MLTN Infoline – May 21, 2026

May 27, 2026|Infoline

Updated MCHT Conservation Easement Template

As a reminder, MLTN.org provides many sample documents and templates on its Publications and Documents page that land trusts will find useful. We try to let you know when those publications and documents get updated to ensure that you are using the most recent version.

This week, we’ve updated MCHT’s Conservation Easement template for you. You’ll find it in the Land Protection section when you scroll down the page.

The Public Policy update from Jeff Romano in the next block describes LD 1054, which passed into law this spring. The new law clarifies that tribal entities are qualified holders of conservation easements, and that cultural and archeological protection is a conservation purpose. MCHT staff have worked at building additional language into the template. This will be updated over time, but is intended as a start at providing clear language to protect these cultural values. As always, use the template with your lawyer as a drafting guide, as it contains far more options than any single CE would need. We update periodically at MCHT and through the Maine Land Conservation Attorney’s Network (MLCAN).

We’ll continue to keep you apprised of new and updated resources available on our website as they become available.

Angela, Jeff, Donna, Megan, and Katia

Another State Legislative Session Concludes

The Maine Legislature completed their work on April 29, ending the second session of the two-year legislative cycle. It was contentious at times, which is not too surprising in an election year. Mostly under the radar, a handful of land conservation policy priorities enjoyed success, while a variety of other issues related to the work of land trusts had mixed results.

The session’s highlight was enactment of legislation to secure ongoing Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) funding, but there was also action to address a Public Lands funding shortfall, move the state’s Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW), improve housing policy, and more.

Read Jeff Romano’s full session recap on the MLTN website.

Please Participate! MANP’s 2026 Survey on Maine Nonprofit Wages + Benefits

The deadline to participate is May 22

MANP’s 2026 Survey on Maine Nonprofit Wages + Benefits is now open! How are things changing here in Maine related to nonprofit wages, benefits, job vacancies, recruitment and hiring practices, staff diversity, and remote work? This biennial compensation study equips Maine nonprofits with the reliable, local data they need on these topics to shape talent retention strategies, comply with IRS requirements, and advocate to funders about caring for our workforce. We encourage you to take part – member organizations that participate receive a free report, which will be released in the Fall. Learn more at MANP’s website.

Maine “Out of Harm’s Way” Network: Assessing Needs, Interests, and Assets

The deadline to participate is May 22

A small group has been working to develop a framework for a new Maine-based “Out of Harm’s Way” Network where people can come together to learn more about strategies for reducing climate risks and take action to pursue them. To kick things off, they’ve put together a survey to gather input and ideas from people who are interested in engaging in this network!

What is meant by, “out of harm’s way” strategies? They define this work as:

Directing new development or redevelopment away from the most at-risk areas
Facilitating the movement of people, property, infrastructure, and ecosystems away from increasing climate hazards, and/or
Fostering welcoming and safe receiving communities where resettlement occurs.

This survey is geared towards anyone who might be interested or involved in advancing “out of harm’s way” strategies to increase community and ecosystem resilience. Community leaders, municipal staff, regional planners, resilience practitioners, engagement professionals, resource mangers, regulators, elected officials, policy makers, students, researchers – all are invited to complete the survey! Click here to complete it now.

Community Forests: A Quick Start Guide & Training Program from Trust for Public Land

Community forests are protected forestlands that contribute to healthy, flourishing communities. They offer residents and community members a direct say in how the land is stewarded over time. Municipalities across the country are increasingly recognizing community forests as land-based economic development tools that can deliver positive outcomes to the residents, visitors, and businesses located in their service areas.

To bolster adoption of this model and support community-centered growth across the country, in the Spring of 2025, Trust for Public Land and the U.S. Forest Service launched the first-ever Community Forest Training Program. Now they’ve created a Quick-Start Guide that provides an overview of the topics and strategies explored through the Community Forest Training Program. The Guide serves as a resource hub for practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of community forest creation and management and offers a starting place for municipalities, land trusts, tribes, or community advocates interested in exploring community forest opportunities locally.

For those seeking to pursue a community forest acquisition process, please consult the many resources provided in the guide and contact your local Trust for Public Land (TPL) representative for more information. In Maine, that’s Anne Read, Maine Land Protection Project Manager, or Betsy Cook, Associate Vice President & Maine State Director.

Interested in joining a community of practice around community forests? The Community Forest Training Program is a free 3-month virtual workshop series starting in June designed to provide land managers with the strategies, skills, and resources needed to create and sustain community forests. This program offers expert-led workshops, case studies, and peer networking to support the creation of community forests that strengthen economies, protect ecosystems, and bring people together. Learn more and register by June 1st here.

Amazing Selection of Webinars & Workshops through MANP in June!

Maine Association of Nonprofits has a noteworthy line-up of webinars and workshops for you in June. Some of them are offered through a partnership with nonprofit organizations in other states and some are directly through MANP, but either way, these offerings are worth the time. Check them out!

June 2, 9-10:30am – Board Roles & Responsibilities
June 2-4, 11am-1pm – Leading and Creating a Trauma-Informed Workplace
June 3, 10-11:30am – Operational Security: Keeping Your Devices, Data, and Communications Safe
June 4, 1-2pm – Intentional Messaging: A Tactical Approach to Content
June 4, 2-5pm – Full Cost Accounting
June 9, 10am-3pm – Nonprofit ED Gathering: Leading Change in Changing Times (in person and limited to EDs/CEOs of MANP member organizations)
June 9, 10am-1pm – Succession Planning: Creating a Plan to Preserve Your Team’s Wisdom
June 10, 3-5pm – Say Hard Things, Build Strong Teams: Emotionally-Intelligent Communication to Navigate Conflict
June 17, 12-1:30pm – Cyber and Privacy Safety & Security
June 24, 12-1:30pm – Physical Safety & Security

Remember, if your organization is a member of the Maine Land Trust Network, chances are you are a member of Maine Association of Nonprofits and qualify for discount rates. Contact us to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.

Are Websites the Next Payphones? Understanding the Changing Role of Websites in the Platforms-First Era

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 via Zoom

2:00-3:30pm

Cost: $75 for Land Trust Alliance members, $140 for non-members

Join Bold Bison for an interactive and thought-provoking session where we’ll step into the shoes of our users to unpack what they want from our websites and how to build around the user experience. We’ll evaluate Search Engine Optimization strategies for generative AI summaries and explore easy steps to make your site accessible to broader audiences. With a mix of breakout and full group discussions, this workshop will give you an overview of these challenges, as well as the tools to future-proof your web presence, building a site your users return to regularly. The workshop will conclude with an exercise to help you identify and plan out steps you can take to help users find the information they’re looking for quickly, from preserves and trails to events, volunteering and more!

Visit the Land Trust Alliance’s website for info and to register.

Recovering Administrative and Shared Costs from Grants

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 via Zoom

2:00-3:00pm

Cost: $75 for Land Trust Alliance members, $140 for non-members

Calling all finance directors, accountants, program leaders and grant writers who want to encourage government and foundation funders to cover the full cost of land trust initiatives and projects. Land trust practitioners know that the purchase price of conservation easements or fee land is far from the full cost of acquisition and stewardship. Similarly, the full cost of building new trails or restoration projects goes far beyond the direct cost of materials and labor for each project.

Join land trust financial expert Kay Sohl to learn strategies to help you cover full costs. This webinar will provide a structure for preparing grant applications and budgets that make the case for funders to cover more than the direct cost of a new project or initiative, to achieve both funder and land trust goals.

Visit the Land Trust Alliance website for details on what will be covered, and to register.

Tribal and Indigenous Land Access and Return Series

Tuesday, June 16 & Wednesday, June 24, 2026 via Zoom

2:00-3:30pm

Cost: FREE

Partnerships for Indigenous Land Access and Return: A Summary of Legal and Relational Pathways provides a summary of the various approaches that land trusts and Indigenous tribes and communities can leverage for land access and return. This two-part webinar series will highlight best practices and reflections from the report authors, and will dive deep into partnership examples from two different regions. Participants to review the following resources ahead of or following the webinars to complement the information that will be shared by presenters:

Learn more about what will be covered at the two session and register at Land Trust Alliance’s website.

FSC Group Certification: A Practical Overview for Land Trusts

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 via Zoom

12:00-1:00pm

Cost: FREE

This MLTN Lunch & Learn webinar provides an overview of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast’s (PLC) FSC Forest Management group certificate and how it applies to land trusts. Participants will learn how the program works, typical costs and responsibilities, and where certification can add value—from documenting stewardship to supporting funding opportunities. The session will include perspectives from land trusts currently participating in the program and highlight the connection to the Master Logger Certification Program® and responsible harvesting practices on the ground. Time will be included for questions and discussion.

Participation is free, but registration is required. Use this link to register.

Jobs in the Conservation Sector

Here are the latest additions to our jobs board. View the full list anytime at MLTN.org/jobs.

Conservation Forest and Land Manager – Blue Hill Heritage Trust

Summer Hut Caretaker – Maine Huts & Trails

Stewardship Coordinator – Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust and Freeport Conservation Trust

Executive Director – Frenchman Bay Conservancy

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

Current Closing Date for Applications: July 09, 2026

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program supports the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems for the benefit of coastal communities, fish and wildlife and their habitats, and the recreating public. The Program provides designated State and Territory agencies with cost sharing awards for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Projects may include the acquisition of real property interests in a coastal wetland ecosystem and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands. Coastal wetlands are valued because they protect against flooding, help maintain water quality, and provide habitats for fish and wildlife. Coastal environments are also important economically, generating billions of dollars annually through recreational and commercial fishing, boating, and tourism. The Program is co-administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coastal Program and the Office of Conservation Investment.

Next Thursday, May 28th, from 1-2 PM you are invited to join the US Fish and Wildlife Service for a webinar on the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. The primary goal of the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The Program accomplishes this by helping States protect, restore, and enhance their coastal habitats through competitive grants. In this webinar, we will present information about the current Funding Opportunity for the Program and discuss applications. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Here are the webinar details:

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/245419870042838?p=xK8jxrcVNWVvj0123z

Meeting ID: 245 419 870 042 838

Passcode: sc2gf7Lx

You can find the Notice of Funding Opportunity attached and on Grants.gov here: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361851.