August 6, 2003

Welcome to the Watershed Conservation Update, a periodic electronic newsletter from the Wells Reserve about conserving land and water resources in Southern Maine.

Conservation Planning

Voices of Communities Experiencing Rapid Change will be a full day symposium on September 6th at UNH's Alumni Center in Durham. A unique chance to network across state boundaries and share common experiences with communities in southern New Hampshire, southern Maine, and northeastern Massachusetts challenged by sprawl and other impacts of growth and development. Five areas will be explored; New England Style Development, Biodiversity, Conservation Planning, Environmental Education/outreach, and Water Resources. Sponsored by the University of New Hampshire's Center for Integrative Regional Problem Solving (CIRPS). There is no cost and lunch is provided but participation is limited to 100 people. Visit CIRPS website for additional information and to register on line.

Training and Support

The Maine Land Trust Network is sponsoring a Limited Liability workshop from 10-2 on August 11 with lunch provided (registration at 9:30).It will be held at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Thanks to the Island Foundation, the cost of this session will be $20. The session is geared for the experienced practitioner. Discussion and questions will be encouraged. Bonnie Van Allen and the attorney Tim Barnard to give an overview of the tool (limited partnerships), how they work, walk through a project or two, engage discussion about the pro's and con's and appropriateness of use and relate how they differ from Limited Liability Companies. To register email Megan Shore or call her at 729-7366 by this Friday.

Resource Information

The Land for Maine's Future Board has announced an October 1 deadline for new land conservation proposals. This round of grants is expected to complete the allocation of funds from the 1999 $50 million land bond. A thorough explanation of the application process can be found at Land for Maine's Future Program. Since 1987, the Land for Maine’s Future Program has protected more 130,000 acres. The Reserve is willing to provide GIS maps for your proposal but please contact us as early as possible, call Sue Smith at 646-1555 x 120 or email.

"Community Rules: A New England Guide to Smart Growth," the guidebook produced by the Conservation Law Foundation and the Vermont Forum on Sprawl, is available online for the first time. The contains examples of communities that have laid the groundwork for smart growth through sensible planning, zoning, and other strategies. Read more at Community Rules.

We all know Real Estate prices are rising in Southern Maine. By how much and how fast was indicated in a recent appraisal done for the Great Works Regional Land Trust. Here ia a five year history of one of the comparables, a 10.4 acre parcel off of Tatnic Road in Wells - accessible by a ROW. It was sold in July of 1998 for $47.5k, then sold again in August of 2000 for $59.9k, then in October of 2001 for $85k, and most recently in March of 2002 for $130k. No improvements were done during this time. Over a 45 month period this parcel was sold four times and increased in value by 273%.

Communication and Outreach

The Reserve's Watershed Conservation Strategy Summaries for seven coastal rivers in Southern Maine are now available on the Reserve's Stewardship web page along with past editions of the Watershed Conservation Update.

The Maine Non-point Education for Municipal Officials newsletter is now available in the publications section at NEMO. NEMO is an educational program for land use decision makers that addresses the relationship between land use and natural resource protection, with a focus on water resources, nonpoint source pollution, and stormwater runoff.

Partner Events / News

The Kennebunk Land Trust last week announced the donation of a 44 acre parcel on Tarwater Pond in Lyman by John and Lorinda Bradford. The Trust this spring completed the purchase of 93 acres in Kennebunk which includes over 2400 feet of frontage on the Mousam River. Their auction in May raised over $52k. For more information visit their website.

The Three Rivers Land Trust two weeks ago announced the signing of a conservation easement protecting the 538 acre Jones Farm in Lebanon. The Farm had been in the Jones family since 1786 and the easement keeps the farm intact by preventing subdivision and allows for continued agricultural and forestry uses. The easement was a stipulation in Wilbur Jones' will. Negotiations with the estate over the easement terms and stewardship contribution took several years to complete with the result being one of the largest easements in southwestern Maine. Email Three Rivers Land Trust for more information.

York County Soil and Water Conservation District and Great Works River Watershed Coalition have been selected to receive a $22K grant from the Maine DEP and the US EPA through section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act to develop a Watershed Management Plan for the Great Works River. The two-year project, commencing in April of 2004, is designed to obtain community input on the future of the watershed through several methods, including a community watershed forum to be held in 2005. For more information please contact Forrest Bell.

Background

The Watershed Conservation Update is distributed by the Stewardship Department at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve to provide timely, pertinent, and concise information and resources to volunteers and professionals working on watershed conservation issues in Southern Maine and nearby New Hampshire. The Wells NERR Stewardship Department supports community efforts to conserve natural resources by 1) facilitating collaborations for regional conservation planning, 2) providing access to natural resource information, 3) offering GIS mapping services, 4) promoting training opportunities, 5) providing outreach and communication services and 6) publicizing conservation related events and successes.

For more information or comments contact Tin Smith, visit our website at wellsreserve.org, or call 646-1555 x119.

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