MLTN Infoline – June 16, 2020
A Message from Maine Land Trusts in Response to Racial InjusticeIn the wake of recent racial injustice in our country, Maine land trusts have banded together to raise their voices in support of Black Americans and have made a commitment to begin a journey of self-examination. Along with MLTN steering committee leadership, we believe it is time to prioritize this issue and work together towards authentic change, ensuring equal access to natural places for all. Nearly 30 Maine Land Trust Network members have signed on to a letter, which you can read here . If your organization would like to be a added, contact Donna. We understand this is a complex and difficult topic. Some groups will want to craft a message that has more meaning for them and we encourage that. Either way, we hope you’ll use this as an opportunity to have some deep conversations within your land trust’s leadership, and in your communities. The time has come for real change, |
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MANP Treasure Chest of ResourcesMaine Association of Nonprofits has always been a top go-to source for nonprofit resources, but in the past few months they have stepped up to provide an incredible list of information, tools and training to help nonprofits in these unprecedented times. We hope you’ll take a moment to dig in to the full list here, but a couple of things we want to call out are:
We are truly grateful to MANP for their invaluable partnership! |
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Maine Senators Support Conservation LegislationIntroduced in the US Senate earlier this year, the Great American Outdoors Act (S.3422) continues to inch closer to passage. The bill would provide $900 million annually for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and $9.5 billion over the next five years to support maintenance projects at national parks and on other public lands. Established in 1964, LWCF is supported with offshore energy receipts. It has funded land acquisition across the state, including, at Acadia, Maine’s wildlife refuges, state public lands, and municipal parks.
The Great American Outdoors Act was introduced with 60 co-sponsors, including Maine’s Senators Collins and King. In early June, both gave speeches on the Senate floor in support of the bill: Initial votes in the Senate have been promising. If it passes in the Senate, the action will turn to the US House of Representatives where Maine’s Congressman Golden and eleven of his colleagues have recently introduced a companion bill. President Trump has promised to sign the Great American Outdoor Act if Congress enacts it. Be sure to thank Maine’s congressional leaders for supporting this important legislation. |
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Ag Allies Grassland Bird ProgramStarted in 2016, Ag Allies Grassland Bird Program works with land trusts to increase the nesting success of grassland birds through on-farm incentive payments, technical assistance, outreach and education. The program empowers land trusts to make sustainable bird-friendly management changes on their land and improve the opportunity for nesting success of grassland birds in Maine.
Early on, the District began working with Georges River Land Trust and the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust (then the Damariscotta River Association). In 2017, DRA partnered with the District for a successful 2018 Cornell Lab of Ornithology LTI grant. This spring, Cornell asked the District’s Ag Allies program to enter a formal collaboration with them. They are excited to expand their work, and t o that end, Ag Allies will be choosing an interested land trust to work on a field refurbishment demonstration project. This will include funding for lime, fertilizer, and possible re-seeding of a field for grassland bird habitat. The work will take place next season. Learn more here. In the near term, Ag Allies has habitat signs! Many land trusts expressed an interest in the signs last year, but they ran out. They now also have materials available to install the signs at land trust properties. Contact Laura Suomi-Lecker for more information on the Cornell collaboration or habitat signs. |
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Stronger Together: Collaborations, Shared Services, and Joint FundraisingFriday, June 19th, 2020 1:00 – 2:30 pm Instructor: Andy Robinson Suggested Price: $30 – pay what you can options available! In challenging times, we are stronger together. Join as we take a look at:
This is an interactive webinar (yes, that’s possible) so please come prepared to participate. Learn more on the MANP website. |
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MANP’s Board Roles + Responsibilities webinarTuesday, June 23rd, 2020 7:00 – 9:30 am Suggested Price: $30 – pay what you can options available! A strong board of directors is built upon clear understanding of basic roles and responsibilities. This session will provide an overview of a board’s primary legal duties, important responsibilities and essential roles in governing the organization and stewarding its mission. Participants will:
This webinar is intended for individuals already serving on nonprofit boards who are seeking an overview of their roles and responsibilities. Board members who have at least 6 months of board service will gain the most from participation. It is strongly suggested that multiple board members from the same organization and the executive director participate as a team for maximum benefit. Learn more and register here. |
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Maine TREE Foundations Window to the Woods ProgramA Six Session Online Course on Understanding Maine’s Forests Tuesday and Thursday Zoom sessions July 14th – 30th 10:00 – 11:15 am This course is Maine TREE Foundation’s alternative to the ever-popular “Teachers’ Tours of Maine’s Forests and Mills,” a live offering which was transformed due to COVID-19. Registration is open to the general public. Land trust members, employees, and volunteers, as well as Maine woodland owners and Tree Farmers are encouraged to participate. Maine’s environment, economy, and communities depend on the forest and the people who work in them. Throughout this course, we will ask:
Before each live session, participants will be asked to view selected resources from around the state, including videos, reading materials, and websites. Learn more and register at the Maine TREE Foundation website. |
Job Openings in the Conservation SectorSome great opportunities are available for those looking for a new position. View the full list here . Development and Administrative Coordinator – Scarborough Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator – Scarborough Land Trust Land Steward – Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Erosion Control/LakeSmart Coordinator – 7 Lakes Alliance Administrative Director – Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District |