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Dear Members,

There continues to be much good news to report: ninety new members came on board in the last fiscal year; we acquired another 200 acres on Mount Pisgah; there are 9 active land acquisitions or donations in the works; we exceeded all of our fundraising goals; and we have approved the hiring of our first employee!

Details on all of this appear throughout this issue of the newsletter, so I won't go into them further here.  But one bit of news does warrant more ink: our decision to hire an employee.  We have created and funded a half-time position for an Administrative Coordinator who will have responsibility for bringing in new members, creating education and outreach programs on our properties, and coordinating a wider range of stewardship activities than we have been able to pull off in the past.  In short, this position’s purpose is to let more people know about the better and better work that we are doing here in Kennebec County.

The Board deliberated hard over the last year about just how it wanted staff to support its work.  We set aside the idea of an Executive Director because the board members felt strongly that they wanted to continue to lead the acquisition and fundraising work of the Trust. Having first made that decision, the rest was easy -- let's make sure our light isn't hiding under a bushel and that we continue to grow.

We have looked hard at our financials as we made this decision, and it is very clear that our membership renewals can support this position while continuing to fund acquisition projects and stewardship activities.  The money we have put toward this position is an investment, one that we are confident will return good results in the very short term.

So when you receive your membership renewal later this fall, please take note that we have all come along way together, and that our continued ability to do more, and do it well, means we now need a staffed land trust.

In Trust,
Andrew Fisk

On the weekend of October 12th and 13th over a dozen volunteers came out to work with the Maine Conservation Corps to blaze a new trail up Mt. Pisgah. The KLT, community volunteers and the town of Winthrop laid out the trail in September, and then came the cutting, sawing and hauling. The new trail begins at the base of the road to the left of the gate and gently climbs up the mountain to the fire tower.

A second trail is presently under construction at the Curtis property that will make more of the woods and fields available to the public. Visitors to Curtis will also notice that the debris from the old farmstead is gradually making its way to the dump, thanks to the great work of Adrian Marden of Greene, Scout Troop #113 and steward Andy Bosworth.

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As we make plans to welcome our newly hired administrative coordinator we are in need of a few items. Some may be available through member donations. If you have access to anything from the list below, and are willing to donate it to help set up the KLT office, please contact Andy Fisk, 588-0074 or kfisk@gwi.net .

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The KLT has been graciously accommodated by Howard Lake for many years at his Winthrop offices, but our growth and new staffing mean we need to set up our own offices. So, later this fall we will be moving to 134 Main Street in Winthrop.

KLT member Kevin Mattson has generously leased us a beautiful office at a very reduced rate. We are excited to be right downtown and in the newly renovated Odd Fellows Building.

Thank you, Kevin, for making this possible!

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The KLT is very pleased to have three new Directors who were elected at the Annual Meeting:

Jennifer McLean of Kent's Hill has recently moved to Maine from Washington, D.C.  Jennifer brings experience in national environmental policy and has begun to develop the stewardship plan for the Nancy's Bog property.

Sarah Demers of Augusta grew up in Manchester and is a skilled grant writer. As a board member she hopes to learn more about local and regional land use and the legal process of land conservation. Sarah works for the Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Lincoln County Economic Development Office.

Robert Marvinney of Readfield is the State Geologist at the Department of Conservation who brings a wealth of technical expertise and a strong personal interest in land conservation to our work.

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There was something for everyone at this year’s Kennebec Land Trust annual meeting held in August. In the afternoon, Hallowell historian Sam Webber led tours of the Vaughan Homestead, graciously opened to trust members by the Gibson family. Jeff Pidot led hikes through the woods, along the brook and over the graceful stone bridges for which the Vaughan Woods are known. Meanwhile, downtown at the Harlowe Gallery, visitors glimpsed the “many faces of Vaughan Woods” at a photo contest and reception.

The annual meeting itself was held under the trees at beautiful Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell. The weather cooperated (miraculously), and the llamas looked on with interest, as Andy Fisk reviewed highlights of the trust’s work over the past year. Awards were handed out, elections held, and food consumed in quantity. As the sun set, Rupert Neilly spoke eloquently about land trusts and the importance of landscape and nature in a person’s life.

Andy welcomed Advisory Board members Scott Cowger, Judy Kane, Jon Lund, Jeff Pidot, Lila Segal, Jym St. Pierre and Dr. Mary Ellen Avery. Scott was thanked for hosting tonight’s event.

Dr. Avery was congratulated on her election as President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retired distinguished professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Avery is a longtime supporter of the land trust and donor of a beautiful parcel on Echo Lake in Readfield. The KLT wishes Dr. Avery the best of luck as she undertakes this international leadership position.

Sarah Demers, Robert Marvinny, and Jennifer McLean were elected to the KLT Board of Directors. Norm Rodrigue, Clyde Walton and Henry Whittemore were re-elected. Jeff Jannell and David Courtemanche retired from the Board with much gratitude for their service – we count on their continued involvement with the trust. Officers will be Andy Fisk, President; Glenn Hodgkins, 1st Vice President; Tom Bartol, 2nd Vice President; Amy Trunell, Treasurer; and Diana McLaughlin, Secretary.

Every year the KLT recognizes members and friends who have made notable contributions to our work.  At this year's meeting we very honored to acknowledge much good work.

• Stewardship Chair Jim Connors presented David Stevenson and Andrew Bosworth with the Trust's newly created Stewardship Award. Dave has worked for many years on Norris Island, including managing the reservation system for the island's campsites and cabin on Androscoggin Lake.  Andy has taken on the Curtis Homestead area in Leeds, to the point where one of our largest and newest properties has a parking area, registration boxes, trails, and an active group of stewards. These dedicated volunteers have cleaned, hauled, torn down "No Trespassing" signs, and made this property an accessible and attractive space for recreational use. Thanks Dave and Andy!
• In recognition of George and Diana Gibson's legacy of conservation leadership, the KLT presented a plaque to George and Diana's children, David, Geo, and Ellen.  This plaque is a small token of our appreciation for the Gibson's commitment not only to preserving the Vaughan Woods, but to supporting the KLT when we were just beginning our work.
• Wayne and Millie Whittier were honored for their donation of a shoreline parcel on Parker Pond in Mt. Vernon.
• Advisory Board members Jym St. Pierre and Jeff Pidot were recognized for their leadership in the protection and appreciation of the Vaughan Woods from 1990 to today, witness the photo exhibit organized by Jym and tours of the woods led by Jeff.
• All this was done through the excellent organizing effort of Ann Judd, who each year manages to present annual meetings that demonstrate what land trusts really mean. A million thanks, Ann!

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“Driving Bridge in Summer,” by David Hodsdon

Art and nature made a winning combination at the Vaughan Woods Photo Exhibit held at the Harlowe Gallery in Hallowell this summer. KLT and the Capital Area Camera Club cosponsored the event, where visitors could see the local landmark from a variety of points of view and vote for their favorite photos.

Jym St. Pierre, organizer of the exhibit and photo contest, announced the awards at the land trust’s annual meeting. David Hodsdon of Jefferson took first place honors for “Driving Bridge in Summer,” a stunning image of a graceful stone arch bridge. Gerard Gaboury of Augusta came in second for a picture of a young boy in the woods. Third place went to Jon Duplessis of Augusta for “Tranquility, ” a photo portraying the waterfall at Vaughan Brook.

David Hodgdon has graciously donated his beautiful photo to the KLT. “Driving Bridge in Summer” will occupy an honored place in our newly created office.

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This April the Kennebec Land Trust purchased the Oliver property around Nancy’s Bog, at the foot of Mt. Pisgah. The KLT purchase is a happy ending for a property with a sad namesake and turbulent past. According to local legend, the wetland was named after a young woman, Nancy Fairbanks, who lived near the bog and wandered off into it one night, never to be seen again.

Many years later the outlet at the southern end was dammed, turning the wetland into a lake. The owners had hopes of developing the surrounding land into lakeside residential lots. Area residents well remember the spectacular end to “Apple Valley Lake,” when the earthen dam burst on April 16, 1997, draining the lake and flooding Tannery Creek. Since that time the water level has stabilized and the exposed shoreline has naturally revegetated. Nancy’s Bog is now neither a bog nor a lake, but a pretty little pond containing relic peat mats. The transition of open water to marshy shoreline to forest makes for rich wildlife habitat. Over 30 species of birds were recorded here one morning last spring.

KLT has no interest in creating another lake. The pond and recovering shoreline are doing just fine as is. Invasive plant species may be a concern here, especially on the fragile marsh edge where ATVs have caused some damage. The land trust is also looking into ways to stabilize the earthen banks at the site of the dam breach with the goal of preventing further soil erosion and making a safer crossing.

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George Gibson, one of KLT's most vigorous and generous supporters, passed away this summer. In 1990 George's wife, Diana, who passed away last year, donated to KLT the conservation easement that permanently protects and provides public access to the Vaughan Woods in Hallowell. This magnificent and historic property of 162 acres has been in the Vaughan family since it was granted by the King of England in the 1700's. George and Diana were devoted to each other, to their children and friends, and to the Vaughan Woods.

Over a period of decades, George dedicated enormous energy to the maintenance and improvement of the more than two miles of trails in the Woods that are used by the public for hiking and cross-country skiing.  As described in this newsletter, celebrating the Vaughan Woods and the conservation-mindedness and generosity of the Vaughan-Gibson family was the focus of KLT's annual meeting this year. We will miss George's friendship and wise counsel, but he and Diana live on in their legacy to all of us.

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• Become a property steward, or just come on out on a work day: call Stewardship Committee Chairman Jim Connors, 933-4293.
  
• Introduce us to a friend: contact Membership Secretary Doug Scott, 933-2220 or adscott@ctel.net . Passing along the enclosed membership envelope to someone who might be interested in the work of the trust is another way to help spread the word.
  
• Use our properties: hike on the Curtis Homesteads’ trails, paddle out to Norris Island, climb Mount Pisgah, explore gentle Jamies Pond, take a refreshing walk in Vaughan Woods. Or, lead a field trip—we’ll help with the organizing details if your’re willing to share your time and enthusiasm.
  
• Conserve land: if you are interested in donating land or an easement, feel free to contact Lands Committee Chair Glenn Hodgkins a call at 582-4133.  There can be significant tax advantages to such a donation.
  
• Help with fundraising: support our operating and annual acquisition goals by joining our Development Committee. Contact Chair Norm Rodrigue, 622-6204, to get involved.
  
• Transfer stock: Receive a tax donation and forego paying capital gains on appreciated securities. Call Norm Rodrigue, 622-6204, to explore this option.
  
• Donate in-kind gifts: Our current wish list , on page 2, includes items for our new office.

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May we suggest one or two destinations that you may not yet have considered for a day hike? On a crisp fall afternoon you will find that these properties offer experiences that are fun for all ages - and they’re easily accessible.

Curtis Homestead Conservation Area – Since acquiring this beautiful 360-acres of open space in 2000, KLT stewards have been busy developing well-designed, well-marked trails through fields and forest. The conservation area welcomes hikers and is located in Leeds: take Route 202 west through Winthrop, heading toward Lewiston. Turn right on to the Bog Road in Leeds; the parking area is about 1.5 miles on the right.

Mt Pisgah – Protecting this unspoiled, well-loved area continues to be a high priority for the land trust, and has led us into many fruitful partnerships with other conservation-minded individuals and groups. This fall KLT and community volunteers joined the Maine Conservation Corps to build a new hiking trail up the mountain. Check out the trail, and the spectacular views from the top! The trailhead is on Mt. Pisgah Road in Winthrop: Take Route 202 West towards Monmouth. Just past Gray’s Pit Stop, take a right on to Main Street. After .8 miles the road ends; turn right on to Wilson Road. Turn left on to Mt. Pisgah Road. The trail begins 1.6 miles from this intersection.

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What is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a flexible tool that protects land while leaving it in private ownership. The easement – a legal document – guides future uses of a property, regardless of ownership. A landowner generally donates the easement to a qualified conservation organization, which ensures that the conditions of the easement are met over time.

The Numerous Benefits of Conservation Easements:

• Landowners retain title to their property and may continue to live on it, sell it, or pass it on to heirs, knowing that it will always be protected.
• Easements may eliminate or greatly reduce estate taxes, preventing the forced sale of properties.
• Easements can also provide landowners with income tax and property tax reductions by eliminating unwanted development value.
• Easements are flexible, adapted to the particular needs of the landowner and the resources of the property.
• Easements can reduce the potential for disagreement when lands are passed on to the next generation.
• Easements offer permanent protection, applying to all future landowners. A land trust ensures that restrictions are followed in perpetuity.

How Easements Work

When you own land, you “own” many rights associated with it (e.g., the right to harvest timber, build structures, extract minerals or operate a farm – subject to zoning and other laws). By placing an easement on your land, you relinquish some of these rights. You might, for example, give up the right to build additional residences while retaining the right to grow crops.

Conservation easements protect a variety of land types including farms, forests, historic areas, wildlife habitats and scenic views. The landowners and prospective easement holder (generally a land trust) tailor the easement to protect the land’s natural and cultural values, meet the landowners’ financial and personal needs and meet the conservation goals of the intended recipient.

Holding Easements

The land trust that receives an easement (the holder) assumes permanent responsibility for monitoring the property and enforcing its legal terms. At the time of the easement gift, the holder may request a donation to help defray future stewardship expenses.

Tax Benefits of Donating Easements

Nearly all landowners who opt for conservation easements decide to work with a land trust – which may qualify as a tax-deductible gift if the easement meets requirements of the federal tax code and provides significant public benefits. Potential tax benefits associated with conservation easements include income, estate and property tax relief.

For more information about donating a conservation easement, contact Glenn Hodgkins, Lands Committee Chair, 582-4133.

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