Conservancy goals

When The Nature Conservancy announced its ambitious fund-raising plan after agreeing to purchase 185,000 acres in northwestern Maine, cynics said it was just a matter of time before conservancy officers — having fallen short of their cash goal — had their hands out to the state. Now, with more than $30 million of the $35 million raised, the effectiveness of the group is to be applauded. Applauded and supported.

Given the public’s desire to conserve large blocks of land — voters strongly backed a $50 million land bond last November — there would be nothing wrong with TNC asking the state to chip in. But so far, they haven’t needed to. Not only have their big donors contributed, small donations are also beginning to arrive as an affirmation of the November vote and this wonderful investment for the future.

The land, a beautiful stretch of Maine, with 40 miles along the Upper St. John River, was purchased in December 1998 from International Paper during the height of the land sales here. TNC immediately calmed some area concern by announcing that it would continue wood-harvesting operations on the land, in addition to maintaining access for hiking and hunting, canoeing and fishing. The purchase was among the largest ever nationally by the TNC and easily its most costly. It has helped redefine in Maine and across the country what private conservation can accomplish.

Perhaps wary that its members will grow complacent so close to its fund-raising goal, TNC is looking for that final $5 million. It has a $1.5 million challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation — if TNC can raise a matching amount by Jan. 1, 2001. That’s incentive to anyone who values access to the Maine woods and would like to help preserve this treasured part of the state.

TNC has looked for state and federal matching money with another set of projects, largely in southern and coastal Maine, where many people recognize that a sprawling population has diminished open space considerably. The projects include sites at Mount Agamenticus and Kennebunk Plains in York County, along the Saco River and at Merrymeeting Bay and Cobscook Bay. TNC so far has raised $10 million of the $15 million needed for this extensive undertaking.

These are exactly the sort of projects talked about most during the successful land-bond vote last November. They are places of scenic beauty or ecological significance, close to population centers so that they can be enjoyed by many while providing the open space so essential to the way life should be.

The TNC has these two important fund-raising goals in sight, but will need help getting there. TNC’s toll-free number is 888-729-5181.