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Maine Coast Heritage Trust Raises $100 Million to Protect the Character of Maine's Coast

Maine Coast Heritage Trust Raises $100 Million to Protect the Character of Maine's Coast

Published 08-08-06

Submitted by Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Portland, ME -- Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization, today announced it has raised more than $100 million to accelerate land conservation on Maine's coast. Maine Coast Heritage Trust's "Campaign for the Coast" is the largest land conservation capital campaign in Maine's history.

"Five years ago to the day, Maine Coast Heritage Trust launched the public phase of the Campaign for the Coast," said Jay Espy, president of Maine Coast Heritage Trust. "Today, we are very pleased to celebrate achieving our ambitious fundraising goal for the Campaign, thanks to many generous people who love the coast of Maine. From first-time five dollar checks to major gifts, we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us attain our goal - and these funds are already at work protecting the coast," continued Espy.

"Raising $100 million on time and on goal is a tremendous collective accomplishment, which reflects people's strong passion for protecting the character of Maine. Together with the ongoing support of landowners, donors, members and our community partners, we have the opportunity to conserve our priceless coast, while there's still time," said Espy.

Since inception, the Campaign for the Coast has protected more than 14,000 acres of Maine's most threatened natural resources, including 125 miles of shoreline, 750 acres of coastal farmland, and 56 entire coastal islands. More than 900 acres of eagle nesting habitat have been conserved, as well as 525 acres of seabird nesting habitat. These land protection successes, and those yet to come, will assure continued public access to the coast for traditional activities such as hiking, fishing, clamming, and nature observation.

"Land conservation isn't just about acres and miles," said Richard Rockefeller, chairman of Maine Coast Heritage Trust's board of directors. "Nature, wildlife, and people depend on Maine's coast. If we continue to act as quickly and earnestly as possible, we have the opportunity to forever protect these natural lands--for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes--and leave a legacy for future generations," added Rockefeller.

Every year, more than 30 million people enjoy Maine's spectacular coastline--one of America's most recognized natural treasures, and an important part of Maine's economic infrastructure.

Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Maine Coast Heritage Trust was one of the first land conversation organizations in the United States to partner with private landowners, municipalities, and other community partners to use voluntary conservation agreements to protect the land. In 1995, Maine Coast Heritage Trust founded the Maine Land Trust Network, a network of the state's 100 land trusts formed to build land conservation capacity and to unite and strengthen Maine's collective conservation efforts.

To continue its commitment to the land, and to the wildlife and people who depend on it, Maine Coast Heritage Trust practices careful and responsible stewardship--monitoring properties, creating and maintaining trails, and educating visitors--striking a balance between human use and natural habitat for plants and animals. Maine Coast Heritage Trust owns and manages 50 preserves, including 15 seabird nesting islands, and holds more than 150 voluntary conservation agreements on land owned by individuals, families, towns, and other organizations.

"While we are proud of our collective successes, Maine Coast Heritage Trust is mindful that there is still so much to be done," said Espy. "Each day we identify and further new conservation projects that extend our reach. Our most recent conservation success, at Jasper Beach in the Town of Machiasport, is an example of leveraging our efforts with partners. The Land for Maine's Future board awarded a generous $366,000 grant toward the purchase of this treasured natural resource, and we plan to transfer the property to the Town to best meet the ongoing recreational needs of the community. We simply could not do it without our members, and the ongoing support of people and organizations who love the coast of Maine."

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine. For more information, visit www.mcht.org.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust logo

Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide land conservation organization committed to protecting the character of Maine. Since 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has permanently protected more than 121,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 260 entire coastal islands. Working together with landowners, land trusts, and other community partners, Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity, and working landscapes. A membership and nonprofit organization, Maine Coast Heritage Trust counts on the ongoing support from members and people who love the coast of Maine. For more information, visit www.mcht.org.

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