MLTN Infoline – October 29, 2024
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Election One Week Away
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While many people are feeling anxiety over the outcome of this year’s election, one bright spot to focus on may be that land conservation is an issue that has traditionally garnered bi-partisan support. Under the current administration, we have seen historic investments to address climate change, and under the previous administration the country finally made good on a decades old commitment to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. If our past is any indication, no matter the outcome next week, there will likely be opportunities to move good conservation policy forward in the years ahead.
We’ll be watching closely to see if Question 4: The Trails Bond is approved by Maine voters, and which state legislators will serve during Governor Mills’ final two years in office. Read Jeff Romano’s latest public policy update here for more on that.
Keep an eye on our Public Policy webpage as the year winds down and we get ready for a busy legislative session in 2025.
Exercise your right to vote!
Angela, Jeff, Donna, and Katia
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Strengthening Maine’s Civic Life: Trust, Belonging, and the Future
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Despite growing polarization and disengagement in U.S. politics, the state of civic health in Maine is generally strong, according to a report from Colby College’s Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, Public Engagement Partners, and the Maine Community Foundation. The new study, Strengthening Maine’s Civic Life: Trust, Belonging, and the Future, analyzed census data and draws on a recent original survey of over 1,000 Maine residents to gauge the state’s civic health in in eight areas:
As Election Day approaches, this research offers opportunities to understand what is on the mind of Mainers, how they understand their democracy, and the hopes they have for the future of their state. View and download the report here.
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Federal Funding for Land Trusts to Acquire Forestland Easements: Creating the Forest Conservation Easement Program
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Wednesday, November 13, 2024 via Zoom
2:00-2:45pm
The Conservation Fund and American Forests invite you to attend an educational webinar outlining how creating the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) in the Farm Bill will fill gaps in forest conservation funding, including by providing federal funding for land trusts to acquire easements on forestland.
You’ll learn how FCEP would expand federal tools for conserving private and tribal forestland, while ensuring those forestlands can remain working and contributing to timber economies. And, you’ll learn about FCEP’s current legislative status and its likelihood of being included in the Farm Bill.
Register for the webinar here.
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MANP Connects Summit: From Problem-Solving to Possibility
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Friday, November 15, 2024
8:00am-12:00pm
Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main Street, Bangor Cost: $75
Are you in need of some inspiration for a positive future? Are you craving connection with others who share your values and vision for Maine communities? MANP is gathering their network to explore ways to shift from problem-solving to possibility and discuss how we must work together to achieve shared goals.
Hear a collective story of the “Invisible Monument”, including panelists’ behind the scenes perspectives and insights on what makes this ongoing partnership so successful. (Bonus! The event will feature a performance by Firefly!)
After the Summit, MANP will disseminate a summary of the collective insights with the funders, decision makers and community partners who share a commitment to building resilient and equitable Maine communities.
Learn more and register on MANP’s website.
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Statewide Retirement Savings Requirement: What Nonprofits Need to Know
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Tuesday, November 19, 2024 via Zoom
9:00-10:00am
Cost: $0-$15 for MANP Members + Nonmembers You are welcome to register for this event at no cost! Revenue from MANP events supports the work they do on behalf of all nonprofits in Maine, and they welcome financial support from those who are able to provide it.
Does your nonprofit have five or more employees? Then you need to know about MERIT (Maine Retirement Investment Trust) – the state’s requirement about retirement savings in the workplace.
Starting in 2024, employers across the state with five or more employees are required to offer a qualified retirement plan. The Maine Legislature created MERIT to help employers meet this new obligation without additional costs, contribution requirements, or the administrative burdens of providing their own program. Starting in 2025, organizations who are out of compliance with MERIT will face penalties. In this webinar, you’ll learn about the details and deadlines for employers under the Maine Retirement Savings Program legislation, including how to enroll in MERIT, or be exempted by offering your own retirement savings plan.
Learn more and register at MANP’s website.
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Effective Communication with Landowners and Neighbors
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Tuesday, November 19, 2024 via Zoom
2:00-3:30pm
Cost: $75 for LTA members, $115 for non-members
If your goal is to reduce stewardship and trespass issues, find new projects on adjacent land or simply to start off on the right foot with landowners in your area, this webinar is for you.
Judy Anderson of Community Consultants will guide you through how to create an effective communication strategy to build better relationships with landowners and neighbors. Executive directors, acquisition, stewardship and communications staff should attend to learn what to advance and avoid when reaching out. This session will be interactive, so come prepared to discuss example communication pieces and ask questions.
Learn more and register at LTA’s website.
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MLTN Lunch & Learn: Everyone in the Backyard! How Gardening Can Foster the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
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Wednesday, November 20, 2024 via Zoom
12:00-1:00pm
Cost: FREE The Habitat For All program seeks to answer the question: How can we engage and inspire individuals who may not be able to participate in traditional land trust activities like hiking, canoeing, or skiing? We believe that reimagining nearby nature – backyards, school grounds, and neighborhoods – provides tremendous opportunities to rekindle our sense of wonder and empathy for the natural world.
This talk will focus on how gardening presents land trusts with an excellent opportunity to meet many goals. Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Barbara Murphy will also discuss some of the challenges she has faced, some of her program’s unique assets, and the typical issues of funding, staffing, trained volunteers, and the need for a passionate leader.
There is no cost to participate, but pre-registration is required. Register now.
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Using the Ecosystem Services Valuation Tool
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Wednesday, November 20, 2024 via Zoom
2:00-3:00pm
Cost: FREE for LTA members, $115 for non-members Natural lands owned, protected or managed by land trusts generate ecosystem services which benefit society. How can land trusts estimate the value of those ecosystem services? The Land Trust Alliance commissioned Earth Economics to develop the Ecosystem Services Valuation Tool (ESVT) to generate high-level estimates of the value of co-benefits generated by conservation.
Join the creators of the tool, Glen Delaney and Angela Fletcher of Earth Economics, for a live demonstration and chance to ask questions.
Learn more and register at LTA’s website.
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How to Access the NEW Blanket Sales Tax Exemption for Nonprofits
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Thursday, November 21, 2024 via Zoom 9:00-10:00am
Cost: $0-$15 for MANP Members + Nonmembers
You are welcome to register for this event at no cost! Revenue from MANP events supports the work they do on behalf of all nonprofits in Maine, and they welcome financial support from those who are able to provide it.
Starting January 1, 2025, all charitable nonprofits in Maine will be eligible for sales tax exemption. This means approximately 5,000 organizations across Maine (including land trusts!) could save a collective $10 million per year.
Join MANP to hear from a representative from Maine Revenue Services and learn:
Learn more and register at MANP’s website.
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The Art and Science of the Major Gift Ask
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Thursday, November 21, 2024 via Zoom
11:00am-12:00pm Cost: $35 for MANP members*, $45 for non-members
This event is possible thanks to a partnership between Maine Association of Nonprofits and Nonprofit New York.
Have you considered the art and science aspects of the major gift fundraising process? Technological advancements in wealth screening and better prospect and donor database management systems have refined the science. Blended with the art of persuasion, these tools can help you become an even better major gift fundraiser. Designed for executive directors and development directors, this session will provide ample time to answer your questions.
Key Takeaways:
Learn more and register at MANP’s website.
*Most MLTN members are MANP members. Contact Donna to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.
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Understanding Remote Monitoring Principles and Limitations
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Thursday, November 21, 2024 via Zoom
3:00-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
The accredited Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests has used remote monitoring for more than 20 years to assist its easement stewardship program. In this session, Naomi Brattlof will introduce remote monitoring practices that can increase efficiencies, reduce costs, build a long-term record of property changes, ensure program permanence and improve easement compliance and stewardship programs. This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma’s annual risk management webinar series. If your organization is a Terrafirma member and anyone on your staff or board attends this webinar, your organization will receive the Terrafirma risk management discount for the 2025 policy year.
Learn more and register on LTA’s website.
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Jobs in the Conservation Sector
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Exciting opportunities await! The newest additions to our jobs page are below, and you can see the full list on our website. Regional Stewardship Manager, Mount Desert Island – Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Northeast Region Coordinator – Forest Stewards Guild
Development Director – Scarborough Land Trust
Land Acquisition Assistant – Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
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Farm Credit AgEnhancement program
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Applications Due: close of business December 1 Farm Credit East awards grants through its Farm Credit AgEnhancement program to help organizations promote awareness of and strengthen agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Vermont.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded in support of efforts to foster and grow all types of agriculture, forest production, or commercial fishing, including traditional and nontraditional production and marketing approaches. Program areas include but are not limited to leadership development, economic viability, and enhancement; programs to promote northeast agriculture and recognize developments of ag leaders; efforts to build a better understanding of agriculture, forestry, and commercial fishing; and economic analysis to foster agriculture.
The program supports programs intended to assist all-size farms, promote diversity, and create opportunities for new entrants into agriculture. Applicants who demonstrate how a program, project, activity, or event will have a long-term positive effect on the eight-state Northeast region’s agriculture, forest products, or commercial fishing industries are encouraged to seek funding.
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Farm Credit East website.
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