After six months of Active fundrAising over $452,000 has been raised to support the land campaign to purchase and protect Hacker’s Hill in Casco. Last May Loon Echo Land Trust was successful in securing a one year option agreement to purchase 27 acres of the unique hilltop property for $700,000. The option agreement was structured into two six month terms; the timing was based upon receiving funding from the Land for Maine’s Future Program (LMF), a vital component of the project budget.

In July the LMF announced a preliminary grant award of $220,382. Carrie Walia, Executive Director, attended the LMF board meeting where they reviewed the scoring committee’s recommendations for all project proposals which then informed the LMF board’s decision.

The review committee gave Hacker’s Hill the highest score of all of the regional projects, as they agreed with Loon Echo’s proposal that the project qualifies for the single exceptional score of 50 points because of the extraordinary scenic views. These points are assigned to those projects that are exceptionally rare and of outstanding significance in a statewide context.

The LMF board, after careful consideration, strayed from the review committee’s recommendation and withdrew the single exceptional value points. Still, the project was one of the highest scoring regional projects. A total of 22 projects that will conserve 76,000 acres of undeveloped shoreline, forests and mountains were funded by LMF, committing all of the available funds for farmland, conservation and recreation projects.

Just one month prior to the LMF announcement, the townspeople of Casco voted overwhelmingly to allocate $75,000 from the land acquisition account to the project. The warrant article was intended to match the LMF funds, and a condition of the funding is that the citizens of Casco

winter/spring 2012

insideProject UpdatesGreenprint, Pondicherry Park, and new Tenny River 3 Event CalendarDid you know that we offer at least one walk or hike every month? 4 Maine Land Trusts LeadLand trusts in Maine have protected 1,796,387 acres between 2005 and 2010. 8

continued on page 5

Loon Echo Lands a New HomeNot only has Loon Echo Land Trust adopted a new look, our cleaner logo depicting more accurately our mission of protecting land, we have also landed in a new location. After 10 years on Main Street sharing a location with Lakes Environmental Association, we have ventured out to our new location at 8 Depot Street in Bridgton across from the Dunning Bridge entrance to Pondicherry Park. With all the gains we have made in our conservation efforts the board and staff decided last fall we would need to move locations continue building our growing staff and volunteers. Many members and neighbors alike came out on December 2 for our open house and ribbon cutting; all visitors were impressed with the new space. We look forward to your visit and be sure to change your records to: Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot St., Ste 4, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Hacker’s Hill Campaign Makes Significant Gains

LoonEchonews

Mody Botros from About Time Graphics, Carrie Walia, Loon Echo Land Trust Executive Director, Justin McIver from Main Eco Homes and members of the Loon Echo Land Trust Board at the open house ribbon cutting.

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The clock ticks down to the day when the one year

option agreement will expire. Loon Echo depends on its

many members, supporting foundations and the public

to make contributions to the Hacker’s Hill campaign in order to meet the goal of

$800,000, which includes the land purchase, legal fees

and a permanent stewardship endowment.

2 • loon echo winter/spring 2012 news www.lelt.org

loon echo news

24th annual meeting celebrates volunteerismeven with the lAck of power, due to tropicAl storm Irene the day before, the Loon Echo Land Trust Annual Meeting was a lovely affair. The meeting was held on Monday, August 29, 2011 at Wyonegonic Camps in Denmark on the shores of Moose Pond overlooking Pleasant Mountain, where we celebrated our 24th anniversary. Approximately 55 members, board members and staff were on hand to enjoy the wonderful views afforded by this camp and the delicious meal provided by the Sudduth’s staff at the camp’s beautiful dining hall.

This year Loon Echo honored an organization instead of an individual as volunteer of the year. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) was the 2011 recipient for its volunteer efforts on several of Loon Echo’s trails. Keith Chapman of the Maine Chapter of the AMC was on hand to accept this honor. AMC’s Trails Department staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center were unable to attend due to the storm. Their teen and adult volunteer work crews have assisted with major trail rehabilitation efforts

loon echo transitionsdAvid hursty, president of loon echo led the membership in electing Mike McSally to the Board of Directors during the 24th annual meeting. Mr. McSally is a part time resident of Bridgton enjoying his summers on Highland Lake and skiing at Shawnee Peak in the winter. When not in Bridgton, Mike makes his home in Greenland, New Hampshire with his wife Anne and their two children Erin and Patrick. Recently retired from a career in the property and casualty insurance industry, Mike has served on a number of boards including Shawnee Peak Ski Area. A member of Loon Echo since 2009 Mike looks forward to giving back to the Lakes Region community through his work with the organization.

The membership also renewed another term for Eric Dibner, a founding officer at Loon Echo. Eric’s history with the organization and passion for the mission continues to be a valuable asset to Loon Echo.

Since the annual meeting, Maggie Bauer of Denmark regrettably resigned from her director position that she’s held for six years. We wish Maggie well as she focuses on her teaching career at Poland High School.

staffExecutive DirectorCarrie Walia, carrie@lelt.orgStewardship & Volunteer CoordinatorJon Evans, jon@lelt.orgMembership & Communications CoordinatorBeth Phelps, beth@lelt.orgspecialists (non-staff)Event Manager, Carol Meader, trek@lelt.orgCartographer, Pam Edwardsmapping@lelt.org

board of directorsDavid Hursty, PresidentBrian Dillon, Vice PresidentRobert Gowdy, TreasurerMark Van Winkle, SecretaryConnie CrossEric DibnerKaren EllerAllen ErlerJerry HoltMichael McSallyNorm NicholsonCarol Sudduth

8 Depot St., Ste 4Bridgton, Maine 04009207-647-4352info@lelt.org

Keith Chapman of the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) accepts the Volunteer of the Year award on behalf of the AMC.

Executive Director, Carrie Walia with member Joan Erler pictured here with the Bald Pate signature photo taken by Bob Travis.

New Loon Echo Board member, Michael McSally, with Bridgton Lake Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Jim Mains, at the December 2 Loon Echo open house.

at Pleasant Mountain and this year at Bald Pate Mountain where bog bridging was installed on the Micah and Moose Trails. The Maine Chapter adopts the Ledges Trail at Pleasant Mountain and leads two trail work days in the spring and late summer.

For the business portion of the meeting, we renewed and elected officers, reviewed financial reports and Executive Director, Carrie Walia, presented and reviewed the Lake Region Greenprint Project and the Hacker’s Hill capital campaign.

www.lelt.org loon echo winter/spring 2012 news • 3

project updAtes

lake region greenprint – a vital tool now thAt the lAndscApe conservAtion priorities hAve been identified through the community planning process known as the “Lake Region Greenprint,” Loon Echo is busy helping launch the plan’s recommendations. The Greenprint outlines five core strategies that will help accelerate the pace of land conservation, generate further awareness about the protection of our land and water, and help municipalities better plan for future growth. The action plan’s five strategies include:

•Strengtheningrolesandpartnerships,•UsingtheGreenprintgoalstofurtherland conservation,•Promotingtheconservationofnaturalresourcesand recreation to support the local economy and tourism,•Providingresourcestoassistmunicipalitiesandinform land use decisions to protect small-town character,•Determiningappropriatemethodsforfinancingopen space protection in priority areas.

Carrie Walia, executive director, presented the findings and action plan to Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Sebago and Raymond Boards of Selectpeople. Each town contributed $1 per capita to the project, and now many towns are working in partnership to achieve the goals outlined in the plan. For example:

•Denmarkhasestablishedalandprotectionaccountof $5,000, to be funded by tree growth tax penalty funds;•Harrison’snewlyestablishedConservationCommittee and other municipal representatives have been trained on the basics of the on-line mapping tool;•Regionaltrailinformation(motorizedandnon- motorized) gathered and mapped during the Greenprint process is being used by People’s Regional Opportunity Program (PROP). Their regional trail and physical activity guide is due out this spring.•LoonEchoandtheestablishedconservation commissions will develop “focus areas” using the mapped priority areas as a guide for targeted land protection. Landowners in certain focus areas may be invited to conserve their land using a variety of tools and financing mechanisms.

The Lake Region has experienced substantial population growth in the past, and as a result forests, farms, and

pondicherry parkBridgton residents overwhelmingly supported the Pondicherry Park Project with 1,225 in favor to 372 opposed in response to the article on the November 2011 referendum asking if residents approve the transfer of the Park to the Town of Bridgton. The Park, currently owned by Loon Echo, will be transformed into a municipal-owned and managed property if Loon Echo, partner Lakes Environmental Association and the Bridgton Board of Selectmen can come to terms on the perpetual conservation easement, management plan and the committee agreement prior to June 30, 2012. The conservation easement’s purpose is to protect the natural resources, low-impact recreational opportunities and educational uses and study of the sixty-six acres of land bordered by Willett Brook and South High Street. The Selectmen will hold a public informational meeting to discuss the future of the Park, so please look for this announcement in the Bridgton News.

collaborating to protect the tenny river The Tenny River is a short one mile stretch of water between Crescent Lake and Panther Pond in Raymond. The shallow, slow moving river is home to a wide range of fish, birds and other wildlife, and provides boaters with a quiet and pristine paddling route. Loon Echo is working with the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America and a group of nearby landowners to purchase and permanently conserve approximately 30 acres along the river. The land, with 900 feet of river shoreline, will compliment the adjacent 280 acres of Boy Scout Camp Hinds property by providing low-impact educational opportunities for up to 5,700 youth annually. Loon Echo will hold a conservation easement on the land, and will work collaboratively to protect more land along the Tenny River corridor in the coming years. Preserving the river corridor will help protect the water quality in the Tenny, in Panther Pond (into which it drains), and the Casco Bay Watershed. The land along the river is also part of the recharge area for the aquifers supplying the Lake Region. To make a gift to this project, please contact Tony Rogers, Boy Scout Executive at (207) 797-5252 ext. 20.

trail networks have been fragmented and water quality impacted. According to the report, growth in the region has far outpaced Maine’s growth rate over the past 20 years – by three to four times. So, the time is now - more land needs to be set aside in order to preserve rural character and maintain our high quality of life. Our region’s tourism-basedeconomydependsonit.Unplannedgrowthandminimal land use planning will continue to tear at the landscape, the very fabric that makes our region pristine and attractive to live, work and play in. Although the economy is down and the home construction is at a low, soon another twenty years will have gone by, and you’ll wonder “whatever happened to [insert your favorite unprotected place here].” If you’d like to learn about the available options to conserve your own property, please contact us. To read the Lake Region Greenprint report, please visit www.lelt.org.

4 • loon echo winter/spring 2012 news www.lelt.org

Mushers Bowl Snowshoe HikesJanuary 21 and 22

Join Loon Echo Land Trust for moderate snowshoe hikes to the summit of Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton as part of the Mushers Bowl weekend at Five Fields Farm. Hikers should meet at the preserve’s main parking area at 9:45 AM to register for the 10:00 AM hikes. Bring snowshoes (some available by reservation). Approximately 2 hours.

Tracking Hike at Pondicherry ParkFebruary 18

A guided snowshoe hike of the forgotten pastures of Pondicherry Park will have participants exploring the fields for various animal tracks on this easy-moderate hike. In the past the group sited moose, deer, beaver, fisher and many other animal sign. Bring snowshoes (some are available by reservation). Meet at the Bob Dunning Bridge on Depot Street at 8:45 AM for the 9:00 AM hike. Approximately 2 hours.

Sunrise Hike at Bald Pate MountainMarch 20

Do not miss Loon Echo’s annual tradition of welcoming the first sunrise of spring from the summit of Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton. Meet at the main parking area at 6:00 AM for this moderate to difficult hike. Sunrise is at 6:46 AM. Bring snowshoes and flashlights (some are available by reservation). Hot cocoa and donut “tailgate” party to follow! Approximately 2 hours.

Trail Maintenance at Pleasant MountainApril 14

Join Loon Echo trail adopters and the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club for a day of important trail work on the Ledges Trail on Pleasant Mountain. Workers should come prepared for this moderate to difficult climb and work day. A good back pack is helpful. Some basic tools and training will be provided. Workers should meet at the trail head on Mountain road at 7:45 AM for the 8:00 AM hike. Approximately 6 hours.

Hawk Migration at Hacker’s Hill in CascoApril 21

Dick Anderson, former director of Maine Audubon, will lead a spring hawk migration event from the summit of Casco’s incredible Hacker’s Hill. Park at the summit. Bring a chair and binoculars. The event will start at 9:00 AM or when the birds decide to pay a visit! The fall migration was a huge success with over 150 birds viewed, including hawks, eagles and ospreys. Approximately 3 hours.

Earth Day Hike at Bald Pate MountainApril 22

Help Loon Echo celebrate Earth Day 2012 with a moderate hike up Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton. In past years hikers have brought music, poetry and food to share. The group will then convene at Bray’s Brew Pub in Naples for a mug of Bald Pate Celebration Ale. Meet at the main parking area at 3:00 pm. Approximately 90 minutes.

Pleasant Mountain Bicycle LoopMay 6

See page 6 for details

january-june 2012 event calendar

All outdoor hikes and walks are subject to weather conditions and/or date changes. Please check our website for updates and additional activities at www.lelt.org. Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and varied terrain. Bring water and snacks with you on the trail. Call (207) 647-4352 for more information. Check our contact reference box on page 2 for proper program staff email.

30 participants of the December 10 Sunset-Moonrise hike were witness to this beautiful sunset from the summit of Bald Pate Mountain.

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as well as an exciting game of ultimate Frisbee featuring skiers vs. shoers. Warm up by the open fire while enjoying hot chocolate, smores and delicious treats. The nominal fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children will include trail passes, food and prizes. Equipment rentals will be available for an additional charge. For more information, contact Carol Meader at trek@lelt.org or 207-647-4352.

Loon Echo SnowfestFebruary 19

We are excited to announce our first family Snowfest. Please join us for a day of fun and adventure from 11-2 pm at Five Fields Farms located on Route 107 in South Bridgton. We will offer timed cross country ski races for easy and intermediate levels, or you can don your snowshoes and participate in a scavenger hunt on Bald Pate Mountain. We will offer snowball throwing and best snowman making contests

www.lelt.org loon echo winter/spring 2012 news • 5

be allowed to access the property. This early public pledge of support positively influenced the LMF’s decision, proving that the site is cherished by its host town.

In August LMF and the Department of Conservation (DOC) asked the State’s Attorney General’s office to review and provide them with advice regarding the religious structures currently located at the hill. After receiving the Assistant Attorney General’s response, which suggested there could possibly be a violation of the First Amendment with the State applying funding to a site with Christian symbolism, LMF and DOC announced that they would require the structures to be removed prior to funding the project.

At two fall meetings of the Casco Conservation Commission and Board of Selectpersons, wide arrays of preferences regarding future use of the hill were expressed. Most felt that in order to preserve the hill, the State’s funding and associated restrictions should be accepted, and that spiritual appreciation and worship can continue without structures. Some felt that the makeshift cross should stay, as it has been there since 1997 and was at one time a towering pine tree. Many people wanted to know what uses would be allowed in the future, under Loon Echo’s ownership. While not all uses and management

continued from page 1

Dick Anderson, former Executive Director of Maine Audubon, Ted Koffman, Executive Director Maine Audubon, Don Hudson, President Emeritus of the Chewonki Foundation with Loon Echo staff on Hacker’s Hill.

Wildflower Walk at Mayberry HillMay 12

Join Loon Echo for an easy walk through the Mayberry Hill Preserve to observe wildflowers (and black flies) in bloom! There are many interesting species close to the trail including lady slippers. Participants will meet at the kiosk off of Mayberry Hill Road for this 9 AM event. Don’t forget your camera! Approximately 2 hours.

Trail work at Pleasant MountainJune 2

Lend a hand with Loon Echo for National Trails Day! Help us clean up and improve Bald Peak Trail at Pleasant Mountain with some drainage cleaning and brush clipping. Basic tools and training will be provided. A good back pack is helpful. Meet at the Bald Peak Trail head on Mountain Road at 7:45 AM for this moderate to difficult climb and work day. Approximately 6 hours.

Mayberry Hill Bicycle LoopJune 3

See page 6 for details

Family Paddle at Hancock PondJune 9

Come paddle with Loon Echo. This moderate kayak/canoe trip on Hancock Pond in Sebago will offer beautiful views of Pleasant Mountain, Mount Washington and Bald Pate Mountain. Paddlers should meet at the public boat launch on Hancock Pond Road at 8:45 AM for the 9:00 AM paddle. Bring kayak/canoe, life jackets, sunscreen, hat, camera, food for a picnic and plenty of drinking water. Approximately 4 hours.

Summer Solstice Hike at Bald Pate MountainJune 21

Celebrate the first day of summer with a moderate hike up Bald Pate Mountain and honor one of Loon Echo’s founders, Bob Chase, who loved the mountain and the views it provides. Meet at the Bald Pate main parking area at 5:00 PM. Approximately 2 hours.

activities are fully developed at this time, Loon Echo’s intent is to keep the current uses- including scenic viewing, community events, weddings, memorial services, snowmobiling and more – in place as long as such uses could be effectively managed by the organization and supported at the site into the future. Loon Echo developed a list of all of the current uses at the hill, and will present the list for discussion at a future Board of Selectperson’s meeting and public informational forum.

In December, a letter by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), a Christian-based non-profit legal firm in Virginia, was sent to LMF. The letter was written at the request of the hill’s volunteer caretaker regarding the potential Establishment Clause issues associated with the State’s funding. The letter explains why, in ACLJ’s opinion, the LMF funds do not have to impose such restrictions. LMF is currently reviewing the letter from the ACLJ and intends to work with Loon Echo towards the mutual goal of protecting the hilltop from development. They reaffirmed that they are committed to the success of the Hacker’s Hill project.

Loon Echo intends to accept the State’s funding, as the project depends upon it. The LMF program is the primary source of land conservation funding in Maine. “Loon Echo is working to preserve the natural qualities of the hill so that everyone is able to enjoy all that the hill offers,” says Walia.

The clock ticks down to the day when the one year option agreement will expire. Loon Echo depends on its many members, supporting foundations and the public to make contributions to the Hacker’s Hill campaign in order to meet the goal of $800,000, which includes the land purchase, legal fees and a permanent stewardship endowment.

To make a gift, please send a check to our office with “Hacker’s Hill” in the memo, or go online to the campaign webpage to make a gift via credit card. Major gift pledges are being accepted into 2013, which will allow Loon Echo to close on the property in the spring with the help of a bridge loan.

Calendar continued

6 • loon echo winter/spring 2012 news www.lelt.org

loon echo Benefited from the contributions of two youth groups who had a significant impact on the stewardship program this past year. Dave Langley, from Lakes Region High School, brought 20 students to the Bald Pate Mountain Preserve to assist with projects focusing on maintaining desired trail width standards. Troop 39 Boy Scout leader, Mark Larkin, brought an eager troop to Pleasant Mountain for a day of critical drainage clearing on the Bald Peak Trail. Proper maintenance of drainage ditches helps prevent soil erosion along the trails. The

notes from the trAil

Scouts from troop 39 volunteer their time on the Bald Peak trail at Pleasant Mountain.

group was trained in part by Bald Peak trail adopter Nick Ashton. Plans have been made to work with both groups again in 2012. Loon Echo is grateful for all their help.

A trAil mAp And Brochure for mAyBerry hill preserve is now available. You can find it at the trail head kiosk and online at our website. Mayberry Hill was Loon Echo’s first conservation preserve, donated by the Gillis family in 1990. The gentle one mile loop trail skirts open fields and passes through the forest that is managed according to the Forest Stewardship Council’s green standards. Public uses at the preserve include hiking, dog walking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and hunting.

the stewArdship committee is updating its forestry plans for Bald Pate Mountain, Pleasant Mountain and the Sebago Headwaters Preserves. Loon Echo is working closely with Integrated Forest Management (IFM) to implement a plan that meets our animal habitat, recreational and forestry goals for these preserves. The work is being funded by a grant from The Maine Forest Service and an anonymous donor.

Pleasant Mountain Loop May 6We will meet in the parking lot of Shawnee Peak on Mountain Road in Bridgton at 8 a.m. Our ride will take us down Mountain Road. We will turn up Hio Ridge Road in Denmark which offers views of the Pleasant Mountain, turning onto Route 302 for a short distance then back to Mountain Road. This is a rolling to slightly hilly 15 mile course. Pace will be determined by riders present and no one will be left behind. All riders should bring a helmet, water or sports drink, an energy bar and basic tire changing supplies.

Mayberry Preserve Loop June 3We will meet at the Crooked River Elementary School on Route 11 in Casco at 8 a.m. Our ride will begin with a short distance on Route 11, turning onto Route 121 into Casco Village. We will pedal down Mayberry Hill Road and past our preserve, into Otisfield, turning back into Casco along the western side of Pleasant Lake with a final climb up Leach Hill Road and back to the parking lot. This is a rolling to moderate hilly 20 mile

cycling series

course. Pace will be determined by riders present and no one will be left behind. All riders should bring a helmet, water or sports drink, an energy bar and basic tire changing supplies.

future bicycle rides includeHacker’s Hill Loop July 1

Bald Pate Mountain Loop August 5

Trek Preview Loop September 2

For more information, contact Carol Meader at trek@lelt.org or 207-647-4352.

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www.lelt.org loon echo winter/spring 2012 news • 7

john thomAs hAs Been A memBer of Loon Echo since 1996 and is a current conservation easement monitor of one of the organization’s 16 easements. A former faculty member of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, John has a vested interest in conservation both here and abroad. The Lakes Region of Maine is of vital importance to John as he has been visiting the Bridgton – Denmark area since the 1970’s both as a summer camper and seasonal recreationist. John and his wife Jane purchased a home here in 1995 and the peace and beauty the area has to offer is a very high priority to John.

“My mother and father grew up on farms and had a deep love of our natural environment. My mother used to say she was an environmentalist before there was such a thing. I inherited their love, concern, and pleasure in nature,” says John. “The natural beauty and wildlife of our state and outdoor activities here have nourished and refreshed me for years. I want to sustain that for myself, my children and my grandchildren. Loon Echo gives me a wonderful and direct way to do that.”

To learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can help, please contact us.

volunteer spotlight easement monitor john thomas

september 15 shawnee peak, bridgton maineHike or Bike to benefit the Loon Echo Land Trust

To help prepare for the 12th annual Loon Echo Trek, we are excited to offer monthly training rides geared around our protected lands. These rides will be held on the first Sunday of every month and will offer a variety of terrain and distance but all will guarantee scenic views and ample opportunity to prepare your legs and lungs for the Trek. See page 6 for dates and details.

SAVE THE DATE!Don’t miss out on Maine’s premier bicycling and hiking event!

Leave a Legacy of Conservation Join the Bob Chase Legacy SocietyLoon Echo has pledged to forever care for the land that you help us conserve today. Together, we can save places that are important to you and your family. When you include Loon Echo in your estate planning, you’ll keep making a difference for generations to come.

For more information about making a donation, call us at (207) 647-4352 or info@lelt.org.

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Hikers and cyclists alike relax at the base of Shawnee Peak. With over 300 participants the 2011 Loon Echo Trek was a huge success.

Conservation Easement Monitor, John Thomas, seen here at a cabin building site on Highland Lake

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Loon EcHoTrEk 2012

8 • loon echo winter/spring 2012 news www.lelt.org

According to the 2010 nAtionAl lAnd trust census report nonprofit land trusts are a major component of why conservation nationwide is thriving. Between 2005 and 2010 over 10 million acres have been protected due to the efforts of land trusts, with Maine being one of the leaders in these pursuits.

Land trusts in Maine have protected 1,796,387 acres between 2005 and 2010 representing an 8% increase in protected lands. Nationwide Maine ranks second in acres conservedandfirstintheNortheasternUSduringthistime period. With 88 land trusts operating in Maine, 60 of which are staffed, the realization of maintaining more of the state’s natural resources is attainable. Throughout the state land trusts relied on 3,846 active volunteers and contributions of 41,767 financial supporters, increasing the number of active volunteers by 70% since 2005. This growing trend in conservation at the land trust level makes it more manageable for citizens wanting to protect their region to get involved.

Conservation has long been important to residents of

Census Shows Maine Land Trusts Lead Nation

Maine and a bipartisan survey conducted by The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land in May of 2011 illustrates how nature is truly valued regardless of political persuasion. Over 80% of voters feel that conservation is very important to the quality of life

we enjoy in Maine with 95% agreeing that we all have a role in conserving the state’s natural resources. The majority of Maine’s voters, 96% according to this poll, deem land conservation as a vital economic benefit and agree that even when the budget is tight money should be allocated to fund land and water conservation. Most Mainer’s agree that investing in conservation protects quality of life for current and future generations. The majority of voters surveyed are either active in the outdoors or value the outdoor resources we have available and agree that nature is Maine’s lifestyle and economy.

8 Depot St., Ste 4Bridgton, Maine 04009Address service requested

To read the 2010 National Land Trust

Census report, go to www.landtrustalliance.org

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