MLTN Infoline – July 1, 2025

July 8, 2025|Infoline

State Legislative Recap

Last week, the Maine Legislature wrapped up their work and while we didn’t succeed in everything we were hoping to achieve this session, there is reason for celebration. Measures related to the conservation lands registry, landowner liability public access guarantees, and renewable energy wildlife habitat mitigation were passed, while bills threatening nonprofit property tax exemption and capping public lands in each county were defeated. And while the Legislature ran out of time to address Land for Maine’s Future funding needs, some strategic progress was made towards our LMF funding goal and we remain well-positioned for success when policymakers return to Augusta in January. Read Jeff’s full Maine Legislative recap on the website.

MCHT will continue to closely watch the ongoing developments in DC and look for ways to push back against policies undermining land conservation efforts in Maine and across the country. As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jeff Romano, MCHT’s Public Policy Director.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Angela, Jeff, Donna, and Katia

Public Grant Funds Document Updated

MCHT recently updated its useful Public Grant Funds Available for Maine Conservation list and it is now available on the funding resources page at MLTN.org. Of course, there is a lot of uncertainty these days about federal funding, but the programs on the spreadsheet all still show current program info online and appear current.

If you experience any issues, delays, or roadblocks in applying for any of these funds, please let us know so that we can look into it and keep this resource up to date.

Registration Now Open for 2025 Maine Coastal Cleanup

Maine’s Coastal Cleanup will run from September 6th to the 20th

Coastweek is a national celebration of our coastal resources. In Maine, the annual Coastal Cleanup is the biggest volunteer event in the state! The Maine Coastal Program, a Division of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), has opened registration for the annual Coastal Cleanup in September.

Coordinating a Coastal Cleanup event is a fun and effective way to help keep Maine’s coast healthy and resilient! Anyone who wishes to coordinate a local cleanup can register online by completing a brief form on the DMR website and selecting a site along the coast. You’ll select a location from the list and choose a date that works for you. Prior to the date of each cleanup, coordinators will be sent a package containing resources to collect and record trash. Learn more.

Questions? Contact Theresa Torrent, Outreach and Stewardship Specialist for the Maine Coastal Program.

Maine Philanthropy Center’s Readiness and Response Fund Information Session

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 11:30am-12:30pm via Zoom

Maine Philanthropy Center is launching a rapid response fund to meet the urgent and emerging needs of Maine’s nonprofit sector. This fund offers financial resources and support to help Maine nonprofits prepare for and respond to loss of federal funding, cuts to social programs, and targeted harassment of marginalized communities.

The information session starts with a general review of the fund and then moves through the application and decision making process. Afterwards, they will answer any questions or offer additional support for attendees.

If you are not able to attend one of the information sessions, the recording will be made available. If you need additional support on your application, please reach out to .

The fund will officially open on July 9th and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. More details can be found here.

No Time to Wait: Science Organizations as the New Adaptation Leaders

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

7:00-8:30pm

Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute and online

Cost: FREE and open to all

Featuring Doug Parsons, Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast

This event is part of Schoodic Institute’s Summer Lecture Series

The role of science organizations has never been more critical, not only in advancing climate adaptation but also in helping communities understand why it matters now.

In this compelling talk, Doug Parsons — a recognized leader in climate adaptation— will draw on real-world examples and global storytelling to explore how research organizations can help bridge the gap between science, policy, and public understanding.

At registration, you will be asked whether you will attend in person or by Zoom. You can also support Schoodic Institute with a donation when you register, if you choose. Learn more and register here.

Regional Prescribed Fire Workshop Field Trip

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

9:00am-12:00pm

Maine Army National Guard Site, Hard Scrabble Road, Hollis

Cost: FREE but please RSVP

The Northeast-Midwest Regional Prescribed Fire Workshop has been held each year over the last few years and is typically an in-person meeting. This year, it will be a virtual meeting with states holding field trips to local sites with a focus on prescribed fire. Anyone with an interest in prescribed fire is welcome to attend the field trip.

Attendees at this field trip can expect to learn about:

Pitch Pine-Scrub Oak Barrens and adjacent rare natural communities
Natural resource management
Fuel breaks and mastication projects
Fire program development
Applicable rules & regulations discussion

View details and RSVP on the workshop website.

Grant Research Tutorial

Thursday, July 10, 2025 via Zoom

11:00am-12:15pm

Cost: FREE

If you are new to grant research, new to Maine Philanthropy Center’s research databases, or just want to expand your research prowess, you’re invited to attend their monthly tutorials. These interactive virtual classes are designed to familiarize you with the landscape of foundation giving in Maine and walk you through the basics of researching high-quality prospective funders for your work. They give you a chance to learn more about MPC’s Directory of Maine Grantmakers and the Candid tools they have available as a Candid community partner.

Learn more and register at Maine Philanthropy Center’s website.

SprayFest 2025: Herbicide Training for Invasive Plant Control

Thursday, July 17, 2025

10:00am-3:00pm

Georgetown Island, exact location to be announced

Cost: FREE

This session is back for year two and is intended for both licensed pesticide applicators as well as unlicensed staff and volunteers who are curious about herbicide use for invasive plant management. This year we will cover all the regulations, safety considerations, equipment, and herbicide choice and application methods, as well as identification and treatment of stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) – an emerging concern in Maine.

Coffee and morning treats provided; BYO lunch and water. To register, email

Jobs in the Conservation Sector

In each edition of Infoline, we list all new postings that have come in since the last edition, but you can always view the full list on our website.

Director – Maine Trails Coalition

Field Team Member (Fall) – Maine Conservation Corps

Regional Stewardship Manager, Washington County – Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Philanthropy Center’s Readiness and Response Fund

Application launch date: July 9, 2025

The Readiness and Response Fund is a new initiative from the Maine Philanthropy Center (MPC) created to meet the urgent and emerging needs of Maine’s nonprofit sector. This fund offers financial resources and support to help Maine nonprofits prepare for and respond to loss of federal funding, cuts to social programs, and targeted harassment of marginalized communities.

The Readiness and Response Fund will provide $15,000 general operating grants to nonprofits to address two primary areas:

Readiness: Proactive planning and capacity-building to prevent and prepare for crisis or threats.
Response: Rapid support for organizations already impacted by crisis or threats.

All Maine nonprofits, fiscally sponsored organizations, and tribes are encouraged to apply, especially those that have historically been excluded from traditional philanthropic funding. Please note:

Preference will be given to organizations with less than a $1.5 million annual operating budget. This does not apply to Indigenous organizations.
Organizations do not need to be MPC members to apply.

If you are an organization interested in applying, you are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session on July 8th from 11:30am-12:30pm. The session will be recorded and posted on their website along with more information about the fund. Additional questions can be sent to .

Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership’s Wild East Action Fund

Applications due: 11:59pm Friday, July 18, 2025

In celebration of Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC’s) 100th anniversary and the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership’s (ATLP’s) 10th anniversary, ATC is excited to host a 2025 Wild East Action Fund cycle!

The purpose of the Wild East Action Fund is to provide private, flexible financial support for a variety of conservation-related projects located within the A.T. Landscape. The goals of the Wild East Action Fund are to:

Accelerate the pace and scale of land protection and conservation in our Landscape.
Increase the capacity of our partners to achieve strategic and targeted conservation outcomes.
Strengthen community and ecological resiliency to better address the impacts of climate change.
Champion an A.T. Landscape that encourages everyone to feel welcomed, respected, and supported.
Foster and support community and collaborative conservation outcomes in the A.T. Landscape.
Grow our network of partners dedicated to improving the A.T. Landscape for generations to come.

To be eligible for the Wild East Action Fund, applicants must demonstrate a project focus and organizational mission that is aligned with the ATLP’s mission of connecting the wild, scenic, and cultural wonders of the A.T. Landscape. The applicant’s project should occur within, serve the needs of, or explicitly benefit the A.T. Landscape.

Learn more on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s website.