News and Announcements

Recent and archived MLTN updates 

2023

• Ten Land Trusts Across Maine Receive Funding for Priority Conservation Projects December 13, 2023 - Ten land trusts from across Maine recently were awarded funding through The L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program administered by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. The awards were made possible through the generous support of L.L.Bean and will fund 10 priority conservation projects from Saco to Dennysville. Since 2004, the L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program…
• Call for Proposals: 2024 Maine Land Conservation Conference November 8, 2023 - Each year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust presents the Maine Land Conservation Conference for and with Maine’s robust land conservation community. We come together to train on best practices in all aspects of land trust work, connect with our peers, and grapple with the most pressing issues facing land conservation today. Maine Coast Heritage Trust is now…
• Call for Host Organizations for the 2024 Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program October 12, 2023 - Could your land trust use some extra hands next summer? Consider applying to host a Richard G Rockefeller Conservation Intern in 2024 Past hosts (and interns!) have raved about the experience on both ends. Land trusts get needed assistance with stewardship, programming, office support, and more, while helping to introduce the next generation to the…
• Legislature Advances Land Conservation August 1, 2023 - Maine’s Legislature adjourned early in the morning on Wednesday, July 26, wrapping up seven months of work. While the session began slowly, it picked up momentum in April. Working with the Governor’s office, legislative allies, and partner organizations, the land trust community successfully supported the enactment of numerous bills that will bolster conservation in Maine and…
• LLBean Steps Up With Increased Funding for the Maine Land Trust Grant Program June 15, 2023 - In this the 20th year of the program, it is with deep gratitude and more than a little excitement that we announce that LLBean has stepped up with a significant increase in funding for the Maine Land Trust Grant Program. LLBean has become a key land trust partner through this fund, providing critical funding to enhance stewardship…
• Legislature Begins Final Month of Session May 31, 2023 - It has been a busy year in Augusta and many bills related to the work of Maine’s land trust community have been in play. With roughly a month left in this year’s legislative session, here is an update on some of the key issues.   Land for Maine’s Future In 2021, Governor Mills and state…
• Maine Coast Heritage Trust Presents 2023 Espy Land Heritage Award to Janet McMahon May 5, 2023 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) has named Waldoboro resident Janet McMahon as recipient of the 2023 Espy Land Heritage Award, an annual award that recognizes an individual, organization, or coalition for exemplary conservation efforts in Maine.  During her decades-long career, McMahon has worked as a scientist, an educator, and a steward for a wide range…
• MCHT Hires Angela Twitchell to Lead the Land Trust Program May 3, 2023 - Angela Twitchell will leave her leadership post at Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and assume responsibility for overseeing Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Land Trust Program. Maine Coast Heritage Trust announced today that it has appointed Angela Twitchell of Topsham, Maine, to be its Land Trust Program Director. The announcement was made at the annual Maine Land Conservation…
• Funding for Wetlands March 31, 2023 - Each of the last 5 years, Maine has submitted two North American Wetland Conservation Act Grants (NAWCA) with the entire State as a focus area. The grants in total have ranged from $1M to $2M and so far Maine has been 100% successful in receiving funds. In recent rounds we have asked for and received…
• Land Trusts Will Gather Together for the First Time Since 2019 March 20, 2023 - Little did we know when we held our last in-person Conference in Topsham in April of 2019 that it would be four long years until we could safely gather together again. Now Maine Coast Heritage Trust is super excited to invite Maine’s land trust community to join us on May 3rd at the Samoset Resort…

2022

• LMF Call for Projects of Statewide Significance and Community Conservation Projects December 28, 2022 - Round A Inquiry Forms are due by 5:00 PM, January 13, 2023  Final Round A Proposals are due by 5:00 PM, March 24, 2023 The Land for Maine’s Future program will be accepting inquiry forms for Projects of Statewide Significance and Community Conservation projects until 5pm Friday, January 13th. A second round for Working Forest Projects…
• LL Bean Grants Boost Stewardship Across Maine December 13, 2022 - Thanks to LL Bean, five Maine land trusts received a needed boost to their stewardship efforts this month. Congratulations to these organization for their successful proposals: 12 Rivers Conservation Initiative Blue Hill Heritage Trust Downeast Lakes Land Trust Georges River Land Trust Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Their projects ranged from an accessible boat launch to…
• Call for Summer 2023 Intern Host Organizations October 25, 2022 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is pleased to announce the 2023 Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program and request applications from potential host organizations. Applications are due by November 30th, 2022. A Zoom info session will be offered on November 4th from 12:00-1:00pm. All are welcome but advance registration is required. Click here to register in advance…
• Funding for Wetlands Available October 17, 2022 - Each of the last 5 years, Maine has submitted two North American Wetland Conservation Act Grants (NAWCA) with the entire State as a focus area. The grants in total have ranged from $1M to $2M and so far Maine has been 100% successful in receiving funds. In recent rounds we have asked for and received…
• Connecting with Legislative Candidates October 13, 2022 - On November 8th, Maine voters will be heading to the polls to elect 186 individuals who will comprise the state’s 131st Legislature. Due to term limits and other factors, more than 40% of this year’s winners will likely be serving their first terms when they arrive in Augusta in early December. To begin the process…
• Enock and Zach Gain National Attention September 30, 2022 - Enock Glidden and Zach Stegeman, who gave an awesome presentation as the keynote speakers at the 2022 Maine Land Conservation Conference, are now receiving national attention for the work they do making the outdoors more accessible for people of all abilities. They were on Maine Calling back in August, along with Chrissy Beardsley Allen of…
• Enjoy Trails in Maine…and Consider Giving Back June 30, 2022 - Many trail users assume that all public trails are managed by the State, but a majority of publicly accessible trails here in Maine are managed by land trusts and other nonprofit organizations that depend on charitable giving to manage and maintain this recreational infrastructure for the public’s benefit. Are you among the many people who…
• Ladies Adventure Club Kicks Off Land Trust Bingo June 24, 2022 - This summer, the Ladies Adventure Club (LAC) has organized a Land Trust Bingo game. Participants can download the bingo card, visit trails and preserves managed by the 15 featured land trusts, and submit their cards for a chance to win cool prizes! What a great way to discover some new destinations and revisit some old…
• LMF Approves Twenty New Projects June 6, 2022 - With over two dozen new LMF projects already approved in 2022, and many additional ones being prepared for future funding rounds, Maine people will soon have guaranteed access to a growing list of places to explore as they enjoy Maine’s incredible natural beauty.
• MLTN Meet Up in Ellsworth Added to the Schedule May 13, 2022 - We’re happy to share that we’ve been able to add another MLTN Meet Up to our schedule! We’ll be hanging out at Fogtown Brewing in Ellsworth on Thursday, June 9th, from 5:30-7:30pm. Like the other Meet Ups in Biddeford (5/17) and Newcastle (6/14), this is a casual event, no formal presentation or agenda, just a…

2021

• L.L.Bean Grants Support Land Trust Projects Up & Down the Coast December 6, 2021 - One of the most rewarding things we do each year is partner on the LL Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program. Together, L.L.Bean and MCHT are working to enhance the capacity of Maine’s land trusts in support of their efforts to protect Maine’s outdoor heritage and natural landscapes, providing strategic funding to Maine land trusts for…
• MLTN Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Episode 3 November 10, 2021 - The work of self-examination, learning, relearning, and forging a path of action toward the goal of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement is the work of lifetimes.  Many Maine land trusts have begun to think about equity in their work, and some are making progress! Without a doubt, however, a commitment to continuous…
• Call for Summer 2022 Intern Host Organizations October 19, 2021 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust is pleased to announce the 2022 Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program and request applications from potential host organizations. Applications are due by November 30th, 2021. A Zoom info session will be offered on November 3rd from 2:00-3:00pm. All are welcome but advance registration is required. Click here to register.  The…
• MLTN Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Episode 2 October 12, 2021 - Gauging by the signs we’re seeing, a large percentage of Maine land trusts are motivated and ready to take another step on the path toward diversity, equity, and inclusion at their organization. So what’s next? The following questions taken from our survey fielded earlier in 2021, and a compilation of resources, may be a jumping…
• Land for Maine’s Future Board Issues Call for Proposals October 7, 2021 - On October 4, the LMF Board approved changes to its Workbook and will soon be issuing a call for proposals to fund new Conservation and Recreation proposals as the program begins to invest the $40 million that Governor Mills and Maine lawmakers approved in July. A separate call for proposals is expected this winter for…
• Important Update: Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act September 28, 2021 - For a number of years, we’ve highlighted our concerns about “syndication”, a tax shelter scheme that is designed to generate profits from so-called charitable donations for conservation easements.  The bottom line is that syndication is bad for landowners, land trusts, and the system of fair tax deductions that promotes land conservation. The Land Trust Alliance…
• A Fresh Look and Important Updates to Our Popular Conservation Options Guidebook September 21, 2021 - MLTN is so happy to share the news that our latest update of the popular guidebook Conservation Options: A Guide for Maine Landowners is complete. This lovely booklet, first published in 1994, is a wonderful resource for both landowners looking to explore options for conserving their land and land trusts working with landowners who are…
• MLTN Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Episode 1 September 20, 2021 - In addition to offering posts over the next few weeks, in which we will share some things that our work group found useful in our explorations, MLTN is also holding Community Conversations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that are open to all. Visit the events page to register for those Zoom meetings.  Welcome MLTN Member Land…
• MLTN Presents: Amanda Goes Camping August 13, 2021 - In this video, regional land steward Amanda Devine shares some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when camping on the coast.
• Call for Proposals: LL Bean Maine Land Trust Grants August 9, 2021 - Each year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and LL Bean team up to provide the LL Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program. The grants are designed to support stewardship of outdoor heritage and natural landscapes across Maine and encourage collaboration. Grants of up to $4,000 will be awarded for projects and activities that enhance public access, increase…

2020

• Maine Releases Climate Action Plan December 16, 2020 - On December 1, Governor Mills and Maine’s Climate Council released “Maine Won’t Wait: A four-year plan for climate action.”
• Get Outside Safely This Winter November 23, 2020 - A broad coalition of Maine conservation groups including land trusts, state agencies, and outdoor brand businesses launched Friday a series of recommendations to help people safely enjoy fresh air this winter. While outdoor activities are great ways to stay healthy during Maine’s winter, it is important for everyone venturing to Maines public parks and land trust…
• Announcing a New Grant to Support Maine Land Trusts Impacted by COVID19 October 29, 2020 - It is with excitement and deep gratitude that we announce a brand new grant opportunity for Maine land trusts. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in the work land trusts do to conserve Maine land.  Land trusts are being forced to operate in new ways, resulting in unexpected costs and organizational stress in an uncertain funding…
• Deadline this month for L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program October 1, 2020 - The L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program is the longest running grant program connected with the Maine Land Trust Network. L.L.Bean and Maine Coast Heritage Trust are pleased to provide grant support to Maine’s land trust community through this valued partnership, enhancing the capacity of Maine’s land trusts to protect Maine’s outdoor heritage and natural landscapes.…
• Sebago Clean Water Receives Major New Investment September 20, 2020 - Sebago Clean Waters (SCW) reached a significant milestone along its path to protect the Sebago Lake watershed when the coalition received an $8 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant.   Portland Water District is the lead partner for the five-year grant. In 2018, Portland Water District was presented the…
• Great American Outdoors Act Becomes Law August 6, 2020 - On August 4th, President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act. The bill was supported by a strong bipartisan coalition in both the US House of Representative and the US Senate.  The Great American Outdoors Act has two main components. The first calls for full and permanent funding of $900 million each year…
• Maine Climate Council Receives Recommendations and Solicits Feedback July 7, 2020 - In June, the Maine Climate Council received 35 recommendations developed by six working groups between November 2019 and June 2020. Governor Mills and the state legislature established the council in 2019 and asked them to deliver a proposed State Climate Action Plan by December of this year. An assembly of scientists, industry leaders, bipartisan local…
• Land Trusts Preserve History, Too! July 1, 2020 - As Maine marks its bicentennial and our nation approaches its 250th year, we are highlighting some land trust conserved properties that preserve important chapters of Maine’s history. While their primary mission is to conserve wildlife habitat, working lands, and outdoor recreation areas, Maine land trusts sometimes have the opportunity to protect a property that also…
• Somerset county SWCD Ag Allies looking to collaborate on grassland bird habitat management June 16, 2020 - Have grassland habitat in your conservation portfolio?  Want to see more birds enjoying nesting success on your lands?  Maine’s Ag Allies Program in partnership with Cornell Lab of Ornithology is here to assist.  Not only can you enjoy more birds at your property, but Maine land trusts have an opportunity to be part of a…
• A Message in Response to Recent Events from MLTN Leadership June 15, 2020 - Dear Friends, While moving through our normal tasks in recent weeks, a new thread of urgency has woven its way through our work. The Maine land conservation community is raising its voice against the racial inequity and violence that has gripped this country for too long. Yet it is difficult to know how best to…

2019

• L.L.Bean Grants Support Stewardship Efforts Across Maine December 20, 2019 - During this season of giving, we want to highlight the generosity of our long-time partner L.L.Bean, who supports land trusts – and the people they serve – in every corner of the state. The L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program started back in 2004 and has awarded more than $300,000 to land conservation groups since…
• Time to Update Your Land Trust Information December 5, 2019 - Thanks to our new website, your trust can sign up for an account so that you can make changes to your page at any time.
• New Laws for E-Bikes Take Effect November 21, 2019 - E-bikes are the latest addition to the always growing list of users on land trust trails. This summer, a bill was passed in the Maine legislature that clearly defines three classes of e-bikes, provides guidance on where they may travel, outlines protections for consumers, and puts in place safety protections for children. We found this…
• Workshop Proposal Deadline Has Passed October 16, 2019 - We are now accepting workshop proposals in all topic areas for the 2020 Maine Land Conservation Conference
• Governor Announces Maine Climate Council September 25, 2019 - Last week, Governor Mills announced the membership of the Maine Climate Council.
• LMF Bond Proposal to Resurface in 2020 September 4, 2019 - In late August, the Legislature failed to enact an LMF Bond for the voters to consider this November. While clearly a setback, this is not the end of the story. LMF supporters will bring a bond proposal back in January 2020 and continue to press to see it sent to the voters, perhaps as early as June 2020.
• Maine Coastweek 2019 August 15, 2019 - Coastweek is a national celebration of our coastal resources, as well as a part of the  one-day International Coastal Cleanup. In Maine, the annual Coastal Cleanup is the biggest volunteer event in the state.
• For the Love of the Land: Where Art and Land Conservation Meet August 14, 2019 - Last weekend, Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and painter Eric Hopkins partnered to celebrate love of place. Hopkins, known for his aerial depictions of the islands and ocean, talked about his commitment to preserving public access to the Maine landscape as he greeted visitors to his one-day show at Ocean House Gallery on August 10th, 2019
• Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands: Grant Deadlines Coming Up July 22, 2019 - Deadlines are fast approaching on two grant programs the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) administers.
• 2019 Maine Land Trust Census Report Now Available July 11, 2019 - A report summarizing results of the 2019 Maine Land Trust Census, which we conducted in January of this year, has now been released and now available here.

2018

• Land Trusts Celebrate the Season November 28, 2018 - Maine land trusts celebrate the holiday season in myriad ways this December, and invite you to join in the fun
• New LMF Grants Boost Conservation, Recreation September 18, 2018 - For the first time since 2010, Maine’s award-winning Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program grants voter-approved bond funds to land conservation projects around the state
• Annual Gathering of Land Stewards September 18, 2018 - Thirty-five land stewards from all over Maine gather in Harpswell on Oct. 1st to share ideas, problem solve, and learn from collective expertise
• Becoming Part of the Community Fabric September 18, 2018 - At their annual meeting, the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce presented the Community Service Organization of the Year award to the Damariscotta River Association
• Diverse Task Force Forms to Develop Conservation Roadmap June 4, 2018 - Twenty individuals and organizations have formed a task force to shape the next generation of Maine land conservation, coming on the heels of three decades of unprecedented accomplishments
• 35th Maine Land Conservation Conference Breaks the Mold April 4, 2018 - 35th annual Maine Land Conservation Conference was completely redesigned with different venue; 400 attended despite snow storm

2017

• Land Conservation Loses a Friend September 12, 2017 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust remembers Alan Hutchinson, executive director of the Forest Society of Maine of the last 20 years, and his extensive conservation work
• Kennebec Estuary Land Trust Wins Best of Maine Award July 13, 2017 - Readers of Downeast Magazine selected Kennebec Estuary Land Trust as Best Land Trust
• State Legislature Affirms Land Trust Tax Exemption May 25, 2017 - Over the past two days, both bodies of the Maine Legislature considered LD 727, a bill that called for the elimination of tax exemption eligibility for land trusts

2016

• Stewarding the Next Generation of Maine Conservationists November 7, 2016 - This year Maine Coast Heritage Trust launched its Conservation Internship Program as part of broader goals to foster connections between young people and protected land, and encourage the next generation of conservationists in Maine
• Land Trusts, River Group Join Forces to Preserve Presumpscot Watershed October 12, 2016 - On October 2, 2016, Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, Windham Land Trust, and Presumpscot River Watch voted to merge as one organization
• Celebrating a Century of Conservation and Looking to the Future July 15, 2016 - This summer, in celebration of Acadia’s 100th year, Maine Coast Heritage Trust is hosting a lecture about the future of land conservation in the MDI region with nationally recognized speaker and conservationist Peter Forbes

2015

• Partnership with L.L. Bean Improves Access to Conserved Lands December 9, 2015 - In partnership with LL Bean, Maine Coast Heritage Trust awarded six grants to enhance public access to conserved lands with a focus on trail expansion
• Maine Electorate Supports Releasing Conservation Funds October 16, 2015 - Data from new poll finds that Maine Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, from every part of the state, overwhelmingly support the release of voter-approved Land for Maine’s Future funds
• Governor’s Veto Sustained, New Bill Enacted July 16, 2015 - Today, July 16, 2015, Maine's legislature failed to override the Governor’s veto of LD 1378, legislation that would have taken politics out of voter-approved state bond issues
• Dr. Owen Grumbling Recognized with Espy Land Heritage Award April 28, 2015 - Maine Coast Heritage Trust named Dr. Owen Grumbling as recipient of the 2015 Espy Land Heritage Award for exemplary conservation efforts in Maine
• Governor LePage Withholding Land Conservation Funding March 10, 2015 - For the second time in three years, Governor Paul LePage is holding up voter-approved bond funds from the State’s Land for Maine’s Future Program

2014

• Conference Delivers Inspiration and Perspective September 18, 2014 - 2014 annual Maine Land Conservation Conference brought almost 450 attendees together for informative and thought-provoking experience
• Maine Court Ruling Clarifies that Land Trusts are Eligible for Property Tax Exemption August 8, 2014 - Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled yesterday that land conservation is a charitable purpose under the Maine Property Tax Exemption statute; a boon for the Maine land trust community
• Coalition and Community Pull Together to Produce Regional Trail Map June 1, 2014 - Nearly 30 sponsors helped revive the popular Cobscook Trail Guide for public benefit and use