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Welcome to the Web Issue of the Fall 2007 NewsletterIn this Issue: |
Farmland Protected in South Thomaston
As a native of Thomaston, Donald Paulsen learned early the value of land. Nearly 70 years ago, he began acquiring land he continues to own and manage today. He raises cattle and hay on his more than 300 acres in South Thomaston. The property is nestled within a Land Trust Conservation Focus Area which includes highly productive farmland, waterfowl habitat, clamming grounds, breathtaking scenic views, and strong cultural traditions. Donald's desire to keep the land as it is today led him to think about conservation. From his living room window, From the Interim DirectorAs leaves begin to turn and a chilly edge returns to the air, the spirit of change and renewed energy fills the Land Trust offices. In August, I was hired as the part-time interim director of the Land Trust while the Board of Directors runs a full search for a The Land Trust's creative, energetic staff and dedicated Board are all working hard to fulfill the challenging mission of the organization: to conserve and steward the natural resources and traditional character of the Georges River watershed for the public benefit. The day-to-day work of fulfilling that mission takes staff and board members to the far reaches of our diverse watershed, particularly in the summer and fall when events are plentiful: a tour of Robbins Lumber Company and the new Canal Path along the St. George River in Searsmont, investigations of land for potential conservation easements in Warren, South Thomaston, and Appleton, bird walks on the Weskeag Marsh, our annual garden tour in the upper watershed (Hope, Appleton, and Searsmont), site visits to our preserves, and guided hikes along the Georges Highland Path—to name a few. All through the watershed, summer is the busy season, and fall follows closely on its heels. Here at the Land Trust, we are squeezing in a few more hikes, walking a few more preserves, cutting a few new trails to open next year, talking with a few more families interested in protecting their farms… before it is time to batten down the hatches for winter. Of course, the work of the Land Trust continues even as the landscape seems to quiet down for the winter. I am delighted to be part of the team this fall at the Land Trust—please feel free to contact me with any questions or thoughts you want to share. Thank you. Evelyn deFrees • |
Reflections from the TrailThe Georges Highland Path boasts 37 miles of conservation trails that meander their way through some of the most beautiful natural areas in the mid-coast region. Summer and fall are the Trail Clearing: “Working on the trails has been especially enjoyable this summer because of long spells of perfect temperatures and blue skies,” Bruce tells us cheerfully. The vast network of trails has seen extensive work during the past few months as he has removed trees that have fallen across the trail or are in danger of doing so at any minute. This summer, Bruce focused his effort on preventive maintenance in order to dedicate spring and fall work to new trail development. “My goal was to clear the trails of overgrowth and fallen debris, but still honor the low-impact, conservation-minded spirit of the trail system.” An exhausting job, and Bruce is thankful that the growing season is over for this year! A troop of Boy Scouts from Union left their canoes behind and traveled the watershed by foot in July. Leaving from Frye Mountain in Montville, the Scouts walked nearly every step of the Georges Highland Path on their five-day, 70-mile adventure. Resourceful to the end, the young men made use of several well-located ponds to soothe sore feet on their way to their Thomaston rendezvous point. Generation Y: In between trail projects, Bruce had time to give a presentation to third Map Access:The Georges Highland Path is a popular destination for hikers of all ages. For those traveling between Rockport and Union, a common sight on summer weekends is the crowded trailhead parking lot on Route 17. To address this, trail brochures for our other Georges Highland Path sections are now available at this kiosk. We hope that this will encourage use of lesser known trail sections and also relieve the occasional overcrowding of the Ragged Mountain trail. We look forward to seeing all of you out on the Trail! • Wish ListSbscription to the Courier Gazette |
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Board Welcomes Two New Members
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Welcome to Susan and to Jim! • |
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Meadowsweet Farm: An Agricultural EasementMeadowsweet Farm has been Ib and Lee's plan to protect permanently the land with an agricultural easement stemmed from several interests, one of which was the inspiration of Etta Weaver, a lifelong resident on the St. George River whose father delivered vegetables from his farm in Warren to Thomaston by horse and buggy. Etta and her husband protected their farm with an easement in 1989. In addition, both Ib and Lee feel a strong connection to the watershed and to the Land Trust. During the 1990's, Ib was an active board member for the Land Trust and Lee was one of the early water quality samplers. These values and experiences informed their future decision-making; last year they decided to protect their farm through conservation and sell the farm to the next generation of farmers in 2007. “We feel we are able to do something that will make a difference for the next generation,” says Ib. With the encouragement of two farmers in Friendship, Bill Pluecker and Reba Richardson, Ib and Lee feel confident that the farm will continue to be farmed. Now that the land is under easement, the farm is more affordable, which allows Bill and Reba to purchase Meadowsweet and continue the agricultural tradition. • Landowner Liability LawDid you know that nearly all of the 37 miles of the Georges Highland Path are located on privately owned land? This is unique for recreational trail systems in the United States, as most are found on publicly owned land. How did such a unique trail model come to existence? In addition to the generosity of private landowners, Maine has a particularly strong landowner liability law; see following excerpt:
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The Canal Path: A Walking EducationThanks to the visionary efforts of trail-blazer Dave Getchell and the support of the landowner, Robbins Lumber, the newest section of the Georges Highland Path is now open! Located in Searsmont, the Canal Path traces a mile and a quarter of the St. George River south from Ghent Road. It is the Land Trust’s first interpretive section of the Georges Highland Path. Features of the trail include information on the historic St. George River canal built in the 1840s, visual displays of the canal design and operation, and a self-tour that discusses the sustainable forestry practices of Robbins Lumber. New trail brochures are available at the trailhead on Ghent Road or stop by our office to pick one up. •
Support Land for Maine’s Future in November!This November it is time again to vote for funds to replenish the Land for Maine's Future program. Land for Maine's Future (LMF) is dedicated to ensuring that Maine's most exceptional natural landscapes, active farms, entire islands, great rivers, and points of water access are available for future generations. Since its inception, LMF has assisted in the acquisition of more than 444,000 acres from willing sellers. In our own Georges River watershed, LMF funds were used to help purchase the Appleton Preserve, a 128-acre property owned by the Georges River Land Trust that provides continued recreational use by the public as well as protected habitat for wildlife. After three previous successful votes (1987, 1999, 2005), Maine citizens will vote this November on a bond package which includes $17 million to support LMF. The Georges River Land Trust and other land trusts throughout the state have joined Citizens to Save Maine's Heritage to increase public awareness of this cornerstone program which helps protect the heritage of our state. If you have any questions about LMF, please feel free to contact our office, 207-594-5166. • |
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Gardens in the Watershed a Big Success!
The Gardens in the Watershed tour is the single most important annual fundraising event of the Georges River Land Trust. The success of the Garden Tour is crucial to the Land Trust's work of protecting the watershed, both land and natural resources, for the public benefit. We especially thank Camden National Bank for being our Major Sponsor this year and to the many other businesses and individuals whose contributions support this event. This year's 16th Annual Tour took place in mid-July with over 450 members and visitors touring the upper watershed towns of Appleton, Hope, and Searsmont to visit six country gardens. Tour participants enjoyed the gardens and the vistas of farms, rolling hills dotted with lakes, ponds, and the St. George River. Certainly the beauty and diversity of the Georges River watershed was experienced by all on this day! We send thanks to many people who helped make this year's tour such a big success. Heartfelt appreciation goes to the garden owners who graciously opened their gardens to us: Karen Aveni and Dick Deforge, Lori and Joyce Cressler, Carol and Leslie Bacon, Drew Darling and Jamie and Heather Ritter, Holly Miller and Tom Griffin, and Kathryn Oliver and Todd Riggs. The 45 volunteers who helped on Tour day were invaluable and we are grateful for their time and participation. Betsy Welch provided her stellar art work and design skills in creating the beautiful brochure and poster. The Garden Tour committee worked tirelessly all year to make this event successful: Pat Ashton, chair, Jane Rasmussen, Linda Arnold, Norma Jones, Mary Ann Carey, Christine Beacham, Jane Staman, Diane Sturgeon, and Linda Smith. •
Spotlight on VolunteersIntroducing Ida and Gary Clarke… They are Trail Adopters for the 7.2-mile Oyster River Bog section of the Georges Highland Path. This section stretches from the Jack Baker Woods trailhead on Beechwood Street in Thomaston to the Von Salza trailhead on Route 90 in Warren. Ida and Gary routinely hike their section, clearing the trail, maintain- ing the bog bridges, and always going above and beyond the call of duty. Thanks to their valuable assistance, the Oyster River Bog trail remains in fantastic shape throughout the year. How they got involved… Ida and Gary assisted Dave Getchell in Largest animal seen on the trail… Moose, and plenty of them. Favorite GHP trail… The Oyster River Bog section, of course! Ida says that because the trail is less traveled and winds its way through 6,000 acres of undeveloped forest, it is a pleasant hike any time of year. How lucky the Land Trust is to have volunteers like the Clarkes! Thank you, Ida and Gary! • |
Notes from the Annual Meeting
On August 19th, 75 members and friends of the Land Trust gathered together in the Oceanview Grange in Martinsville for the annual business meeting of the Land Trust. We are grateful to Kit and Kathy Schellens who hosted a tour of their easement property prior to the business meeting. Teel Cove Farm's 81 acres are a mixture of fields, woodland and 1600 feet of frontage on the St. George River. The land was originally placed under easement in 1986 by Walter and Sally Boyd and is one of the earliest easements of the Land Trust. Susan Bates and Jim Robbins were voted in as new Board Members. Dan Wyman, Treasurer of the Land Trust, shared the good news of a robust and growing financial status this past year. Rachel Nixon, recent Executive Director, was honored for her important work as the first full-time Executive Director (2004-2007). Rachel's passion and vision contributed significantly to the Land Trust's remarkable growth in the last three years. Port Clyde artist Greg Mort inspired the members with a spectacular slideshow of images from his recent book, Voyages. Greg generously donated the proceeds from the sale of his book at the meeting for the benefit of the Land Trust. • Alert! Hunting Season OpensWith the arrival of fall comes hunting season. Please note that, due to landowner request, the following sections of the Georges Highland Path are CLOSED until the end of hunting season on December 8:
If you plan to hike our other trail sections or visit any of our preserves during the next several weeks, please use extreme caution and wear brightly colored, preferably blaze orange, clothing. • |
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New Office Location
The Land Trust has moved to 8 North Main Street where we are neighbors of the Free Press—they are on the first floor, we are on the second. Our office allows us ample space for meetings and the needs of staff and has a great view of the harbor. Office hours are 9 am-5 pm Monday through Friday. We look forward to your visit! • |
2007 Year End Calendar |
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Thursday, October 11, 9 a.m. Hike on Hogback Mountain with Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance. Led by Buck O'Herin. Meet at the Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area maintenance building on Walker Ridge Road off of Route 220 in Montville. Bring snack and water. Saturday, October 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Exploring the Oyster River Bog in West Rockport with Gary and Ida Clarke, GRLT volunteers. Meet at Von Saltza trailhead on Route 90, 2 miles west of Route 17 junction. Bring snack and water. Wednesday, December 5, 2 p.m. Volunteer Celebration at Eric Hopkins Gallery in Rockland. For more information, contact |
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GEORGES RIVER LAND TRUSTFounded in 1987, the Georges River Land Trust's mission is to conserve and steward the natural resources and traditional character of the Georges River watershed region for the public benefit.
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Georges River Land Trust - 8 North Main Street, Suite 200 - Rockland, ME 04841-3154 [Home] [Join/Contribute] [Volunteer]
[Events] [News] [Land Protection] [Trails] 20090420 |
he looks out to pastures that extend to the St. George River as well to the Weskeag Marsh. He knows the vast acreage of open land and woodland provide habitat for a host of mammals. The open ponds are frequented by ducks. Betty, Don's wife, notes matter-of-factly, “We couldn't see this land developed, it is already occupied.” Donald muses, “As a landowner, I have certain rights but there are some, such as development, that I have no intention of exercising, so I choose to put my land in conservation.” He will continue to own his land under easement, and manage it as pasture. His property extends from Route 131 to the St. George River-- approximately 17 acres. Over time, Donald plans to put more of his acreage under conservation which will allow continued use of the land as farmland, woodland, and productive wildlife habitat. •
permanent Executive Director. I have worked for many different non-profits doing environmental advocacy, education and outreach, and organizational management. My recent posts include Acting Director at the Maine League of Conservation Voters, Project Director at the Learning Disabilities Association of Maine, and a decade as the Legislative Director of the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
busiest times on the Path; it overflows with hikers, sightseers, school groups and campers. No one has spent more time on the trail in the past several months than Bruce Gerard, our Trails Manager. As use of the Georges Highland Path continues to increase, Bruce and the Land Trust’s volunteer Trail Adopters race to stay ahead of the constant work needed throughout the Path. Their efforts allow visitors to have an enjoyable experience on the trail. What does this involve and who is making use of the Georges Highland Path? Please read on.
graders at the Warren School. The class was instructed on the wise use of trails and proper safety precautions whenever setting out for a hike. The class then headed outdoors on the school's own trail system to take part in bird-calling activities. It will be a pleasure to see these youngsters hiking and caring for the Georges Highland Path in the years ahead. 
Susan Bates has many interests and has had many careers. With degrees in physics and mechanical engineering, she was first a physical design engineer for Bell Telephone Laboratories. In 1994, as trainer, education curriculum developer, and web site designer, Susan joined with her husband to start a local internet company in the Hudson Valley town of Garrison, New York. In 1999 when her small town was threatened by inappropriate development, Susan became executive director of the Hudson Highlands Land Trust. She later completed a stint on the board of directors, and was chair of the town comprehensive planning committee. These days, Susan divides her time between her homes in Martinsville and in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Luckily for us, Susan brings to the Land Trust board strong interest in outreach and education and valuable background in land trust administration and local planning.
Jim Robbins is President of Robbins Lumber, Inc. and is the fourth generation of his family to run the mill. Jim began his career at the mill as personnel manager in 1968 following a degree in forestry from University of Maine at Orono. The mill produces 28 million board feet a year of Eastern White Pine sawed into long lumber and has a secondary manufacturing plant which produces household items such as wooden clothes dryers. The family business also grows 150,000 Christmas trees a year. Jim is involved in many local, state, and national organizations, passionate about the outdoors, and very committed to supporting his local community in Searsmont. With his help, the Georges River Canal Path trail was developed over Robbins property and is already a popular walking destination. His deep knowledge of the mid-coast, his forestry expertise and his land stewardship will be welcome assets to the Land Trust board.
operated as a farm for generations, and the decision of Ib Barfod and Lee Humphreys to put the land in conservation continues the tradition. “We were very aware that farms are being converted into house lots at an alarming rate. People have to live somewhere, but productive farm and good soils are not the best choice,” says Lee. In 1979, Ib bought the land from sheep farmers and thought this would be the place to retire. When Lee joined him on the farm in 1995, she felt a strong obligation to return the land into agricultural production, 
using organic practices in order to manage the farm sustainably. They realized their dream and operated a certified organic market garden for eight years.
clearing the Bald Mountain trail in 1998. The Bald and Ragged Mountain trails kicked off what has since become the 37-mile Georges Highland Path. Ida was a member of the Oyster River Bog Association's trails committee, which was headed by Dave. For those who have experienced Dave's persuasiveness, it is no surprise that soon Ida and Gary became Trail Adopters.
