MLTN Infoline – May 6, 2025

Over 450 people attended this year’s Maine Land Conservation Conference at the Augusta Civic Center last week. We had 40 exhibitors at our Land Fair and welcomed more first-time attendees than ever before! 

It has been a busy first four months in Augusta, especially since mid-March. The state’s policymakers are fast approaching their statutory adjournment day of June 18. In response, legislative committees have been scheduling their final public hearings of the spring and frantically deliberating to reach conclusions on all 1900+ proposals before them. Here are some of the bills MCHT is working on this week:

• In coordination with the Maine Association of Nonprofits, MCHT will be testifying against LDs 438 and 1795 on Tuesday afternoon. Both bills would undermine property tax exemption for nonprofits.
• Along with The Nature Conservancy, Maine Audubon, and others, MCHT is encouraging the Taxation Committee to support LD 1630, which includes modest improvements to the state’s Open Space Current Use Tax program.
• MCHT is closely following the deliberations of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee as they weigh two proposals (LD 269 and LD 1458) that seek to balance the development of solar, wind, and transmission corridors by requiring mitigation for impacts to wildlife habitat.
• MCHT is tracking bills in the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee focused on improving public access for outdoor recreational opportunities in Maine (LD 1308 and LD 1441).

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 via Zoom

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 via Zoom

• An overview of the grant program.
• ​What types of projects and costs are eligible.
• ​Important dates to keep in mind.
• ​Tips and additional resources for putting together a strong proposal.

 

Conservation easements create long-term, committed relationships between landowners and land trusts. The easement drafting process is a critical time for building trust and understanding, but legal documents and lawyers can bring up unhelpful feelings and assumptions that may undermine a positive relationship. What are land trusts to do?

In this webinar, presenters will guide you through their relationship-based approach to the conservation easement drafting process that centers communication, trust and transparency without compromising on protecting conservation values or stewardship viability.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 via Zoom

• The seven elements of the “getting to yes” negotiation framework.
• Negotiation strategy for land transactions.
• Common negotiation tactics that apply to land transactions.
• Examples and lessons learned from years of managing conservation transactions.

Presenters: Ceci Danforth (Ceci Danforth Events), Wendy Clark (Wendy Clark Design)

To register, click here. 

Cost: $36 for MANP members*, $40 for non-members

Cost: Tickets start at $10

Limited to 40 people. No more than four per organization please. 

• Learn about elements of the harmful history of how the lands and waters of Maine have been stolen from the Wabanaki people.
• Understand the concepts and impact of continuing colonization and decolonization.
• Grapple with the role of conservation communities in continuing colonization and the urgent need to decolonize Wabanaki territory.
• Identify strategies for repair, healing, and working through the challenges of shifting to a culture of decolonization.

Maine Coastal Program (MCP) was established in 1978 to help balance the demands of conservation and development in Maine’s coastal zone, and is currently writing its next five-year strategy, the “2026-2030 Strategic Outlook.” Updating the Strategic Outlook on this cycle helps keep pace with and adapt to emerging challenges on Maine’s coast and gives regular opportunity for public input.

Maine’s coastline stretches for thousands of miles. Within that expanse are many intersecting and often competing activities and values. Mainers are deeply connected to the coast through livelihoods, cultural identities, family legacies, and deep appreciation for nature, wildlife, and wild spaces. But sometimes those connections to the coast can clash.

Any plan that hopes to balance sustainable development and conservation in Maine needs to be rooted in what’s good for Mainers. MCP hopes you will review its next 5-year plan and use this form to add your comments.

Interesting and unique employment opportunities await! Check out our newest job posting and visit the MLTN job board for a complete list of available openings.

 

The Island Foundation was founded in 1979 by W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. and Mary H. Clark. They envisioned a family foundation that was capable not only of reacting to the needs of the community, but also providing leadership grants and taking chances other foundations might be unwilling to consider. The Island Foundation’s grant priorities fall within four major categories: Environment, New Bedford, Alternative Education, and Women & Girls. The Foundation supports projects in coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and selected international locations.

 

In Southeastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, the Island Foundation promotes the conservation of marine and coastal resources. For many years, the Foundation has given priority to North Atlantic right whale research, protection of coastal waterbird habitat, and preservation of coastal lands. More recently, the Board has been interested in new initiatives that:

• link climate change, renewable energy, and regional planning and support those most impacted by climate change; 
• support working landscapes (sustainable agriculture and community-based fisheries) and the people who rely on them for their livelihoods; 
• help local conservation organizations strengthen their own capacity; 
• connect community health, quality of life, and environmental conservation; and 
• promote environmental justice and seek to include the voices of those most affected by environmental harms.

Learn more at Island Foundation’s website. 

Applications are open until June 16, 2025

Applications Due: July 18, 2025