Maine group endorses 25 conservation projects

The Land for Maine’s Future board recently endorsed 25 land conservation projects and dedicated more than $11 million toward completing the deals.

The projects, which were endorsed last week, cover 42,000 acres. Most of the approved projects – 82 percent – involve conservation and agricultural easements. The rest – 18 percent – involve land purchases.

Among the conservation and recreation projects selected for funding are:

. The Morong Cove acquisition in Lubec, proposed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

. The Machias River project in Washington County, proposed by the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission and The Nature Conservancy.

. The Johnson Point acquisition in Machiasport, proposed by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

. Devil’s Head in Calais, proposed by the St. Croix International Waterway Commission.

. Moose Cove in Trescott, proposed by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

. Mattawamkeag Region project in Oakfield, T4 R3 and T3 R3, proposed by the Maine Department of Conservation.

Finalists for funding for farmland projects include:

. Brae Maple Farm in Union, proposed by Georges River Land Trust.

. Brayton Farm in Blue Hill, proposed by Blue Hill Heritage Trust.

Final funding for the projects is contingent upon project sponsors reaching satisfactory agreements with landowners.

Money for the projects comes from a $50 million bond issue approved by the state’s voters in 1999.