State Adds Twelve New “Land for Maine’s Future” Conservation Projects: Mills Admin

Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced Monday that the State has selected twelve new Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) conservation projects, expected to preserve a combined 3,500 acres using $3.8 million worth of funding.

The LMF is described by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) as the state’s “primary funding vehicle for conserving land for its natural and recreational value.”

This program was first established in 1987 when residents voted to approve $35 million in funding to purchase “lands of statewide importance.”

Then-Governor Angus King’s Land Acquisition Priorities Advisory Committee went on to set new priorities for the state’s “conservation focus” in 1997. Since then, the program has administered multiple bonds and general fund appropriations in order “to address identified focus areas.”

Over the next several years, the LMF program continued to be expanded to include other initiatives, such as the preservation of land with regional importance, as well as the protection of working waterfronts.

In 2023, the LMF program’s funds were moved to a “designated trust fund,” allowing for it to “more easily accept private donations while earning interest on its undisbursed funds.”

“The Land for Maine’s Future has garnered broad based support because it respects landowner rights by acquiring land only from willing sellers, pursues a mission defined by the public, provides a tangible return to everyone who cherishes Maine’s landscape (from hunters, to hikers, snowmobilers to bird watchers), and leverages both federal and private funding for state priority purchases,” the DACF writes on their website.

The projects announced by the Mills Administration Monday fall into three distinct categories: Farmland Preservation, Working Waterfront Access Protection, and Conservation and Recreation Projects.

The Farmland Preservation projects include Dunn Farm in Berwick, Fortin Farm in Benton, and Piper Farm and Williams Farm of Somerset County. All three of these projects aim to preserve the land for various types of agricultural use.

The three Working Waterfront Access Protection projects — the Clark Cove Working Waterfront in South Bristol, Hancock Marine in Hancock, and the Stonington Lobster Co-operative, Coop II in Stonington — will each protect varying lengths of shore frontage used by a range of different fisheries.

The Conservation and Recreation Projects encompass a range of goals, including protecting an endangered rabbit species, providing recreational opportunities, and contributing to “a regional conservation corridor” by preserving Cumberland County’s “largest unprotected forested parcel.”

“These conservation projects will protect thousands of acres of land for the future use and enjoyment of Maine people — including vital working lands that our farmers and fishermen rely on,” said Gov. Mills in a press release Monday.

“As Governor, I have been proud to work with the Legislature and partners across the state to strengthen the Land for Maine’s Future Program and make projects like these possible,” Mills said. “My Administration will continue to work to ensure future generations can enjoy Maine’s cherished natural resources.”

“The LMF board approved funding for four significant farmland conservation efforts, protecting 2,820 acres,” said DCAF Commissioner Amanda Beal. “These conservation efforts reinforce Maine’s commitment to maintaining its agricultural heritage and natural landscapes for future generations.”

“Maine’s limited working waterfront is facing increasing pressure from development and a changing climate,” said Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “The LMF board’s support for these three properties underscores the state’s commitment to our vital commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.”

“The Land for Maine’s Future program continues to be a leader in conservation for Maine’s wildlife, and those that love the outdoors,” said Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso. “Conservation of these three properties protect habitat for a variety of Maine wildlife, while also providing outdoor recreational opportunities in an area of southern coastal Maine that is seeing increased development.”

“The working lands approved for funding by the LMF and for Maine’s Future Board are prime examples of the lands the Board is charged with protecting to ensure the future social and economic well-being of Maine’s citizens,” said LMF Director Laura Graham.

Click Here to Read Gov. Mills’ Full Press Release

Several years ago, the Legislature approved $40 million in new funding for the LMF. Since then, the Board has signed off on 75 new projects totaling $29.9 million that are expected to leverage a combined $58.75 million worth of private and Federal funds.