Campaign for the Coast

Maine Coast Heritage Trust has conserved 245 entire coastal islands, and more than 120,000 acres of land, including this land at Bracy Cove on Mount Desert.

Protecting the Character of Maine

The coast of Maine, with its rugged shores and abundant islands, is a priceless and irreplaceable landscape. The quality of life enjoyed by coastal residents depends in large measure on the region's beauty and ecological integrity. In the face of rapid population growth, it is essential to protect valuable tracts of open space that enhance the well-being of human and natural communities. Maine Coast Heritage Trust has embarked on an ambitious campaign to conserve the best of Maine's coast for generations to come.

Facing The Challenge

The pressures facing Maine's shores reflect a national demographic trend in which record numbers of Americans are moving toward the coasts. As coastal populations increase, property values rise markedly, forcing the sale of open lands. Rapid and unplanned development on these lands leads to urban sprawl and erodes the integrity of place. The best way to meet these challenges is to accelerate land conservation efforts. Maine Coast Heritage Trust must act quickly before irreplaceable lands are lost.

Population Migration

Realizing the Vision

To meet the challenges facing Maine's coast, MCHT must move quickly. The Campaign For The Coast will allow the Trust to accelerate the rate of land protection and conserve the coastal places that represent the distinct character of Maine. The Campaign represents MCHT's largest fundraising effort ever. To achieve success in this ambitious undertaking, the Trust depends on benefactors to provide exceptionally generous gifts. Only through such extraordinary support can MCHT protect Maine's priceless natural legacy.

Urban Sprawl in Maine