The conservation coalition Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) has leveraged taxpayer money to buy 50,000 acres of key recreational, agricultural and wildlife land in the Pine Tree State. LMF’s Board recently approved $9 million for 25 projects in 37 communities considered important for habitat protection and improvement. The grants were matched by $24.8 million from 60 LMF partners.
One spectacular acquisition: the Cold Stream Forest Project in Somerset County. Purchased from Plum Creek, the Cold Stream plot protects thousands of acres of deer-wintering habitat and 30 miles of streams and wetlands feeding the Kennebec River.
“That is more wild brook trout pond habitat than in the rest of Northern New England,” wrote one happy recreational outdoor columnist. The purchase also includes 37 farms of more than 8,900 acres, and more than 20 commercial working waterfront properties. Read more HERE.
Photo Credit: Trout Unlimited