New Report Reveals Land Trusts Are a Backbone of Outdoor Access and Conservation in Maine

A new report from the Maine Land Trust Network (MLTN) confirms that land trusts are doing heavy lifting to ensure Mainers have access to the outdoors, support for traditional natural resource based industries, and a stronger footing in the face of climate change. With 2.93 million acres conserved statewide — nearly 15% of Maine’s land base — land trusts are expanding public access and safeguarding the working landscapes that define the state.   

The newly published report titled: “Land Trusts Work for Maine” is the result of a comprehensive census of Maine’s 80+ land trusts. The census, conducted every five years, was distributed last in October 2024 to all land trusts across Maine. A total of 63 questions were asked and 88 percent of land trusts responded. 

“This year’s survey confirms that Maine land trusts are providing public access at a scale unmatched in most parts of the country, while protecting working forests, farmland, and coastal access points essential to our economy,” said Jeff Romano, Public Policy Director at Maine Coast Heritage Trust. “This is conservation that works for people — from hunters to hikers to fishermen to farmers — and we’re proud of the partnerships that make it possible.” 

The report notes that Maine has one of the most active land trust communities in the nation, with more land trusts per capita than any other state.

MLTN is a program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust and is led by a steering committee of land trust leaders from across the state.