MLTN Infoline – July 31, 2024

July 31, 2024|Infoline

$69M for Climate Resilience in Maine from NOAA

On July 26th, Governor Janet Mills, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator (NOAA) Dr. Richard Spinrad announced that Maine has won a $69 million climate resilience grant from NOAA to protect Maine’s communities, environment, and working waterfronts from extreme storms, flooding, and rising sea levels. The significant Federal grant, awarded to the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, represents one of the largest investments in climate resilience ever in Maine history and is one of just two grant awards from the Federal agency on the Eastern coast.

The Mills Administration will use the $69 million in grant funding to accelerate and expand its leadership on climate action by working with communities to take strong, pragmatic steps to address vulnerabilities, protect people, and ensure critical infrastructure is prepared for future impacts. Read more about the Climate Resilience Grant and its four focus areas here.

As part of these efforts, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) and the Maine Land Trust Network (MLTN) will administer a new Climate Resiliency Conservation Fund (CRCF) to address ecological gaps on protected lands, alleviate conservation funding gaps, and leverage significant gains in protecting resilient and biodiverse landscapes. Natural landscapes and habitats that are at risk and are known to provide valuable ecosystem services that can mitigate the impacts of climate change on people, plants, and animals are the focus of conservation targets. The fund will help mitigate the impacts of climate change to biodiversity and habitats that support nature-based solutions and move the needle towards Maine’s goal of 30% land conserved by 2030 (currently at approximately 22% conserved) while meeting state and land trust goals.

While we are just beginning to plan specifics of what the funding criteria, award amounts, and timeline for requesting proposals and making awards will be, we anticipate a robust regrant program that will be open to Maine’s land trusts, state agencies, municipalities, and other conservation entities. This will be an incredible opportunity for conservation organizations to seek funding to protect susceptible lands in their service areas that are critical to keeping Maine safe, healthy, and resilient.

For now, we can celebrate this exciting news and Maine’s position as a national leader in climate resilience among rural states. We’ll keep you in the loop as details and developments unfold.

Hip hip hooray!

Angela, Jeff, and Donna

Question 4: Vote Yes for Maine Trails

On July 30, Maine’s Secretary of State assigned numbers to this November’s five ballot questions. The $30 million Trails Bond will be Question 4. With less than 100 days until the election there is much work to be done to make sure Maine voters are informed about this question and why it is important to vote yes.

In recent weeks, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has joined forces with Maine Outdoor Brands, Maine Trails Coalition, Maine Snowmobile Association, Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Nature Conservancy of Maine, and Appalachian Mountain Club to form Partnership for Maine Trails, a Political Action Committee (PAC) to organize support for Question 4. Thus far, we have raised more than $20,000 towards a campaign goal of $100,000. These funds will support get out the vote efforts, including providing materials to land trusts and other bond supporters that can be shared with constituents and targeted on-line advertising.

Stay tuned for future updates on how your organization can support this effort. The most important step you can take today is to pledge financial support to the campaign. If you want to join MCHT in financially contributing to Partnership for Maine Trails, please contact Jeff Romano.

Future of Brown Ash: Weaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science

October 8 & 9, 2024

Wells Center, UMaine Orono

Cost: FREE

The Ash Protection Collaborative Across Wabanakik (APCAW) has announced a 2-day in-person workshop this fall to promote resilience amidst Emerald Ash Borer invasion. The purpose of this event is to reconvene and widen the community of people who care for brown ash across the Northeast, and inform our community about new and current research on brown ash.

The event will include two days of discussions, talks, meals, and posters. Zoom streaming will be available for those who do not want to travel. More information about the event, agenda, and lodging options here.

Expressions of Interest Now Open for First Light Learning Journey Cohort 3

November 2024 – November 2025

Accepting expressions of interest through September 12, 2024

Join a cohort of non-native organizations in a deep yearlong Learning Journey to shift our organizations and ourselves to further the work of return. The group will meet three times a month, mostly by Zoom but with some in-person gatherings. All organizations with a link to the land and a role in the work of return (and its many meanings) are eligible. This includes conservation groups, advocacy groups, foundations, government agencies, and media. This cohort will include First Light alumni and those new to First Light.

Learn more, explore the commitment, and complete the Expression of Interest form on the First Light Dawnland Return website.

Everyone can explore the many rich resources gathered on the First Light website. It’s a great starting place or next step on your learning journey.

Board Roles & Responsibilities

Thursday, September 5, 2024 via Zoom

6:00-7:30pm

Cost: $45 for MANP members*, $65 for non-members

Discounts for teams! $25 off each additional registration from the same organization

Scholarships available! Prior to registering, email your scholarship request to and be sure to include your name and organization.

A strong board of directors is built upon clear understanding of basic roles and responsibilities. This session will provide an overview of a board’s primary legal duties, important responsibilities and essential roles in governing the organization and stewarding its mission. Participants will discuss strategies for building and sustaining an effective board.

Intended Audience

This webinar is for individuals already serving on nonprofit boards who are seeking an overview of their roles and responsibilities.

Board members who have at least 6 months of board service will gain the most from participation. It is strongly suggested that multiple board members from the same organization and the executive director participate as a team for maximum benefit.

Learn more and register on MANP’s website.

*Most MLTN members are MANP’s members. Contact Donna to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.

Everyday Actions: Your Role in Nurturing a Welcoming & Inclusive Workplace

Thursday, September 12, 2024

9:00am-4:00pm

Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center, 11 Inn Rd, Hallowell

Cost: $250 for MANP members*, $300 for non-members

Discounts for teams! $25 off each additional registration from the same organization

Scholarships available for MANP members! Prior to registering, email your scholarship request to and be sure to include your name and organization.

We know that people do their best work when we create a workplace where they feel appreciated for their unique perspectives and experience a sense of belonging. So, what can we do to create a workplace where people thrive?

Each individual plays a role in creating and sustaining an inclusive and welcoming workplace. This day of reflection and learning will equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to actively contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Anyone curious to explore their role and strengthen their skills in creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces should plan to attend!

Learn more about what the day will include and register on MANP’s website.

Land Trust Alliance Rally 2024

September 25-28, 2024

Rhode Island Conference Center, Providence, RI

Early bird price until August 12 for Alliance members: $560

Rally is coming to New England! If you’ve never been to Rally, maybe this is the year. You enjoy a significant discount if you register on or before August 12, and you’re invited to ride the bus to Rally with us.

Learn about workshops and more here.

Did You Know? Property Tax Procedural Choices by Rob Levin

Did you know that MLTN’s resources page includes articles of interest on various legal topics that may be useful to land trusts? One example is Property Tax Procedural Choices by Rob Levin, which has been recently updated. This short and pithy article walks you through the process for applying for property tax exemption. Take a look.

There are other articles posted there by Karen Marchetti, Sarah McDaniel, and Jeff Pidot. Let us know if you know of other articles you’ve found helpful that we could include, or if there are legal topics you’d like to see covered.

Jobs in the Conservation Sector

Check out these great new job postings! Is one of them right for you? View the full list of available positions on our jobs page at MLTN.org.

Communications & Operations Coordinator – Kennebec Estuary Land Trust

Mount Agamenticus Park Ranger – Mount Agamenticus Conservation Program

Municipal Policy Planner – Maine Farmland Trust, Inc.

Executive Assistant – Maine Farmland Trust, Inc.

Executive Director – Harpswell Heritage Land Trust

Director of Partnerships – Kennebec Land Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust Wildlands Partnership Announces Phase III

Applications Due: Friday, October 18, 2024

Northeast Wilderness Trust is pleased to announce that applications for Phase III of its Wildlands Partnership are now live! Accredited land trusts in the Northeast are encouraged to apply to receive financial support for forever-wild conservation projects. Learn more.

Established in 2020 in collaboration with Sweet Water Trust and Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands, and Communities, the Partnership has facilitated the permanent protection of 8,954 acres. Thousands of additional acres will increase that total this year. For Phase III, eligible land trusts may receive up to $250,000 to support new land acquisitions and up to $100,000 to add forever-wild protections to existing preserves. Successful applicants may also be eligible to earn additional revenue through enrollment in WildlandsCarbon, an aggregated forest carbon project specially designed for the Wildlands Partnership.

Questions may be directed to Caitlin Mather, Northeast Wilderness Trust’s Land Conservation Director, at 802-224-1000 ext. 112.