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News and Updates

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Get Outside This Memorial Day Weekend – But Do it Safely

May 20, 2020

With lovely weather predicted for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend and summer around the corner, Maine land trusts are ready to welcome visitors to our trails and preserves. In partnership with the Bureau of Parks and Lands, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Outdoor Brands, and other statewide land…

Maine Land Trusts Answer the Call

April 10, 2020

In this recent story in the Bangor Daily News, Aislinn Sarnacki explores the many ways Maine land trusts are helping Mainers get through this unusual time of working and schooling from home. While getting outdoors is allowed under Governor Mills’ stay at home order, it must be done safely and…

Joint Press Release Provides Guidance

April 2, 2020

Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Maine Land Trust Network, and a broad coalition of state, nonprofit, and business partners, have jointly put out a press release to help Mainers get outside safely during the “Stay Healthy at Home” order. While it’s important to note that rules are changing daily, this will…

Federal COVID-19 Help Available

April 1, 2020

The President and Congress have agreed to three bills thus far to help American citizens, businesses, and nonprofits navigate the ongoing health and economic crisis. Some of the provisions offer potential support to land trusts and other nonprofits. The rules and paperwork for some initiatives have not yet been developed.…

Considering COVID-19

March 16, 2020

To all our colleagues, partners and friends, Conference Cancelled By now, it will be no surprise that Maine Coast Heritage Trust has to cancel the 2020 Maine Land Conservation Conference. Although exceedingly disappointing, we must put the well-being of our communities first, which means complying with state and federal recommendations…

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…

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…

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.

High Tide Here Campaign

June 26, 2019

High Tide Here is a grassroots Maine-based effort to show which areas of our coast are directly threatened by sea level rise.

2019 Legislative Session Ends

June 25, 2019

Maine legislators adjourned on June 20, wrapping up the first year of their two-year legislative session. Despite adjourning, the legislature is likely to return for at least one day this summer to discuss bonds, included a proposed conservation bond.

LMF Board Welcomes New Members

June 3, 2019

In the first five months of the Mills Administration, the board has welcomed five new members. These five individuals each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board. And all five have a long track record of support for land conservation in Maine.

More than $5M Available through Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program

May 31, 2019

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking initial proposals for a new round of competitive grants from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program, which TNC administers on behalf of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

2019 Conference Asks Questions, Seeks Answers

April 29, 2019

The 2019 Maine Land Conservation Conference, held on April 5 and 6, provided practical learning and inspiration for anyone passionate about the importance of green spaces in our communities and in our lives.

Burnham Martin Receives 2019 Espy Land Heritage Award

April 24, 2019

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) has named Burnham Martin as recipient of the 2019 Espy Land Heritage Award.

Four Coastal Maine Conservation Groups Opt for Joining Forces

April 1, 2019

Several months ago four organizations in midcoast Maine set off on a journey; now they exist as two effective land trusts

Land Conservation Task Force Releases Draft Recommendations for Public Comment

January 10, 2019

A task force seeking to shape the next generation of land conservation in Maine released its draft recommendations and is asking the public for feedback. The Task Force is calling for a new Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) bond issue along with other actions designed to strengthen land conservation and…

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

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

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

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

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

Changes to Maine Tree Growth and Open Space Tax Laws

January 14, 2013

Robert H. Levin, Attorney at Law Last Spring, the Maine Legislature enacted significant changes to the Tree Growth and Open Space property tax programs when it passed 2012 Public Law Chapter 618 (L.D. 1138). The bill took effect on August 1, 2012, and has certain provisions that might affect land trusts,…