Land for Maine’s Future Program makes call for conservation, recreation proposals

AUGUSTA — The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Land for Maine’s Future Program has announced its next call for conservation and recreation proposals.

The latest requests are for Projects of Statewide Significance and Community Conservation Projects.

Important LMF proposal dates are as follows:

• Friday, Jan. 19 — Inquiry forms are due by 5 p.m.
• Friday, March 22 — Final proposals are due by 5 p.m.

Projects of Statewide Significance include lands with one or more resources that are rare and exceptional in Maine based on a published report, database, or credible testimony, or the recreational activity associated with the parcel will frequently and routinely attract users.

Community Conservation Projects are endeavors of local or regional significance that promote public outdoor recreational access to land and waters, including for underserved populations; public health; connection between conserved lands and population centers; local or regional agriculture; conservation of cultural and historical resources on undeveloped lands; protection of lakes, rivers or streams; conservation of fish or wildlife habitat; protection of public drinking water supplies; conservation of community forests; local economic development; opportunities for environmental learning; and non-motorized transportation options.

Eligible program applicants include nonprofit land conservation organizations, cities, towns, state agencies, or other eligible holders of conservation easements under Title 33 MRSA, Section 476(2). An application must include full knowledge and agreement from the landowner that their project is up for consideration for program funding.

A copy of the LMF Workbook, which contains all the information necessary to apply for program funds, is now available on the LMF web page at maine.gov.

The program’s Public Access to Maine’s Waters Fund operates on a continuous submission basis.

The program, the state’s primary method of conserving land for its natural and recreational value, was established in 1987 when Maine citizens approved a $35 million bond to fund land purchases and easements. The program’s priority is to conserve more of Maine’s landscape, recognizing that permanently protecting lands with exceptional natural or recreational value is critical to maintaining quality of life, according to a news release from the department.

Since its inception, the program has conserved more than 626,000 acres. The scope of program’s impact encompasses creating 73 water access sites, offering 67 miles of protected shoreline along rivers, lakes and ponds. The program has safeguarded 41 farms, securing 9,884 acres of farmland. Additionally, it has been instrumental in conserving 30 working waterfront properties and repurposing 158 miles of former railroad corridors into recreational trails. This multifaceted approach extends to creating more 65 miles of coastal access, enhancing public enjoyment of Maine’s coastal landscapes.

Since Gov. Janet Mills proposed and the Legislature overwhelmingly approved $40 million to reinvigorate the program, the program board has approved 56 new projects, totaling $22.7 million. These projects are expected to leverage an additional $52.6 million in private and federal funds.