GrowSmart advocacy updates

We’ve updated our Legislative Advocacy web page with an overview of our top priorities for this winter’s short session in Augusta. Learn more about the bills we’re supporting, their status, and how you can help them on their way to becoming law at www.growsmartmaine.org/programs/advocacy.asp.

Land Preserved in Warren

The Georges River Land Trust has announced the protection of a historically significant 72-acre parcel of land.

The Robinson Farm, important as both open, working farmland and riverfront wildlife habitat, is bordered by Route 1 and the St. George River in Warren.

- VillagSoup

Marsh Restoration

The Press Herald reports on the successful efforts to restore a marsh in Damariscotta.

Slowly, the project grew. There were town meetings and hydrological studies. Grants were secured. It wasn’t always easy. “There were moments of utter despair,” said Lyford. But eventually, in 2005 a new bridge was built, with new culverts. In all, the project cost $86,000, much of it procured through grants.

“There was a celebration, with all the people involved,” said Lyford. The Gulf of Maine Council recognized Lyford’s efforts with a Visionary Award.

Researchers also spotted great blue herons, snowy egrets and other birds typical of a salt marsh. Below the water, there were salt marsh fish such as mummichogs and ninespine sticklebacks.

Harpswell rejects $2 million offer

 As posted earlier a group of Harpswell residents were seeking to lock in a conservation plan with an easement.  However the town council has rejected it, apparently looking to keep it’s options open.

The Board of Selectmen rejected a $2 million offer Thursday that would have prevented heavy industry from ever occupying a prized oceanfront property.

The selectmen said they would not put the offer for the 118- acre Mitchell Field property on the March town meeting warrant.

If the town had voted to accept the money, the Harpswell Coastal Coalition would have been guaranteed a permanent conservation easement on the town-owned land, prohibiting heavy industry there.

- PressHerald

Group seeking easment to protect Mitchell Field

In an effort to manage the future use of Mitchell Field in Harpswell, a group of residents is offering the town $2 million in exchange for a conservation easement. The proposed easement is designed around a recently approved Mitchell Field Master Plan meant to preserve most of the 118-acre site, while allowing some business use.

Members of the Harpswell Coastal Coalition are scheduled to present their plan to the Board of Selectmen this week. Coalition members want the selectmen to place the $2 million offer before residents at Harpswell’s annual town meeting in March.

If voters approve the offer, uses such as a liquefied natural gas plant would not be allowed on the oceanfront property. Marine business uses — such as boatbuilding — would be permitted.

- PressHerald

Maine Coast Heritage Trust reports good year

 PressHerald:

Conservationists who are working to protect the Maine coast enjoyed a record year in 2007, completing 50 projects and preserving nine islands and nearly 20 miles of coast.

The Maine Coast Heritage Trust said Monday that it completed more conservation projects in the past 12 months than in any other year since it was created in 1970. The trust finalized 40 projects in 2006.

Got Land?

The Land for Maine’s Future Board is seeking proposals for land conservation projects to assist.

“We’re really looking for those wonderful, special places in Maine, whether they be farmland, a hiking trail, a park really anything that supports the quality of life in Maine through the protection of undeveloped land,” Glidden said. – Blethen MNS

The Land for Maine’s Future Program was created in 1987 in response to concerns over the loss of critical natural areas and wildlife habitat along with traditional access to undeveloped lands for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

To date, the Land for Maine’s Future Program has funded the protection of more than 445,000 acres of Maine’s best natural areas, farms, and recreation areas.

The Program also seeks to protect public access to water for fishing, boating, and swimming. Working with other state agencies, numerous local governments and charitable nonprofit groups, the Land for Maine’s Future Board adheres to a “willing seller only” policy.

Funding for these new projects will come from a $17 million bond issue approved by the Maine Legislature and Maine voters in 2007. – Morning Sentinel