The Island Trail YEARS the NEWSLETTER of the MAINE ISLAND TRAIL ASSOCIATION | SUMMER 2018

BRA LE TIN E G C The Island Trail YEARS THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MAINE ISLAND TRAIL ASSOCIATION | SUMMER 2018

MYSTERIES OF THE BOLD COAST BY MICHAEL DAUGHERTY EW TO THE Trail this A 1990s era photo of year is an area known Dave Getchell, Sr. holding a nautical chart as the Bold Coast. off of Warren Island. Located between Cutler While at the Island and Lubec, it is the most remote Institute, Dave and N others charted a course and undeveloped piece of Maine’s that would become the shoreline. Thanks to strong Maine Island Trail. currents and a broad fetch, the twenty-mile stretch of craggy, exposed shore is also extremely volatile. Here, the Bay of Fundy’s The Island Institute: already strong currents accelerate past Canada’s Grand Manan Island into Grand Manan Channel, Celebrating a creating a powerful dominant current, as well as mile-wide eddies, and sometimes even near- Partner of 30 Years shore counter-eddies, that flow through the features of BY DOUG WELCH, MITA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR underwater topography and T MAY SURPRISE newer members when the islands of Maine experienced towering headlands as randomly that MITA was initially founded as something of a renaissance. After as a pinball bouncing through a a division of the Island Institute centuries of use for fishing, farming, MYSTERIES continued on page 16 and spent its first five years in that logging, and quarrying, the 20th century Irelationship. With the 30th Anniversary found many of the islands abandoned. of the Maine Island Trail Association In the 1970s, the state catalogued all upon us, it is important to look back at Maine islands and reclaimed ownership IN THIS ISSUE our roots and the organization that of many. The end result was the state A Sailing Journey 4 once spawned and still inspires us. owning some 1,300 islands and lesser Refreshing the Fleet 13 This story begins a ‘generation’ before coastal features, so in the 1980s it began Memory of Fog is Black 14 Land Trust Support 18 the Island Institute in the 1970s and ‘80s, ISLAND INSTITUTE continued on page 6

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG BOARD OF TRUSTEES MITA’s Women Sam Adams, Freeport, ME Nick Battista, Camden, ME Stephen Birmingham, Cape Elizabeth, ME Dan Carr, Dayton, ME of Influence Nicole Connelly, Falmouth, ME BY DOUG WELCH, bringing the organization to maturity. Janet Dooley, Falmouth, ME MITA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ■ Lee Bumsted: A charter member and Nancy Egan, Harpswell, ME Mark Fasold, Yarmouth, ME RETROSPECTIVE ON MITA pro kayak guide, Lee served as uber- Tom Franklin, Portland, ME and its 30-year history volunteer, chairing the Publications Lindsay Hancock, Gray, ME would not be complete and Publicity Committee and Alicia Heyburn, Brunswick, ME without noting the pivotal spending otherwise free time on Cindy Knowles, Cumberland Center, ME Rob Nichols, Kittery, ME Aleadership roles of women in MITA outreach, writing, and editing John Noll, Orland, ME establishing and building the publications. Ford Reiche, Freeport, ME organization. With a grateful tip of the ■ Sue Bylander: A design professional, Andrew Stern, Falmouth, ME Odette Thurston, Falmouth, ME hat to the women on the board and Sue moved from volunteer to staff Kim True, Freeport, ME staff today, I want to specifically and back again multiple times STAFF highlight several members of the MITA including 1997-2001. She left her “Sue Doug Welch • [email protected] ‘engine room’ of yesteryear who played By touch-n-die” graphics fingerprint Executive Director major roles blazing the Trail. With on all MITA publications. Greg Field • [email protected] apologies for inaccuracies or omissions, ■ Rachael Nixon: MITA’s second Trail Director of Finance & Operations Maria Jenness • [email protected] MITA particularly applauds the Director, Rachel developed the Regional Stewardship Manager (East) following women: Monitor Skipper program and was Brian Marcaurelle • [email protected] ■ Dorrie Getchell: Quietly volunteered lead investigator and author of the Program Director Madison Moran • [email protected] to take on responsibility for all critically-important State Island Membership & Development Associate membership functions of the Management Plan from 1999-2005. Jack Phillips • [email protected] fledgling organization when it ■ Scotty Folger: A charter member who Development Director operated from her home (approx. remains very engaged 30 years later, Erin Quigley • [email protected] Membership Director 1988-1991) and started the Adopt-an- Scotty is a vivacious volunteer, a Chris Wall • [email protected] Island program. MITA was very proud selfless supporter, and a spiritual Regional Stewardship Manager (West) to name its highest stewardship guide to staff. A special thank you to Talley-O Design award after her and her husband. ■ Marietta Ramsdell: Outreach volunteer for newsletter design and consultation. ■ Sharon McHold: Served as Island extraordinaire, Marietta recruited The Maine Island Trail is a 375-mile long Institute Clerk (1983-1992) and untold numbers of MITA members in waterway extending from the New Hampshire worked feverishly as a ‘MITA Maverik’ the early 1990s and was First Mate border to the Canadian Maritimes. Along the route, state-owned and private to get the fledgling organization’s with Captain Bob as an early Monitor islands are available to members or the public house in order, chairing the Finance Skipper, earning the first Margaret C. for overnight stopovers where one can picnic Committee and developing initial Emerson Award in 1996. or camp in a wilderness setting. governance documents. ■ Charlotte Lawton: First Mate to The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is a ■ Cate Cronin: Hired from a huge pool of Captain Jon, making up the crack nonprofit organization whose goal is to establish a model of thoughtful use and volunteer candidates as MITA’s first Executive Monitor Skipper crew of the 2010s. stewardship for the Maine islands that will Director (technically Trail Director), Wise volunteers chose Charlotte’s assure their conservation in a natural state while Cate led the organization from when boat for expert seamanship and her providing an exceptional recreational asset that it was an Island Institute division ever-present tin of fresh-baked is maintained and cared for by the people who use it. This goal is achieved by encouraging a philosophy through independence (1991-1997). cookies. n of low-impact use and environmental awareness ■ Karen Stimpson: Hired along with among MITA’s members and island visitors. Cate as Trail Keeper in 1991, Karen While countless women have served the MITA MAINE ISLAND TRAIL ASSOCIATION rose to serve as Executive Director for cause over the years, and continue to do so 100 Kensington St, 2nd Floor, Portland, ME 04103 a decade from 1997-2007, charming today, we are particularly thankful to these (207) 761-8225 n [email protected] and inspiring supporters and indominable stalwarts of earlier days.

2 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG “Twelve years, three canoes, two kayaks, a Maine Westpointer, and a Sunfish later, we took that fireboat cruise Island Romance for our son’s 6th birthday party, and BY ALICIA HEYBURN night, did that mean he was E MADE A soft knock on the philanthropic, liked the outdoors and we are still wall of my cubicle in L.L.Bean’s was interested in protecting Maine’s overnighting on catalog copy department - wild places? This guy had potential! So, shuffling feet, a charming when he placed the winning bid on a Maine’s wild islands. ” Hstammer, and an invitation for our first private trip aboard Portland’s fireboat, I date. But before the proposed after work clapped enthusiastically. later, we took that fireboat cruise for bike ride, we had a chance evening We left without saying goodbye, but our son’s 6th birthday party, and we encounter at MITA’s spring auction. the bike ride was fun, as was our are still overnighting on Maine’s wild He was with a pack of sporty guys, second date canoeing down the islands. With over 200 sites on the Trail and wearing Bean’s iconic Norwegian Sheepscot. And when we paddled to I’m sure there will be plenty to keep fisherman’s sweater. I was with girls from the Goslings on a Wednesday evening, I this adventurous relationship going, my cycling team–this was the late 90s, knew I was smitten. I won his heart by even if mussels are harder to find.n when any moment not spent at work peeling back the rockweed to reveal a was outside on a bike, hike, run, or paddle. tangle of blue mussels. I dropped them Members of MITA’s Granite Society (20+ I gave a timid wave and made into the pot of spaghetti to add local years of membership) were invited to submit furtive observations over my beer glass flavor to our Whisperlite meal. personal reflections to help celebrate 30 years (long before cans of MITAle). By Twelve years, three canoes, two of the Maine Island Trail. We couldn’t resist choosing a MITA event for his Saturday kayaks, a Westpointer, and a Sunfish sharing Alicia’s captivating story!

Alicia and Henry Heyburn take out in Allagash Village after a 6 day paddle, September 2014.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 3 Sailing Home A Father-Son Journey on the Maine Island Trail

BY MARIA JENNESS, MITA REGIONAL to row facing forward, oar handles at imagined it would be. “We chose a STEWARDSHIP MANAGER chest level. At best they could only perfect weather week. Or maybe the HEN HE BOUGHT the make about 2 knots. weather chose us,” recalls Adam. They used 19’ O’day Mariner Despite that challenge, or perhaps enjoyed good tailwinds during the in June of 2016, Adam because of it, father and son alike felt longest crossings, warm (for Maine) Wales had a plan in pride in making the journey without water swimming at a popular Wmind; fixing it up with his 12 year old the safety net of a motor. Pulling into anchorage near North Haven, and lots son Eli to take a “rite of passage” trip Jewell Island on the first night and of gin rummy in the evenings. There along the Maine Island Trail. And as if a navigating past several larger boats to were a few instances of “Trail magic,” week on the coast wasn’t enticing drop anchor under sail, Adam remarked like the couple on a nearby mooring at enough for a kid who loved the water, in his logbook that “it really makes you Seguin who loaned them a dinghy so Adam even suggested that the sailboat look like you’re a pro.” that they could get ashore and tour the become Eli’s at the end of the trip. If they were rowing in a harbor, lighthouse. Adam and Eli spent time together inevitably a fellow boater would ask if The personal growth that occurs on fixing up both the interior and exterior their motor was broken. Most other extended trips like this was also evident. of the boat, and making the small cabin folks assumed they were out for a day Several days into the journey Adam “comfortable enough” for their journey. sail. Eli enjoyed the incredulous looks noted in his logbook that “at this point A month later, the entire family drove when he responded that they were in the trip, Eli is growing and becoming from their home on Mount Desert sailing home to Mount Desert without a partner and not just a passenger. Good Island to Portland, and the two set sail a motor on board, intentionally. to see. Proud papa.” Adam recalled for a week of adventure and bonding. Overall the trip was the dream they fondly that he could even trust his son Adam made a conscious decision to go with no motor, instead relying solely on sailing and rowing to power the small boat. “Inevitably when you’re sailing and the wind dies, you question if you should wait it out or drop sail and turn on the motor,” he explained. “It’s usually only 5-10 minutes before you give up and drop sail. So we eliminated that choice.” Instead, they mounted oarlocks on the combing of the boat and retrofitted a set of sweeps from an Alden rowing shell. They sailed as much as conditions allowed, and when they rowed the pair caught some interesting looks from nearby boaters. Adam and Eli ashore on Seguin Island. The boat didn’t have a seat, so they had to cleat the boom to one side and stand

4 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG Eli stands aboard the boat after landing at Steves Island. to take the helm for a few hours while challenging moments. The most treasure that is in their backyard. As Eli he relaxed on the foredeck. intense time for Adam and Eli was not put it, “I would do it a hundred times Another touching memory was the result of wild weather, but rather over. I love the coast and think I’ll from Steves Island, where they spent the lack of it, when the wind died as always live on the water. It will always the night of Adam and his wife Jen’s they started across Jericho Bay. It be my place.” Adam noted that “lots of 16th wedding anniversary. Even wasn’t the first lull of the trip, but this kids grow up on the coast of Maine but time when they took out the oars a don’t really understand it. Eli has a “I love the coast, and blade promptly broke. They were able different perspective now when we’re to retrieve the broken blade from the driving along the coast, after sailing it think I’ll always live water and repair it, but even then they at 5 knots for a week.” on the water. It will were only able to maintain their The trip was also what brought Adam position against the strong current back to MITA and prompted him to get always be my place.” from an outgoing tide. After three involved as a volunteer Monitor Skipper. ELI WALES hours of hard rowing they were “My wife and I through-paddled the grateful when the wind picked up Trail in the early 90’s and re-joined MITA without Jen along, Adam thought there again. As Adam recalled, “that’s when it for this trip. We appreciate using the was something special about gets real. I'm essentially in a little islands, and wanted to give back and celebrating his wedding anniversary rowboat with no motor, with my 12 help take care of them.” “by doing something with our son that year old, and we’re kind of getting And what about the plan to give Eli my wife and I love to do together.” Six pushed out to sea. You start doing the the boat at the end of the trip? Well, the days in at that point, it was the first math of how long you have before the boy who grew up on boats was already time on the trip that they brought their tide turns again. But it was a good wise to what many boaters learn later gear ashore and camped. They lesson for both of us. Even the nicest in life–that the best boat is somebody celebrated by roasting hot dogs and day can turn into a challenge.” else’s. Eli decided it should remain a marshmallows over a “bucket fire”–a In the end, it turned out to be the family boat and not just his. So instead homemade device they use as a Leave trip of a lifetime that they hoped for–so of handing it over to their son, the No Trace method of enjoying a much so that they plan to do it again. Wales’ intend to “boat-share” with some campfire. Each of them came away with a friends and anticipate many more Even the best of trips have their renewed sense of appreciation for the family adventures on the Trail ahead. n

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 5 ISLAND INSTITUTE continued from cover “Hurricane Island was a key considering their proper use. Around this time, one particular inspiration to many early island near Vinalhaven generated a powerful wave of island and small boat supporters of the Island Institute enthusiasts: Hurricane Island. Those who experienced the birth of both MITA and the Maine Island Trail.” and the Island Institute frequently cite the Hurricane Island Outward Bound renaissance. In 1983 Conkling established camping sites to the Trail.) School (HIOBS), which operated in the Island Institute as a division of the The fledgling Island Institute’s first Penobscot Bay from 1964-2006, as the HIOBS with a mission “to act as a contract was to assist the Maine taproot of both organizations. (The catalyst to increase communication Bureau of Public Lands to determine Outward Bound lineage extends, in turn, between the disparate individuals and the recreational value of its island to a 1941 maritime leadership program organizations who care deeply about the holdings. Under Ray Leonard, Conkling in Wales.) With its outdoor leadership future of the Maine islands.” [Island had been the principal investigator on programs, including solo expeditions Journal Vol. 1, 1984, p.ii] Details of that a U.S. Forest Service research project and rough camping on remote islands, relationship are best left to the Island studying the impacts of camping and countless people became interested in Institute and Hurricane Island to hiking on fragile environments. He and boats, islands, and Maine coast recount, but suffice to say that Hurricane Leonard surveyed half of Maine’s state- adventure through Hurricane Island. Island was a key inspiration to many owned islands during 1985. For the One of those people was Philip early supporters of the Island Institute second half of the survey in 1986, Conkling. His seminal 1981 book, Islands and the Maine Island Trail. (While HIOBS Conkling asked Dave Getchell, Sr. in Time, celebrated islands large and departed from Hurricane in 2006, MITA (Getch) of Camden to lead the effort. A small along the coast of Maine, both now works with the Hurricane Island life-long outdoorsman and recreation reflecting and furthering their Foundation which has added overnight writer and editor, Getch had served as

The Maine Island Trail Association gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors:

BerryDunn Wealth Management Green Clean Maine Pierce Atwood Clark Insurance Kamasouptra WoodenBoat Cribstone Capital Management Maine Cat Wright-Ryan Construction East Brown Cow Management Inc Malone Auto Racks Yarmouth Boat Yard Freedom Boat Club Penmor Lithographers 6 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG an editor at the Island Institute since Staff and volunteers from 1985. With his extraordinary knowledge the Island Institute and MITA collaborating on a of small boats and the coast of Maine, shoreline cleanup on Isle he was a natural for this job. au Haut in 2016. Together with BPL representative Steve Spencer, the team determined that approximately 40 of the state- owned islands were in protected waters and large enough to camp on, representing an extraordinary new resource for outdoor recreation. Without resources to manage these remote campsites, however, the Bureau of Public Lands was hesitant to publicize this finding. That is when Getch had the powerful idea for “user management” of the islands by an organization that could instill an ethic on larger, populated islands. The Pingree. Nick now works at the Island of responsible use. missions and associated programs of Institute, providing policy support for In 1987, Getch wrote an essay called MITA and the Institute gradually all of the organization’s work. Joining “Island Trail” in the Institute’s 4th diverged. In time, it became apparent to the MITA board was an exciting Island Journal. He honed this to a many people affiliated with MITA that homecoming of sorts for Nick, who potent single-page essay in Small Boat they should be separate organizations. lives in Camden. Journal, of which he had formerly been In January 1993, after many months While our predecessors wrestled with editor. Getch’s big idea was that of discussion, the Island Institute’s board organizational coming-of-age conflicts, Maine’s state-owned islands could be voted to allow MITA to withdraw and the MITA staff today enjoys a great strung together like pearls on a become an independent organization. It relationship with the Institute and a necklace to create “an outstanding was a challenging period for all involved, strong sense of mutual appreciation. For waterway for small boats” (the Maine but in retrospect one thing is clear: both his part, Getch is grateful to Philip Island Trail) that could be managed by organizations have thrived in pursuit of Conkling and the Institute for its help the people who used it (MITA). separate missions with very little launching an audacious idea into a As Hurricane Island begat the competition in the 25 years that successful organization. Institute, now the Institute begat MITA. followed. In short, it was a clean break. MITA applauds the work of the The Institute was only five years old in In recent years a new sense of Island Institute on working waterfronts, 1988, and MITA was initially partnership between the two economic development, community established as a division of it. A organizations has flourished, as they development, and environmental policy successful proposal for initial funding find ways to compliment and support in Maine and beyond. And as MITA from L.L.Bean noted the possibility that each other. MITA is helping to support marks its 30th anniversary, we MITA might one day be independent. the Institute’s work on behalf of island- celebrate our shared roots, our shared The Institute and MITA had separate based businesses and the organizations coast, our common members, and the though somewhat overlapping collaborated on a major cleanup of Isle excellent relationship the organizations memberships, separate budgets, and Au Haut beaches in 2016. enjoy today. n separate ‘offices’ (with Getch and wife Two years ago, MITA invited Nick Dorrie running MITA from their home). Battista, a long-time MITA member, MITA is grateful to Dave Getchell, Sr., Philip While Getch and a rapidly growing volunteer, and former intern, to join the Conkling, Peter Willauer, Steve Spencer, band of followers focused on board. Nick credits his experience with Sharon McHold, Nick Battista, and Rob Snyder establishing the Maine Island Trail MITA as helping to shape a career that for contributions to this story. For a copy of among the smaller, uninhabited islands, has included a stint in Washington, DC Getch’s Small Boat Journal article, see the the rest of the Institute’s efforts focused working for Congresswoman Chellie Winter 2017 issue of The Island Trail.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 7 BRA LE TIN E G Maine Island C Fortifying a Portland Harbor Landmark YEARS Trail Association BY DAVID PLATT, FRIENDS OF FORT GORGES Founded 5/25/88 MAJOR EFFORT IS underway at Fort Gorges to make visiting the historic Portland Harbor icon a “People who care by 12 original safer experience. Beginning late last summer, the about the islands members U.S. Army Corps of Engineers added railings, "A waterway for MEMBERSHIP

THE TRAIL THE will care for them” Ablocked off areas that were deemed dangerous, and installed small boats" a new gateway at the “sally port” entrance leading to the linking state-owned STEWARDSHIP interior and parade ground. Fort Gorges, built in the late islands along the 1850s just prior to the Civil War, is owned by the City of Portland. Improvements were funded by the Corps. coast of Maine After over 150 years of neglect, making the fort safer for visitors has been a priority for the city and for the Friends of Fort Gorges, a nonprofit organization working with the city 6,000+ to preserve this historic site and architectural gem. The current members hazard mitigation work by the Corps was just the first of several steps being undertaken. With additional repairs and VISION IN 1988 safety improvements, the city and the Friends hope to bring the structure up to a standard where organized groups will 33,000+ be able to utilize the it for historical tours, educational and members over time cultural events, and other public and private gatherings. Recent work includes a new viewing platform on the 50 states and 9 countries represented An entrance gate installed in the chart sally port at Fort Gorges, one of the IN 2017 recent safety features added by the islands and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 226 mainland sites MITA Members' Boats (2017) your individual fort’s north parapet and temporarily closing the south Growth of the Maine Island Trail Trail parapet. Further work is planned to reopen that section of 250 300+ volunteers the fort as well as add critical support cribbing in the fort’s course 200 casemates. Next will be the implementation of a Preservation Plan, 150 to be funded by a campaign which will begin this spring. The 100 5,232 plan, which has been developed by the Portland-based firm hours volunteered Resurgence Engineering, will direct the critical steps 50 necessary to curb the fort’s deterioration and make it more bags of trash Number of Trail Sites Trail Number of 0 welcoming to the thousands of visitors who enjoy the fort TODAY removed from � Kayak 36% � Row 9% 2013 2018 1993 1988 1998 2003 each summer. n 2008 810 island shorelines 36� Power 18% � Canoe 15% +1820+9+152 public private nonprofit � Sail 19% � SUP 3% Specific plans for the summer of 2018 include several special events and weekly tours. For more information about upcoming events at Fort Gorges or to learn more about the restoration effort, visit www. One of the “50 Best Protect Maine's wild islands forever by including 1,200+ MITA in your estate plans. Contact Jack Phillips at friendsoffortgorges.org or the City of Portland’s Parks Department at American Adventures” stewardship visits, 90% 13,000+ [email protected] today to learn more about how planned www.portlandmaine.gov/1063/parks. - National Geographic Adventure Magazine by volunteers mobile app downloads giving can benefit you and the Maine Island Trail. BRA LE TIN E G Maine Island C Trail Association YEARS Founded 5/25/88 “People who care by 12 original about the islands members "A waterway for MEMBERSHIP

THE TRAIL THE will care for them” small boats"

linking state-owned STEWARDSHIP islands along the coast of Maine 6,000+ current members VISION IN 1988 33,000+ members over time 50 states and 9 countries represented

islands and IN 2017 226 mainland sites MITA Members' Boats (2017) individual Growth of the Maine Island Trail Trail 250 300+ volunteers 200

150 100 5,232 hours volunteered 50 bags of trash Number of Trail Sites Trail Number of 0 TODAY removed from � Kayak 36% � Row 9% 2013 2018 1993 1988 1998 2003 2008 810 island shorelines 36� Power 18% � Canoe 15% +1820+9+152 public private nonprofit � Sail 19% � SUP 3%

One of the “50 Best 1,200+ American Adventures” stewardship visits, 90% 13,000+ - National Geographic Adventure Magazine by volunteers mobile app downloads

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 9 SLAND I T E R 2016 IN A Inaugural Splash! boating A I 2001 L season kickoff party M Casco Bay Island Caretaker 2006 MITA and Island Institute program launched 2011 Trail extended co-host cleanup of Named “America’s best west to Cape Acadia National Park sea kayaking trail” 2020 Porpoise Harbor shores on Isle au Haut WAYPOINTS 1996 2002 by Outside Magazine Active discussion of potential Island logbook overuse of Trail islands amid program established surging popularity of sea 1991 kayaking Simultaneous hiring of first 2007 2012 staff positions: Cate Cronin, 2003 Doug Welch 1997 Trail extended east into Trail Director & Karen Extensive welcomed as MITA’s Cobscook Bay Stimpson, Trail Keeper Trail Director Cate Cronin community 3rd Executive departs. Karen Stimpson input sought on Portland office established Director promoted to Executive Director management of on Union Wharf 2010

public islands 2015

1987 1998 1600s: In Colonial Dave Getchell Sr. proposes MITA celebrates 10 years America, coastal 1992 2004 Maine Island Trail in single- of the Trail with annual islands are generally Concerned group MITA and page “Gunkholing” column meeting on Hog Island owned by the of members begins state sign 2017 in Small Boat Journal meeting to discuss MITA’s sovereign/state 1999 Recreation MITA headquarters independence moved to new waterfront Leave No Trace Management 1913: Maine legislature Plan for the 2013 location at Maine passes law prohibiting educational signage Public Islands 2008 Small Boaters’ Conference Yacht Center in Portland 1993 introduced and several state from selling 1988 & 25th Anniversary mainland sites added to on the Maine Dave Getchell Sr. coastal islands Trail is launched as a division MITA separates from Celebration at Portland Jewell Renewal the Trail to help mitigate Island Trail presented with of the Island Institute with 30 the Island Institute and Yacht Services campaign restores 1973: Coastal Islands island impacts 2007 Espy Land islands between Portland and a volunteer Steering MITA Jewell island facilities Registry process Heritage Award Jonesport. Most are state-owned Committee steps up headquarters Launch of Maine Island Trail determines that the moved from Ale by Rising Tide Brewing state owns some 1,300 First MITA meeting at Dave Union Wharf 2005 Company unclaimed islands and and Dorrie Getchell’s home. 2000 to Portland lesser features along 12 members attended 1994 Yacht Services the coast 2009 2018 1995 First annual meeting on Warren Monitor Skipper Trail extended west 2014 First ever Trail sites 198o: David R. Getchell, Island. MITA ends the year with program established to NH border added along the Creation of Maine Sr. and friend Geof over 400 members Bold Coast through First land trust site Island Trail mobile app Heath take 900-mile Listed as one of the collaboration with added to Trail by Portland-based trip up the Labrador “50 Best American the state and Maine 2000 Chimani coast in Getch’s 18’ Adventures” by Coast Heritage Trust Voluntary camping Lund skiff Torngat— National Geographic capacity guidelines a major inspiration Adventure Magazine 1989 established for several for the Trail Trail is extended by 25 state-owned islands 2005 2015 miles east to Machias 1983: Island Institute Satellite office Wild Islands Campaign formed as a division in Rockland surpasses $1 million for of Hurricane Island closed 2010 stewardship endowment. Outward Bound Economic impact 1990 1995 assessment of the Trail Number of private wins Harvard award DISTANCE = 5 YEARS islands on the Trail eclipses number of Dubbed Maine’s “Best public islands Trail” by Downeast (Not intended for navigation) Magazine 1990 BRA LE TIN Dorrie Getchell establishes E G PRE-MITA Adopt an Island program C

YEARS 1 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG SLAND I T E R 2016 IN A Inaugural Splash! boating A I 2001 L season kickoff party M Casco Bay Island Caretaker 2006 MITA and Island Institute program launched 2011 Trail extended co-host cleanup of Named “America’s best west to Cape Acadia National Park sea kayaking trail” 2020 Porpoise Harbor shores on Isle au Haut WAYPOINTS 1996 2002 by Outside Magazine Active discussion of potential Island logbook overuse of Trail islands amid program established surging popularity of sea 1991 kayaking Simultaneous hiring of first 2007 2012 staff positions: Cate Cronin, 2003 Doug Welch 1997 Trail extended east into Trail Director & Karen Extensive welcomed as MITA’s Cobscook Bay Stimpson, Trail Keeper Trail Director Cate Cronin community 3rd Executive departs. Karen Stimpson input sought on Portland office established Director promoted to Executive Director management of on Union Wharf 2010

public islands 2015

YEARS 1 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 2017 Financial Year in Review

A commonly asked question about MITA’s finances is simply, “Where does MITA’s Statement of Financial Position income come from?” Remarkably, the ASSETS FY 17 FY 16 answer is pretty straightforward. Most Current Assets $190,482 $319,361 of MITA’s income comes from individual members—every one of them a supporter Capital Assets (Property & Equipment) $170,162 $106,717 who values MITA’s mission & program, and Other Assets (incl Restricted Investments) $1,314,533 $1,092,770 knows first-hand the good work done by Total Assets $1,675,177 $1,518,848 MITA to care for the islands. Membership Dues as a source continues to be a smaller LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS portion of our total income—in 2017 Current Liabilities $59,736 $28,042 accounting for under 20% of that total. But it Net Assets & Net Income $1,615,441 $1,490,806 is still those individual members who drive Total Liabilities & Net Assets $1,675,177 $1,518,848 our organization’s bottom line: some donate Change in Net Assets $124,635 a small gift above dues to our annual appeal, some are able to make larger gifts as major donors, and others might attend our annual fundraiser party, Splash!, bidding generously on an item donated to our silent auction. Other sources of MITA’s income picture are Revenue & Expenses by Area institutional, but scratch the surface of those SUPPORT & REVENUE FY 17 FY 16 sources and you will see members at work, Membership Dues & Individual Contributions $464,716 $424,311 making an introduction to a foundation that Grants, Sponsorships & Contracts $187,501 $188,111 has a grants program or reaching out to a Events $42,187 $36,737 local business that might consider becoming a corporate sponsor. In short, while we have Other $68,940 $46,818 continued to hold the line on Membership Total Operating Revenue $763,344 $695,977 Dues increases, it is still individual members Endowment Income & Earnings $165,174 $300,495 who drive our fiscal health. EXPENSES Fiscal Year 2017 by the Numbers Program Services $544,985 $495,518 MITA came out with another modest Fund Development $129,614 $120,062 4-figure net surplus. Endowment income Administration $83,378 $78,422 slowed significantly from the prior year as Total Operating Expenses $757,977 $694,002 the Wild Islands Campaign peaked. MITA’s Total Operating Net $5,367 $1,975 total valuation rose by slightly over 10% to $1.675M. Thank you. TOTAL REVENUES OVER EXPENSES (NET INCOME) $170,541 $302,470

Donor Corrections Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc The Ladies Improvement Mad River Foundation Society/ Isle of Springs In every winter edition of The Island Trail, MITA Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Inc Association acknowledges all supporters who donated $100 or more Maine Sport Outfitters The Pittsburgh Foundation during the previous fiscal year. Due to a clerical error while New Hope Academy UnitedHealth Group compiling this list for the most recent issue, we mistakenly NOLS Winona Camps omitted the following institutional supporters: North Shore Paddlers Network With apologies for the delay in Anne R & R Harper Brown Dragonworks, Inc North Yarmouth Academy acknowledging their support, Foundation Friends of Nature Portland Paddle MITA thanks these institutions Coastal Kayaking Tours Friends of Seguin Island Proprietors of Union for their steadfast commitment Colby College Great Lost Bear Restaurant Wharf to Maine's wild islands.

12 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG REFRESHING THE FLEET BY CHRIS WALL, MITA REGIONAL STEWARDSHIP MANAGER ONITOR SKIPPERS AND staff make more than 1,000 island landings each year in MITA’s 18’ aluminum Lund workboats. Used constantly throughout the boating season for island monitoring, cleanups and work projects, these skiffs have seen Mtheir fair share of scuffs, scrapes and scratches over the years. While inspecting the boats during decommissioning last fall, it became apparent that a facelift was long-overdue. As luck would have it, Jim Shula—a volunteer monitor skipper and the owner of Saltwater Workshop in Buxton—had some time available between boat-building and sign carving projects this winter and was willing to take on the project. Jim spent almost 70 hours during the month of January sanding, repainting, and making small repairs to four of MITA’s skiffs. Once repainted (in their iconic red, of course), the skiffs were brought to M&H Signs in Westbrook for re-lettering before returning to winter storage to await the stewardship season. MITA is sincerely grateful to Jim for all of his hard work, and to supporters of the Wild Islands Campaign who have made fleet maintenance projects like this possible. Keep a eye out this summer for the spruced-up Lunds. And rest assured, they’ll be working as hard as ever! n Jim Shula

Adopt an Island in Need! MITA is looking for volunteers to join the Island Adopter program. Adopters are volunteers who check on islands using their own boat, on their own time, providing valuable eyes on the ground for MITA staff.

To learn more about islands in your area in need of adopters, contact Maria or Chris at [email protected]. For more information about the Adopter program visit www.mita.org/adopter.

Photo: Daniel E. Smith/ScenicNewEngland.net SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 13 The Memory of Fog Is Black

BY JOHN HUTH F YOU SPEND any time on the Maine coast in the summer, you’ll encounter fog–so be prepared. I wasn’t in 2003 when I launched a Irental kayak without a compass to circle Little Cranberry Island off of Mount Desert. When I was halfway across a two-mile embayment on the southern, ocean-facing side, a dense fog bank closed in. Seductive and unnerving at the same time, it seemed to possess an evil sentience. The fog that gathers along the coast John paddling close is called advection fog, sometimes by Placentia Island known as ‘cold fog,’ and forms when in Penobscot Bay. warm moist air passes over cold water. When warm air from the south flows crash, followed by the sound of rock only half a mile away, and lost their over the cold water fed by the Labrador faces grinding together as the water way in the fog. This threw me for a Current, water vapor condenses and receded. The sound gave me yet huge loop–I lived doing the same thing creates fog banks that can last for days another reference for my bearing. Even as others who died. Maybe it was a on end. still, sounds were muffled and form of the ‘survivor’s guilt’ that I’d Out off the exposed end of Little deceiving–almost as if the waves were heard about. I don’t know. Cranberry, I was entranced by the mist talking in a foreign language. It’s probably not advisable, but I cope first blurring, then obscuring, all Eventually I circled around the with tragedy by buying gear, rooted in landmarks. Fighting panic, and with no calmer north side of the island and my irrational belief that technology can compass bearing to go on, I needed made my way back to my ‘normal’ (but insulate me from harm. I purchased a something to keep me pointed in the now somewhat rattled) reality. The spiffy fiberglass sea kayak and installed right direction. I had a mental map of reader may be thinking, “How could a marine compass. I got a waterproof the area I was paddling through, but, you take risks like that?” The short GPS receiver, a flare gun, a dry suit, and on a wrong heading, I would end up answer is that I was so unprepared I a handheld VHF transceiver. out to sea. I had to improvise. Where didn’t even realize the risks. Having The following summer, I returned to was the wind? I could tell it was from only paddled on calm sunny days on Little Cranberry with my family. The the southeast. Underlying the wind- Cape Cod, I did not think anything ‘plan’ was for them to take the mail blown waves was a languid swell from untoward would materialize. I had the boat from Northeast Harbor on MDI to the southwest. Inside the fog, I good luck to get experience in the island, and I would paddle out. As I marveled at the details–all of this in a incremental doses. Not everyone does. drove over the crest of a hill, I could see small, isolated sphere of vision. Two months later I was again that the ocean was enveloped in thick I could hear the waves crashing on enveloped in a fog bank, this time off of fog, and my heart went into my throat. the rocky beach a mile away. The beach Cape Cod. As before, I used the wind Sure, I was prepared this time, but I was has a high berm of rounded basalt, and waves as a natural compass, and I haunted by the dark memory. with craggy ledges protecting it. had no problems getting back home. It Nonetheless, it seemed like facing my Landing in the dumping surf would’ve was only the next day when I heard of fears was the right thing to do. been foolhardy. I would’ve been the deaths of two kayakers who were When I prepared at home, in my thrashed. You could hear each wave paddling at the same time as I was, obsessiveness, I had every leg of my

14 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG paddle laid out–how many minutes I could handrail my way east along the the strange thing: when I think back on from one island to the next, the coast until it turned south. After maybe those times I was out in the fog, I know compass headings. But, there’s a fifteen minutes, Sutton hove into view. that there was daylight–but my difference between being meticulous in Ledges projecting out in the water memory is of darkness. Maybe some an office and then meeting the reality of forced me to wind and dodge along the neuroscientist can tell you what’s fog on the ocean. As I left the last coast until I saw my compass was going on, but for me, I only remember blurred traces of Northeast Harbor, pointing due south, and made the jump the blank-outs in the fog as pure black. surrounded by fog, I felt disoriented. I back into the fog toward Little Cranberry. Maybe that’s what happens? If you had to turn a little to my left (east) and Then my old friend the wind let me remove all visual clues, no matter how to my right (west) to reassure myself down, as it shifted from south to north, much or how little light there is, the that I was reading the compass properly. throwing me another curveball. But I brain just puts it into long term The first waypoint, Bear Island, learned how to track shifts by the way memory as “black.” My recollection of loomed out of the fog. I circled the west it affected water: smooth swells the day off Cape Cod with the fatalities end until I reached a large gong buoy– persisted in the direction the wind had was as if I was paddling at night, and my next take-off point. At this time, I been blowing, and new ripples betrayed also on my crossings to Little Cranberry. realized I’d made a rookie mistake in my the new direction. A buoy off to my And yet, I know that there was light, planning–my next waypoint was a right chimed regularly, and I could track because every time I saw land, my patch of water to the east of Sutton my progress. Finally, Little Cranberry memory was of light. But when I was Island. If I steered too far to the east, I appeared and soon I was showered and in the fog, my memory is black. n might end up paddling out to sea enjoying a nice cold beer. without any landmark to guide me. In the following years, my John is the Donner Professor of Science at Recalling a trick called a ‘deliberate navigation skills have improved Harvard University and the author of The compass error,’ I set a new course that tremendously. My biggest fear now is Lost Art of Finding Our Way, which explores would land me somewhere along the of being a ‘speed bump,’ as power the history of navigation and ancient north coast of Sutton Island. From there, boaters refer to sea kayakers. But here’s methods of wayfinding.

ONE SUMMER. 1,200 LANDINGS.

This summer, MITA volunteers and staff will make more than 1,200 boat landings on wild islands along Maine's coast. While ashore, they will remove marine debris, collect lobster buoys and other fishing gear to return to coastal communities, manage invasive species, monitor island conditions, and educate visitors about Leave No Trace recreation.

MITA depends on its members to fund this critical work so that the Maine Island Trail can remain pristine and open to visitors. Stay tuned for an announcement about how YOU can help get MITA's island stewards ashore!

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 15 MYSTERIES continued from cover sieve of bumpers. Add the changing tide height and the whims of the wind and incoming swell, and there’s no mystery why it’s difficult to plan a trip here. Unfortunately, many kayakers approach this area only as the beginning or end of a longer trip, like I did on my first visit. As if the conditions aren’t difficult enough, the itineraries of longer excursions tend to put paddlers there on a certain day, often with little leeway for alternatives. A year ago one man left Lubec bound for Key West and capsized twice within a couple of hours, the second time off of Baileys Mistake, requiring a rescue by the Coast Guard. Before my first sea kayak excursion along the Bold Coast, I tried to learn as much about it as I could. But there wasn’t much information available, Navigating through a narrow and it gave the place an aura of passage in the Bold Coast cliffs under perfect conditions. mystery, like we might encounter sea PHOTO: MICHAEL DAUGHERTY monsters. I learned what I could from those who had paddled there, and we were fortunate to arrive on a calm, hot among the rocks and chasms for hours waves caused by the eastbound flow day, roasting in our dry suits. We didn’t on end. It doesn’t get much dreamier. hitting the westbound 5-knot breeze. It catch the big currents we’d heard But on these shorter trips I also was a rough ride, but we stuck with it about, and our ability to interpret the learned about the volatile nature of the for an hour, the shore a distant blur of dynamics of eddies and counter-eddies place. On one I went with a less- indistinguishable features. But we was not as good as we’d hoped. We experienced friend, paddling the grew bored and a little fatigued by the were confused about the currents all eastern section from Carrying Place to constant pounding as the waves day, finally rounding West Quoddy Moose Cove. The seas were absolutely passed beneath us, and we headed Head at dusk. placid–a perfect day for my friend–and back toward what turned out to be Our skills improved, and subsequent we ventured into one soaring chasm Moose Cove. The paddle along shore outings became easier, especially day after another, finally breaking for lunch back to Cutler, aided by the near-shore trips, when we weren’t at the mercy of in Moose Cove. And then the tide eddy current, was by far the best part long-term logistics and we had no turned. And the wind picked up, just a of the day. obligation to go from one end to the little: enough that, as we watched, the The sea state need not be big to turn other. Instead, we chose our days and seas went quickly from calm to chaos. these waters into a place you don’t our put-ins and took as much time as To put it mildly, my friend enjoyed the want to be. More hubristic paddlers we wanted, exploring the near-shore return trip far less than the first half. tend to regard such a statement as waters. If the conditions didn’t suit us, On another day trip during a tide- advice for those other people who we hiked in one of the preserves, or increasing super moon, we left from don’t know what they’re doing. paddled a more sheltered area. The real Cutler on a rising tide and headed Paddling mishaps tend to befall the attraction lies along shore, where the offshore–close to two miles–until we unprepared, which makes it easy for scent of spruce and wildflowers drifts found the dominant flooding current, those with a little experience to think down from the cliff tops as you weave easily identifiable by the steepened it won’t happen to them. I was aware

16 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG of this when I wrote my guidebook, need to know what you’re doing. You and I had to carefully consider if I need to be able to observe and interpret should include the Bold Coast. MITA your surroundings and to change your Before has just gone through a similar soul- plans if things don’t go how you expect. searching process. I feared that my And you may not have the luxury of guidebook might lure unprepared changing plans before you are You Go paddlers to a place they shouldn’t go, committed to some rough seas, so even but I reasoned that prepared or not, on a calm day, the Bold Coast is not a TIPS FROM MICHAEL people were going to go, so at least place for paddlers without good boat- ■ Keep the tide range in mind. The average tide range here is between now there would be more information handling abilities, strong rescue skills, 14 and 18 feet, up to a 28-foot available. MITA has added details about and the proper gear. difference during spring tides. public access and emergency egress You probably won’t find sea This affects everything. points and is working on water- monsters off the Bold Coast, but it ■ This is one of the foggiest parts of accessible campsite locations certainly retains some of its mystery. Maine. You may be forced offshore for (conditions permitting), all of which And it probably always will, which is hours, in the fog, out of sight of land.

n will help paddlers plan safer trips. part of its allure. ■ Don’t assume you’ll be able to land. The currents here are not simple. Be prepared to stay in your boat for a People often wonder just how far The author of AMC’s Best Sea Kayaking in while. You should have some ‘tricky landing’ skills. offshore they need to get to catch the New England, Michael Daugherty guides and ‘Bold Coast Express,’ or if they should teaches sea kayaking for Old Quarry Ocean ■ A flexible plan with at least one ‘Plan B’ makes for a safer and more enjoyable paddle against the dominant current, Adventures and Pinniped Kayak. He is trip. It’s better to be on land wishing looking for eddies near shore. There are writing a book about the summer-long you were at sea than at sea wishing you no easy answers. It changes constantly. Maine coast excursion he and his wife, were on land. The easiest answer is that you simply Rebecca, took in 2017.

Donate your boat to care The Maine coast in for Maine’s wild islands! your pocket!

The Maine Island Trail Mobile App includes all of the information found in the paper Trail Guide, plus:

Trail updates in real time Beautiful photos If you are interested in donating your seaworthy

boat—power, sail or paddle—please contact the MITA Upcoming MITA events Interactive NOAA charts office at 207-761-8225 or [email protected]. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 17 Thirty years on, With A Little Help how land trusts are from Our Friends redefining the Trail

BY BRIAN MARCAURELLE, MITA PROGRAM DIRECTOR HE EVOLUTION OF the Maine Island Trail is remarkable. In thirty short years, what began as a novel concept–a Twaterway for small boats off the Maine coast–has grown into a world-class recreational resource. Starting with a modest thirty islands scattered between Portland and Jonesport, the Trail has blossomed into a network of over 220 islands and mainland sites spanning Maine’s entire coastline. Belying its humble origins, the Trail has earned praise as “Maine’s Best Trail” (Downeast Magazine, 2010), America’s “Best Sea Kayaking Trail” (Outside Exploring the tidepools on Magazine, 2011) and one of the “50 Best Damariscove Island. Owned by the Boothbay Region Land American Adventures” (National Trust, Damariscove has been Geographic Adventure Magazine, 2009). part of the Trail since 2016. And it is widely credited with helping catalyze a recreational water trail long term accessibility to the islands followed, and by 1995 the number of movement that spread across the and for the durability of the Trail, site private sites nearly matched the country and around the globe. ownership is more important than one number of state-owned sites. This success is particularly might think. At that time there were very few astonishing when you consider that sites owned by non-profits, which in the Maine Island Trail is built on Evolving Ownership Patterns MITA’s classification includes land simple, informal agreements with Internally, MITA groups sites on the trusts as well as other not-for-profit landowners. There are no contracts and Trail into three basic categories of organizations like Outward Bound. But no signed documents binding ownership: public, private, and non- in the mid-1990s a shift started to properties to the Trail, just symbolic profit. Publicly-owned sites include occur. The number of non-profit sites handshakes signifying a willingness of those owned by the State of Maine, the on the Trail began to grow steadily landowners to share their property and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the alongside an upsurge in land a commitment of users to behave National Park Service and more than a conservation statewide. By the mid- responsibly. To many island visitors, dozen coastal municipalities. In the 2000s, the number of Trail sites owned the actual owner of the land may seem early years, public sites–specifically by non-profits had eclipsed privately- immaterial. That’s understandable, those owned by the Maine Bureau of owned sites, and by 2013 non-profits since their pledged ethic of low-impact Parks & Lands–comprised more than collectively owned more Trail sites than use and stewardship should not vary 75% of the Trail. Many privately-owned the state. Nearly all of this growth was based on who owns the place. But for sites were added in the years that due to partnerships with land trusts.

18 SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG The Damariscotta River Association “Recent challenges communities by depriving towns and was the first land trust to place a site the state of significant property tax on the Trail, with Hodgsons (aka to land conservation revenue. The issue became so Stratton) Island in 2004. Today, nearly contentious that the Maine legislature twenty different land trusts own provide an important enlisted the help of the Joint Standing properties on the Trail, and non-profits reminder that the Committee on Agriculture, as a whole account for more than one Conservation and Forestry to “conduct third of all Trail sites. Thirteen work of land trusts a study of the financial and non- additional private sites are protected by financial aspects of conserved lands conservation easements. The state- should not be taken owned by nonprofit conservation owned, undeveloped islands are still organizations, including property taxes the backbone of the Trail, and the for granted.” paid, community benefits realized, and Bureau of Parks & Lands remains the the value of lands to the state’s single largest landowner of Trail sites property by visitors could result in the economy.” In their February 2018 to this day. But the trend toward non- swift removal of a site. Happily, this report, the thirteen members of the profit sites continues unabated, and rarely happens, but there will always bipartisan committee unanimously this changing dynamic of site be political, economic, and cultural concluded that “land trust ownership has far-reaching forces threatening access to private and organizations provide a great value to implications for the strength and even public lands. And handshake the people of Maine.” longevity of the Trail. agreements are not ironclad To anyone who has been ashore on guarantees. Damariscove Island (Boothbay Region A Degree of Permanence Land trusts, therefore, provide Land Trust), Sheep Island (Downeast One of the most obvious benefits of important assurance. When a land Coastal Conservancy), Wreck Island MITA’s partnerships with land trusts trust protects a property it does so in (Island Heritage Trust), The Goslings has been continued diversification and perpetuity. Land may be protected for a (Maine Coast Heritage Trust), or any of expansion of the Trail. Consider that for variety of reasons, including habitat the other land trust properties on the its first 18 years the Trail did not exist and scenic value or to preserve Trail, this finding may seem west of Portland or east of Machias. It traditional uses such as timber abundantly obvious. But recent was only when MITA entered into a harvesting and farming. In today’s challenges to land conservation partnership with the Kennebunkport conservation doctrine, public access provide an important reminder that Conservation Trust in the mid-2000’s and recreation are also core values. the work of land trusts should not be that the Trail expanded west to Cape Once a property is in the hands of a taken for granted. Land trusts deserve Porpoise Harbor, and later to the New land trust, management decisions are our ongoing support as they work to Hampshire border. Similarly, this year’s made carefully by knowledgeable staff permanently conserve critical natural expansion of the Trail along the Bold or by an invested board of directors. resources in our state and safeguard Coast–essentially “completing” the This ensures that public access will our tradition of public access to the Trail as a border-to-border experience– always remain an important land. They offer perhaps our best hope would have been unthinkable without consideration. And so long as land for upholding the values that help the participation and support of Maine trusts continue to find value in Maine live up to its motto as the way Coast Heritage Trust. partnering with MITA, it adds life should be. But a far less evident impact of considerable durability to the Maine Thirty years from now, it’s anyone’s these partnerships is the degree to Island Trail. guess what the Maine landscape or the which land trusts add permanence to Maine Island Trail will look like, but the Trail. The handshake agreements Preservation and Perseverance one thing is clear; land trusts will play that form the foundation of the Trail Recently, Maine land trusts have been a pivotal role in shaping that future. As have been extremely successful despite forced to defend themselves from long as the land conservation their inherent tenuousness. A change assertions seeking to cast doubt on the community remains strong and in ownership, a change of heart by the value of conserved land. The claim is supported, that future is something we landowner, or the mistreatment of that land conservation unduly burdens can all feel good about. n

SUMMER NEWSLETTER | 2018 | MITA.ORG 19