MLTN Infoline – October 30, 2023
Taking it One Day at a Time | |
Today our hearts ache and we are weary. We’re asking ourselves, how could this have happened? And how do we move on after a day like last Wednesday, a day that changes everything? A day that has left our state reeling and 18 families in unspeakable grief. We’re all trying to answer that question. To start with, we take care of each other. Mainers are known for doing just that and we’re not going to stop now. At Maine Coast Heritage Trust, we are taking the time to care for ourselves and others and we hope you can do the same. The wounds of this trauma are going to take a lot of time to heal. Please seek help if you are struggling. Here at the Land Trust Program we’re taking it one day at a time, and though we aren’t mental health experts we are here at the end of the phone line if there’s anything we can do to help. You can also call or text 988 for free and confidential counseling. In solidarity, Angela, Jeff, and Donna | |
Apply to Host a Community Tree Steward | |
Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 31, 2023 Maine federal, municipal, state, or non-profit organizations are invited to apply to host a Community Tree Steward. This project is funded by the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. Individuals will be recruited by Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) and selected by the Host Site to accomplish forestry projects in underserved communities. Host Sites will identify projects based on local needs. All projects must include community volunteer initiatives. Host Sites are expected to foster and support the professional development of the stewards on their career paths in the forestry sector. These projects must take place in disadvantaged communities. This tool can help you identify if your community qualifies: Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. To apply, be sure to check out the MCC website, where you will find more details about the opportunity, the Host Site Application, and importantly, Host Site Application Instructions! | |
Shifting Organizational Culture | |
A three-part Zoom series Tuesdays, October 31, November 7, and November 14 3:00-4:30pm Cost: FREE Join Maine Environmental Education Association’s co-director Red Fong for three workshops focused on facilitating positive change in organizational culture. Each weekly session will center on a different aspect of navigating this process, with participants learning tools they can take with them to effect change in their own organizations. The three sessions will be organized as follows:
In addition to their role at MEEA, Red Fong (they/them) is a co-facilitator of the Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative’s Relearning Place Program. For more information and to register, visit Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative’s website. | |
The Maine Bird Atlas Project: A Progress Report | |
Friday, November 3, 2023 in person and via Zoom Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, 3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta Networking at 10:30am, program begins at 11am Cost: FREE Maine Woods Forever is pleased to host an update on the Maine Bird Atlas Project. The Maine Bird Atlas is a project of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife that has been underway since 2018. This overview of the project will be presented by Kate Weatherby, Volunteer Coordinator for the Carrabassett Valley and Dover-Foxcroft Regions. She will be focusing on what the Atlas hoped to accomplish, what that involved, and how we got there. This hybrid formatted program will begin with a networking session at 10:30 am for those able to attend in person. The feature program will start at 11 am and will be available via a zoom webinar format. To register to participate by Zoom, click here. | |
Making the Most of the DEI Framework & Resources for Change | |
Monday, November 6, 2023 via Zoom 2:00-3:30pm Cost: FREE In this webinar, Land Trust Alliance will introduce their new tool to help land trust board members, staff and volunteers get started on their DEI journeys. Filled with practical tips and explanation of the resources, this webinar is essential for those wanting to make meaningful change for the people and places you serve. Join Forrest King-Cortes, director of community centered conservation, Katie Chang, senior manager of educational services and consultants Livia Marqués and Mikki Sager, Food Driven Strategies, as they share insights, strategies and practical tips for using this new online learning experience. Get all the details and register on LTA’s website. | |
IRS Form 8283: What Landowners and Advisors Need to Know | |
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 via Zoom 1:00-2:30pm Cost: $70 for LTA members, $100 for non-members Correctly completing the IRS Form 8283 is an essential part of the conservation easement donation process. If a landowner or their advisor fails to fill it out correctly, they risk IRS denial of the deduction for the donation, and the loss of substantial amounts of money. Join expert tax attorney Tim Lindstrom, author of the recently updated Tax Guide to Conservation Easements, as he lays out what landowners and their advisors need to know when completing the form. This is a special webinar designed for land trusts to share with their landowners and their advisors. It’s also useful for land trusts who want to provide help (not legal advice!) to their landowners. Learn more and register on LTA’s website. | |
Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions: Practical Applications | |
Wednesday & Thursday, November 8 & 9, 2023 Courtyard by Marriott Boston, Woburn, MA Presented by Appraisal Institute and Land Trust Alliance $300 stipend for appraisers who are interested in conducting appraisals for land conservation projects Accurate and timely appraisals by qualified professionals are a key component of virtually all land conservation transactions. Across the country, the rate of conservation is limited by an acute shortage of qualified appraisers to conduct them. The problem will only get worse with imminent retirements and there aren’t enough new appraisers becoming licensed to replace them. As a result, conservation projects are being delayed or set aside with some landowners unwilling to wait for land trusts to complete their valuations. The Land Trust Alliance is proud to partner with the Appraisal Institute to provide a $300 stipend for appraisers who are interested in conducting appraisals for land conservation projects. This $300 stipend will be applied as a discount on their registration fee. If you are interested, please email Jen Plowden BEFORE REGISTERING with a brief description of your interest in using the skills acquired during this training to further the work of land conservation. | |
Dollars and Sense: How to Communicate Financial Information | |
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 via Zoom 2:00-3:30pm Cost: $70 for LTA members, $100 for non-members Land trust finances can present unique challenges. Board treasurers, and staff leaders often struggle with engaging the board in financial oversight. This webinar will share innovative ideas for presenting financial reports so board members can better understand the financial picture of your land trust and focus on what is important. Learn more and register on LTA’s website. | |
Picking the Right Tool for Acquisition | |
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 via Zoom 1:00-2:30pm Cost: $70 for LTA members, $100 for non-members Conservation easements with their restrictions and land trust oversight aren’t for everyone. So, what do you do when your favorite conservation tool won’t work for the landowner? Join long-time acquisition specialists Steve Swartz, the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust (retired) and Rex Linville, Land Trust Alliance, as they explore the benefits and drawbacks of the different conservation tools available to land trusts. Filled with stories and practical tips, this webinar is ideal for those new to acquisitions, wishing for a refresher on the different options available, or just interested in thinking more creatively. Learn more and register on LTA’s website. | |
Jobs in the Conservation Sector | |
Great job opportunities in the environmental sector await you in Maine! Here are the newest additions to our jobs page and view the full list on our website. Human Resources Assistant – Maine Coast Heritage Trust Washington County Regional Stewardship Manager – Maine Coast Heritage Trust Climate Smart Program Manager – Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands Fish and Wildlife Biologist (East Orland) – US Fish and Wildlife Field Coordinator (Field Team Program) – Maine Conservation Corps Community Tree Steward – Maine Conservation Corps Assistant Team Leader – Maine Conservation Corps 1700HR Environmental Steward – Maine Conservation Corps 1200HR AmeriCorps Field Team Leader – Maine Conservation Corps Development Coordinator – Presumpscot Regional Land Trust | |
Farm Credit AgEnhancement program | |
Applications Due: Friday, December 1, 2023 Farm Credit East awards grants through its Farm Credit AgEnhancement program to help organizations promote awareness of and strengthen agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Vermont. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded in support of efforts to foster and grow all types of agriculture, forest production, or commercial fishing, including traditional and nontraditional production and marketing approaches. Program areas include but are not limited to leadership development, economic viability, and enhancement; programs to promote northeast agriculture and recognize developments of ag leaders; efforts to build a better understanding of agriculture, forestry, and commercial fishing; and economic analysis to foster agriculture. The program supports programs intended to assist all-size farms, promote diversity, and create opportunities for new entrants into agriculture. Applicants who demonstrate how a program, project, activity, or event will have a long-term positive effect on the eight-state Northeast region’s agriculture, forest products, or commercial fishing industries are encouraged to seek funding. For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Farm Credit East website. | |