Since 1989, Blue Hill Heritage Trust has worked to preserve agricultural land on the Blue Hill peninsula. As part of this effort, the Trust sought to acquire an agricultural easement on Bowden Farm, an attractive 208-acre mix of woods and fields along Route 15. The Land for Maine’s Future program and the USDA Farm and Ranch Land Read More
public lands
Opposition to LD 1126, An Act To Support Tourism on Public Reserved Lands by Leasing Sites to Commercial Sporting Camps
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in opposition to LD 1126, An Act To Support Tourism on Public Reserved Read More
Broadturn Farm (formerly known as Meserve Farm)
Broadturn Farm is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm that raises organic vegetables, cut flowers, strawberries, a small amount of poultry, and turkey, as well as natural lamb and pork. The property is in agricultural conservation with the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust (SLCT). Formerly called the Keith Meserve Farm, the land is one of the largest Read More
Brunswick-to-the-Ocean Trail Corridor
Support from the Land for Maine’s Future program enabled the Town of Brunswick to more than double the amount of contiguous open space in and around its Town Commons, a parcel of land with great historic and recreational importance to local residents. Only 71 acres of the Town’s original “commonage” created in 1719 remain in a natural Read More
Burnt and Sheep Islands
Two undeveloped islands off North Haven, 15-acre Burnt Island and 25-acre Sheep Island, support two pairs of nesting Bald Eagles that are among the most successful in the state. Between 1970 and 1989, the Burnt Island eagle pair (or their successors) raised more than 21 eaglets, according to Charlie Todd, a wildlife biologist with the Read More
Support of LD 159, An Act to Prohibit the Mining of Massive Sulfide Ore Deposits on State Lands, as Amended
Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry: My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in support of LD 159 as amended. Metal mining in sulfide ores is one of Read More
Camden Hills State Park
The Camden Hills, which offer spectacular views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside, are a popular destination both for out-of-state visitors and area residents. Camden Hills State Park sees the highest day-use of any park in Maine and its visitation keeps growing. The area’s scenic beauty is matched by its ecological significance: the Maine Read More
Choice View Farm
Choice View Farm, situated at the confluence of the Eastern and Kennebec rivers, provides panoramic views of upper Merrymeeting Bay that bring many a passerby on Route 128 to a standstill. Beyond the wide swath of hayfields, one can look out to Swan Island, Abbagadassett Point to the south, and the protected Green Point Farm Read More
Clarry Hill
With roughly 360 acres of blueberry fields in active management, Clarry Hill plays an important role in the midcoast blueberry industry. Its high elevations, with expansive views out to the Camden Hills and Western mountains, have made it a target for development as coastal growth and new home construction migrate inland. Subdivision and development of Read More
