MLTN Infoline – September 1, 2020
Maine Conservation Corps 2021 Field Teams and Environmental StewardsMaine land trusts have reported higher than usual use of preserves and trails this summer. If the spike in use has affected your land trust and created an unexpected need for extra maintenance or new trails, MCC Field Teams are here to help. MCC also offers Environmental Stewards to build your capacity and help develop new programs and outreach. For over 37 years, MCC has been sending individuals and teams into communities to accomplish conservation initiatives while fostering the development of MCC AmeriCorps members and local volunteerism. Here are just a few recent projects completed through the MCC program:
The deadline for Environmental Steward placement is September 25th, 2020 and the deadline for Field Teams is February 1, 2021. Application materials and instructions are on the MCC website. Not sure how to start? MCC can also help with project planning! Enjoy the upcoming long weekend and stay safe out there, |
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Maine Economic Recovery GrantsApplications due: September 9th, 2020 On August 20th, Governor Mills announced the release of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program. The program, backed by $200 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, will “provide grants for businesses and non-profit organizations that demonstrate a need for financial relief based on lost revenues or expenses related to the disruption of business operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” There are eligibility requirements but most land trusts would qualify so don’t let the specifics deter you. Maine Association of Nonprofits is providing lots of information and a free webinar this Wednesday, September 2nd, at 11:00am to walk you through the program and share what you need to know before deciding whether to apply. More information is available at the MANP website. |
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Land Trust/University Interactions: Survey RequestDeadline to participate: September 12th, 2020 A Stanford University research team is undertaking a study to examine how land trusts and universities interact. In the context of today’s challenging times and beyond, they are interested in how land trusts are imagining land conservation and research in a post-pandemic world, particularly the role that collaboration might play in creating and implementing future visions. They are eager to understand what makes such partnerships easier (and harder) to develop and maintain, and in different types of land trust/university partnerships. If you are willing to complete a short (<15 min.) survey, your participation would be greatly appreciated. The survey is available HERE. |
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Online course from Harbinger Consulting Five weekly sessions, Tuesdays from September 22 – October 20, 2020 2:00 – 3:00 pm Economic impact is an important selling point for funding private land conservation and trails. Reliable economic figures can help coalesce support among local and state officials, who are often gatekeepers to funding for easements and acquisition, maintenance, construction, and expansion. Understanding the range of economic benefits from your land conservation and trails program can also help you expand your circle of allies and partners. Studies substantiating the economic value of trails, trail networks, and conserved wild and working landscapes can be useful in helping you make your case, but it’s even more compelling to speak directly about the benefits of your programs, your locally conserved lands, and your trails. This course will help you learn to paint a broad, research and data-based picture of the economic effects of your trail system or conserved lands-or project the benefits of a proposed trail or conservation program. You will also learn how to tell that story to support advocacy, fundraising, conservation-based economic development, and stronger community relationships. Learn more about the course, cost and expectations here. *Harbinger has kindly extended the early discount rate for land trusts until the course start date in September. Please contact Donna if you are interested, so we can coordinate further group discounts! |
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Job Openings in the Conservation SectorLooking for fall employment? These positions are available NOW. View the full list here. Membership & Outreach Associate – Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust Vice President of Conservation Services – Natural Lands Stewardship Coordinator – Falmouth Land Trust Administrative Assistant – Georges River Land Trust Land Stewardship Technician – Appalachian Trail Conservancy Office Manager – National Estuarine Research Reserve Association |
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Reforestation Funding Opportunity from Arbor Day FoundationApplication Deadline: October 16, 2020 Since 1990, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked with tree planting organizations to identify and support reforestation projects. They provide funding for seedlings on large scale restoration projects. To date, they have worked together to fund and plant more than 100 million trees. Arbor Day Foundation currently seeks proposals for large scale plantings that will positively impact the environment, create habitat for wildlife, promote watershed restoration, and other benefits to the public. Proposals with strong content that will enable the Foundation to share a great story with our members and donors are especially welcome. Land trusts may be interested to know that in the past, this program has been used to fund tree plantings in riparian areas where farmland or other cleared areas go right to the shoreline. Among other things, planting trees helps stabilize banks, create wildlife habitat and increase floodwater retention. Interested individuals and groups are encouraged to fill out an online proposal for projects at the Arbor Day Foundation website. Contact Manager of Forest Restoration Programs, Brad Brandt, at (402) 473-9619 or at with any questions. |
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Regional Conservation Partnership ProgramApplication Deadline: November 4, 2020 Application Submittal webinar: September 10, 2020 at 3pm On August 6, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) posted its announcement of a National Funding Opportunity for the RCPP. The funding announcement includes the following change to CCAs:
Partners may request between $250,000 and $10 million in RCPP funding through this funding announcement. Partners are expected to offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact of RCPP funding in an amount equal or greater to the NRCS investment. A webinar that specifically addresses how to submit an RCPP proposal through the RCPP portal is scheduled for 3 pm on September 10, 2020. Details on how to participate will be available here. |