TOPSHAM – Maine Coast Heritage Trust has named David Getchell Sr. as recipient of the 2007 Espy Land Heritage Award.

Each year the statewide conservation organization presents the award to an individual, organization or coalition that put forth exemplary conservation efforts in Maine.

“Dave Getchell is truly an outstanding conservationist, and his enthusiasm and work ethic are contagious. His efforts have helped conserve some of Maine’s most treasured landscapes and have furthered the conservation ethic throughout the entire state,” said David MacDonald, interim president of the land trust, when presenting the award at the Maine Land Conservation Conference last weekend. “Dave is a worthy recipient of the first Espy Land Heritage award and of the new $5,000 conservation gift,” he said.

Among his many accomplishments, Getchell was founder of the Maine Island Trail Association, co-founder of the North American Water Trails Association, founder of the Georges River Land Trust Conservation Trails Program, and inspiration behind the Georges Highland Path, an ambitious project involving nearly 40 private landowners along a 36-mile footpath, and honorary director of the Friends of Baxter State Park.

In receiving the award, Getchell said, “In these somewhat cynical times, it is heartening to see so many private landowners willing to share their land with a caring public. In my experience, the vast majority of hikers and boaters do not need policing and strict rules but instead respond with respect and appreciation for the privilege of enjoying these beautiful places.”

In honor of outgoing president Jay Espy, the land trust board of directors renamed the Land Heritage Award the Espy Land Heritage Award and created a fund that will award $5,000 a year – with the winners able to direct the funds to the conservation charity of their choice. Getchell has chosen to direct his cash award to the Maine Island Trail Association, the Georges River Land Trust and the Friends of Baxter State Park.