Spring 2012
Photo by Christina Epperson
The Androscoggin River:
In the National Spotlight
At the conclusion of 2011, the National Park Service released
a significant report identifying seven high priority corridors in
New England that should rise to the level of national significance. The Androscoggin River Corridor headed the list. The
timing for the release of this report could not be better for residents, municipalities, and businesses along the river.
The City of Lewiston is engaged with a Boston-based economic
development consultant to set a new course for the canal and
mill district known as Riverfront Island. On the conservation
and recreation front, the Androscoggin Greenway land and
water trail planning, led by ALT and our consultants, under a
grant from the Environmental Funders Network, will release
priorities for land and water trail linkages critical to connecting
the Androscoggin Riverlands, Maine’s fifth largest state park in
Turner, and downtown Lewiston-Auburn.
Upstream from L/A, the redevelopment of the Otis Mill in
downtown Jay and Livermore Falls is gaining momentum, and
new trail corridors and water access into that historic property
are taking shape. In addition, fundraising to protect nearly
1,300 acres of forest and open space for recreation and sustainable timber management just outside of that downtown is
garnering regional and national interest.
ANDROSCOGGIN LAND TRUST
•
P.O. BOX 3145
•
ALT’s Greenway vision of the mighty Androscoggin: a central
chain linking vibrant communities grows more real every day.
Get your running shoes, road bike or kayak ready, the Androscoggin River is on the move.
Jonathan
The Androscoggin Named as
Important River Corridor
by Richard Barringer and Collaborators
A new report to the National Park Service and the New England Governors’ Conference, Connect People to the Outdoors
in New England, names the Androscoggin River Corridor in
New Hampshire and Maine as part of a regional and national
demonstration project along seven New England corridors or
interstate “pathways.” The other pathways recommended are
the Blackstone River Valley in RI and MA; Champlain Valley in
VT and NY; Connecticut River in VT, NH, MA, and CT; East
Coast Greenway in ME, NH, MA, RI, CT, and NY; Merrimack
River in NH and MA; and Northern Forest Canoe Trail in NY,
VT, QC, NH, and ME.
AUBURN, ME 04212-3145
Cont. on page 4
•
Tel: 207-782-2302
•
www.androscogginlandtrust.org
Androscoggin Greenway
Components
Bates College and ALT team for Community based
Projects about the Androscoggin River:
ALT was excited to learn last summer that the Bates College Environmental Studies Senior Capstone class, “Community-Engaged
Verso Paper Acquisition:
Research in Environmental Studies,” was going to focus on the
Androscoggin Land Trust is working Androscoggin River. Given our varied partnerships throughout our
to conserve 1,300 acres in Jay and
service region, we sat down with faculty members Jane Costlow and
Canton to manage as a community
Tom Wenzel to brainstorm possible connections. From that arose
forest to provide for wildlife habitat, linkages to our partners in Jay/Livermore Falls, Lewiston-Auburn,
public recreation and ensure sustain- and Lisbon Falls. Below you will find words directly from those
able timber supply. The project is
faculty members about the work of their students.
linked
to
a
multi-use
trail
initiative
Jonathan LaBonte addresses local
students at the Otis Mill in Jay/Livermore
in downtown Jay and Livermore Falls This past fall, 28 Bates College Environmental Studies majors unFalls.
to promote the Androscoggin River dertook eight projects related to the Androscoggin River. The river
was perfect for studying the environment and the changing nature
for all season recreation through paddling, fishing and linking
ATV and snowmobile trail networks. We were recently awarded of human interaction with the environment. The transition in the
Androscoggin River from something that was heavily polluted and
$259,000 in funding for the project through Land for Maine’s
Future and will be announcing the start of a campaign to raise the primarily used to power industry, to something with outstanding
recreational opportunities lends itself to a variety of interesting
rest of the funds. Stay tuned!
community-based projects. Three groups developed interpretive
Volunteer Stewardship:
signage for walking trails in Lewiston/Auburn, Livermore Falls and
Androscoggin Land Trust is rolling out a pilot Volunteer Land
Lisbon in partnership with Museum LA, the Maine Heritage Paper
Monitor program this year. As we cover a large geographic area
Museum and Otis Ventures, and the town of Lisbon, respectively.
and hold 27 conservation easements and own in-fee approxiThe group focusing on Lewiston/Auburn developed materials for
mately 20 conservation areas, we decided to start the program in an ecology and pre-history tour, an immigrant tour, and a mill and
Lewiston-Auburn and then broaden it to the other areas we work canal tour. Another worked with LA Arts to develop river-oriented
in. The properties include Barker Mill Trail, The David Rancourt curricular materials for teachers at the middle and high school level.
River Preserve, Garcelon Bog Conservation Area, Huston Farm
Working with the Androscoggin Land Trust, two groups explored
Conservation Area, No Name Pond Conservation Area, and
issues around the licenses and relicensing of dams in the LA area,
Sherwood Forest Conservation Area. Each property will be asand another group put together a business plan for a canoe and
signed a Volunteer Steward who will do the yearly monitoring of
kayak rental business in downtown LA. The final group developed
the property.
a website called the Androscoggin River Portal: http://androscogIn July of this year we will hold a training session for our Volungin.bates.edu that serves as a clearinghouse for all online resources
teer Land Monitors in Lewiston-Auburn and plan to get the vol- related to the Androscoggin River. The site includes links to orgaunteers in the field by the fall. Melinda and Ken Emerson, Volnizations that are interested in conservation, cultural and historical,
unteer Land Monitors for the Marden-Chittick Refuge in Greene, policy and recreational aspects of the river.
offered this assessment of their volunteer experience: “When you
steward a property, you walk the boundary lines which most often The course was an especially positive experience for students and
do not follow a trail. This gives you an opportunity to experience the community partners. Community partners received muchneeded help and expertise in advancing projects, and students came
the land around you in a much more natural way. Each year is
away with a greater appreciation of the Lewiston-Auburn comunique, and you will get a feel for the land that is different and
munity and the value of community engagement. For example, the
more personal than a more traveled path.
work undertaken by the signage groups has facilitated efforts by the
If you have a special love for an ALT conserved property, please
Androscoggin Land Trust to create a coherent vision of wayfinding
drop Mike Auger, Stewardship Director, an email at
in the river corridor and to raise funds to begin the final design and
[email protected]
installation of signs. They also put skills learned in the classroom
into practice in the community. Presentations of the projects in a
variety of community forums such as City Council meetings were a
Spring 2012
2
valuable opportunity for students to hone their communication skills
and disseminate the outcomes of their work. All eight of the final
reports are available on the Androscoggin River Portal website. This
coming fall a new group of students will undertake projects on the
Androscoggin River, and we encourage people to contact us with ideas
for projects of interest to community groups.
PROPERTIES OUTSIDE THE
GREENWAY
Jane Costlow teaches environmental studies courses with a focus on
the humanities and lives in Auburn. Tom Wenzel teaches chemistry
courses with an environmental focus and lives in Lewiston.
Lincoln Pond, within the recently acquired 20-acre parcel in Jersey Bog.
Jersey Bog Conservation Area:
As part of mitigation for the impact of its planned new store location
in Turner Village, Hannaford has partnered with ALT on its acquisition of 20 acres of land in Buckfield in its Jersey Bog Conservation
Area in early 2012 where ALT now conserves 615 acres.
Sample sign
from Bates
Wayfinding
project for the
Androscoggin
Greenway
Packard-Littlefield Farm Owner Honored with the
“Making the World a Better Place” Award
Bob Packard received this award as a graduate of Hamline University College of Liberal Arts who has made the connection between
learning theory and practice in connecting the liberal arts education
to his/her profession and work with the community. While teaching,
Packard was also director of the World Citizen Forum Project for
schools in Connecticut. A highlight of his work was arranging the first
formal contact between the United Nations Ambassadors of Egypt,
Israel and 200 Connecticut social studies teachers. The Androscoggin
Land Trust holds a conservation easement on the Packard-Littlefield
Farm where Packard and his wife, Ella Mae Littlefield Packard, live
in Lisbon. Since 2007 their farm has hosted refugees from Somalia,
Sudan, Uganda, and Guatemala to be trained in growing crops organically in a cold climate. The farm is in the process of being certified by
the Maine Organic Farmers Association.
The Jersey Bog ecosystem is part of a 5,000-acre Focus Area designated by the Board of ALT as being of statewide ecological significance. In addition to a diverse wetland complex, the Maine Natural Areas
Program identifies Jersey Bog as containing an exemplary Northern
White Cedar Swamp and critical deer wintering areas. This new parcel protects important shoreline along Lincoln Pond and some of the
most critical sections of the cedar swamp.
“Even in times of limited public funding, to conserve some of our
region’s most unique ecological areas, innovative partnerships like this
help advance shared interests,” states Jonathan LaBonte, ALT Executive Director. This Hannaford partnership continues recent momentum in Jersey
Bog. Early in 2011, ALT completed a conservation project in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to protect a nearby 185 acre parcel
that is now owned by the Small Woodland Owners Association of
Maine (SWOAM).
Meet Margi
Before becoming the Outreach Coordinator at the Androscoggin Land Trust, Margi Huber had a varied career as a naturalist and horticulturalist. She is a graduate of the University of
Southern Maine. As field trip coordinator at Maine Audubon
in Falmouth she planned many wonderful trips to places such as Africa, Mexico,
and Hudson Bay to see polar bears, as well as canoe trips on the Androscoggin
and St. John rivers. She lives in Windham on 20 acres with her husband and her
dog, Gulliver. Stop in to the office sometime and say hello.
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THE MARDEN REPORT:
OUTDOORS, WHERE THE
MAGIC HAPPENS
Androscoggin Cont. from page 1
The report presents a case statement for each trail and river
corridor and a grand vision that extends from its origins to
terminus, from head to foot, “from the source to the sea,” across
New England (and beyond), knitting together 4 of every 5
people in the region. The visions are borne of public and private
actions to restore the nation’s waters, connect people to the outdoors for both recreation and resource stewardship, honor the
nation’s outdoor heritage, revitalize local economies and create
jobs especially for youth, and create a more sustainable future.
Each builds on the New England tradition of civic engagement
across sectors to advance shared interests and goals; is embraced
by a multitude of partnering organizations, public and private;
and addresses the goals and priorities of related federal, state,
and local government initiatives.
Where is your outdoor place? The place where you feel a little
stronger, a little more certain, where you can gaze over water or
across fields and your wildest dreams seem a little closer? On your
own land? Where you vacation? A turnout on the road you take
to work? A high flat rooftop where the wings of your imagination
launch you skyward? Wherever it is, you know the outdoors is part
of the magic.
The outdoors sustains and renews us. In the woods or on the water, in
the open air, we feel closer to “the wild heart of life.” Since the beginning
of civilization, painters, poets, and photographers have found inspiration
in nature, trying to create work that evokes a similar human response-and sometimes succeeding.
In particular, the report puts forth specific proposals for timely
action that offers the Androscoggin River the prospect of
strengthened conservation, stewardship, recreational opportunity, and job creation from Umbagog Lake to Merrymeeting
Bay, along a continuous network of water, biking, hiking, and
pedestrian trails that will connect the river and public open
space to underserved urban and rural communities. These
proposals in this forum will help bring attention to all the work
currently being done on and along the Androscoggin River.
ALT has always been about the outdoors, protecting our central
Maine river corridor since its beginnings in 1989. Over the years,
in response to community needs and individual interests, programs
have expanded in many directions, always with the core of protecting special, beloved places that, without help, could be lost forever.
Experience has shown that we cannot protect every worthy and
beautiful place. But we can raise awareness of the value of special
places; take children and adults into the outdoors to experience for
themselves the joy of a woodsy trail or rippling river, help people
appreciate the wonders of this area we live in, and give them access
to outdoor places they don’t have to buy to enjoy.
After review by the New England Governors’ Conference at
their meeting in Burlington, Vermont in July, the report will be
transmitted to the six State’s agencies, the Premiers of Quebec
and New Brunswick, related Federal agencies, and members
of Congress for their action. On the local and state level, it is
recommended that the report be incorporated into related state
plans, and its projects be placed on appropriate program funding priority lists. The report does not represent a request to any
specific funding source. Rather, it offers a vision, an agenda, and
potential funding opportunities developed by deeply committed people from across the region who have come together to
address the shared concern of how best to connect people to the
outdoors in New England at this time. Nothing less is at stake
here, the report asserts, “than the future health and well-being
of the nation and our fellow citizens, and their opportunity to
live full, productive, and rewarding lives.”
But someone has to buy or donate the means to keep the places you
love safe. Your ALT membership and gifts make the magic happen!
If you enjoy the sponsored events, or appreciate knowing that a parcel of ALT-conserved land will stay undeveloped or remain a working forest or farm forever, please support the Land Trust’s work to
the best of your ability. Composed of a small, dedicated staff and
an ever-increasing group of volunteers, this is the local organization that protects special lands, right here, right now! Pitch in and
help. Visit the ALT website (or simply read the newspaper and look
around) to see how much has been accomplished in 22 years. With
your support, even more will happen in the next 22!
Above all, come outdoors and play!
Judy
The report is available at http://efc.muskie.usm.maine.edu/
docs/connect.people.2011.pdf
Richard Barringer is Professor Emeritus in the Muskie School
of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine.
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Spring 2012
ACCREDITATION REPORT
ALT has proudly embarked on an organizational journey toward Accreditation. The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) is a nationwide organization that has defined specific goals and best practices for the land conservation community. These best practices are designed
to hold land trusts accountable for their commitment to protect land in perpetuity, and help ensure organizational sustainability
and transparency. Accreditation helps to reassure donors that the land trust that they are working with is adhering to the highest
standards and that their donation of land will be protected for all future generations.
The process of applying for accreditation has been driven by ALT’s volunteer Board of Directors, which has for years acknowledged
its importance. The Board and its various sub-committees have worked together to assemble new, and refine existing, policies and
procedures which will be examined by the Accreditation Commission. Through this process, the Board has been further assured of
the good work that is being done by ALT’s staff, as closer scrutiny has revealed that ALT has been working in compliance with many
of the established best practices already.
In the last month, land trust consultant Dawn Kidd has been engaged to assist ALT with assembling the voluminous Accreditation
Application Notebook. These notebooks typically consist of nearly 1,000 pages of documentation, and Ms. Kidd’s experience with
the application process will help give ALT the best chances for success. While the organization still has much work to do in order to
apply for accreditation, and actually become accredited, things are in full swing and moving in the right direction. If you are interested in learning more or helping ALT move toward Accreditation please contact the ALT office.
Snowshoeing in Lewiston/Auburn
Fishing on the Androscoggin
This past February on two Wednesday
Last summer ALT and Maine IFW, who
afternoons and a Saturday, about fifty
provided the fishing equipment, hosted
kids from the Tree Street Youth Center
Lewiston-based Tree Street Youth to
got out on snowshoes, thanks to ALT
a morning of fishing at Simard-Payne
coordination with the Maine IFW, who
(Railroad) Park. The summer of 2012
supplied the snowshoes. Frisbee games,
relay races, and snow soccer were part
of the afternoons in Franklin Pasture in
will again see youth fishing on the
Androscoggin as ALT and IFW team up
to provide a fun outdoor experience for
Lewiston. The Saturday trip took place in
young people to help build pride in their
the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
community. Look for the Boys and Girls
where they hiked for 2 hours along the
Club of Auburn along the river in June,
Homestead Trail. Many had never been
Tree Street Youth in July, and a date in
on snowshoes or in the woods before.
Jay/Livermore Falls as well.
Become a Member Today!
Please join the Androscoggin Land Trust’s work in protecting our important natural areas,
traditional landscapes, and outdoor experience.
r $1000 Androscoggin Society
Name______________________________________________________________
r $500Conservationist
Street______________________________________________________________
r $250Protector
r $100Steward
r $60Supporter
Town_____________________________ State__________Zip__________________
Telephone___________________________________________________________
r $30Friend
E-mail______________________________________________________________
r $15Student/Senior
r I/We wish for my gift to remain anonymous in ALT publications.
r Please designate my gift to the LA Trails program.
r My employer has a matching gifts program ___________________
r ____Other
ANDROSCOGGIN LAND TRUST • P.O. BOX 3145 • AUBURN, ME 04212-3145 • Tel: 207-782-2302 • www.androscogginlandtrust.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS
More info at www.androscogginlandtrust.org
• June 17: Androscoggin River Cleanup in LA
Board of Directors
Judith Marden
President, Greene
James Pross
Vice President, Auburn
Edouard Plourde Treasurer, Lewiston
• July 15: Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race-Registration available online
Dana Little
Secretary, Auburn
• July 21-July 27: Source to Sea Trek from Dixfield to Turner
John Ackerman
Durham
• July 26, August 23, September 23: Paddle After Hours Jay/Livermore Falls
Doug Boyd
Lewiston
Kevin Fletcher
Auburn
Peter Garcia
Auburn
Jason C. Libby
New Gloucester
presented by
The Mill Street Café, Otis Falls Mill, Jay.
Lewiston-Auburn area Paddle Events presented by:
Mark Overhaug Yarmouth
Center Street Dental with additional
support from Hilton Garden Inn, LewistonAuburn Magazine, Austin Associates and
Northern Insurance Group.
Camille Parrish
Auburn
Steve Sinisi
Durham
• July 28-August 2: Source to the Sea Trek
Jonathan P. LaBonte
• July 19, August 2, August 16: Paddle After Hours
• August 17-19: Great Falls Balloon Festival-Guided balloon-launch
paddling trips.
Staff
Executive Director
Michael Auger
Director of Land Protection and Stewardship
Margi Huber
Outreach Coordinator