Announcements

Call for Espy Land Heritage Award Nominations

The Espy Land Heritage Award recognizes those that have made outstanding contributions to land conservation in Maine while inspiring others, and may be awarded to an individual, organization, agency or coalition. View the details and download an application.

Save the Date: 2010 Maine Land Conservation Conference

April 30th & May 1st

Plans are underway for the 2010 Maine Land Conservation Conference. Mark your calendars for this important Friday and Saturday event. Friday, April 30th will include field trips, an afternoon workshop and welcoming reception. Saturday, May 1st will feature a keynote address, land fair exhibits, and 33 topical workshops for participants of all levels and will be located this year at the Mt. Ararat Middle School and Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham. Keep your eye on future Infolines and this site for all the details.

Land Trust News

Maine Attorney General Helps Enforce an Easement

After years of costly litigation, the Windham Land Trust has won its case to protect the Freeman Farm in Gray from commercial uses prohibited in the 2003 conservation easement it holds. In March 2009, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld the land trust’s objection to having the farm’s conserved lands converted to a campground and festival grounds for commercial music venues. [read more]

Supporting Traditional Economic Interests

Many Maine land trusts conserve properties that feed the local economy and sustain traditional ways of life. Unlike residential development, which can carry a high cost in long-term services, farmland, forest land, working waterfronts and recreational lands all provide an ongoing source of local revenue, and benefit many businesses. [read more]