One of the island's most valuable settings for shorebirds may soon be permanently protected. The landowner, Mrs. Roscoe C. (Paula) Ingalls, Jr. is working with Maine Coast Heritage Trust to keep forever wild 105 acres and nearly two miles of unfragmented shoreline in Bernard. MCHT holds an option to purchase a conservation easement on the Ingalls property, which includes all of Mitchell Marsh—the only site on Mount Desert Island (MDI) classified by the State as significant shorebird habitat. The Trust is working to raise funds to complete this project by early next year.
"The Ingalls family has taken good care of this remote and beautiful stretch of shorefront for generations," notes Brian Reilly, MCHT's project manager for MDI. "They could have gotten top dollar by selling off houselots, but they're strongly committed to keeping this shoreline wild and unfragmented." Three generations of the family have grown up enjoying the property's beaches, marshlands and abundant wildlife. "It's been in our family since 1926 and means everything to us," says Mrs. Ingalls, who lives on the land five months a year. She seeks to ensure that it remains an unspoiled treasure, a small but significant part of a greater whole. "This earth is an incredible place," she reflects. "We should help nature along, not tear it apart."
The "Ingallshore" property represents the largest private unprotected tract along the entire southern half of MDI's western side. "The marsh supports wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl," notes Reilly, "and the woods offer an unfragmented block of wildlife habitat." If finalized, the easement will protect the entirety of Mitchell Marsh and a portion of Mitchell Cove Marsh (see aerial image), which adjoins another private parcel already under easement to Acadia National Park. The family is retaining the right to build in a small area surrounding the original farm house, which is set back 600 feet from the shore.
The property will remain in private ownership, and public access will be granted (once the easement is sold) only to a rocky beach at the parcel's north-western end. "Much of this marshy shoreline is best left to the birds and animals," observes Reilly, "and we want to ensure that any public use respects the wildlife and the landowner's privacy."
MCHT hopes to raise sufficient funds to complete the easement purchase early in 2008. The Trust will apply for a federal wetlands grant, but will rely on community members to contribute substantial matching funds. Contact Brian Reilly at the Trust (244-5100) to learn how you can help.
Nine acres of scenic blueberry fields bordering Beech Hill Road in Mount Desert will remain undeveloped, thanks to the recent donation of a conservation easement. This unusual easement was given by the estate of Gertrude L. McCue, a Mount Desert summer resident who had owned land near Beech Mountain and Beech Hill Farm.
For the McCue family, this little known conservation technique of postmortem easements enabled Mrs. McCue's children to fulfill a vision their mother had long held. "Our mother wanted these fields to remain open, but due to the challenges of negotiating the details with all interested parties, we were unable to finalize the easement during her lifetime," her son Bill McCue explains. "In settling her estate, we found that donating an easement postmortem made financial sense for us while honoring her wishes for the land. The finite amount of time available to donate the easement and realize its benefits after our mother's death brought a certain clarity to the situation, which had been lacking when there was no deadline."
The McCue estate easement complements several other conservation projects that MCHT has completed along Beech Hill Road—totaling 101 acres.
For more information about this conservation option, please contact MCHT at 244-5100 or development@mcht.org.
Bartlett Island, which spans more than 2,000 acres, is one of the largest privately held islands along the coast of Maine. Lying just off the western shore of Mount Desert Island, it is a prominent landmark in Blue Hill Bay. The vast majority of this impressive island will remain undeveloped, thanks to a conservation easement that its owner, David Rockefeller, recently donated to MCHT. Any future residences will be clustered in a limited area near the existing farm. The recent agreement augments one that Mr. Rockefeller previously donated to the Town of Mt. Desert.
Two other projects in the vicinity complement this major achievement, enhancing the scenic and ecological values of the passage between Bartlett Island and Pretty Marsh known as Bartlett Narrows. Along the MDI shore of the Narrows, a family generously donated an easement protecting a prominent point of land at the southern end of Bartlett Harbor. This property helps to preserve views from the public boat launch in the Narrows.
MCHT was honored with the gift of an entire island that lies at the south end of Bartlett Narrows. Folly Island is a brushy, 7-acre knoll that affords beautiful views over Blue Hill Bay. Sylvia Erhart and the late Julia Coleman, whose grandfather acquired the island in 1943, kept the island wild and allowed those travelling the Maine Island Trail to enjoy daytime use of it. In reviewing their estate plans and goals for the island's future, the sisters decided to give the island to Maine Coast Heritage Trust. MCHT will transfer a conservation easement on Folly Island to Acadia National Park as a backup layer of protection, and will continue permitting low-impact, daytime use.
Over the past year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has helped facilitate protection of six properties that will be held by Acadia National Park—all of them helping to complete the Park boundary (Boundary legislation passed in 1986 identifies roughly 175 additional parcels that the Park may obtain from willing landowners to complete its boundary). Two of these projects help protect the scenic and ecological values of Bass Harbor Marsh, while others help buffer Park land in Hull's Cove, Seal Harbor and Southwest Harbor. MCHT took a lead role in negotiating the gift to Acadia National Park of a valuable 12-acre wetland along Northeast Creek, and donated all the legal work necessary to complete that transaction.
"The Park's acquisition process can often take up to 18 months," notes MCHT project manager Brian Reilly, "and landowners don't always want to wait that long. In many instances, we're able to step in and pre-acquire important lands for later transfer to the Park. Help from a private foundation last year helped us to secure options to purchase five properties."
Now MCHT is working closely with Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park to raise public awareness about the importance of completing the Park boundary through voluntary land conservation projects.
To protect treasured lands around Mount Desert Island and beyond, Maine Coast Heritage Trust depends upon contributions from individuals who love the coast and recognize how vital conservation is to sustaining its special quality for future generations. Please become a member by donating online at www.mcht.org or using the enclosed envelope to mail in your contribution. We are grateful to all those who already support our land conserv- ation efforts. If you're already a member, we hope you will consider sharing this newsletter and envelope with a friend.
To receive more information about ways to protect your own property or to learn more about planned gifts, please contact our staff in Somesville at 244-5100.
MCHT plans to establish a new office and public preserve on a 35-acre parcel it owns along Route 102 near Babson Creek. "We've had an office on Mount Desert Island ever since MCHT was founded 37 years ago," notes MCHT's project manager for MDI, Brian Reilly. "Now we have an opportunity to construct an environmentally sensitive office next to a beautiful preserve where people can enjoy hiking and birdwatching. It should help strengthen our ties to the local community."
The Babson Creek property was donated to MCHT by a group of conservation investors who purchased the land at auction in 2001 from the estate of Eugene Merchant. The Trust removed an old house situated on the east side of the road which was in disrepair (having been unoccupied for decades.) "Initially, we considered restoring or moving the farmhouse, but the structure was so far gone that it just was not practical," says Reilly. "Instead, we worked with local builders and the MDI Historical Society to salvage architectural elements for reuse."
The new building will be constructed near the site of the former house, but slightly farther back from the road. The Town planning board approved the project this spring, and MCHT plans to break ground later this year.
]]>Three decades ago, sisters Lin Clayberg and Lanie Dickel inherited 17 acres of woods and meadows bordering Western Way. They had spent every summer of their childhood since 1937 on this beautiful Manset land-roaming the woods, gathering blueberries, and hiking a network of trails built by their father, Frank W. Ramseyer, Jr.. As co-owners, Clayberg and Dickel continued visiting the property with their families as often as they could, sharing use of the property’s single cottage.
When their children were grown, Clayberg and Dickel began thinking about the future of their land, known in their family as “Elderling.” “We wanted to get the hard work of planning done before the kids inherited the property,” Dickel observes. “We felt we should retain some land for future building (in case our families should ever decide that sharing the cottage wasn’t feasible), but we wanted to keep the woods and shore as an undeveloped ‘commons’ area.” Clayberg echoes that vision: “We didn’t want to see the woods developed but left as it was when we were kids,” she reflects. “Furthermore, taking the ‘commons’ off the table in terms of potential development meant that it could not become a bone of contention in the future.”
After researching various conservation methods, Clayberg and Dickel decided to enter into a conservation easement with Maine Coast Heritage Trust. This voluntary agreement met their needs well, allowing them to protect key portions of their land while retaining it in family ownership. Their five grown children all tracked the easement planning process via e-mail as the sisters worked with MCHT project manager Brian Reilly. Four of their children then chose to become co-owners of the property. “By that point, they understood the benefits of conservation and willingly accepted the resulting devaluation of the property,” Clayberg reflects. “And as co-donors of the easement, they were able to share in the charitable tax benefits.”
The Elderling easement will keep “forever wild” 8 acres of woodland and 3 acres of marsh and pond bordering the seawall. The family kept out of the easement 6 remaining acres near Seawall Road to allow for potential future construction. “The conservation agreement preserves a lovely array of freshwater habitats, including a stream and pond, and a long stretch of unbroken shoreline along Western Way,” Reilly observes. “This family shared a strong commitment to protecting their beautiful property, and the easement helped them accomplish that vision.”
Joan Sullivan, a sixth-generation resident of Mount Desert Island, recalls how as a child “I’d pass by this old farm on Crooked Road and think ‘some day, I’d love to have a horse on that property.’” That vision came to pass six years ago when she began boarding her horse at the farm, and then started managing the stable. The owners offered to sell the 34-acre property but the acquisition process was protracted and Sullivan and her partner David Andrews ultimately could not afford to take on the property without reducing its market value. By completing a conservation agreement with Maine Coast Heritage Trust, they were able to realize their dream and protect a prominent parcel of farmland in Bar Harbor’s rural Emery District. “We couldn’t have closed on this property without Maine Coast Heritage Trust,” Sullivan notes, “and it would have broken my heart to see this place become a housing development. I love this property: it’s an exceptional, irreplaceable piece of land.”
The conservation agreement ensures that the property’s fields will remain undeveloped, along with 15 acres of woods that border Acadia National Park. Those fields are now home to 24 horses that Sullivan and Andrews have rescued—animals that were neglected, abused, malnourished or beset by health or behavioral problems. “Our goal is to get them stable and safe,” Sullivan explains, a process that can take at least a year for each horse. Most of the rehabilitated horses can then return to work in the riding lessons and trail rides that Sullivan and Andrews offer at Eochaidh Stables.
“We feel overwhelmed and shorthanded much of the time,” Sullivan concedes, trying to care for so many horses and restore the farm, “but we’re so glad to be here. This land has qualities that cannot be lost, and now they won’t be.”
Maine Coast Heritage Trust lost a devoted friend with the death this spring of Jonathan Stein, a long-time summer resident of Somesville. Jon and his sister Judith Goldstein first collaborated with MCHT 14 years ago to prepare a conservation easement protecting their property bordering Somes Pond. “They were among the first landowners around the Pond to permanently conserve their shorefront, and their foresight helped inspire other landowners to follow suit,” notes David MacDonald, MCHT’s Director of Land Protection. In 2005, the last key piece of unprotected frontage along the Pond was secured—preserving forever the integrity of this scenic gem.
Stein also made a major gift in 2000 toward MCHT’s acquisition of the Manset Fields Preserve, a meadow with spectacular views overlooking the Western Way in Manset. “I’ve taken enormous pleasure from that spot,” Jon observed at the time of his gift, “and I wanted others to share in that joy.”
Stein’s support for MCHT did not end when he died unexpectedly in a helicopter crash. Acting with his typical foresight and generosity, Jon had established a substantial bequest to the Trust. He didn’t want to leave to chance the future of Maine’s spectacular coastline. When he set up his bequest to MCHT six years ago, Jon said, “The older I get, the more I realize we must take affirmative steps to ensure that these wonderful treasures are protected.”
Crossing the causeway to Mount Desert Island, few visitors or residents may know the name of Thomas Island—the prominent 65-acre island east of Thompson Island in Mt. Desert Narrows. Yet many passersby value the unbroken shores of this wooded landmark that marks the gateway to MDI. This island will remain undeveloped, thanks to a collaborative conservation effort coordinated by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
The project began with the initiative of Dr. Frank Moya, who wanted to see the island he had owned for a decade conserved. “Protecting Thomas Island was always in the back of my mind,” reflects Dr. Moya. “I wanted to see it remain unspoiled in perpetuity.” Despite having another offer on the property, Dr. Moya agreed to sell the property to MCHT for 60 percent of its appraised value.
His gift of the remaining value was used as a match for a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant, which was secured due to the island’s high wildlife value. Thomas Island supports songbirds and raptors, and is surrounded by 57 acres of intertidal wetlands that provide prime habitat for black ducks, common eiders and sandpipers.
Ducks Unlimited made a small contribution toward the island’s protection as well, bringing MCHT’s final cash cost to just $17,000. “We helped put the funding pieces together for this acquisition, partnering with the State in completing grant applications,” says Brian Reilly, MCHT project manager. “But it was federal support and the generosity of the landowner that really made this project possible. So often, the success of conservation efforts like this one hinges on the power of partnership!”
Maine Coast Heritage Trust owns numerous island preserves in the Mount Desert Island region, many of which allow for day use (and in some instances camping). Being readily accessible by boat, these settings have a unique set of management challenges—from litter and pet waste to cut vegetation.
“Our preserves are not managed as intensively as state parks,” notes Terry Towne, a Regional Steward for MCHT. “Visitors won’t find outhouses, trash cans or established fire rings awaiting them. They need to plan on bringing firewood with them and carrying out all their trash and waste. We depend on visitors to help us care for these islands,” Towne adds, “leaving the place looking as wild and beautiful as when they arrived.”
In addition to following MCHT’s posted guidelines for use, visitors can help to keep island preserves attractive by adopting these practices:
To conserve key lands in the Mount Desert Island region, Maine Coast Heritage Trust relies on far-sighted landowners willing to donate (or sell below market value) easements and lands that merit long-term protection. The Trust also relies on monetary donations, which help cover the staff time that each land project requires. MCHT has a newly updated website (www.mcht.org) that provides information for those who would like to make a donation online supporting the Trust’s work, and for those landowners considering conservation options. If you prefer to mail in your tax-deductible contribution, please send it to Maine Coast Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 669, Mt. Desert, ME 04660. To discuss land donations, planned giving or other charitable gifts, please contact our staff in Somesville at 244-5100.
]]>The largest estuary on Mount Desert Island is, for many residents and visitors, a well-kept secret. Northeast Creek empties into Thomas Bay (off Narrows) but its headwaters stretch far up into Bar Harbor’s rural Emery District forming a watershed that spans 15 square miles. While millions of people pass the creek’s mouth along Route 3, only a few explore its upper reaches by canoe or kayak—enjoying the pastoral views and opportunities for cranberry picking.
Fresh water from Northeast Creek and more than six feeder streams mingles with tidal waters in the creek’s lower reaches, filtering through acres of salt marsh grasses that shelter young fish and shellfish. “Estuaries provide essential habitat for many species, helping to replenish stocks of fish and shellfish,” observes Brian Reilly, MDI Project Manager for Maine Coast Heritage Trust. “Protecting the watershed of this productive creek helps to sustain local livelihoods and traditions.”
This area, once the island’s “bread basket,” is getting increasingly developed: over the two decades preceding 2001, the number of new residences in the watershed doubled. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently completed an in-depth analysis of Northeast Creek, trying to predict how the estuary might respond to expanding development within the watershed. Researchers found that water quality remains very high, but will be jeopardized if substantial building occurs without concern for runoff pollution into waterways. “The results of our work should help the Park and the Town of Bar Harbor evaluate decisions about future development,” explains Glenn Guntenspergen, a landscape ecologist with the USGS.
Lands that are permanently protected help to buffer the creek from pollution, sustaining the health of the estuarine ecosystem. More than 20 percent of lands within the watershed have been conserved through a combination of voluntary agreements (on land held by private owners) and parcels owned and maintained by Acadia National Park and the Downeast Chapter of Maine Audubon. Coast Heritage Trust has worked with area landowners to protect eight farms (totaling more than 500 acres) within the watershed, including the cherished landmark Stone Barn Farm. These conserved lands help to sustain Northeast Creek’s high water quality, while providing scenic vistas and a welcome source for fresh, local produce (see story above).
Last year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the MDI Housing Authority successfully conserved most of the Pooler Farm, a 176-acre farm that borders the lower reaches of Northeast Creek. MCHT is working now with the Housing Authority, Hospital and Healthy Acadia to explore the possibility of a small farming operation on the property that would help supply locally grown food for island residents. The Housing Authority plans to build up to 30 new residences for the local workforce on the property, but is designing these structures in ways to minimize their impact on the creek ecosystem. Each unit will be small and houses will be clustered and set back at least a quarter-mile from the creek. The development may also incorporate an innovative septic design and possibly composting toilets, depending on the interests of prospective residents. “We’re pleased to see these kinds of voluntary initiatives to protect Northeast Creek,” says MCHT’s Brian Reilly. “Sound building practices, in combination with permanent land protection, should help keep the creek a pristine and healthy ecosystem.”
Acadia National Park grew out of land donations from dozens of private property owners, so its borders resemble a half-finished jigsaw puzzle. For many years, it has been a challenge for the Park to administer this boundary and determine where it might grow in the future. Former Senator George Mitchell, who helped negotiate successful legislation in 1986 clearly defining the Park's boundary, claimed the process was every bit as daunting as the Northern Ireland peace accord!
The 1986 boundary legislation specified a list of roughly 175 parcels that the Park could acquire when and if landowners were willing to sell or donate their land to Acadia. As a private land trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust works independently from the Park and often assists landowners who want to protect the scenic, ecological and recreational values of their land. MCHT can help landowners through the federal acquisition process, or—if Park funds are not available—the Trust may even serve as an interim buyer and hold the land for future park acquisition (as it did recently with parcels by Sunken Heath and Northeast Creek).
While the boundary legislation prevents Acadia from owning any parcels on MDI that are not on its acquisition list, MCHT can assist owners of these lands with other means of protection— such as the con-servation easement, a tool that allows a landowner to retain private ownership while voluntarily restricting future development. Since 1970, private landowners have placed more than 130 conservation easements on islands and shorefront parcels surrounding Acadia National Park, helping to protect the area’s beauty and rich habitats.
MCHT also benefits greatly from its close working relationship with Friends of Acadia on Park boundary issues. In response to repeated federal cuts in national park funding and soaring land values on MDI, is garnering public and private funding for future Park acquisitions. and Friends are working collaboratively to help the Park and private landowners augment the enduring land legacy of Acadia.
Located barely a mile from busy Route 3, Bar Harbor’s Fogg Farm encompasses 70 acres of open fields, apple orchards and pine woods bordering Acadia National Park. When the farm went on the market in the 1990s, it was a prime target for development. Maine Coast Heritage Trust stepped in, helping to place an easement on the farm that permits limited residential and agricultural use while protecting the land’s beauty and productivity.
In August 2003, owners Aaron and Barbarina Heyerdahl sold to Lucian and Smith, two local farmers who were looking for land well suited to dairy farming. “Given the island’s high land values,” notes Maggie Smith, “the easement helped put the farm more in our price range.” The Smiths, who have managed Beech Hill continued from page oneFarm for many years, recently built a solar home on their new property—siting it to conform to easement restrictions (which specify that no power lines cross the farm’s fields). “The easement made the building process a little more challenging,” Maggie Smith reflects, “but it wasn’t a huge obstacle.”
MCHT staff members visit Fogg Farm once a year to monitor the easement and consult with the Smiths on any planned changes to the property. They also field questions from the Smiths that arise in the course of the year: “the individuals at MCHT we’ve been working with have been helpful and great,” Maggie says.
Having a conservation easement on the land may even benefit the Farm’s marketing efforts, speculates, as they begin selling organic milk, yogurt and vegetables. “People who value conserved lands often appreciate having local, organic food,” she says, “so it’s a natural connection.”
In May, Maine Coast Heritage Trust completed a two-year effort to protect a critical portion of the Schoolhouse trail network in Northeast Harbor. This unspoiled woodland area, long enjoyed by hikers, was privately owned and could have been sold for residential or commercial development. “Thanks to the generosity of community donors and the landholder—the Mount Desert Water District, this popular stretch of ridgeline will remain undeveloped and accessible,” notes Brian Reilly, MDI Project Manager for MCHT.
The Water District will retain ownership of the land, but MCHT now holds a conservation easement on the 52-acre property that prevents any future residential or commercial development. The fair market value of those rights was $1.5 million, a sum that was raised thanks to the exceptional generosity of island residents. MCHT is grateful to all those who made the project a success, ensuring that Schoolhouse Ledge will remain a cherished resource for the island community to enjoy.
Albert (“Al”) Allan, a longtime resident of Seal Harbor, passed away in January at the age 72. An avid gardener and walker, Allan worked for 44 years for Rockefeller family—managing their building and grounds crews Seal Harbor. staff of Maine Coast Heritage Trust worked with closely on many projects over decades, from trail planning the Trust’s annual garden party. loved the woodlands, trails carriage roads he cared for and extremely dedicated to the community,” reflects David Mac- Donald of MCHT. “He had a reliable presence that drew people him: he was such a trustworthy person.” Following Allan’s death, family asked that gifts in his name be given to MCHT to support the Schoolhouse Ledge project, helping to save the trails and outdoor traditions that Al loved. MCHT is honored to have been named to receive these gifts, and thanks the many people who have contributed in Al’s memory.
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