Public Invitation to the 21st Annual Educational Meeting
of
The Greater Lovell Land Trust
“Conserved Lands, Local Maine Economies & Ecotourism ”
Presentation by Representative Bob Duchesne, author of the Official Guide to The Maine Birding Trail Guide published by Downeast Books.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
at
Lovell VFW Hall, Smart’s Hill Road, Lovell Village, Maine
8:30-9:15 a.m. Social and Continental Breakfast
9:15-10:30 a.m. Annual Meeting of GLLT
10:30-11:30 a.m. Conserved Lands, Local Maine Economies and Ecotourism
Bob Duchesne currently serves as the Maine State Representative for House District 13 near Old Town and chairs the Natural Resources Committee. He is a trustee of Maine Audubon and president of its Bangor area chapter. He is an avid and lifelong birder and author of the Maine Birding Trail published by Downeast Books. The Guide differs from other publications as it focuses less on species and more on destinations for quality birding sites. GLLT is site #54 on the trail.
Public is invited to attend
Contributing membership to the Greater Lovell Land Trust is not required; however, annual membership is encouraged and appreciated.
******************************************************************************
Amos Mountain Campaign Update
Posted October 31, 2009
We are actively engaged in a Capital Campaign to raise the nearly $250,000 needed to complete the purchase and develop additional public access to the property. The GLLT has obligations in each of the next 3 years (2009-2011) and we greatly appreciate your financial contributions to this exciting project.
We are pleased to announce the receipt of three grants to support a new trailhead parking facility and connector trail leading to the summit of Amos Mountain. The GLLT received a grant of $6,100 from the Maine Community Foundation Oxford County Fund, a grant of $3,500 from the L.L. Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program and a $500 Kodak American Greenways Award. These grants will greatly advance the stewardship funding needs for this project.
The Amos Mountain property abuts the 603 acre Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve, thus creating an 801 acre reserve that includes the summits of Whiting Hill (elev. 801 feet), Flat Hill (elev. 891 feet) and now Amos Mountain (elev. 955 feet). This large reserved area is host to moose, dear, bear, otters, mink and fisher, pine warblers, raptors and owls to name a few. Native dogwoods grow on the steep boulder strewn western slopes, while the occasional American Chestnut tree, resistant to the blight that eradicated its ancestors, offer hope for its return to this forest. Fernleaf-false foxgloves, a state threatened species bloom at the ledgey summit and interesting wildflowers grace its rocky outcrops and down slope forests.
****************************************************************************
Posted October, 2009
Greater Lovell Land Trust Named Landowner of the Year
The Greater Lovell Land Trust has been named Maine’s Landowner of the Year, Conservation Category, by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at an awards banquet held in Augusta on October 20, 2009. The Maine Snowmobilers Association in cooperation with the Landowners and Sportsmen’s Relations Program of Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife sponsored the banquet.
In accepting this award for the GLLT Executive Director Tom Henderson noted, “The GLLT purchased its first property in 1996 and adopted at that time, a policy of land stewardship that protects natural resources and seeks to preserve traditional uses. We realized that the 603 acres we were preparing to buy had been managed for forest products for generations. It was used for hunting, snowmobile trails, hiking and many multiple uses. It was wonderful land and one of many local gems. We make efforts to support traditional uses on lands we acquire, provided those uses are not detrimental to the ecological systems present. It has been a policy that has served our mission well and benefited both human and natural communities in a respectful and balanced approach”. He thanked Al St. Germain, Treasurer of the Kezar Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club, who submitted the nomination, as well as the many volunteers who work long hours maintaining and stewarding the GLLT’s properties.
In his nomination submission, Mr. St. Germain stated “. . . Land management and the provision of public access are most successful in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. The GLLT has a long history of building strong relationships to provide quality infrastructure, prevent or mitigate user conflicts, and ensure the support of neighbors and abutters. When it acquired its first property, the 603 acre Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve, the GLLT was quick to respond to the Kezar Trailbreakers’ concern for the future of the snowmobile trail. The trail has remained, and the club volunteered to groom cross country ski trails on the property for other users. The GLLT and Kezar Trailbreakers have since worked together to relocate the trail when it became necessary. . . .Working with the Greater Lovell Land Trust is a collaborative experience. . .”
Letters in support of this nomination were submitted by Rep. Bob Duschesne, Representative House District 13, Mr. Alan B. Stearns, Deputy Director of Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands, and Mr. Michael R. Mendonca, Lovell Recreation Director.
Rep. Duschesne cited his work with the GLLT in creating a statewide Maine Birding Trail. He noted that the Greater Lovell Land Trust has been designated Site #54 on the state’s map of 82 prime birding locations, and that it is the only Maine land trust included in its entirety.
Deputy Director Stearns applauded the “. . .strong working relationship between the land trust and the snowmobile club. . .” and stated that “the award helped showcase the Bureau of Parks & Lands’ goal of identifying best practices between land trusts and the full spectrum of recreational users in any community.”
Mr. Mendonca cited his alliance with the GLLT in providing outdoor recreational programs and an accessible trail system for the citizens of Lovell and the nearby towns of Chatham, Stoneham, Stow and Sweden in supporting the nomination.
***************************************************************************
Posted October, 2009
DR. HOWARD A. CORWIN HONORED WITH
NATIONAL CONSERVATION SERVICE AWARD
Every year, one land conservation leader is selected to receive the Land Trust Alliance’s prestigious National Conservation Service Award for making a significant contribution to the advancement of land conservation. Dr. Howard A. Corwin, a founder in 1985 of the Greater Lovell Land Trust in Maine, and its president until 2008, was presented with the award this year at Rally: The National Land Conservation Conference in Portland, OR on October 12, 2009.
Rand Wentworth, Land Trust Alliance President, said that Dr. Corwin “is one of Maine’s well respected ‘elder-statesman’ of conservation. Through his unfaltering dedication, he has helped facilitate an extraordinary record of success for the communities of Maine by working collaboratively to preserve cherished hiking trails, miles and miles of waterfronts, viewsheds, wetlands, forestlands, and farmlands.” He added, “We congratulate Dr. Corwin on his tremendous service to the conservation efforts underway in this country.”
When presented with the award, Dr. Corwin said, “This came as a big surprise. I can only accept this award on behalf of each and every volunteer here and throughout the land trust movement. I consider them most special. They bring their idealism, devotion, inspiration, vision, and oftentimes their sheer courage to their work.”
Dr. Corwin’s career in conservation began in the 1970’s in Maine when he worked with and became president of the Kezar Lake Association in Lovell, Maine. He quickly realized that protecting the lake also required protection of the surrounding lands. Therefore, in 1985 he worked with an outstanding group of conservationists and they incorporated the Greater Lovell Land Trust (GLLT) – the first land trust in Western Maine. The GLLT has been instrumental in protecting the Kezar Lake, Kezar River and Cold River watersheds. It has reached out to develop regional conservation organizations, spearheaded innovative legislation to gain permanent funding for Maine’s Invasive Aquatic Plants legislation, and supported the Vision for Maine.
To date, Dr. Corwin has increasingly been focused on the protection of ground water (aquifers) in Maine. He believes that “Maine, through enlightened management of its endowment with ground and surface water as well as its forested and agricultural natural resources, could turn from a poor to a rich state. It could thereby enhance its conservation funding and assure its ecological future.” In short, he believes that with appropriate leadership Maine could become the “Signature State for Eco-Preservation in the Northeast,” and he has advocated that land trusts play a role in these developments.
“Howard has certainly had an impact on land conservation in Maine and I have benefited from his thinking, passion, and perspective,” said Megan Shore, Maine Land Trust Program Manager, Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
About The Land Trust Alliance
The Land Trust Alliance is a national conservation group that works to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation throughout America. It works to increase the pace and quality of conservation by advocating favorable tax policies, training land trusts in best practices, and working to ensure the permanence of conservation in the face of continuing threats. For more information, visit www.landtrustalliance.org.
****************************************************************************
2009 Cranberry Crop Uncertain
posted 7/8/2009
We are experiencing very high and sustained water conditions in the fen. Similar conditions in 2008 led to a total crop failure. As soon as the water levels recede, we will check the crop and report back on the potential for harvest and sale of our Cranberries for Conservation (TM) scheduled for early October. Picking and shipping the cranberries has become a higher popular volunteer activity and the cranberries are a delight for new and returning customers. We are hopeful we will be able to meet our orders and have many fun days harvesting in the fen in the warm days of early October.
******************************************************************************
198 Acres, including Amos Mountain added to the Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve
updated 10/31/2009
The GLLT is excited to announce the acquisition of 198 acres abutting the Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve which includes the summit of Amos Mountain from Erdna Rogers. The Rogers family has been long time supporters of the GLLT and Erdna Rogers and Howard Corwin discussed permanent protection of Amos Mountain for many years.
We are actively engaged in a Capital Campaign to raise the nearly $250,000 needed to complete the purchase and develop additional public access to the property. The GLLT has obligations in each of the next 3 years (2009-2011) and we greatly appreciate your financial contributions to this exciting project.
“I certainly support the work [the GLLT has] done, particularly what Howard Corwin did. The Land Trust since the start has done such a wonderful thing for Lovell,” expressed Erdna in a recent interview. (We are sad to report that Erdna Rogers passed away at her home, with her family present on February 8, 2009) When asked why she wanted the GLLT to own Amos Mountain, Erdna spoke of the “importance of thinking about conservation these days” and “protecting it from exploitation and development.” She also wanted to make the mountain part of the existing Reserve “for the beauty of it, of course!”
The GLLT would like to thank the family for their support and especially Erdna’s granddaughter, Phoebe Monteith for working so hard to make this project possible. Phoebe has worked tirelessly for three years to bring this agreement to fruition making her grandparent’s dream a reality. Thank you all.
The Amos Mountain property abuts the 603 acre Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve, thus creating an 801 acre reserve that includes the summits of Whiting Hill (elev. 801 feet), Flat Hill (elev. 891 feet) and now Amos Mountain (elev. 955 feet). This large reserved area is host to moose, dear, bear, otters, mink and fisher, pine warblers, raptors and owls to name a few. Native dogwoods grow on the steep boulder strewn western slopes, while the occasional American Chestnut tree, resistant to the blight that eradicated its ancestors, offer hope for its return to this forest. Fernleaf-false foxgloves, a state threatened species bloom at the ledgey summit and interesting wildflowers grace its rocky outcrops and down slope forests. The late Erdna and her late husband, Howard Rogers, took their first walk up Amos Mountain from Whiting Hill in the 1960’s. Over the years, the Rogers family improved the road on the north side of the mountain and built a network of trails on the west side to connect Rt. 5 to the summit via favorite view sites.
“We were always mountain climbers and we love views, so we were lucky to have the views we did from Amos – all the family enjoyed it for so many years… sharing it with all the people who wanted to hike with us.” “There are some lovely places to stop and enjoy – nothing much particular from the top unless some trees are cut down, [but] there’s a good view of the south… above the big rock. From the South View you can see Chocorua, and you can see [Mt.] Washington from El Pulpito [(The Pulpit Rock – just west of the summit) because] it’s comparatively open – there are a lot of other places where there could be views but there are too many trees.”
We are particularly pleased to be granted rights from the family to offer public access along the old road that leads to the summit. This road will serve as the first GLLT trail for handicapped access to a summit suitable to wheelchairs and scooters. The property also hosts interesting and unusual stonewalls at the summit that are a testament to an historic use for pasture. The property supports a key component of the local snowmobile trail network that extends from the Heald and Bradley Pond Reserve onto this property and beyond. The GLLT is grateful to be the new stewards for this land and to offer a quality experience for all to enjoy.
Name Change of Sucker Brook Preserve
2008-4-5
Please be advised that we are changing the name of the Sucker Brook Preserve to the Wilson Wing Moose Pond Bog Preserve. This property was donated by the Wing family to the Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy with the request for this nomenclature. When the GLLT received the property it was deeded over as the Sucker Brook Preserve, a name that we kept. The family wishes have recently come to our attention. As such this popular property at the outlet of Horseshoe Pond will be renamed to its original as the Wilson Wing Moose Pond Bog Preserve.
2008-5-15
All litigation involving the Town of Lovell and the Pleasant Point Realty Trust has been
resolved. The position of the Town of Lovell Planning Board and Board of Appeals has
been upheld. The Greater Lovell Land Trust had joined with the Town of Lovell in the
best interests of the Middle Bay. We are pleased with this outcome.
The Greater Lovell Land Trust acquired 200 acres adjacent to Sucker Brook in November and 139 acres at the Five Kezars in Stoneham in December, 2006. These properties have outstanding conservation values. They will be managed by the GLLT properties commission. Read more…
At the March 4, 2006 Town meeting, Lovell voters approved a warrant article for land conservation, setting a statewide precedent. Warrant article #42 directs all future funds received through penalties assessed from the removal of property from Tree Growth or Open Space, to a dedicated land conservation account. Directing "change of use" penalties to such purposes is becoming increasingly popular in communities throughout the nation, but Lovell is the first Maine community to adopt such an article. Lovell voters expressed a strong commitment to maintaining Lovell's rural character and the natural areas that support traditional uses and native ecosystems. Everyone that lives, visits, works and recreates in the region's forests and waters owes a debt of gratitude to the citizens of Lovell for this commitment and visionary action. Read more…
As of January 1st, 2005, Tom Henderson was appointed Executive Director of the Greater Lovell Land Trust. Tom has functioned in that position since that time. Tom is well qualified in that he not only was a vice-president of the GLLT, but also was president of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust. He was formerly a senior forester with International Paper Company, and has served as chairman of our the GLLT Land Maintenance and Stewardship Committee and was on our Properties Commission. We believe that this appointment will enable us to be more effective in carrying out our mission. Read more…
The Town Of Lovell voted to approve Article 42 at the March 4th Town meeting. The article reads as follows:
"To see if the town will vote to allocate one hundred percent of funds received from penalties assessed on properties removed from Tree Growth or Open Space status to a town conservation account for use only in the purchase of conservation easements or conservation lands by the town independently or in partnership with conservation organizations."
This is a forward looking action on the part of the citizens of Lovell. Hopefully, it will enable the town to continue to balance conservation with development in the future. Lovell may be the first town in Maine to enact such a measure. Read more…
Fifteen additional acres were added to the Kezar Outlet Fen property in January, 2005. The preserve now totals 265 acres. The Maine Chapter of The Nature Conservancy generously contributed $3000 to the Greater Lovell Land Trust in order to purchase this additional acreage. The GLLT Properties Committee under Chairman Burgess Smith is currently outlining the permitted usages of this property which will be kept in its natural state and remain open for its traditional usage. Read more…