Annual Report 2011 P.O

Main Office Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201 stewards Maine’s coastal lands and islands for Topsham, ME 04086 their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational 207-729-7366 MAINE COAST HERITAGE TRUST opportunities, ecological diversity and working Mount Desert Island Office landscapes. MCHT promotes the conservation Annual Report 2011 P.O. Box 669 of natural places statewide by working with land Mount Desert, ME 04660 trusts, communities and other partners. 207-244-5100 As a membership organization, MCHT is Aldermere Farm 70 Russell Ave. supported by individuals committed to protecting Rockport, ME 04856 Maine’s natural beauty and resources. 207-236-2739 The Trust invites your support and involvement.

www.mcht.org ESAW B RIDGET © B COVER IMAGE: IN 2011, MCHT PROTECTED NEARLY 5 MILES OF SHOREFRONT IN SIPP BAY,

ESAW PEMBROKE, WHICH ENCOMPASSES SIGNIFICANT B SHOREBIRD HABITAT AND PRODUCTIVE MUDFLATS.

RIDGET PRINTED ON ASTROLITE PC (100% POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED STOCK) © B Lending a Hand

Maine Coast Heritage Trust often helps local, state and federal partners accomplish shared conservation goals, and in 2011 we strengthened these alliances because so many governmental agencies faced budget cutbacks.

To help ﬁll a critical, 100-acre gap within Camden Hills State Park, for example, the Trust acted as an intermediary, supplied a bridge loan, and raised needed funds. A similar strategy helped protect several signiﬁcant tracts on Mount Desert Island adjacent to Acadia National Park, including shoreline at Round Pond and Lower Hadlock Pond.

In downeast Maine, MCHT helped the Town of Lubec provide shore access for local shellﬁsh harvesters by acquiring a strategic, one-acre parcel they traditionally have used. The Trust then donated the land to the Town and provided stewardship funds to help maintain the access site. Farther south, MCHT helped the City of Biddeford match its ﬁnancial commitment to acquire a large, private parcel at the heart of a cherished municipal park.

We could not offer vital help to all our partners—from public entities to landowners—without the generosity and commitment of our members and donors. The 2011 projects outlined in this report demonstrate the success of our collective efforts. We thank you for your continued support.

Tim Glidden, President Kurt Klebe, Chair of the Board

L OWER HADL OCK POND © Bridget Besaw 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW While many sectors of the economy have slowed in the economic down- turn, land conservation is not among them. A national census recently released by the Land Trust Alliance shows that voluntarily protected land increased 27 percent between 2005 and 2010. In total number of acres conserved from 2005 to 2010, Maine ranks first among eastern states and second nationally with 1.8 million acres protected. Land trust activity continued gaining momentum in 2011, with MCHT complet- ing 45 projects and expanding community programs to ensure that more Maine residents and visitors experience its preserves and enjoy the many benefits of land protection. For more information on MCHT’s work and its most recent financial statements, please visit www.mcht.org.

2011 Land Project Accomplishments Ciona Ulbrich Ciona MCHT conserved five entire islands in 2011, including 20-acre Big Babson Island in Eggemoggin Reach. 2 3 PP NA Conservation Advances S RAIG C © in Casco Bay Maine Coast Heritage Trust was fortunate in 2011 to work with generous and visionary landowners around Casco Bay willing to protect four key properties of exceptional scenic and ecological value.

For more than 125 years, generations of the Otis family have cherished the wild beauty of their waterfront property in Falmouth. “It was unimaginable to me that this land be divided into house lots,” observes landowner Larney Otis. It has always seemed that it was my role, the role of my generation, to do what I could to preserve it.” She recently donated a conservation easement on 36 acres to MCHT, ensuring that this wildlife oasis—with 3,600 feet of shorefront visible from Mackworth Island and Portland’s Eastern Promenade—will remain unspoiled for centuries to come.

Ongoing efforts to protect valuable habitat in Brunswick’s Maquoit Bay advanced, thanks to a collaborative effort to protect an historic saltwater farm that encompasses 196 upland acres and 46 acres of intertidal flats and eelgrass beds. With financial and grant-writing support from MCHT, the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust secured a conservation easement from Jack Henshaw and his family (at a generously discounted price) that prevents new development and provides for recreational trails and access to 1,500 feet of shoreline for hunting, fishing and shellfish harvesting.

Two easements donated to MCHT on major shorefront lands in Harpswell will protect important eelgrass beds and a seal haulout. Landowners Helen and Walter Norton purchased both parcels with the express intent of conserving them, preventing nearly all future development on 50 acres of Birch Island and 26 acres bordering Wilson Cove. “We think that people will really

NOX appreciate having some open land here in the future,” the Nortons observed. “There is less and less of it available.” K H IC 4 R 5 Youth Partnerships in Local Communities In a growing number of communities, Maine Coast Heritage Trust is helping youth enjoy outdoor learning at its preserves. Fifth- and sixth-grade students at Castine’s Adams School now explore MCHT’s Witherle Woods Preserve several times a year with Regional Stewards Kirk Gentalen and Douglas McMullin, joining in vernal pool explorations, fungus walks and animal tracking. Their ELPRIN

principal, Katie Frothingham, says students deem these H ILLY

“the coolest ﬁeld trips ever.” Gentalen is delighted by how B much the students recall from their previous visits and how excited they are to return. “It’s pretty amazing the connections they make in such a short time,” he notes. “The trips with them are one of the highlights of my year.”

Students at the Frenchboro School help out MCHT each fall during Maine’s annual Coastal Cleanup. “They gather shoreline trash and tabulate the amounts and kinds (as part of a national marine debris survey), and then recycle many of the items,” notes Regional Steward Terry Towne. “The students also helped me monitor wildlife, and used our game camera to get photos of river otters and a saw-whet owl that frequent the island.”

Students in an afterschool program run by Maine Seacoast Mission in western Washington County have a new monthly outing club that gets 7th/8th graders visiting land trusts in their communities. “Fun is foremost,” says Regional Steward Deirdre Whitehead, “but they’re learning as well about stewardship and outdoor skills. They are so enthusiastic about their explorations!”

Farther downeast, Regional Steward Melissa Lee organizes excursions twice each month for the students at Lubec Consolidated School. This popular outing club program, now in its twelfth year, is continually forging new partnerships in the community (this year with Cobscook Bay State Park where students will enjoy several winter activities).

6 7 Terry Towne Many of Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s most ambitious conservation Federal Funds Extend initiatives rely on partnerships—involving local citizens, other nonproﬁts, municipalities, and state and federal agencies. Over the past two decades, a Wetland Conservation visionary piece of Congressional legislation—the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)—has supported many of these partnerships. Through NAWCA, conservation partners have protected more than 25 million acres of wetlands for waterfowl, migratory birds and ﬁsh across the country, including more than 1 million acres in Maine.

Every federal grant dollar is more than matched by state/local resources ($22.5 million of NAWCA funds in Maine have generated partner contributions totaling nearly $128 million!). NAWCA funds have been instrumental in preserving key tracts along Cobscook and Merrymeeting bays, the Kennebec River estuary, Greater Pleasant Bay downeast, the York River, and numerous other coastal and inland settings.

“On Mount Desert Island, a $1 million NAWCA grant boosted our early efforts to conserve 516-acre Kitteredge Brook Forest,” observes David MacDonald, MCHT’s Director of Land Protection. “Not only were the dollars vital, but that stamp of approval from a national program inspired others to help as well.” Another NAWCA grant for work in Cobscook Bay is helping MCHT and the Downeast Coastal Conservancy purchase generously discounted land and easements from willing landowners, including 22 acres at Carlos Cove that adjoins MCHT island holdings. “The NAWCA grants have consistently delivered outstanding wetland protection

All Photos © Bridget Besaw Bridget © Photos All in Maine’s richest coastal wildlife areas,” MacDonald reﬂects. “We’re grateful for the key support provided by our partners at state and federal agencies and by Maine’s congressional delegation.”

8 9 Growing Produce (and Farmers) Collaborative Effort Protects a Cherished Island at Erickson Fields Preserve Battle Island lies within MCHT’s “Bagaduce River Whole Place,” a region of high wildlife value and conservation work Four teenagers had a farming immersion experience at MCHT’s Erickson Fields shared with Blue Hill Heritage Trust and The Conservation Trust of Brooksville, Castine and Penobscot (TCT). This Preserve in Rockport last summer through the Trust’s “Teen Ag” program. The 2-acre island was among the first privately owned sites placed on the Maine Island Trail two decades ago, and the Battle crew worked 40 hours a week planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting logbook soon filled with appreciative comments from Trail visitors. a diverse array of organic vegetables. Roughly a quarter of the 7,800 pounds The island’s recent owners valued sharing the place with others but found little time to visit themselves. The demands of grown was donated to local food banks and the local high school, with the absentee ownership finally prompted them balance purchased by Good Shepherd Food Bank for distribution to food banks to sell, but—thanks to the Maine Island statewide. Heather Halsey, Community Programs Manager for Erickson Fields, Trail Association and TCT—they contact- notes that all of the teens now anticipate growing their own gardens: “Having ed MCHT and agreed to a conservation daily contact with the land helps foster a conservation ethic at a time when purchase at a generously discounted price. these young people are forming their identity.” Additional contributions came from the The students took local community, foundations, and MITA pride in knowing their staff and board members. work made a real dif- After the Trust took ownership, MCHT and ference to their com- MITA staff and community volunteers set to munity. “Bringing the work returning the island to its natural state

© Megan Mallory vegetables to the food by dismantling aging structures. A camping pantry was definitely the most rewarding part of the job,” one area is being established so that the general reflected. “People who were coming to get food would thank public and Trail visitors can continue enjoying us on their way out—it felt really great!” this peaceful haven in the Bagaduce estuary.

10 11 © Megan Mallory Ulbrich Ciona All in a Day’s Work for MCHT’s Regional Stewards MCHT Plays Pivotal Role In addition to traditional tasks such as monitoring easements and maintaining trails, MCHT’s regional stewards undertake in Schoodic Peninsula Protection many memorable and challenging projects in the course of a given year. During 2011, they participated in a prescribed For years, 3,200 acres adjoining the Schoodic Unit of Acadia National burn on part of Calderwood Island, tore apart several abandoned structures, monitored game cameras, helped researchers in Park faced an uncertain fate, shadowed by the threat of large-scale the field, and informed and inspired preserve visitors ranging in age from 8 to 80. “Having to change gears frequently— development. Thanks to critical help from Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and often dramatically—is part of what makes the job fun and challenging,” reflects Regional Steward Amanda Devine. the conservation-minded Lyme Timber Company purchased this prop- “Alongside lengthy days at the desk that call for patience and diplomacy, there’s the 14-hour days chain-sawing. Not every erty late in 2011 from a private company that had in 2008 proposed job calls for such adrenaline!” PHOTO CREDITS, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: BILLY HELPRIN, ICH NOX MANDA EVINE ILLY ELPRIN a development with hundreds of villas, a hotel and a golf course.

The expanse of woodlands and wetlands encompasses significant wildlife habitat, including more than a mile of shorefront and two islands. “We’re relieved to have this change of ownership remove the most significant threat to Acadia National Park,” observes Park Superintendent Sheridan Steele.

To ensure that 1,500 acres nearest the Park will be conserved, MCHT has signed an option agreement with Lyme Timber for a conservation easement. In 2012, the Trust will work with the new owners and others to advance a conservation plan for the property that consid- ers appropriate, small-scale development while respecting its significant conservation values.

MCHT conserved several notable properties on Mount Desert Island (MDI) during 2011, The Aldermere Achievers 4-H group at MCHT’s Aldermere Farm Preserve attended the world’s largest purebreed live- thanks to its MDI Land Conservation Initiative (which seeks to protect the island’s stock exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. “I wish our supporters could have seen the excitement on their faces,” reflects woods and watersheds, productive farmland, western shore, and vulnerable lands within Aldermere Farm General Manager Ron Howard, who accompanied the eight students. “They decided a year ago to park boundaries). Purchase of Kitteredge Brook Forest, a centerpiece of the Initiative, do this, and—with their families—took the lead raising funds. They held a public supper, sold vegetables and flowers, secured the island’s largest remaining unbroken expanse of woodlands and wetlands. walked dogs, and weeded gardens—raising $10,000 to cover their costs. Each one played a key role and it was a true Other major projects included acquisition of 26 acres along the western shore of Lower team victory.” Hadlock Pond, a popular destination for hikers and paddlers, and a bargain sale purchase The Aldermere Achievers finished strong in of 14 acres on Round Pond in Pretty Marsh. Both properties were acquired in partnership showmanship and garnered three of the top with Friends of Acadia and will be transferred to Acadia National Park. four awards for animals in the National Beltie By the end of 2011, the MDI Initiative was nearing its ambitious $10 million goal thanks Youth Group Show. “These terrific young to generous support from com- people have a lot to be proud of,” Howard munity donors and challenge observes, “and gained many life lessons that grants from the Pew Charitable will pay dividends for years to come.” Trusts and the Davis Family In addition to its fine showing at the Foundation. These significant National Livestock Exposition, Aldermere grants helped mobilize com- Farm was named the National Belted munity support and enabled Galloway Society’s Breeder of the Year the Trust to meet a tight time- for 2011 and its heifer, Aldermere Xanderlee, line on the purchase option for was named the Society’s National Heifer of Kitteredge Brook Forest. the Year. ©Bridget Besaw

14 MCHT 15 © Bridget Besaw © Bridget Besaw Board and Council Members as of 11/1/2011 “Forests and Lakes, for People, Forever” THOMAS E. IRELAND, CHAIR LINZEE WELD, VICE CHAIR PETER CHANDLER, TREASURER A vision of community-based conservation drives the spectacular success of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust based in Grand Lake B OARD OF D IRECTORS C OUNC IL MEM BERS John M. Kauffmann FOUNDERS Stream, which received the Espy Land Heritage Award in May 2011 Burt Adelman Richard A. Spencer, Chair Bonnie Lounsbury Thomas D. Cabot Thomas Armstrong, Jr. Gordon Abbott, Jr. Caroline Macomber (1897–1995) (given each year at MCHT’s annual Maine Land Conservation Forrest Berkley Rachel F. Armstrong E. Van R. Milbury Margaret M. Rockefeller Conference). Through a steadfast commitment to sustaining the Robert O. Blake Anne Bass George Putnam, III (1915–1996) economic vitality and recreational traditions of the downeast lakes Peter Blanchard, III Elmer Beal, Jr. Peter Quesada region, DLLT has conserved 350,000 acres during its first decade. Carol Donnelly Patricia H. Blake Peter W. Rand Thomas Haslett Thomas E. Bradbury Mary C. Rea Acknowledging the award and accompanying $5,000 gift, DLLT Sally Jacobs Julia L. Brady John R. Robinson Executive Director Mark Berry noted how “this comes at an important Dawn E. Kidd Edmund Cabot Roxana Robinson time for our community and will help our current campaign, the Kurt Klebe Albert M. Creighton, Jr. Jean Wheeler West Grand Lake Community Forest Project.” Burks Lapham Gale Davis Harold E. Woodsum, Jr. Arthur Martinez Philip DeNormandie William J. Zwartjes Lucy McCarthy Charles W.H. Dodge Evan D. Richert Dianna Emory ChristinaEpperson Working toward Sustainability Richard Rockefeller Anne M. Franchetti Doris (Didi) Stockly Joseph Hammer MCHT’s Land Trust Program continued supporting local trusts in 2011 with frequent communications, networking Anna Marie Thron Horace A. Hildreth, Jr. opportunities, and trainings. In addition to the ongoing Circuit Rider and Maine Excellence programs, the Land Trust Paula Volent Alix Hopkins Program hosted two workshops—for 40 representatives of both staffed and volunteer trusts—with Judy Anderson, a na- Elizabeth B. Johnson Marion Kane tionally known consultant who shared ideas on how to broaden a trust’s base of support in challenging economic times.

Trust staff also hosted ﬁve regional workshops throughout the state, giving 66 land trust representatives a chance to discuss different facets of sustainability—ranging from accreditation and leadership succession to regional collaboration.

16 Knox Rich