Community Conservation

Supporting Life and Livelihoods All Along the Coast

We define community conservation as conservation that is done with, by, and for the people of Maine. With staff living and working in communities up and down the coast, we are connecting with individuals, committees, organizations, and towns to protect places that support quality of life and livelihoods, caring for places to maximize their benefits to people, plants, and animals, and collaborating to connect more people with the direct benefits of conservation. 

Increase Access and Connection for All to Coastal Lands and Waters

Access to the Maine coast is shrinking while people are looking for places to go—for work, for play, for a moment of connection. We seek to protect land and create permanent public access to the coast where all are welcome and feel safe to explore and enjoy outdoor spaces.

Assist with Land-Use Solutions That Help Address the Needs of Coastal Communities 

We work in and with communities to protect places that matter to people—from sledding hills to hiking trails to shore access to natural systems that minimize climate change impacts. To inform our management of conserved lands, we seek input from community members through listening sessions and ongoing dialogue.

Be a Visible Advocate and Practitioner of Inclusive Approaches to Conservation

All people benefit from healthy ecosystems and access to the outdoors, but not all people have benefited equally from conservation to date. We actively seek opportunities to collaborate with individuals and groups who haven’t been engaged in conservation historically, and together we are evolving the conservation movement to include diverse perspectives and realize outcomes that truly benefit all.