Strong Year for Coastal Conservation
Spurred by land and easement donations, MCHT completed 40 projects (including 10 coastal islands) in 2009. The year's projects spanned the entire coast from York to Lubec, highlighted by the following:
- Eagle and Sheep Islands: Long-time MCHT supporters donated conservation easements on these two gems located north of Swans Island in Blue Hill Bay. They provide valuable bald eagle and seal habitat.
- Treat Island: Lying at the gateway of Cobscook and Passamaquoddy bays, scenic Treat Island has a rich history dating back to Colonial America.
- Ash Island: Just offshore from a popular state park and a public boat launch site in Owls Head, much beloved Ash Island was conserved thanks to the generous support of more than 100 community members.
- Sears Island: When the State and local partners reached a much heralded agreement, MCHT received an easement permanently protecting two-thirds of this 940-acre State-owned island in Penobscot Bay.
Ash Island on a foggy, summer day.
In addition to new land acquisitions, 2009 also saw MCHT make great strides connecting more people to the land. New initiatives resulted in unique partnerships and greater opportunities for people to experience the special places protected over the past four decades. Beyond traditional land conservation, MCHT took on new challenges such as leasing part of our Bog Brook Cove Preserve to local organic blueberry growers and providing grant funding to develop markets for berries in the region. We expanded our network of trails by more than seven miles. MCHT now maintains more than 52 miles of paths along the Maine Coast available for the public to explore. MCHT's Stewardship staff also hosted more than 40 field trips. These adventures, from nature hikes to kayak tours, offered more opportunities than ever for people to get out and learn about MCHT's many conserved treasures.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the generosity of our countless members, supporters, and partners. As we begin to plan our activities for the upcoming year, MCHT's 40th, we are looking forward to working closely once again with all who share our love for the Maine coast to ensure conservation successes continue in 2010.
