News

The Maine Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee has released its report on conservation lands owned by nonprofit organizations, which it was authorized to undertake by a provision in the General Fund Biennial Budget for 2018 and 2019. The report gives high marks to our land trust community and includes some interesting recommendations.

For two years, Maine land trusts have been fending off a series of ill-conceived bills in the state legislature, each based on false assumptions questioning the value of land conservation. In “Land Trusts Work for Maine,” MLTN answers critics with actual data and real examples that illustrate how land conservation groups are expanding outdoor recreational opportunities, strengthening the tourism economy, supporting natural resource jobs, and enhancing local communities in Maine.

If you notice an abundance of pickup trucks hauling snowmobile trailers during the winter in the town of Newport, that’s because it’s a key location to hop onto miles upon miles of well-maintained snowmobile trails.

Despite coming under fire from Gov. Paul LePage, who opposes most taxpayer-funded conservation projects, LMF has strong public support — since 1987 it has been bolstered by more than half a dozen statewide bonds that have helped conserve 600,000 acres and more than 150 destinations.

The LMF Passport features 35 recommended itineraries, paired with suggested outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and ATV riding. However, participants can customize their adventures by using the new LMF website

For generations, fishermen have traveled to Grand Lake Stream to try their luck in the pristine waters that flow out of West Grand Lake.

Governor LePage continues to undermine the mission of the Land for Maine's Future Program, all but ensuring that which Mainers benefit will depend on where they live and how they enjoy the outdoors.