NERCRD Land Use Toolbox: Maine Land Preservation links

The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development Land Use Toolbox
Maine - Land Preservation links
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University of Maine Yankee Woodlot Forestry Camp, http://www.umaine.edu/umext/YankeeWoodlot/ Description: Forestry information for landowners in Maine. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Maine American Farmland Trust American Farmland Trust Northeastern Regional Office: Maine, http://www.farmland.org/northeast/maine.htm Description: Since their founding in 1980, American Farmland Trust has helped win permanent protection for over a million acres of American farmland. They have three strategies for saving America's farmland: protect the best land through publicly funded agricultural conservation easement programs; plan for growth with agriculture in mind through effective community planning and growth management; and keep the land healthy for farmland through encouraging stewardship and conservation practices. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Androscoggin Land Trust Androscoggin Land Trust, http://www.avcnet.org/alt/ Description: The main mission of the Androscoggin Land Trust is to preserve significant lands in Androscoggin County. We do this primarily through the use of conservation easements. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Appalachian Mountain Club Appalachian Mountain Club, http://www.outdoors.org/ Description: The enhancement program reflects a growing recognition that transportation programs, while vital for national mobility and international competitiveness, must also be environmentally sound. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) encourages local communities to be directly involved in enhancement projects. Enhancement activities are a means to more creatively and sensitively integrate transportation facilities into the surrounding communities. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont Return to top of page ATV Maine ATV Maine, http://www.atvmaine.org/ Description: A statewide alliance of ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Clubs. Check out the Landowner Relations Report! Topics: Land Preservation, Transportation Jurisdiction: Maine Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, http://www.belgradelakes.org/ Description: The Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance's purposes are: to promote for the benefit of the general public the preservation of natural resources primarily in, but not limited to, the towns of the Belgrade Lakes watershed and Kennebec County in the state of Maine, (these resources include land and water resources, the plant and animal life thereon, and unique scenic, agricultural, natural, and historic sites); to engage in and promote the scientific study of, and education regarding natural resources; and to use all property held by the corporation, and the net earning thereon, for the benefit of the general public and for charitable, educational, recreational, conservation, scientific, or historical purposes. Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Bureau of Health Maine Source Water Protection Program, http://www.maine.gov/dhs/eng/water/SourceProtection.htm Description: Information about source water and wellhead protection. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Conservation Law Foundation Conservation Law Foundation, http://www.clf.org/ Description: The Conservation Law Foundation is the oldest and largest regional environmental advocacy organization in the United States. We're based in New England, where our attorneys, scientists, economists, and policy experts work on the most significant threats to the natural environment of the region and its residents. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Return to top of page Conservation Law Foundation Ventures Conservation Law Foundation Ventures, http://www.clfventures.org/ Description: CLF Ventures is redefining environmental advocacy. Through innovative partnerships with private and public sector clients, we combine CLF's longstanding reputation for environmental protection with our financial and business transaction skills. As a result, we are able to provide our clients with innovative solutions to complex environmental problems. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Damariscotta River Association Damariscotta River Association, http://www.draclt.org/ Description: The Damariscotta River Association was established in 1973 as a membership-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural and historic heritage of the Damariscotta River, its watershed and adjacent areas for the benefit of all. The DRA became a conservation land trust in 1987. Since then, it has joined with private landowners, other conservation groups, and local, state, and federal government agencies to protect and manage over 2,000 acres and 18 miles of shoreline, including a number of river and sea islands. Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Agriculture Maine Farm Link, http://www.state.me.us/agriculture/mpd/farmlink/index.html Description: Maine FarmLink is a farm transfer program that connects farmers seeking farmland with farmers and farm owners that are selling, transferring or leasing their farms and farmland. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Agriculture Maine Farmland Protection, http://www.state.me.us/agriculture/mpd/farmland/index.html Description: Information on several permanent and temporary land protection programs. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Department of Conservation Bureau of Parks and Lands Grants, http://www.state.me.us/doc/parks/grants/index.html Description: The Bureau of Parks and Lands administers state and federal grants to provide services, resources and personnel to nonprofit groups, municipalities and other agencies. Grants are available through the Bureau to improve and enhance programs offered in Maine. Includes links to ATV Trail Development, Boat Access Grants, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Forest Legacy Program, Maine Trails Funding Program, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Snowmobile Trail Grants. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Conservation Bureau of Parks and Lands Programs, http://www.state.me.us/doc/parks/programs/sublands/index.html Description: Links to programs administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands : State Parks, Public Reserved Lands, Historic Sites, ATV, Boating Facilities, Snowmobile, Submerged Lands, and Grants and Community Recreation. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Conservation Forest Policy and Management Division, http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/fpmhome.htm Description: The Forest Policy and Management Division provides technical assistance, information and educational services to the public, forest landowners, forest products processors and marketers, municipalities and other stakeholders. The division also implements the Forest Practices Act, providing outreach and enforcement services. The division anticipates and responds to forest policy issues and reports to the public on the state of the forest resource. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Conservation Land Use Regulation Commission, http://www.state.me.us/doc/lurc/lurchome.htm Description: The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC or the Commission) was created by the Maine Legislature in 1971 to serve as the planning and zoning authority for the state's townships, plantations and unorganized areas. The Commission has land use regulatory jurisdiction over these areas because they have no form of local government to administer land use controls, or they have chosen not to administer land use controls at the local level. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Department of Conservation Natural Areas Program, http://www.state.me.us/doc/nrimc/mnap/home.htm Description: The Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) serves Maine citizens as the most comprehensive source of information on the State's important natural features. The Program inventories lands that support rare and endangered plants and animals, rare natural communities, and outstanding examples of representative natural communities. By providing objective and comprehensive information, the Maine Natural Areas program helps to equip decision-makers with the necessary tools to make informed and responsible decisions. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Environmental Protection Maine Voluntary Response Action Program, http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/rem/brown.htm Description: VRAP promotes the investigation, remediation and redevelopment of contaminated properties (also known as brownfields) by offering liability assurances/protections from state enforcement actions for applicants to the program. Topics: Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, http://www.state.me.us/ifw/outdoorheritage/homepage.htm Description: The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund conserves wildlife and open spaces through the sale of instant Lottery tickets. With proceeds from ticket sales, grants are awarded twice a year, totaling approximately $1.5 million annually. The seven-member Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board chooses projects in four categories that promote recreation as well as conservation of Maine's special places, endangered species and important fish and wildlife habitat. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Department of the Secretary of State Online Rules of Maine State Government Agencies, http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec/rcn/apa/depts.htm Description: Rule chapters in the Code of Maine Rules (CMR) are arranged by unique numbers which identify the department, departmental unit, and chapter. For example, 01-015 CMR Chapter 1 represents Chapter 1 of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Maine Milk Commission. Click on the highlighted departmental designation to reach a complete list of its current chapters. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Department of Transportation DOT Projects and Grant Applications, http://www.maine.gov/mdot/projects-grant-applications/apply_for_environmental.php?tloc=5&loc=35 Description: Links to information about various grant programs and projects available for transportation enhancement. Topics: Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields in New England, http://www.epa.gov/ne/brownfields/index.html Description: EPA's Brownfields Program provides funds and technical assistance to states, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Topics: Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Environmental Protection Agency Smart Growth Strategies in New England, http://www.epa.gov/region1/ra/sprawl/index.html Description: EPA New England launched a Smart Growth Program in 1999 at our Smart Growth Strategies for New England conference. The conference's success demonstrated widespread interest in the twin problems of sprawl and urban decay. Smart growth is an alternative to sprawl and urban decay, and is an innovative approach to addressing EPA's environmental mandates. Our Smart Growth Action Plan involves working with diverse partners to shape land use and growth so that it has minimum impact on environmental, economic, and community health. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Farm Service Agency - USDA Farm Service Agency, http://www.fsa.usda.gov/me Description: Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster are the missions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Forest Society of Maine Forest Society of Maine, http://www.fsmaine.org/ Description: The mission of the Forest Society of Maine (FSM) is to protect and conserve Maine's forestlands, including important natural areas such as lakes, rivers, and mountains. Working cooperatively with landowners FSM seeks to maintain the economic, ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the Maine woods. Topics: Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine GrowSmart Maine GrowSmart Maine, http://www.growsmartmaine.org/ Description: We are working to create an organization that can engage, inspire and mobilize the people of Maine to protect our communities, our environment and our economy from the potentially devastating effects of sprawl. We hope to build a new kind of organization to take on this problem, one that combines citizen involvement with technical sophistication and that attacks the many facets of the sprawl problem - in public policy, planning, public attitudes and the marketplace - in an integrated way. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Maine Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, http://www.gulfofmaine.org/ Description: The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is a U.S.-Canadian partnership of government and non-government organizations working to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine to allow for sustainable resource use by existing and future generations. We organize conferences and workshops; offer grants and recognition awards; conduct environmental monitoring; provide science translation to management; raise public awareness about the Gulf; and connect people, organizations, and information. Topics: Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire Harvard University Harvard Forest, http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/index.html Description: Since 1907 research and education have been the mission of the Harvard Forest, one of the oldest and most intensively studied forests in North America. From a center comprised of 3000 acres of land, research facilities, and the Fisher Museum the scientists, students, and collaborators at the Forest explore topics ranging from conservation and environmental change to land-use history and the ways in which physical, biological and human systems interact to change our earth. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont Return to top of page Lakes Environmental Association Lakes Environmental Association, http://www.mainelakes.org/ Description: The Lakes Environmental Association is a private, nonprofit organization founded in Naples, Maine in 1970 to protect the water quality and watersheds of the Sebago-Long Lake Region. The Association serves the towns of Bridgton, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Sweden, and Waterford as well as Sebago Lake. Check out the information about lake protection and GIS mapping and watershed modeling! Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Maine Land Trust Alliance ME Land Trust Alliance National Directory of Land Conservation Trusts, http://lta.org/findlandtrust/ME.htm Description: LTA is the only organization dedicated to the effectiveness and sustainability of the nation's land trusts and their use of conservation easements. Topics: Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Audubon Society Maine Audubon Society, http://www.maineaudubon.org/about/index.html Description: Maine Audubon is a community of people who share an appreciation of Maine's wildlife and outdoors, a concern for the stewardship of its natural resources, and a commitment to a clean environment. Dedicated to both environmental education and advocacy we: work to protect wildlife and conserve the state's outstanding natural resources; connect people and nature through hands-on experiential learning; and build community through members and chapters. Check out the information under wildlife and habitat conservation. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Coast Heritage Trust Maine Coast Heritage Trust, http://www.mcht.org/ Description: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) conserves coastal and other lands that define Maine's distinct landscape, protect its environment, sustain its outdoor traditions and promote the well-being of its people. Since 1970, MCHT has helped permanently protect more than 105,000 acres. These lands include valuable wildlife habitat, bold headlands, farm and forest land and 315 entire islands. MCHT provides conservation advisory services free of charge to landowners, federal, state and community officials, and local land trusts throughout Maine. Topics: Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Maine Environmental Policy Institute Maine Environmental Policy Institute, http://www.meepi.org/ Description: The mission of the Maine Environmental Policy Institute (MEPI) is to help Mainers understand the importance of healthy ecosystems to their families and communities. The Institute, an independent nonprofit organization based in Hallowell, Maine, is dedicated to researching environmental challenges facing the state and reporting this research to policy makers and the public. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Island Institute Maine Island Institute, http://www.islandinstitute.org/ Description: We are a membership-based community development organization focusing on the Gulf of Maine, particularly the fifteen year-round island communities off the Maine coast. We provide our services directly to communities and through research and publications. The Island Institute is a learning organization, operating at different scales throughout the region, annually reshaping its programs to respond to changing conditions and challenges. It assists in fund-raising for other groups and organizations that are better positioned than the Institute to deliver local services. Topics: Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Judicial Branch Supreme Court Opinions, http://www.courts.state.me.us/opinions/supreme/index.html Description: The opinions of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court have been published on this site since January 1, 1997. The permanent official version of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court's opinions is that published in Atlantic Reporter, 2d Series, which has been Maine's Official Reporter since 1966. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Revenue Services Property Tax Division, http://www.state.me.us/revenue/propertytax/homepage.html Description: Information about property taxes. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page Maine Revenue Services Tax Relief, http://www.state.me.us/revenue/taxrelief/homepage.html Description: Information about property taxes relief. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine Maine Rural Water Association Maine Rural Water Association, http://www.mainerwa.org/ Description: The Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA) is a private, nonprofit organization with a very simple goal--helping rural water and wastewater systems provide safe drinking water and protect the environment at an affordable cost to users. The Association is run by and for rural systems. MRWA also provides in-field technical support. Our skilled staff will work with you on leak detection, process control, compliance, source water protection, budgeting, and collections. Check out the information about Source Water Protection Grants! Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Natural Resource Conservation Service - USDA Maine NRCS, http://www.me.nrcs.usda.gov/ Description: NRCS soil conservationists, soil scientists, agronomists, ecologists, engineers, planners, and other specialists promote land stewardship by providing technical assistance through teams to address surface and groundwater quality; wetlands, riparian areas, and biodiversity; aquatic and terrestrial habitat; and impacts of landuse changes. NRCS teams work on all of a state's landscapes: agricultural, wetlands and riparian areas, suburban, rural, urban centers, and forested. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Maine Natural Resources Council of Maine Natural Resources Council of Maine, http://www.maineenvironment.org/ Description: The Natural Resources Council of Maine's goal is of a Maine that has successfully addressed threats to the quality of its air, water, forests, and natural habitats in a fashion that is inspiring to others working to protect the environment both here and elsewhere in the nation. Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page New England Small Farm Institute New England Small Farm Institute, http://www.smallfarm.org/ Description: A private non-profit organization supporting beginning farmers and sustainable small scale agriculture throughout New England. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont Northeast-Midwest Institute Northeast-Midwest Institute, http://www.nemw.org Description: The Northeast-Midwest Institute is a Washington-based, private, nonprofit, and non-partisan research organization dedicated to economic vitality, environmental quality, and regional equity for Northeast and Midwest states. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont Office of GIs Maine Office of GIs, http://apollo.ogis.state.me.us/ Description: MEGIS coordinates GIs activities and provides services to encourage and guide the development of GIs in Maine to serve both public and private sector applications. MEGIS is responsible for providing services which ensure the quality of and access to these data. To this end, MEGIS manages the State's GIs database to maximize data sharing and compatibility between local, state and national programs, develops GIs standards and guidelines, provides quality control services, and maintains public "one-stop shopping" for digital geographic data. MEGIS operates a GIs computer center for state agencies and provides an array of application development and technical services. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Maine Open Space Institute Northern Forest Protection Fund, http://www.osiny.org/northernforest/ Description: The Northern Forest Protection Fund is a grant and loan making program established by the Open Space Conservancy, an affiliate of the Open Space Institute, Inc., in 2000 to support the purchase of critical forestlands in the Northern Forest region. The Fund's goal is to support the permanent protection of significant Northern Forest landscapes in order to promote sustainable forestry, protect ecosystems, and secure opportunities for public recreation. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation Jurisdiction: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont Return to top of page Sierra Club Maine Chapter Homepage, http://maine.sierraclub.org/ Description: The mission statement of the Sierra Club is to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth; practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; and educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Small Woodlands Owners Association of Maine Small Woodlands Owners Association of Maine, http://www.swoam.com/ Description: Owning and managing small woodland properties in Maine can be a very rewarding endeavor, but there are many issues that small woodland owners must deal with, including: taxes, public use of private lands, land use regulations, protecting wildlife habitats and water quality, and marketing and utilization of forest products. For more than two and half decades SWOAM has been helping small woodland owners address these and countless other issues. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, What You Can Do Jurisdiction: Maine Smart Growth Network Maine Smart Growth News Articles, http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/bystate.asp?state=ME&res=800 Description: Listing of news articles relating to smart growth issues in a specific state. Topics: Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine State Planning Office Land and Water Resources Council, http://www.state.me.us/spo/natural/lwrc/index.php Description: The Council investigates natural resource issues of state significance and recommends state policies to protect these resources. Check out their publications! Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Maine Return to top of page State Planning Office Land for Maine's Future, http://www.state.me.us/spo/lmf/ Description: The Land for Maine's Future Program coordinates and finances acquisition of public lands for conservation, water access, outdoor recreation, wildlife and fish habitat and farmland conservation for state of Maine agencies and local partners. The program is assigned by statute to the State Planning Office. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Maine State Planning Office Maine Land Use Planning Team, http://www.state.me.us/spo/landuse/ Description: The Land Use Team provides technical and financial assistance to municipalities, advises the legislature, coordinates with other state agencies, and, in general, advocates for sound land use planning. The Land Use Team administers SPO's Community Planning and Investment Program (CPIP), covering the topic areas of community planning, growth management and smart growth. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Maine