent acres.

MCHT purchased a 19-acre addition to the preserve from the Perkins estate in 2002. Local residents will recall that a second parcel within the Perkins Estate was the subject of a town effort to acquire the land as open space – but a bond put before local voters lost by a mere four votes. Many were concerned at the time when that second parcel was listed for sale by the estate. As it turns out, the parcel was purchased by a private buyer with strong conservation interests – and four years later this generous owner is now fulfilling the hopes of many in town by donating the land to MCHT for lasting protection.

“In the past, the community of Castine has been very supportive of conservation of this treasured resource, and we hope that the community will welcome this gift as gladly as we have,” said Ulbrich.

The Witherle Woods contain red and white spruce, balsam fir, and several hardwood stands. The woods are home to a variety of wildlife, including pileated woodpeckers, osprey and deer. Occasionally, bald eagles can be seen soaring overhead, riding the breezes of Penobscot Bay. The Witherle Woods preserve offers a variety of hiking trails for the public to enjoy.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine. For more information, visit www.mcht.org.

Machias, ME, (October 20, 2006) — The Passamaquoddy Tribe, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization, today announced completion of an agreement in which the 5.5 acre Picture Rocks property in Machiasport has been acquired by the tribe in exchange for a conservation easement given to MCHT on nearby tribal lands.

Peter Gommers/Medowin, Inc.

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Tribal State Legislative Representative Donald Soctomah expressed strong enthusiasm about the agreement. “There is something very spiritual about the petroglyphs and about this land returning to the Passamaquoddy people. It represents our people’s history and stories of our culture. We look forward to educating the tribal children and the public about this important historical site, and protecting it for future generations.” Patrick Watson, project manager at MCHT added, “This is a win-win for us and the tribe. We’re thrilled to be partnering on a project that returns control of this sacred place to the Passamaquoddy while at the same time furthering our land conservation goals in the region.”

MCHT president Jay Espy hands Passamaquoddy Chief Rick Doyle the deed to the Picture Rocks lands in Machiasport.  As part of the agreement MCHT received a conservation easement on 300 acres of nearby Passamaquoddy land at Moose Snare Cove.

Under terms of the agreement, MCHT receives a no-development conservation easement on 300 acres of nearby Passamaquoddy land with frontage on Moose Snare Cove (about two miles from the Picture Rocks site). The easement allows for forestry and continued agricultural use, such as blueberry production. The easement expands to more than 1,000 acres the protected lands in this ecologically sensitive area. MCHT facilitated the acquisition of the Picture Rock site on behalf of the tribe in order to complete the easement agreement on the Moose Snare Cove site. The transaction was made possible thanks to a cooperative private landowner.

“The Picture Rocks site is perhaps the most important petroglyph site in Maine. We had concerns that this land could one day go up for development, that we could lose the archaeological and cultural heritage of the petroglyphs,” said Mark Hedden, archeological consultant to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. Hedden, along with representatives from the tribe, the University of Maine at Machias, MCHT, and local community members have established a committee (named Malusah’ekan, which is Passamaquoddy for “Picture Rocks on the Shore) that is working to protect other petroglyph sites in the Machias Bay area. The committee hopes that the success of this project will be a catalyst for further protection of these historic sites.

Now that the tribe has control of the site, it plans to offer guided tours with tribal members interpreting the petroglyphs and explaining their history, but first developing a long range management plan.

About the Passamaquoddy Tribe

The Passamaquoddy Tribe has a long history in eastern Maine and western New Brunswick Canada, some say over 12,000 years. Machiasport is a very unique place, a place where the coast soothes the spirit and the land heals the soul. This petroglyph site is in an area of the largest concentration of rock carvings on the east coast. After 400 years, the rock carvings return back to the ancestors of the people who created them, what a strong story of endurance and survival. For more information, visit www.wabanaki.com

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine.

Contacts:
Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy Tribe, 207-214-7727
Rich Knox, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, 207-729-7366

Congress recently approved expanded federal income tax deductions for conservation easement donations. The law combines stronger tax incentives with several important reforms to the rules for easement donors (outlined below). The Land Trust Alliance web site has more detailed information on these changes and their implications.

Expanded Charitable Deductions

Individual taxpayers donating an easement in 2006 or 2007 can now claim a charitable deduction up to 50 percent of their adjusted gross income (up from 30 percent previously), with the remainder eligible to be carried forward for up to 15 years (increased from 5 previously). Easement donors who previously could not have deducted the full value of their gifts will be able to deduct more of that value over a longer time period, and will not lose these benefits simply because their income level is modest.

Under the former rules, an individual with an annual adjusted gross income of $50,000 who donated a conservation easement worth $200,000 could deduct up to $15,000 of the easement gift in year one, and another $15,000 over each of the next five years, for a total deduction of $90,000 spread over six years. Under the new rule, this same donor can deduct up to $25,000 in the year of the donation and an additional $25,000 in each of the ensuing seven years so no part of the deduction goes to waste.

The benefits are even greater for farmers and ranchers, who can deduct up to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income (assuming that 50 percent or more of their gross income comes from the “trade or business” of farming or ranching).

This article draws on material prepared by the Land Trust Alliance and on the August 2006 Maine Land Conservation Law E-Bulletin written by Robert H Levin, Esq. (e-mail rob@roblevin.net for a free subscription).

Portland, ME (August 8, 2006) — Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization, today announced it has raised more than $100 million to accelerate land conservation on Maine’s coast.  Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s “Campaign for the Coast” is the largest land conservation capital campaign in Maine’s history.

“Five years ago to the day, Maine Coast Heritage Trust launched the public phase of the Campaign for the Coast,” said Jay Espy, president of Maine Coast Heritage Trust.  “Today, we are very pleased to celebrate achieving our ambitious fundraising goal for the Campaign, thanks to many generous people who love the coast of Maine.  From first-time five dollar checks to major gifts, we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us attain our goal--and these funds are already at work protecting the coast,” continued Espy.  

“Raising $100 million on time and on goal is a tremendous collective accomplishment, which reflects people’s strong passion for protecting the character of Maine.  Together with the ongoing support of landowners, donors, members and our community partners, we have the opportunity to conserve our priceless coast, while there’s still time,” said Espy.

Since inception, the Campaign for the Coast has protected more than 14,000 acres of Maine’s most threatened natural resources, including 125 miles of shoreline, 750 acres of coastal farmland, and 56 entire coastal islands.  More than 900 acres of eagle nesting habitat have been conserved, as well as 525 acres of seabird nesting habitat.  These land protection successes, and those yet to come,  will assure continued public access to the coast for traditional activities such as hiking, fishing, clamming, and nature observation.  

“Land conservation isn’t just about acres and miles,” said Richard Rockefeller, chairman of Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s board of directors. “Nature, wildlife, and people depend on Maine’s coast.  If we continue to act as quickly and earnestly as possible, we have the opportunity to forever protect these natural lands—for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes—and leave a legacy for future generations,” added Rockefeller.  

Every year, more than 30 million people enjoy Maine’s spectacular coastline—one of America’s most recognized natural treasures, and an important part of Maine’s economic infrastructure.

Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Maine Coast Heritage Trust was one of the first land conversation organizations in the United States to partner with private landowners, municipalities, and other community partners to use voluntary conservation agreements to protect the land. In 1995, Maine Coast Heritage Trust founded the Maine Land Trust Network, a network of the state’s 100 land trusts formed to build land conservation capacity and to unite and strengthen Maine’s collective conservation efforts.

To continue its commitment to the land, and to the wildlife and people who depend on it, Maine Coast Heritage Trust practices careful and responsible stewardship—monitoring properties, creating and maintaining trails, and educating visitors—striking a balance between human use and natural habitat for plants and animals.  Maine Coast Heritage Trust owns and manages 50 preserves, including 15 seabird nesting islands, and holds more than 150 voluntary conservation agreements on land owned by individuals, families, towns, and other organizations.

“While we are proud of our collective successes, Maine Coast Heritage Trust is mindful that there is still so much to be done,” said Espy. “Each day we identify and further new conservation projects that extend our reach.  Our most recent conservation success, at Jasper Beach in the Town of Machiasport, is an example of leveraging our efforts with partners.  The Land for Maine’s Future board awarded a generous $366,000 grant toward the purchase of this treasured natural resource, and we plan to transfer the property to the Town to best meet the ongoing recreational needs of the community.  We simply could not do it without our members, and the ongoing support of people and organizations who love the coast of Maine.”

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine.   For more information, visit www.mcht.org.

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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.

(Washington, D.C.) February 15, 2006 - David MacDonald of Mount Desert, ME, was recently appointed to a new commission established to ensure quality of land conservation. In a statement released by the Land Trust Alliance today, MacDonald is one of 13 members appointed to an independent commission that will operate a new accreditation program for land trusts.Land trusts are nonprofit organizations that conserve land through private agreements with landowners in their communities. MacDonald currently works as the Director of Land Protection at Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization.

Scheduled to begin operations in early March, the new organization will be called "The Land Trust Accreditation Commission: An Independent Program of the Land Trust Alliance."

"The accreditation program is a milestone in land conservation history, ensuring the permanent protection of millions of acres of working forests, farms, ranches and natural areas across America," said Rand Wentworth, president of LTA. "We hope this program will serve as a model of self-regulation and high legal and ethical standards for other nonprofit sectors."

Land trusts in America have been responsible for conserving 34 million acres, and this new program is seen as a critical tool for ensuring that these lands stay protected. Many of these local, regional and national nonprofit land conservation organizations eagerly await the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments before the commission and receive recognition of their efforts. In an era marked by Congressional scrutiny of the nonprofit sector, this program offers a way to distinguish the excellent work of citizen conservation organizations.

In this first year the commission will develop the policies to provide a fair and transparent review of applications and the procedures for granting a seal of accreditation to successful applicants. Tests of the accreditation system will be underway by 2007 and the program will be fully operational by 2008. More than 1,000 land trusts are eligible for accreditation.

According to Wentworth, one of the keys to successful development of the accreditation program was extensive involvement by the land trust community. The design of the accreditation program was led by a steering committee of conservation leaders and was the result of a year-long process of listening to land trusts and reviewing state-of-the-art conservation practices.

When appointing the new commission, the LTA board of directors also approved the bylaws for the new subsidiary nonprofit corporation and approved the corporation's officers. Larry Kueter, an attorney in private practice and counsel to the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust will serve as the commission's chair. Kueter commented, "This is a remarkable opportunity to lead a ground-breaking program that will strengthen the land trust community and foster public trust in our work."

Mr. Kueter volunteered on a 2004 team to revise Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for land trusts that will serve as the foundation of accreditation. Mr. Kueter also co-chaired the accreditation program design steering committee in 2005 and was recently appointed to LTA's board of directors. In addition to Mr. Kueter, the independent commission represents a balance of small and large land trusts and land conservation and nonprofit and government expertise from across the country.

"Launching of this accreditation program for land trusts is just what the public needs right now. In recent years, there has been a huge upswing in the number and diversity of landowners who want to protect their property from future development. And now there will also be a system in place to ensure public trust in the organizations responsible for maintaining their protected status," remarked Wentworth.

The local appointee to this commission, MacDonald has been part of the land protection staff at Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MHCT) for the past 15 years, first as a project manager and now as MCHT's Director of Land Protection. He has worked with landowners, communities, and partner trusts to assemble dozens of conservation transactions along the Maine coast. David also serves as a volunteer board member of three local conservation organizations in eastern Maine - the Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary, the Island Foundation, and the Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation. He lives on Mount Desert Island with his wife Caroline and two young children.

The Land Trust Alliancepromotes voluntary private land conservation to benefit communities and natural systems. We are the national convener, strategist and representative of more than 1,500 land trusts across America. Land Trust Alliance works to increase the pace of land conservation, build strong land trusts, defend the permanence of conservation easements, and ensure that the work of land trusts is strategically directed. LTA has offices in several regions of the country, with its headquarters located at 1331H St, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005-4734. For more information, visit www.lta.org.

Contact: Rand Wentworth, President, Land Trust Alliance 202-638-4725

Larry Kueter, Chair, Land Trust Accreditation Commission 303-292-5656

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission:

An Independent Program of the Land Trust Alliance

Commission Members