INews sfrom Maineland Coast Heritage Trust about landL conservationa inn the Mountd Deserts Islandc RegionapeSummer 2016s Honoring the Acadia Legacy wan S im T Sawyer’s Point on Seal Cove Pond (shown near left) is among the many properties that Maine Coast Heritage Trust and partners have acquired for Acadia National Park, protecting more than 500 acres within the Park boundary at settings like Northeast Creek, Lower Hadlock Pond and Round Pond.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust joins in celebrating the 100th MCHT and partners like Friends of Acadia periodically anniversary of Acadia National Park. For nearly half a century, acquire lands within Acadia’s boundary for subsequent transfer the Trust has protected lands that preserve the Park’s integrity. to Park ownership. Earlier this year, MCHT (with help MCHT has helped the National Park Service secure about from FOA and the National Park Foundation) purchased 200 conservation easements protecting the scenic and ecological Sawyer’s Point in Tremont, conserving more than 4,200 feet of values of roughly 12,000 acres. Those easements on MDI and outer undeveloped shore frontage on Seal Cove Pond. islands protect views from Acadia National Park and the waters This wild peninsula features prominently in views from a of Frenchman, Jericho, Blue Hill and Penobscot Bays. Park boat launch and hiking trails on Western Mountain. The “The work of partner organizations like MCHT and Friends landowners generously offered MCHT a discounted price and of Acadia in maintaining the unspoiled visitor experience and the Trust is working to secure public and private funds so that preserving compatible land uses is really unparalleled in the it can transfer the parcel to the National Park Service later entire Park system,” notes Acadia National Park Superintendent this year. To learn more or to support this effort, contact Misha Kevin Schneider. “I can’t think of another Park where so much Mytar at [email protected]. complementary conservation work with private landowners has In addition to being an Acadia Centennial Partner, MCHT been done to enhance a national park’s integrity.” is proud to provide ongoing support to the Park in acquiring key lands and conservation easements.
A Statewide Land Conservation Organization wan S im T Conservation of Jones Marsh in Bar Harbor gives the adjoining salt marsh room to move as sea level rises. An Eye to the Future: Helping Marshes Adapt An expansive wetland at the north- Heritage Trust after it began working on coastwide due to its undeveloped buf- ern end of Mount Desert Island is better a Marshes for Tomorrow Initiative, seeing fer, ecological condition and potential to known by sight than by name. Millions of what might happen to coastal marshes as allow for future marsh migration. “Those people traveling Route 3 enjoy glimpses of sea level rises. combined factors,” says Maine Natural a tidal marsh adjoining a freshwater peat- Maine geologists and ecologists have Areas Program Ecologist Kristen Puryear, land known as Jones Marsh. This unusual mapped the extent of current and future “make it among the largest areas of oppor- heath is lit up each spring by magenta tidal marshes under scenarios of rising tunity to support tidal marsh migration blooms of sheep laurel and rhodora, and seas, and have identified relatively large and the adaptation of coastal systems.” its foliage glows crimson each fall. and unfragmented adjacent areas where Jones Marsh and nearby conserved The salt marsh that borders Jones marshes could potentially move. Jones lands around Northeast Creek also help Marsh drew the attention of Maine Coast Marsh stood out among the sites studied keep animal populations within Acadia National Park linked to mainland popu- lations. To support wildlife and provide a marsh buffer, MCHT plans to conserve approximately 30 acres of the heath and upland forests. Almost 30 additional acres that are removed from the marsh may be appropri- ate for limited development. MCHT has invited Island Housing Trust to consider the site for workforce housing. The two organizations worked previously to resell Jones Marsh Property with affordability covenants a house that Acadia National Park MCHT had acquired. IHT Executive Other Conserved Lands Director Alison Beane says they “are very Wetlands excited about the possibility of collabo-
Martie Crone Martie rating with MCHT again.”
Island Landscapes Summer 2016 2 Maine Coast Heritage Trust FEATURED PRESERVE Folly Island, Mount Desert Lying at the southern end of Bartlett a sea kayaking guide. “Because so While Folly is sheltered and close Narrows, Folly Island is a popular pic- much water flushes through Bartlett to shore, tidal currents through nicking site easily accessible from the Narrows,” she says, “there are tons of Bartlett Narrows can be strong so public boat launch at Pretty Marsh fish and lots of wildlife activity. Folly visitors should exercise caution. Harbor. “Folly is relatively close to is a great place to watch for porpoises, Information on Folly Island shore,” says MCHT’s Regional Steward seals and ospreys.” and more than 50 other MCHT for MDI, Douglas McMullin. “It’s a There are pocket beaches at the preserves can be found nice destination for those who want to north and south ends of the island. on the Trust’s website. enjoy a short kayak, motor boat ride or Wales prefers the north one but cau- sail to a quiet pocket beach.” tions anyone in small sailboats to wan Island resident Jen Paigen Wales make the approach carefully due to an S im
T enjoyed Folly’s wild beach roses dur- unmarked shallow spot and ledge. ing stops there when she worked as Courtesy of Pamela Manice
Tim Swan Explore Other MCHT Preserves in the Area For more than a quarter-century, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has been working to secure lands on and around Mount Desert Island that people can enjoy. These settings Nearby Island Preserves range from easily accessible walks and shoreline explorations— perfect for young and old—to more rugged island settings Black Island and Little Black Island, Blue Hill Bay (some accessible via ferry as denoted with asterisks). All of Cranberry Shores Preserve, Great Cranberry Island* these preserves are open to the public dawn to dusk and some Folly Island, Blue Hill Bay offer camping and hunting opportunities. See more detailed Frenchboro Preserve, Blue Hill Bay* preserve listings at mcht.org/preserves. Great Gott Preserve, Blue Hill Bay Mount Desert Island Preserves Marshall Island, Jericho Bay Acadia Mountain, Mount Desert Pond Island, Blue Hill Bay Babson Creek, Mount Desert Stave Island, Frenchman Bay Blue Horizons, Bar Harbor Kelley Farm, Tremont Thomas Island, Frenchman Bay Kittredge Brook Forest, Bar Harbor Tinker Island Preserve, Blue Hill Bay Mitchell Marsh, Tremont West Sister Island, Blue Hill Bay
Island Landscapes Summer 2016 3 Maine Coast Heritage Trust Maine Coast Heritage Trust aine Coast Heritage Trust is dedicated to P.O. Box 669 Mt. Desert, ME 04660 Mprotecting land that is essential to the character of Maine, its coastline and islands in particular. Since its founding on Mount Desert Island in 1970, MCHT has permanently protected more than 144,000 acres, including 315 entire coastal islands. It provides conservation services to landowners, local land trusts and state and community officials free of charge. A membership organization, MCHT welcomes your support and inquiries.
A Statewide Land Conservation Organization
P.O. Box 669, Mount Desert, ME 04660 • 207-244-5100 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201, Topsham, ME 04086 207-729-7366 13 A Willow St., East Machias, ME 04630 • 207-259-5043 mcht.org
Join the conversation at Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled stock facebook.com/MaineCoastHeritageTrustMDI/ Design: ethos wan S im Progress at Kelley Farm Preserve T Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Kelley Farm Preserve in Tremont is bustling with activity this season. A new com- munity garden with 15 plots is at capacity, and local residents are enjoying working the Farm’s productive soils. Four hard-working Teen Ag crew members are growing crops for local food pantries, Good Shepherd Food Bank and several island schools. These high-school students pro- duce wholesome organic vegetables while gaining valuable work experience and compensation. MCHT is making numerous site improvements. Several area fire departments used the former house for trainings before a final burn. The site, says Tremont Fire Chief Keith Higgins, proved “ideal for training conditions.” The house site was cleared and the foundation filled. “We’re already hearing from many visitors how nice the place is looking!” says Douglas McMullin, MCHT’s Regional Steward for MDI. MCHT will host a Fall Celebration at Kelley Farm Preserve on October 1. Follow the Trust’s new MDI facebook page to learn more details. Tim Swan