Conservation projects use funds from voters

Using funds approved by voters last fall, the Land for Maine’s Future board of directors voted recently to give approval to 31 land conservation projects across the state, including eight farms.

In all, the projects, which range from the 266-acre Tibbetts Farm in Berwick to the 3,688-acre Grafton Notch Project in Oxford County just east of the Appalachian Trail, will ensure public access for recreation and conserve wildlife habitat on more than 141,500 acres, along with farmland protection on 2,700 additional acres. The board allocated almost $12 million, including $10 million for conservation and recreation projects, $1.7 million for farmland protection projects and $380,000 for projects providing boat, fishing and swimming opportunities.

With that action, the board has committed virtually all of its available funds for conservation and farmland protection.

“Taken as a whole, these projects represent a striking example of the creativity of Maine citizens all over the state who are working for a better future in their communities,” said board Chairman George Lapointe. “These folks understand and value the special relationship Mainers have always had with the wonderful working and wild lands of this state. I’m proud that this administration was able to advocate for a new LMF bond which Maine voters approved so decisively last fall.”

Responding to requests that represented almost twice as much money as it had available, the board was challenged to meet the conservation needs of the state.

“The board understands that it is taking a calculated risk,” said Tim Glidden Land for Maine’s Future director. “It is possible that some of these projects may struggle due to limited funding. Even with today’s good investments, there are farm projects and emerging conservation needs that the board will not be able to address without additional funds.”

The finalists, located in 15 counties throughout Maine, include a 24-mile trail along the Dead River, one of Maine’s most popular kayaking stretches. The project will provide the first keystone link in the Maine Huts and Trails system that is expected to stretch from the Mahoosucs to Moosehead Lake. Another project will complete the successful efforts to conserve the Machias River system, a nationally famous wilderness canoeing destination with significant wildlife and fisheries habitat.

A locally driven project will conserve more than 4,200 acres in Orland, in the middle of a rapidly growing area bounded by Bangor, Bucksport, Ellsworth and the Blue Hill peninsula.

Also on the list of projects is the Caribou Bog, Orono and Bangor Land Trusts, Hudson, Old Town, Orono, Penobscot County, 1,059 acres; and the King Hill Farm, Blue Hill Heritage Trust, Penobscot, Hancock County, 40 acres.

“These projects represent strategic investments in Maine’s future,” said public board member Leon Gorman. “In addition to conserving important aspects of the state’s natural heritage, many of these projects will contribute to Maine’s economic health. With tourism such a big and growing part of Maine’s businesses, these conserved lands are a part of the state’s economic infrastructure right along with its roads, bridges and electric power system.”

As an example, the Height of Land Project would protect the spectacular scenic outlook that forms the gateway to the Rangeley Lakes Region, a popular vacation destination for generations.

More than half of the projects are located in southern Maine towns, many of which are struggling with mounting development pressures and sprawl. These projects include a thriving community-supported farm project which lies close by a lovely coastal property in Brunswick. Both projects will help protect the watershed of Maquoit Bay, a productive clamming area in Casco Bay.

Further north, several projects will conserve large blocks of ecologically and economically important timberland, which will continue as an important part of the region’s economy as well as providing important opportunities for outdoor recreation including hunting.

Eight farmland protection projects, ranging from 30 to more than 1,900 acres in size, will help farmers continue as important parts of community economy and cultural heritage. The largest of these projects, located in northern Kennebec and western Waldo counties, has the goal of conserving multiple farms that are active in the state’s dairy industry and in an area with significant natural resource value as well.