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Conservation Programs Earn

Environmental Merit Awards

Land for Maine’s Future and Beginning with Habitat help communities balance growth and natural resource protection

AUGUSTA—Two innovative state programs, Beginning with Habitat and the Land for Maine’s Future Program, were honored by the Environmental Protection Agency with its 2004 Environmental Merit Awards, Governor John Baldacci announced today.  Beginning with Habitat has helped more than 100 communities in their planning efforts to balance the protection of natural resources with economic development. The Land for Maine’s Future’s Program has supported 115 land conservation projects totaling some 192,000 acres across the Maine.

“These two efforts are wonderful examples of people coming together from the State and in the local communities.”, said Governor John Baldacci, “With the help provided by these two programs people at the local level can take control of their own futures in a way that helps themselves while also helping all Maine citizens.”

Beginning with Habitat has proved instrumental in helping towns as they wrestle with critical planning decisions. By providing information about the location and conservation of native plants and animals,  the program gives communities the tools they need to plan pro-actively, rather than reacting to habitat issues when crises arise. These maps mark the first time state and federal natural resource information has been integrated into one source, making it more accessible for communities.

"Beginning with habitat has proved extremely successful," said Conservation Commissioner Patrick K. McGowan. "Communities are looking to this agency as the source for assistance in making difficult planning decisions. For Beginning with habitat to have grown as quickly as it has is a tribute to the staff at the Maine Natural Areas Program." McGowan, who is a member of the Land for Maine's Future board also had high praise for that program. "Some of the most important public land acquisitions in Maine's history could not have been accomplished without LMF funding. This recognition comes at a crucial time, as the Legislature is considering whether to endorse a bond issue to fund LMF for the next few years."

Beginning with Habitat provides information detailing fish, wildlife and plant habitat and other important natural resources to land trusts, conservation commissions, town planners and municipal officials to support land use planning and land conservation efforts. Since its inception in 2001, the program’s maps, resource materials and presentations have assisted 101 towns from Eliot to Jonesport to Fort Fairfield in comprehensive planning. In 2003 alone, 57 municipalities, 6 land trusts, and 11 regional and statewide planning groups received presentations and maps from BwH.

“To become a recipient of the EPA Environmental Award is quite an achievement and milestone,” said Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Danny Martin. “Ken Elowe, Director of the Bureau Resource Management and Mark Stadler, Director of our Wildlife Division and other personnel at IF&W are to be commended. Tim Glidden, Executive Director of the Land for Maine’s Future Program also deserves credit for his leadership. I’m honored by this recognition and proud to lead the Department of IF&W and to serve on the LMF Board.”

Since 1987, LMF has supported 115 projects statewide, establishing and guaranteeing public access to thousands of acres and dozens of ponds, stream, lakes and rivers for hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, biking, camping and many other recreational pursuits. Moreover, it has helped protect mountain summits, working forests and farms, salt marshes, and coastal shoreline.

LMF Board Chairman, George Lapointe, “I’m gratified by the well-deserved recognition that LMF has received in this award.  Mainers have always supported the Land for Maine’s Future Program because they understand the connection between conserved land and their own well-being.”

In January of 2004, the program committed its last dollar for land conservation. In February, the Governor introduced a bill to authorize bonding of $60 million for the Land for Maine’s Future Program, which if approved by the Legislature, will be voted on by the people of Maine in November. A coalition of some 260 businesses, associations and organizations has come together to support this initiative.

“Communities across the state are craving the support and resources that allow them to plan for their futures,” said Tom Rumpf, Acting Director, The Nature Conservancy. “Beginning with Habitat and the Land for Maine’s Future Program are two state programs which are proving more and more useful to communities as they make these critical decisions.”

The Beginning with Habitat coalition, formed in the spring of 2001, includes the Maine Departments of Conservation and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the State Planning Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Audubon Society, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Maine’s 13 Regional Planning Commissions.