»

acySpring 1997 m S TheNatureConservancy

Faster Than Surprise Gift Doubles n Ayers Brook A Speeding Mayily Preserve NICK BECKER NICK e often work on projects which long-range W take years or even decades to plans for the complete. So you can imagine our property. Other

reaction when a critically important than his re­ Dark and sinuous Cold Stream and ice-coated Ayers Brook parcel of land was offered to us as a quest for more snake through important sedge meadow habitat. donation, but only if we could detailed infor­ complete the deal in just four days. mation on the tax treatment of char­ of the property would meet their Last December 26, Phillip King itable gifts, we had no indication Mr. needs as well - if it could be com­ called to offer 500 acres of rare Tomah King was contemplating such an offer. pleted by the end of the tax year. m a y fly ( Siphlonisca aerodromia ) Elowever, Mr. King and his brother, A very generous offer, but there are habitat just north of our Ayers Brook Carroll, were indeed giving the matter reasons most real estate contracts run Preserve. Three months earlier, we some very serious thought. Over for sixty days - namely the myriad had sent Mr. King, president of King Christmas they had determined a gift details of title searches and insurance, Brothers Land Enterprises of West property descriptions, site inspec­ Enfield, a letter introducing the tions, deed preparations, hazardous Conservancy and inquiring about his Continued on page two

Tide waters surge toward the newly- Tailor-Made protected Crows Neck shoreline (seen in distance). Crows Neck is now part Conservation of a larger protected area with more wice daily massive tides muscle than five miles of shoreline at the T their way through the narrows at heart of Cobscook Bay. Reversing Falls and into the inner servation values. Conservation ease­ reaches of Cobscook Bay, sending a ments are tailored to each property, churning torrent of nutrient-rich restricting some activities and per­ seawater coursing straight at Crows mitting others. What makes them Neck. The rocky shores of the Neck particularly appealing is that it is the would seem hostile habitat, yet they landowner herself who does the are among the most remarkable on the tailo rin g . eastern seaboard. In this case, she spent three years Exactly how such turbulent con­ considering options, reviewing drafts ditions contribute to this shoreline’s and pondering what would be best high diversity and exceptional growth BRUCE KIDMAN for her family and for the land. One of benthic species (plants and animals Some 7,600 feet of this shoreline has of her first decisions was to work with that live on or near the sea bottom) is just been protected by a conservation the private conservation community. unknown. But the area’s importance to easement granted by a Trescott woman She asked Quoddy Regional Land wintering eagles from nearby Falls who saw the need to balance her im­ Trust (QRLT) to hold the easement Island and to waterfowl seeking good mediate needs and the future needs of and worked with The Nature Con- winter.forage in open water is obvious. her family with these diverse con­ Continued on page three if llKfljbrarv Use Only MAIN* STATE LlBfUfiV apr p a iq# holdings by 100,000 acres by the year 2000. We endorse that goal, and plan 4 * to ensure that at least 50,000 acres e have launched directly advance biodiversity pro­

. y / * an initiative to tection in addition to providing for ^ s p y strengthen our natural open space, recreational opportunities lands inventory and and other public values. This means .4 conservation planning that over the next four years, we plan ^ o°.1 O' efforts throughout the to protect nearly half as many acres as State of Maine, and to the 105,000 acres we protected in our coordinate these with first four decades. or the past eighteen months we our colleagues’ efforts in neighboring F have been working with Trustees states and provinces. Our goal is to and members to develop a new develop a “portfolio” of conservation 0 strategic plan to guide our work into sites which, if adequately protected, hrough our work with the the twenty-first century. As you would preserve the full biodiversity of members of the Maine Forest might expect, the plan reaffirms the the ecological regions of which Maine T Biodiversity Project and other stake­ Conservancy’s mission, traditional is a part. holders, we are committed to the values and time-tested approaches for establishment of a scientifically based on-the-ground conservation success. ecological reserve system. Our goal is Yet the plan also recognizes that, 0 to ensure that good examples of every while many spectacular natural areas ith just five percent of Maine in ecosystem type found in Maine are have been saved, many more are still public conservation ownership, W eventually protected. at risk: we will not be successful in we must dramatically increase the the long run if we are not able to amount of conservation land in dramatically speed up the pace - and the state. The Maine Economic the scope - of our work. With that Growth Council and Governor in mind, we have set our sights on King have established a goal of five truly ambitious targets: increasing Maine’s conservation

Mayfly national Conservancy policy. There was no easy way to access continued from page one the property by either boat or foot waste assessments, and the signing, at that time of year, and time was notarization and registration of deeds, running out. The only choice was to name just a few. b y air. Could all this be condensed into four W ithin hours, Nick Becker, who KYLE STOCKWEli days between Christmas and New prefers his computerized mapping Cold Stream: on frigid December days like this, Tomah mayflies emerge from their eggs into Year’s? Key staff, out of state on duties at the Maine Chapter to low near-freezing waters. vacation, heated up the phone lines. altitude adventures in small Others fed legal documents to fax planes, was airborne, somewhat white- As soon as Nick was back on the machines, and attorneys in the Con­ knuckled in the face of buffeting winds. ground, he called in his report. There servancy’s regional office (always on “The wetland was clear from the air,” wasn’t much time to spare. The King duty at year-end) finally completed all recalls Nick, “and I was surprised at Brothers’ generous donation was the necessary steps - all but one. how much of the eccentric peatland delivered to the registry of deeds just It was the dead of winter. The site was actually part of the King Brothers’ hours before the close of 1996, adding near Passadumkeag in Penobscot tract. The wetland was dotted by black a bit more drama to an already dra­ County was remote, frozen, nearly ice-edged pools and Cold Stream matic gesture. inaccessible. Yet the opportunity to looked like a dark ribbon twisting back The donation, for which we are protect a 500-acre tract of nationally and forth along the western border. grateful to the Kings, doubles the acres significant wetland hinged on an Fortunately, as we’d expected, there the Conservancy has acquired to inspection of the site for hazardous were no signs of environmental haz­ safeguard one of nature’s rarest mayflies waste, a visual assessment required by ards that might delay a closing.” and an outstanding wetland complex. 2 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 Innovative for those conservation lands entrusted to our care. We will continue to Funding collaborate with partners, both public aine’s new Outdoor Heritage arger ecosystems cannot be and private, in sharing management Fund (MOHF) took an inno­ preserved through land acquisition expertise, resources and responsi­ M L vative approach to funding land alone, but instead require community- bilities to stretch all of our limited acquisition this fall when it approved based conservation efforts which blend resources further. a $100,000 proposal submitted compatible human uses with tra­ jointly by The Nature Conservancy ditional conservation, informed and eedless to say, this bold vision for and the Maine Department of Inland local decision-making and an engaged growing the scope and scale of N Fisheries and Wildlife. The grant is public. W hile these are, to some extent, our work will require expanding our the largest approved by the MOHF elements of our traditional land financial capacity, and we are currently board in the first round. protection endeavors, they take on developing plans to address that need. The proposal was unusual not even greater importance in large-scale But if we want M aine’s essential natural because it requested funds for im­ and partnership-based conservation heritage to remain intact for future portant habitat priorities, but because projects. Over the next few years we generations, The Nature Conservancy it offered three possible sites at which will expand such efforts at a handful must continue to provide the vision the funds could be spent: Kennebunk of high priority sites throughout the and leadership. With your help, we Plains, Mount Agamenticus and state, including the Mt. Agamenticus will... and we w ill su cceed . Cobscook Bay, all sites at which the region, the upper Saco River flood- Conservancy and IF& W are already plain, the north Maine woods, and working in partnership and for which Cobscook Bay. ecological needs are well established. “The grant provides unusual flex­ ibility,” says Horace Hildreth, chair of the seven-member MOHF board. s we ramp0 up all these “It makes sense in this case because efforts, we remain committed A the partnership has set clear land ac­ to ensuring excellent stewardship quisition criteria in each area and is building on a number of earlier successes.” Tailor-Made BRUCE KIDMAN continued from page one Two views of the varied Crows Neck shoreline in Cobscook Bay. servancy to craft the terms. others because these After exploring many avenues, she lands abut acres pro­ ultimately decided to reserve two 3- tected through the acre lots on which a single residence work of other land- per lot might be built - but specified owners, QRLT, the that no such structure may be visible Maine Department of from the water. She has also retained Inland Fisheries and the rights to modify her own 18-acre Wildlife and the Con­ home-stead. W hile she’ll still be able servancy. Together, to cut firewood, rake clams and tether more than 425 contig­ her boat on the remaining 139 acres, it uous acres have been BRUCE KIDMAN BRUCE will be essentially a sanctuary where protected at this Cob­ raptors and waterfowl can feed in scook Bay site, some safety, and where the intertidal zone five miles of undis­ will be protected from harm. turbed shoreline. “This,” says QRLT’s director Alan From the unusual Brooks, “is an example of the impact benthic community below these waters unspoiled view, there are many reasons one woman can have when she sets her to the black ducks feeding at its to be grateful to the thoughtful, sights on the future.” surface, the bald eagles soaring above meticulous tailor of this latest ease­ Her efforts also build on those of and the people who can depend on an m ent.

Maine Legacy, Spring 1997- 3 4 -4 i r e h c t e l f ki s oc . ck ro y n n su a n o g in sk a b ca, he ranges of hese e s e th f o s e g n a r e th d n a , a ic r e m A sp e cies cies e sp w o o d e d m a r g in s o f a w e t la n d o r r o d n la t e w e th a g f n o lo a s g in in g p r a ip z m t o d p e s d o o to w y k c lu ­ c le e e b d rly la u rtic a p d fin rs te n u a h g o b in th e w a te r c o lu m n . T h a t ’s w h a t t a h w ’s t a h T . n m lu o c r ed d te a en sp ­ w g su o ss b e o m th m th u n o B in ag h sp . e ith in w a ls r­ o M te o p in n r e rly a th e n u o s s flie n in o g t ra c d e s n o m m o c n u GINGER CARPENTER a nfis hat n ent i t ul ld ou w st sia u th n e elicate d an ll a t a sm th are flies on ters n rag u d a h g o B le. tab ok i e I i , twa unknown n w o n k n u as w it e, ain M In ce. sin York 0 5 d n e a t th la o is ss le ll, rt a o p m ­ p s p u o s p t in a y n th a r M u s d c in . n c s o tla te s e n ta w s tio s a c n n lo r io t te s 0 la a 3 e u t th u r o o b n a ge, to oran ix s in ed strip restricted ts en is m seg al in m o d ab a nfy r e c r cal s gnum m u n ag h sp ll a c ers . rch sea soup re fly on and rag d s d n tla e w ic id c a r fe re p rs te n u a h Wilams a i neri tn lin ia n so m illia (W T h a t w etlan d w as la te r d estroy ed and and ed ­ is estroy d d r . te 4 s 7 a la 8 w 1 as w in s d d n ie c etlan etla e w w p y t s a h lban T A e an h in T ered . v ls co a u id iv d in he a nfy n’ s n w ew N in n e se n e e b ’t sn a h fly on rag d e th S T h e eb o n y b o g h a u n te r ( r te n u a h g o b y n o eb e h T Dco, re tne, ls di Hos, il’s v e D orse, H g in id R il’s v e D Stinger, orse H Doctor, e k a n S T h e rin ged b o g h a u n ter, w ith its d ark ark d its ith w ter, n u a h g o b ged rin e h T Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 Spring Legacy, Maine cna s t he Odnts Drgnl, mselfly, am D ragonfly, D donates: O er th o ith w es am ickn n he day? s m u n g a h p S ’s t I ? y a d e th f o p u o s o u p , a t h ic k a c id ic b r o th th a t t a th th o r b ic id c a k ic h t a , p u o s rnge og e t et I hrs arey of o riety va a shares It rest. at ter n u a gh bo ed g rin e h T ni Nee e a sut Hawk a n them. ong am k w a H osquito M d an le ed e N g in rn a D li onia n so m illia W f o and ri r e t n u a h g o b d e g in r d n a ) ) are th e o n ly tw o o tw ly n o e th are ) fund n t rth o N in d n fou li onia n so m illia W

y’ Rho Ilnd Chpter. hap C d Islan e od h R ’s cy n a v b y d rag on fly research ers lik e G in g er er g in G e lik ers research fly on rag d y b v ersio n o f b lo o d , h em o ly m p h , in to its its to in , h p m ly o em h , d o lo b f o n ersio v e r hi or t e er­ se n o C re atu N e h T r fo ip sh ard tew S e on d g ein b rk o w r e th ette b to s k n are a th , istory n h w o life n k and ts en irem u req eta tio n . C lin g in g to a sed ge o r tw ig, ig, tw r o ge sed ­ eg a v t to en g erg in g em lin C n t o u o s . b n realm tio clim y eta p u d so larva e g In rin its atic u f aq : e o th e know th f do o we May, ch u ry m late to is this h life boghaunter, e th t u o b a esrced b is e or phagnum m u is n g eggs. a h y its sp r o lay r it r fo to r e t ich eed h n w its in its ls o , o s p by d n d tla a e stricte p even to Yet re . e er sin g n rd r o la b isco W d the to in an f o setts est u w th u so ick assach M sw and n rn e ru th B a, u so itob ew N an n its M w n o a from n th k , n sin tio r u u u co fo istrib d ly er n id o w a f o e n o ts r o p p u s n a ns Onc he dult u ad e th ce n O ings. w d an en m o d b a pent , rect Sci d n a e c n ie c S f o r to c e ir D r, te n e rp a C itat ab h its cies, e sp o tw e th f o rarer e th o f a s lit in th e b a c k o f th e la r v a l l a v r la e th ). n f sio o eclo k c called a b process e (a th n to ele in sk o ex lit s a f o p o p u latio n s in the state. T h e eb o n y has has y n o eb e h T d an state. , e the in in a s M n latio in u p o p cies e sp e th for n tio ca n e x t sev eral h ou rs p u m p in g th e in se ct ct se in e th g in p m u p rs ou h eral sev t x e n th e sh riv eled ad u lt w orks its w ay o u t t u o ay w its orks w lt u ad eled riv sh e th T h e n ew ly em erged ad u lt sp en d s the the s d en sp lt u ad erged em ly ew n e h T A lth o u g h the rin ged b o g h a u n te r is is r te n u a h g o b ged rin the h g u o lth A l hee s e y lf t lan learn to left ty len p is ere th ile h W

er o Barens s n rre a B ro o rb te a W ­ o l e th t s o m n r is e h t u o s e v r e s e r P ’s y c n a v r e s . n d o n C la Is e h t T r e s e D from t. 5 3 M 9 1 in e in ain M cted lle co first as w o t pecies. sp e th for , k ic w r e B in h t s u d o S etlan w t e k c o p n e h w 5 9 9 1 il t n u e b o n y b o g h a u n te r, r, te n u a h g o b y n o b e her t ocaton n tio a c lo r­ o st n o m e rn th e th as site g in e th lish b esta y ereb th r a e n g in fly d n lts u fou d a , s life ie r ild e W h is F and d t n n la e In rtm f a e o p e th D r e fo in a t M is g lo , h io g b u llo a u cC M ark M ts cousi t e th , in s u o c s It Boghaunters e diecty i o t er by r te a w e th to in tly c m u ire n d g a h s sp g eg ith r e w h ls o o p r fo g in h rc a se e ia t tcan i ntfe tified en so id a e b is n a c itself, it ia t v a u larva th x e e lica th e f rep th a o t c a ss x t, e e n e in o lik p e erfect th p easier to far re o are M ey th sly u io v b O es. virtu and em erg en t v eg etatio n . Sh e d ep osits osits ep d e Sh . n etatio eg v t en erg em and g, atin m in fter A d . e erio p n Ju eek early w d an ree ay th M to late o tw a g rin u d o pecies. sp to several as h e ia v u ex y b n tio tifica n e Id he f e fi t tand d n etla w e th t u o b a s flie le a m fe e th to ca tch th an th e sw ift d artin g adult. adult. g artin d ift sw e th an th tch ca to etland. w a the in f o ith w ce r te n resen ists to u p g a h lo g e io o e th b b lik e t - a t in ged s th rin o h , eterm g d n tio to g ta e in g se e u g v f o lin t c ce en erg , resen ia p em v e u th x e is It riggled w e off. as th h n lt the u flow d n a o d e s an th t u ain o fter rem a , g ia n v lo u ex stem an called , in sk nea e o e to . ation red p to le erab ln u v e th , e iz s l a m r o n to s d n a p x e y d o b te n e ra l sta g e th a t th e a d u lt is m o st st o m is lt u er d d a n te e th is th t a th g rin e u g d sta and is l ft ra so it e is n y te d d t, o an h b , its flig , ile g so r n fra o e id day a m first e s th it s e k ta fly n o g a r d m ovin g to m ore p ro tectiv e cover. F o r r o F cover. e tectiv ro p ore m to g ovin m uegre nd ontas hapl ly arp sh st tra n co d an e u h reen e-g lu b the ly n o ith w g in rn o m arch M risk b w ith th e p a le g ra n ite rin g in g th e e th g in g rin ite n ra g le a p deep e th a n aters o w ith w e e tak th t air, ille M e th g in d n in u rro ist su a m n f O o t . t ille d in M h roun , st la o u s lm a in n e P ears p ap le Is tip d r ern e Islan e th u D so e e th th ff o f t o s ju ow R t’s n a ch sl rcl ts dense e s n e d fir. s and it ce ru g sp n f li o c d ir c stan n e en k ro b d n n u a d n la is T M atin g an d egg lay in g tak es p lace lace p es tak g in lay egg d an g atin M M ea n w h ile, th e a b a n d o n ed larval larval ed n o d n a b a e th ile, h w n ea M Island Bequest a ove t ilnds Mer­ ll M a f m o s s d a islan g e in k th n a er b v o t e ilo lan p p e th o By In Sphagnum Soup which the ringed boghaunter breeds are small and isolated, impacts from hovering above the surface and gently upon by more active dragonflies such adjacent development can be sub­ tapping the water with the tip of her as the whiteface, members of the genus stantial. Runoff from septic systems abdomen, releasing several eggs with Leucorrhinia who, like boghaunters, increases available nutrients which ea ch tap. are the first dragonflies to emerge in then feed the invasion of woody plants Unlike other species of dragonflies, the spring. into these wetlands. The result is a loss adult boghaunters are not territorial, Meanwhile, back at the soup, the of breeding habitat. The boghaunter that is, the male doesn’t chase other eggs hatch hungry. Thepredaceous is vulnerable as well to insecticide dragonflies out of its established space. larvae will spend their immature life sprayed for mosquitos and other In fact, boghaunters are not parti­ underwater feeding on other aquatic nuisance insects. cularly aggressive and are often preyed invertebrates. These wetlands period­ The ringed boghaunter has been ically dry out during the summer, found in only two of 35 wetlands Mark leaving a skim of dry sphagnum sitting McCullough has examined so far in on a bed of mud. Presumably, the York County, both in areas of in­ larvae ride out the drought in the moss creasing residential development. This or mud, waiting for the rains to return summer he will continue his search their wetland sludge to sphagnum of suitable habitat in southern York soup . County, wading through soup in Seeking answers to the many ques­ search of the telltale exuviae. And he tions that remain regarding the ringed hopes to revisit those wetlands where boghaunter’s life history, Ginger the ringed boghaunter breeds to count Carpenter sweeps for larvae within exuviae as an estimate of population wetlands. She and her colleagues have size. Once he’s done, McCullough will found only one age class of larvae, have a better picture of the status of indicating that ringed boghaunters the ringed boghaunter in Maine. spend only a single year in the larval As for the ebony boghaunter, we still A ringed boghaunter struggles free of stage. (Remarkably, the larva of the have much to learn. In the meantime, its exuvia. The fragile, translucent ebony boghaunter has been described don’t turn your nose up at sphagnum casing will be left behind, a clue for only within the last five years.) soup. To the boghaunter, it is the canny researchers to decipher. Because many of the wetlands in bouillabaisse of life.

This serene, uncomplicated view of interests in the area, the 20-acre island would have de­ including ownership lighted the late Margaret Hundley. of 80-acre Wreck Is­ Before her death, she made sure such land nearby and con­ views of the island in its natural state servation easements would endure by leaving Millet to The on Big Coombs, Se­ Nature Conservancy in her will. cond and Shingle Isl­ Ms. Hundley had long stewarded the ands, all also part of island. She had discussed its future the Deer Isle archi­ with Conservancy staff in the 1970s. pelago. Also in the In 1970, she had passed title to neighborhood are the neighboring Round Island to the Conservancy’s Croc­ Conservancy. The deed restrictions kett Cove Woods Pre­ governing Round Island which pro­ serve and its Barred KYLESTOCKWELL hibit fires, camping and will define Island Preserve, the the Conservancy’s stewardship of latter ably managed Millet as well. by the Island Her­ In addition to Millet and 46-acre itage Trust. Round Island, The Nature Con­ servancy has other conservation Millet Island

Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 - 5 Chestnut Grove By The Harbor

ary Meeker Cramer was well M known for her generosity and interest in preserving the special character of Rockport harbor. Her foresight was evident in the bequest she left the Conservancy last year, a 17-acre parcel of land with a thousand feet of undeveloped shoreline on the outer harbor. The mixed hardwood and spruce forest extends upland from and to assist those work­ the shore to abut the 6-acre Harkness ing to preserve the spe­ Grant Preserve, which was donated to cies,” says McAllister. the The Nature Conservancy by Mrs. “That work will be one Cramer in 1966. focus of the self-guiding W ith the permission of her heirs, educational nature trail the Conservancy has transferred the we are planning for the Rockport Harbor combined 23-acre preserve into the entire preserve in keep­ good hands of the Coastal Mountains coast have spent many days injecting ing with the spirit of Mrs. Cramer’s Land Trust. a slurry of medicinal chemistry into v isio n .” The original Harkness Grant Pre­ the trees’ ailing limbs. Experts have “In safeguarding these lands, Mrs. serve protects a remnant stand of visited. And the prickly, fallen chest­ Cramer has spoken to future gener­ American chestnut trees, remarkable nuts have been gathered and used in ations of the importance of preserving as survivors of the disease that, over attempts to found new disease- our natural legacy.” the course of the last century, has resistant stands. Steve McAllister, The first step, a natural resource devastated what were once proud and president of the ten-year-old Coastal inventory, is already underway. numerous giants of the eastern forest. Mountains Land Trust, says he looks The land trust has protected some Members of this stand have been forward to working with the trees’ 1,000 acres in the Rockport-Camden- treated to the kinds of attention volunteer guardians. Lin-colnville-Hope area and has usually reserved only for celebrities. “We think it is important to protect managed the Conservancy’s Simonton Neighbors and friends from along the the American chestnut tree’s gene pool Quarry Preserve in Camden since 1 9 9 1 .

Sabra’s / Creeper/sucker Hill /'"Brook

he Greater Lovell Land Trust will soon T take title to two Conservancy preserves in southwestern Maine, the 65-acre Sabra’s Creeper Hill Preserve in Stow and the 32-acre Sucker Brook Preserve in Lovell. Sabra’s Creeper Hill Preserve is a freshwater wetland and mixed woodland bordering the lower bay of Kezar Lake. Sucker Brook Preserve is marsh and woodland bordering Moose Pond and Sucker Brook, a good place to look for ferns, wildflowers, songbirds and waterfowl. The Maine Chapter has transferred 18 preserves to qualified conservation partners in its The Sucker Brook Preserve bordering Moose Pond 40-year history. 6 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 You Can Use Excess Real Estate to Protect Maine’s Most Important Natural Areas A warehouse in Portland... A summer place on the Coast... A condominium in Massachusetts. A houselot in Aroostook County... A castle in Spain...

hese properties have little ecological importance. Perhaps none. Yet they could become vital contributionsT to The Nature Conservancy’s land conservation programs.

The Conservancy accepts gifts of real estate without significant natural values so it can sell the property and use the proceeds to purchase lands with important natural values. We call these properties “trade lands.”

Over the past several years, trade lands donated to the Maine Chapter by individuals and corporations SUSAN CALDWELL SUSAN have been sold - with restrictions when appropriate - to produce critical dollars for the Chapter’s acqui­ sitions of outstanding natural areas.

The proceeds from these trade land sales are used directly for the purchase of Maine’s most critical and spectacular habitats - seabird colonies, bald eagle nesting islands, salt and freshwater wetlands, forested mount­ usually tax-deductible at its full fair m arket value - ju st as w ith ainsides, and more. a gift of ecologically significant land. Property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance costs are, in most cases, eliminated. Trade lands donated to the Maine Chapter can be located either within the State of Maine or elsewhere. The property may be Arrangements can also be made for a donor to contribute a developed or undeveloped, residential, commercial or industrial. trade land property now, but retain exclusive use of it for his or her lifetime. Or properties can be contributed to a trust that One person even donated a villa in Spain! will provide the donor with income for life. The balance of the W hen an undeveloped parcel is offered to the Chapter as a trade trust will ultimately protect outstanding natural areas. land, it is thoroughly examined by Chapter staff and by an All donors of trade lands become Honorary Life Members of independent ecological expert to determine whether any The Nature Conservancy. In general, proceeds from the sale of ecologically significant attributes exist. If they do, the property a trade land may be earmarked by the donor for a particular can be accepted as a preserve, or other protective arrangements program or fund. can be made prior to sale by the Conservancy. If you own appreciated excess real estate, perhaps you should Aside from the satisfaction of aiding conservation in Maine, a explore the idea of using it as a trade land to help The Nature trade land gift can provide donors with multiple financial Conservancy save even more of Maine. advantages. The value of the contributed property (which may have appreciated significantly since it was initially acquired) is It’s not quite turning lead into gold, but it’s almost as good. The Kennebunk Project: A Case Study

s the cost of acquiring and caring for preserves has spiralled acquisition of still more critical habitat in Maine; upward, The Nature Conservancy has developed a number . The U.S. Fish and W ildlife Service added three coveted of innovative approaches to land conservation, tailoring protection A parcels to southern Maine’s largest National W ildlife plans to each parcel’s specific features and management needs. Refuge; A Maine Chapter project in Kennebunk shows what can happen . The donors have all gained the satisfaction - and w hen a generous couple decide to donate their surplus real estate financial benefits - of contributing to the preservation of to The Nature Conservancy. W hat started out as a simple gift of Maine’s unique natural heritage. woodland subsequently snowballed into one of our most complex and creative land deals in years.

In short:

• The Nature Conservancy helped save nearly 100 acres of prime riverfront land and generated income for the

everal years ago, two concerned land owners, George and Ann Cochrane, offered to donate 60 acres of woodland in Kennebunk to The Nature Conservancy. The property was in a growingS residential section of town and included several roadside lots. How the Cochranes and The Nature Conservancy approached this donation is an excellent example of creative conservation:

1 .

The back acreage of the Cochrane property bordered the Mousam River floodplain and lay within the proposed boundaries of the Rachel Carson Natural Wildlife Refuge, which is owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Because the W ildlife Service was already managing adjacent conservation land, it made sense that they would make the best stewards of this back acreage - especially since it surrounds a pristine salt marsh which was also within the Refuge’s proposed boundaries. The donors therefore agreed to have the Conservancy transfer this part of the property to the USFW S, thereby ensuring its continuing protection as open space.

This addition to the Rachel Carson National W ildlife Refuge is shown on the map as Tract A.

2 .

Because of strict regulations governing federal acquisitions, the Service was unable to accept the remaining acreage, which was stream corridors, critical bird habitat, rare wildflower sites - not vital to the integrity of the Refuge. Nevertheless, USFWS wherever the need is greatest. officials expressed hope that use or development of the area south In this case, the roadside lots, shown as Tract C were unsuitable of their addition (Tract B) could be limited to provide a buffer for for either a Conservancy or USFW S preserve. They were sold as a the Refuge. single unit through a local broker. W hen the USFW S pledged to accept and protect the ecologically Tract B was sold as well, but subject to a conservation easement significant acreage, the donors agreed to have the Conservancy which limits the development of the acreage to one single-family sell the remaining property as “trade land.” residence. This ensures that this section receives only minimum Trade lands are lands of little ecological significance - developed development and thereby remains an effective buffer land for the or undeveloped - which are donated to the Conservancy for re­ W ildlife Refuge. (Though partially protected, both Tracts B and sale. The income generated by these sales goes directly into the C will also remain on the town’s tax rolls, providing important acquisition of other, more significant natural areas - coastal islands, revenues to the local community.) in Creative Land Conservation

3 .

But the story doesn’t end there. The proceeds from these trade land sales were used in part to purchase the salt marsh surrounded by Tract A. This exceptional wetland, shown as Tract D, was transferred by the Conservancy to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

4 .

And that’s not the end of the story. This example of creative conservation inspired a neighboring land owner to follow suit, by donating 36 acres directly across the Mousam River to the Conservancy. Like the gift which began this series, the donated property encompassed both W ildlife Refuge-designated land and excess trade land.

The bulk of this gift (Tract E) was transferred with restrictions to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Reguge. The remaining five acres (Tract F), already partially developed, were sold to generate cash for the acquisition of still other important natural [Ji \ ' M ... _ \ areas elsewhere in Maine. 7 ; . j L i ‘

hat had started out as a simple donation of land grew into a major conservation success story: W The Nature Conservancy helped save nearly 100 acres of prime riverfront land and generated income for the acquisition of still more critical habitat in Maine; NANCY SFERRA NANCY The U.S. Fish and W ildlife Service added three coveted parcels to southern Maine’s largest National W ildlife Refuge;

T h e donors have all gained the satisfaction - and financial benefits - of contributing to the preservation of Maine’s Somehow, these girl scouts make a volunteer work day unique natural heritage. on a Nature Conservancy preserve seem like a walk in the woods!

r ------1 Place NJttere0 * stamp QonseYvancy® here MAINE CHAPTER Mason Morfit Maine Chapter L ______I The Nature Conservancy 14 Maine Street - Suite 401 Brunswick, Maine 04011 What You Should Know About Charitable Gifts of Land

s a non-profit charitable organization, The Nature Conservancy has pioneered the acquisition and sale of real estate for conservation purposes. The expertise the Conservancy has developed Ain this field puts it in a unique position to suggest various alternatives and benefits available to ow ners o f real estate.

If you own valuable but excess real estate, it might make more sense to give your land to the Conservancy than to sell it. Among the many benefits associated with gifts of land, whether ecologically significant or no, are those listed below.

o Contribute to the conservation of Maine’s unique natural heritage.

o Qualify for significant tax deductions, both federal and state.

o Free up capital for more profitable re-investment...or to generate income for life.

o Eliminate the ongoing expenses of property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance.

o Curtail property management time and effort.

o Receive Honorary Life Membership in The Nature Conservancy.

o And more - send the coupon below for more information!

To explore your options, please send us the coupon below for more information

or call us at (207) 729-5181.

Maine Chapter / The Nature Conservancy / 14 Maine Street - Suite 401 / Brunswick, Maine 04011 / (207) 729-5181

□ Yes, I am interested in the Maine Chapter’s trade land program. Please contact me for a confidential review of the options available to me.

I— 1 1 am interested in learning more about charitable gifts of land.Please send me the brochure “A Landowner’s '— * Guide to Conservation Options.”

I— 1 1 may wish to remember The Nature Conservancy in my will, or discuss a gift that would provide me with '—' income during my lifetime. Please send me your “Ways of Giving” brochure. Name____

Address__ N a t u r e ^ Telephone Conservancy® MAINE CHAPTER May 1997 Maine Wetlands Month Events, Things to Do, Places to Go Swamps, bogs, heaths, vernal pools, salt marshes. These are all different types of Maine wetlands, those places where the ground is saturated or covered by water for some portion of the year. Wetlands are among the most productive natural ecosys­ tems in the world. They play crucial roles in regulating flood water flows, reducing soil erosion and sedimentation, recharging groundwater supplies, supporting commercial fisheries and providing habitat for wildlife. 70% of all fish caught by Americans depend on wetlands for some part of their life cycle. Estimates of wetlands in Maine range from 25% to 40% of the state’s acreage. Conservatively, Maine has more than 5 million acres of wetlands, more wetland acreage than the other New England states combined. In the past, wetlands were seen as insect-ridden wet places to be filled, dredged, channeled, and otherwise altered. Over the past 20 years we have begun to recognize how important wetlands are in maintaining the health apd vitality of our environment and have started to protect our wet­ land resources. Take some time during May, Maine Wetland Month, to explore a wetland near you. Wetlands Month: Places to Visit L.C. Bates Museum, Route 201, marsh, forested wetland. Wide se­ Wells Estuarine Research Reserve, Hinckley, ME 207-453-4894 The lection of wetland-related resource 342 Laudholm Farm Rd., Wells, L.C.Bates Museum’s 1997 focus is guides, natural historty audio cas­ ME; 207-646-1555 Public access to wetland habitat program develop­ settes and CD's. self-guided or guided tours of estu­ ment and activities. In May, the Josephine Newman Sanctuary aries. Contact: Henrietta List museum will begin presentation of (Audubon Society) Route 127, Acadia National Park, Bar Har­ their Maine wetlands habitat pro­ Georgetown, ME. 207- 781-2330 bor, ME; 207-288-3338 Wide vari­ grams. This will include programs Hiking trails through forest, coastal ety of hiking trails through coastal in the museum and outdoors at the forest, freshwater and coastal wet­ and freshwater habitat. nearby wetlands. Museum-based lands. Trail guide available through Dodge Point, River Road, school programs and travelling out­ Maine Audubon's Falmouth office. Newcastle, ME. 207-287-3821. Net­ reach programs are available. Con­ Scarborough Marsh (Audubon work of hiking trails along the tact: Deborah Staber. Society) Pine Point Road, W. Damariscotta River estuary. Maine Audubon Society, Gilsland Scarborough, ME; 207-883-5100 Farm, Falmouth, ME; 207-781- or 781-2330 Canoe rentals for self- More places to visit on the 2330 60-acre sanctuary with trail guided trips through marsh. system to salt marsh, brackish tidal next page!______THINGS TO DO TO CELEBRATE MAINE WETLANDS MONTH May 3 & May 10 May 17 May 31 Wetlands Worth Knowing, A guided Duck carving demonstration with Workshop: Maine Citizens Guide to tour through the Webhannet & Little Shawn Laughlin. Wells Estuarine Evaluating & Restoring Tidal River estuaries and watersheds. Research Reserve. 9:00a.m.- Marshes. Wells Estuarine Research Wells Estuarine Research Reserve. 1:00p.m. Reserve, Maine Audubon Society 10:30 a.m. 207-646-1555. 207-781-2330. 207-646-1555. Mav 22 June 7 May 3 Wetlands and Wildlife: a Walking Workshop: Maine Citizens Guide to 1997 Conference for Maine Land Tour for school children. Gray Evaluating & Restoring Tidal Conservation. Sponsored by Maine Game Farm and Visitors Center. Marshes. Wiscasset/Damariscotta Coast Heritage Trust Hall-Dale 9:30a.m.10:15a.m.,10:30a.m. - Location TBA. Maine Audubon So­ Middle School. 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. 11:15 a.m. 207-657-4977. ciety 207-725-7366. 207-781-2330. May 24 May 10 Bird walk focus on spring migrants. June 12 Discover Aquatic Life in the Maine Wells Estuarine Research Reserve. Maine's Native Turtles, a talk for Wetlands. 7:00a.m. 207-646-1555. school children. Gray Game Farm L.C. Bates Museum. 1:00p.m.- and Visitors Center, Gray, ME 3:00p.m. May 28 207-453-4894. Wetland Metaphors, talk and guided walk for school children. Game May 13 Farm and Visitors Center. Gray, ME Bird Survey. A quarterly survey con­ 9:30a.m.-10:15a.m., 10:30a.m.- ducted by York County Audubon. 11:15a.m. Wells Estuarine Research Reserve. 207-657-4977. 7:00a.m. 207-646-1555. May 31 Nation-wide, wetlands account for only Identifying Wetlands on Your Prop­ 5% of the surface area of the lower 48 erty, a talk and discussion Wells Es­ states, yet almost 35% of endangered species either live in or depend on tuarine Research Reserve. 10:00a.m. wetlands. 207-646-1555. Most of Maine's rare, threatened or endangered species live in or near freshwater or coastal wetlands.

The Game Farm and Visitors Cen­ through the center of a large peat Places to Visit.. .(continued) ter, Rt. 26, Gray, ME.; 207-657- bog. Rachel Carson National Wildlife 4977. Wetlands Nature Trail. Quoddy Head State Park, Route Refuge, Wells, ME. 207-646-9226. Cutler Coast, Route 191, Cutler, 189, Lubec. 207-733-0911. Board­ Mile-long wheelchair-accessible in­ ME. 207-287-3821. A network of walk over fragile peat bog; scenic terpretative trail through estuarine hiking trails crosses several different trail along Maine’s Bold Coast. habitat. types of wetland systems. Back Cove, Baxter Blvd., Portland, Cobscook Bay State Park, Route ME. 3+ mile loop trail around Back Great Heath, north of Cherryfield 1, South of Lubec. 207-726-4412. Cove. and Harrington. 207-287-3821. Largest tidal bore in Maine - 24 foot Canoe the Pleasant River as it flows tides and a reversing waterfall. Grants and I?' " ' .. Other Opportunities | | The Wetlands Partners for Reserve Program Wildlife Program of the U S D A of the U.S. Fish & Governor King Declares M[ay Natural Resources Wildlife Service. Maine Wetlands Month! Conservation Services Governor King is declaring May to The U.S. Fish and Wildlife be Maine Wetlands Month. His The Wetlands Reserve Pro­ Service's Partners for Wildlife Pro­ declaration encourages all Maine gram (WRP) is a voluntary program gram provides technical assistance to citizens to "realize the importance of offering landowners a chance to re­ solve land management problems, their wetland resources, to provide ceive payments for restoring and identifies partners and coordinates stewardship to foster wetland protecting wetlands on their prop­ restoration work. protection, and to celebrate the erty. Landowners may choose to par­ The Program concentrates on abundance of wetlands, which are ticipate in one of three options: (1) restoring degraded freshwater and crucial in sustaining Maine's rich 10 year (minimum) restoration saltwater wetlands, riparian stream- biological diversity." agreements, (2) 30 year conservation side habitat and habitat for migratory easements or (3) Permanent conser­ songbirds, threatened and endan­ vation easements. gered species and fish. The USD A NRCS provides Restoration costs are shared 75-100% of the cost for wetland res­ by a number of governmental and toration & habitat improvement. private organizations and the private There are local NRCS offices in landowner. The landowner must counties across Maine. Contact the maintain restored habitat for a mini­ NRCS, 5 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME mum of ten years. 04473 (207-866-7241) for more in­ U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1033 formation. S. Main St., Old Town, ME 04468 One-third of all bird species depend on wetlands for some o f their habitat (207-827-6099) requirements.

For Your Viewing Pleasure... The fine people of Matt and Birdie Frogs Dave's Video Venture in The Birds Gamera Brunswick have pulled together The Blob Howard the Duck video picks to help you and your Bog Milk Money family celebrate wetlands months Creature from the Black Lagoon Pumpkin Head into the wee hours. This rather and sequels Shy People eclectic list is by no means defini- Revenge of the Creature Skeeters five. If you discover your very own The Creature Walks Among Us Southern Comfort wetlands month pick, please send Down By Law Turtle Diary us the information for next year's Fly Away Home Waterworld list. Contacts For More Information on Wetlands in Maine

Maine Association of Wetland Maine Department of Inland U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Scientists, 82 Main Street, Fish and Wildlife, #41 State Gulf of Maine Project, 4R Fundy Yarmouth, ME 04096 House Station, Augusta, ME Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105. 207- Maine Audubon Society, Gilsland 04333. 207-287-5202 781-8364 Farm, PO Box 6009, Falmouth, U.S.D.A. Natural Resource U.S. Environmental Protection ME 04105.207-781-2330 Conservation Service, 5 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473. Agency, Wetlands Information Maine Department of Environ­ 207-866-7249 Hotline 800-832-7828 mental Protection, #17 State Wells National Estuarine Re­ House Station, Augusta, ME, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, search Reserve, 342 Laudholm 04333.207-287-2111 1033 S. Main Street, Old Town, Farm Rd, Wells, ME 04090. 207- ME 04468. 207-827-5938 Maine State Planning Office, 646-1555 #38 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333. 207-287-1494 n . This newsletter is brought to you by the Wetlands Planning Program of the Maine State Planning Office, Augusta, ME Paid for with U.S.E.P.A. Grant # CD991662010

Wetlands Planning Program Maine State Planning Office #38 SHS Augusta, ME 04333 While The Nature Conservancy has been hard at work around Mount Agamenticus piecing together a quilt of protected lands through Land For Maine’s Future, loon license plate and its own funding, other conservation partners in the area have been active as well. The Great Works Regional Land Trust, for example, encourages land donations, conservation easements and other methods of preserving open spaces and productive farm and forest lands. To help landowners understand their options, the Trust holds public veryone would like a forums on various land place on the mountain. planning topics. AndE at Mount Agamenticus in southern Maine, nearly every­ one has one. Several towns, water districts and state agencies, a riding stable, a recreation depart­ ment, a local land trust, a volunteer fire department, hunting and fishing clubs, dozens of private landowners and the Conservancy just begin the list of interests who have a stake in the area’s future. . , , Considering that the Conser- Kggk. vancy has negotiated over 20 land purchases in the sprawling forests around Agamenticus, it may come as a surprise to hear that land conservation here is at least as much about partnering as it is about buying. Several years ago, this newsletter carried a story about the Blanding’s and spotted turtles found in these woods (Turtle Treks and Vernal Pools, Maine Legacy, Winter 1994). It described the diverse needs of the turtles, from the muddy bottoms of ponds and fens in which to hibernate come winter to transient springtime pools in which to meet and mate to unlikely upland sites through which they conduct surprisingly long, if fairly obscure, summer pilgrimages. As we work with hikers and bikers, horse riders, town planners, game wardens and private landowners, one of our key tasks is to make sure these turtles will always have their place on the mountain. For several years now a group of Mount Agamenticus stakeholders have been working The Mount Agamenticus area is remarkable as a transition together to educate one another about their different point between two forests. Reaching its northern limit here priorities and to share work on inventorying uses, trails are the woodlands common through southern New and related issues. England. Descending from the north to establish its Our hope is that this partnership will lead to the kind of southernmost limit is the white pine-red oak dominated long-range landscape-scale planning that will protect the forest characteristic of the rest of Maine. Shown here are area’s unusual natural values while accommodating the two members of the southern New England contingent, the recreational and municipal needs of a growing population. Shagbark hickory with its splintery bark, and This can only be accomplished through perseverance, good will and involvement in the community. the elegant leaves of the Sassafras. Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 - 7 elcome to our summer field Wtrip season! We hope to see Summer ~1. Damselflies & Butterflies you out on the land. (Note: we Waterboro, Saturday, July 12; 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. listed trips 1-3 in the last issue.) 1997 This will be an easy hike to observe butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates at Waterboro Barrens. Nancy Sferra, our 4 . Ecology of an Field Southern Maine Preserves Manager, will explain the mysteries Old-Growth Forest of invertebrate life among the pitch pines and scrub oak. This Ashland, Saturday, June 7; Trips is the prime time of year to see the greatest number of butterflies 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and dragonflies at the Barrens. Easy Forester Linda Alver- son and Botanist Sally Field Trip Reservation Guidelines Rooney will lead our Reservations: A must. PLEASE CALL the Maine Chapter at Sketching from Nature group into the track­ (207) 729-5181 during business hours. Space is limited to 15 at Indian Point I less forest at our Big persons per trip and phone reservations are accepted strictly Bar Harbor, Saturday, July 12; Reed Forest Reserve on a first come, first served basis. If space is available when 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn about the ecol­ you call, you will be asked to send in the fee. Fee: Non-re- Bring your drawing materials and find ogy of this 5,000-acre fundable $15 per person, adult or child. Weather, etc: Trips will be held rain, shine or snow - so please dress appropri­ inspiration in the forest and seashore preserve. This very ately. Restroom facilities are not available. Bring a beverage, of Indian Point/Blagden Preserve. Do popular trip offers a lunch or snacks depending on the time. you draw all the time or do you wish unique opportunity to you knew how? Naturalist and artist experience New Eng­ Peter Blanchard will provide en­ land’s largest contig­ couragement and guidance to all you uous old-growth forest. You’ll learn about novice artists out there. His sharp eye mosses and lichens, orchids and cedars, and quick wit will help you capture the and the complex interrelationships and joy and natural beauty of the area on biological diversity of Big Reed Forest. paper. (Of course more experienced This trip is weather-dependent, and must artists are welcome as well.) Easy be cancelled in heavy rain.Very strenuous.

5 . Geology of Morse Mountain An old-growth refuge like Big Reed Phippsburg, Saturday, June 7; Forest Reserve, left, can provide an 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. obstacle course of crossed and fallen Explore Morse Mountain with hydro­ g trees as well as an object lesson in the geologist Kathy Bither and her husband, 3 ecology of an untrammeled forest. geologist John Creasy. Elere’s a chance to I Woodland Bog Preserve, below, is learn about the geologic processes that z another Aroostook County site protected resulted in the wooded uplands, granite by The Nature Conservancy. ledges, tidal creeks and salt marshes of this preserve. Kathy andjohn have both completed professional studies in this region and will be sharing their extensive knowledge as we take this long hike over the mountain to Seawall Beach. Strenuous

6 . Early Birds at Woodland Bog Woodland, Sunday, June 22; 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Bring your binoculars and field guide for this early morning walk through a variety of upland and wetland habitats at Woodland Bog. Leader Bill Sheehan is an avid birder who maintains the only bird banding station north of Augusta. In addition to hiking along the converted railroad bed that runs through the preserve, we will climb down a small bank and ford a stream to visit a bird banding site. Weather permitting, we may be able to see some bird banding in action. Moderate

8 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 Zs . The Fog Forest Deer Isle, Saturday, July 26; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ± z . The Facts of Life Writ Small Venture beyond the nature trail to explore the Kennebunk, Saturday, August 23; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. tamarack and cedar forests in the interior of The rare northern blazing star (Liatris scariosa) should be in full Crockett Cove Woods Preserve. Ken Crowell glory for this trip to the Kennebunk Plains Preserve. Our 123- will lead a moderate hike through the forest, acre ownership at the Plains is part of more than a thousand acres pointing out some of the interesting features of the Conservancy comanages with the State. This coastal sandplain this environment. The preserve’s southwest grassland is surrounded by pitch pine/scrub oak woodland, and is exposure and consistently moist climate have the home of several unusual and declining species. Botanist Betsy created a fascinating world of woodland bog Newcomer and entomologist Don Mairs will join forces to point out the plants, insects and birds of this interesting ecosystem. 10 . Sketching from Nature at Indian Point II Moderate Bar Harbor, Thursday, August 7; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. See description for field trip #8 for this second trip to the Indian Point/Blagden Preserve.

11 . Life on the Shore Edmunds, Saturday, August 23; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m Join us for an exploration of intertidal ecology at Hallowell Island Preserve in Cobscook Bay. Ken Vencile of the Beals Island Shellfish Hatchery will lead us along the varied coastline of this 63-acre island and share his extensive knowledge of marine ecology. This will be an opportunity to discover some of the many creatures which thrive KIDMAN BRUCE in the zone between high and low tides. Moderate/Strenuous

Hallowell Island Preserve, above, offers a variety of shoreline habitats to explore. Our late summer trip is a perfect excuse to visit spectacular Cobscook Bay. Picturesque Indian Point- Blagden Preserve, left, fairly begs to be drawn. This summer, naturalist and artist Peter Blanchard offers two draw-as-you-go trips to this much-loved Mt. Desert Island site. Our annual meeting on October 4th (see page 12) will provide yet another chance to enjoy the preserve’s peace and beauty.

BRUCE KIDMAN Maine Legacy, Springl997 - 9 Opportunities Saco Heath Preserve o 3 Saco Saturday, May 31, 1997 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Annual boardwalk maintenance. M 0 Waterboro Barrens Preserve Waterboro Saturday, June 7, 1997 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Trail maintenance and sign posting with a bit of shrub cutting (a small experiment on the operation of frost pockets in a glacially formed barrens). If you would like to participate, please contact Nancy Sferra at 490-4012. Indian Point-Blagden Preserve Mt. Desert We’ve clearly got their attention - and we are very grateful Saturday, May 31, 1997 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. we do. These Maine Chapter Conservators are enjoying one Hit the woods before the black flies and mosquitoes of last year’s special Conservator field trips, arranged by staff and help us blaze new trails, close old ones, and to say thanks for contributing $100 or more to our annual perform site restoration on one of the Maine Chapter’s operating fund. Every penny of their contributions stay right most popular and oldest preserves. here in Maine, working hard to protect the State’s native If you would like to participate, please contact habitats for today and for all the tomorrows to come. Does Kyle Stockwell at 729-5181. that capture your attention too? We’d be glad to tell you more. Please give us a call at 729-5181 Our Friends Looking For b JQ hanks to Bowman Sturtevant and Sharon onservancy volunteers tackle a wide range < 1 G McHold, both of Yarmouth, for volunteering Cof duties - some in the field and some in the O , Tas our Cousins Island transfer stewards; Nate office. These are assignments usually carried out 2 Greene for blazing the trail at Saco Heath; Karen by staff, thereby stretching our dollars, reach and y Lombard and Paul Marangelo for help with effectiveness. CP insect sample sorting, site conservation planning, Currently we’re looking for new volunteer CD H and mapping in the Sanford office; and to stewards for Musquash Pond Preserve in members of our new Kennebunk Plains Stew­ Jefferson; Back River Preserve in Georgetown; ardship Committee: and Coombs Neck Easement on Nancy and Steve Vinalhaven. Specifically, we’re hoping Naimey, Paul Dest, to find outgoing individuals or Carolee Ferris, couples willing to commit a couple Catherine Glynn, of days a year for at least three years. Judy Bernstein, and You’ll need to reside in the local com­ Marsha Letour- munity, or very close by. That way neau. you’ll be able to keep an eye on the preserve, be aware of local activities that may affect the preserve, interact Back River Preserve: with visitors and landowners, and protected lands on let us know if there is need for staff both shores of the action. Interested? Please call Kyle Back River in Stockwell for details (729-5181) - midcoast Maine and thanks.

10 - Maine Legacy, Springl997 CorporateIConservation Council Giving Conservation The Business hen the business community endorsed the plan. But progress has Many Maine businesses believe the Wsets an ambitious goal for in­ been discouraging. At current rates, Corporate Conservation Council can creasing Maine’s public lands, we say public funding will fall 60,000 acres make the difference. L.L. Bean has let’s get to work! That’s what the Maine short of this important goal. stepped forward and challenged others Chapter did this Spring when it Public lands safeguard natural land­ to participate: for every two dollars launched the Corporate Conservation marks like Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Kineo, other businesses donate, L.L. Bean will Council of Maine. preserve native habitats, and provide us contribute one dollar, up to $25,000. Here’s why: Maine has less public all with great recreational oppor­ Annual memberships in the Corporate land (just 5 per cent) than virtually any tunities. The Conservancy knew our Conservation Council range from the other state. Maine’s business com­ science-based approach and negotiating Cadillac level of $1,000 to the munity through the Economic Growth expertise would be invaluable in Katahdin level of $10,000 or more. Council set a goal of adding 100,000 helping business leverage its funds to For more information, please call acres of public land by the year 2000. help identify, purchase and manage Bridget Chase: 729-5181. Governor Angus King whole-heartedly additional public lands. ------Corporate Conservation Council Steering Committee ------William W. Alcorn New England Internet Services . Kenneth S. Axelson . Weston L. Bonney Atlantic Bank . George N. Campbell, Jr., Council Chair, Governmental Services, LLC. . John Cashwell Seven Islands Land Company • Jean M. Deighan Deighan Associates, Inc. . Shane Flynn MBNA . Denison Gallaudet Millbrook Advisors . Kevin E Gildart Bath Iron Works . Leon A. Gorman L.L. Bean, Inc. . Horace A. Hildreth, Jr. Diversified Communications . Sherry Huber . Scott Hutchinson . John Lincoln . Don McNeil Bowater/Great Northern Paper . Charles J. Micoleau Curtis Thaxter Stevens Broder & Micoleau . Roger Milliken, Jr. . Marilyn Moss Rockefeller Moss Inc. . Richard J. Warren Bangor Daily News . LyndelJ. Wishcamper Wishcamper Properties, Inc.

M emorials Foundation Support Judith Ervin Adam Fisher Fund Dorothy Abbott We are grateful for.. Green Hill Foundation Lincoln & Mary Adam Richard & Anne Datko Thelma Burlingame Indian Point Foundation Helen Beaton Everett & Lois Henson Jim & Gail Dye Elizabeth L. Johnson Fund Vera Carlson Mr. & Mrs. John Lange Maryly Martin A. Kaplan Charitable Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Ervin Melvin Mathias Joanne O ’Connor & family National Fish Fred Foley Roger & Ann Matthias Thomas Severn & Wildlife Foundation Mr. & Mrs. W illiam Kirkpatrick John & Sonia Metelsky Richard Plachy O ’Donnell Iselin Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Roger Lambert Dr. & Mrs. Albert Miller Mr. & Mrs. Aubrey Palmer Porpoise Fund Ralph & Mary Lancaster Mr. & Mrs. George Rogers Joanne Roberts van Sambeek Elaine E. & Frank T. Priscilla Leadbetter Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Seaton, Jr. Martha Connell Powers Foundation The Frank Nelson family Dr. Patricia Shema Phyllis McDuffee Rosamond Thaxter Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Alden Sawyer, Jr. Harriet Smith Mr. & Mrs. Aubrey B. Palmer, Jr. Stratford Foundation Mrs. Robert Sawyer Staff of U.S.D.A, Fairfax, VA Beatrice Stone Karen & Hartley Webster Scott Scully Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wedell Leonard Brooks Charitable Fund Marjorie Shepherd Lillian Winoski Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Curtis Other Organizational Support Margaret Smith Joey Chalifour Virginia Hennessey Garden Club of Mt. Desert Mr. & Mrs. W illiam Smith Mary Undershill James Otis Charles A. Stewart, III Ralph Erskine Bonnie & Stewart Swiss Corporate Support Tim & Howsie Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Edward Fischer Richard Saltonstall, Jr. American Skiing Company Dr. & Mrs. Robert Timothy Robert Jarrard Mary Saltonstall L.L. Bean, Inc. Bob & Debby Wood Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rowe Syvie Thissell Deering Lumber, Inc. Robert Almbade Hermoine & Bill Schoen Paul & Judy Trudeau Fleet Bank of Maine Prudence Bean Barbara Walsh Willie Williams Falcon Shoe Manufacturing Co. Dr. H. Carl Amrein Edward Francq Paul & Judy Trudeau H.M. Payson & Co. Bob & Mackie Munsie Mr. & Mrs. Philip Sawyer Wellin & Co. New Life Members Sally Burbee Stan & Etheleen Hamblen (see also article above) Tamara Newell & Thomas Leddy Charles & Cori Boyce Ken & Patricia Sacks W. Kent Olson John & Marilyn Bryant Tom Hillman Matching Gift Companies William & Jean Wommack Clark Burbee family Bob & Mackie Munsie The Vanguard Group Foundation Fumiko Church Happy Kinsey Honorary Life Members Virginia Wellington Cabot Frank & Margery Conley Betty Bloom Phillip & Carroll King Foundation Maine Legacy, Spring 1997 - 11 Hold The Date

October 4, 1997 Mt. Desert Island Annual Meeting Maine Legacy We hope you’ll circle the Published quarterly by the Maine Chapter date, plan to join us, and be of The Nature Conservancy, 14 Maine Street, sure to make room Fort Andross, Suite 401, Brunswick, Maine reservations real soon. This 04011; telephone (207) 729-5181. Sub­ year’s annual meeting will scriptions to this newsletter are available to members. Membership dues are as follows: center on Mt. Desert Island. Life, $1000 (one-time); Conservator, $100; The splendor of Maine’s Mt. Supporting, $50; Contributor, $35; Donor, Desert Island gains a special $25. Over 11,000 households currently glow in the fall, and October is famous for its foliage.We can tell support the Conservancy’s work in Maine. you that the evening events - reception and dinner - will be held TRUSTEES in Northeast Harbor. In the summer newsletter, due in your Officers: Jean M. Deighan, Bangor, Chairperson, Madge Baker, Springvale, Vice mailbox in mid to late July, we’ll have a full list of field trips Chairperson' GeorgeN. Campbell,Jr.,Portland; Vice Chairperson', Roger Milliken, Jr., Cumberland Center, Vice Chairperson, Ken S. Reserve Your Room Now! Axelson, Rockland, Secretary; D enison Gallaudet, Cumberland, Treasurer. Trustees: W illiam W. Alcorn, Portland; Weston L. Bonney, Portland; Michaela Colquhoun, areas. New to Maine, he is not new to Castine; David L. Courtemanch, Mt. Vernon; Charles D. Duncan, Machias; Leon A. Gorman, the Conservancy. In the past, Jeff Yarmouth; Horace A. Hildreth, Falmouth conducted wetland studies and a reg­ Foreside; Sherry Huber, Falmouth; John ional fen assessment for the Con­ Lincoln, South Freeport; Charles J. Micoleau, servancy’s Berkshire Bioreserve in Portland; KathrynJ. Rand, Hallowell; Ala Reid, York Harbor; Richard J. Warren, Bangor; Lissa Massachusetts and Connecticut. Most W idoff, Freedom; Lyndel J. Wishcamper, recently, he prepared conservation Freeport. Charter Honorary Trustee: Edward plans for several significant fen sites T. Richardson, Jr., South Portland. for the Conservancy in Vermont. Previously, he worked as a consulting STAFF Jeff Severson ecologist for 7 years. He holds a B.S. Vice President and Executive Director, Kent W Wommack; Vice President and Director of eff Severson joined the Maine in Geology from St. Lawrence Uni­ Planned Giving, J. Mason Morfit; Director of JChapter staff in March as a Con­ versity, a B.S. in Zoology from the Conservation Planning, Barbara St. John servation Planner. Jeff’s work willUniversity of Canterbury, and an M.S. Vickery; Director of Administration, Suzanne focus on site design and planning for from the Field Naturalist Program at Drew; Director of Land Protection, Roberta Jordan; Cobscook Bay Project Director, Jim Dow; new preserves and other protected the University of Vermont. Director of Communications and Government Relations, Bruce Kidman; Director of Science and Tom Rumpf; Kyle Maine Chapter Stewardship, Land Steward, Non-profit Org. Stockwell; The Nature Conservancy Southern Maine Preserves Manager, U.S. Postage Nancy Sferra; Conservation Planner, Janet Fort Andross PAID M cMahon; Stewardship Assistant, Jeanne 14 M a in e Street, Suite 401 The Nature Conservancy Desjardins; Director of Development, M. Bridget Brunswick, Maine 04011-2026 Chase; Development Coordinator, Joan Acord; Maine Chapter Membership Coordinator, Barbara Clark; Development!Communications Assistant, Kathy Sylvester; Operations Assistant, Susan Hastings; Project Information Coordinator, Nick Becker; Protection Assistant, Susan Caldwell; Major Gifts Assistant, Amy Buehner; Administrative 0219294-4DC014-9802 Assistant,Colin Irose; Conservation Planner; Jeff Severson. Maine State Library State House Sta #64 Printed on recycled paper Augusta, ME 04333 12 - Maine Legacy, Spring 1997