A land trust makes two promises that must not be broken. The first to protect and restore lands for the future. The second is to take care of these conserved lands for flora and fauna to thrive in and for people to work and play in.
There is more than one way to protect land. We are always willing to explore the opportunity and potential to protect special places. All communities benefit from the natural world; the resources and services it provides. Our communities enjoy conserved land thanks to the foresight and generosity of landowners who cared about their land and ensured it can be cherished by many, forever.
Eleanor Burke on her beloved property in Woolwich
KELT currently owns 1,759 acres of conservation land. For some landowners preserving the land they love with KELT means that they want our land trust to own the land protecting fragile habitat, developing recreation potential, and offering significant public benefit. There are options for landowners to consider with many implications and benefits to protect their land.
KELT would like to celebrate one local woman whose love of the Kennebec Estuary and Merrymeeting Bay endures…
The conserved fields of Fairwinds Farm in Bowdoinham
KELT has completed four agriculture easements. An agricultural easement is a form of conservation easement. It is designed and developed with farm use as the top priority and remains in effect on the land regardless of ownership. Like a conservation easement, this is a voluntary, legal agreement with the landowner. This keeps the farm in private ownership and as a farm forever. These types of easements support local food in our communities.
Steve DeWick on his family farm in Woolwich
KELT has conserved 1,880 acres through conservation easements. Conservation easements give people the assurance that the lands they love will be protected forever. Land is donated or placed under a conservation easement, a legal agreement that remains with the land, forever. They are among the most meaningful legacies a person or family can leave to future generation. When completed, it is the job of the land trust to make sure that promise is kept. It is no small job ensuring the permanence of land conservation.
KELT would like to celebrate a local family that donated an easement on their family propery...
Trafton Meadow in Georgetown
Get more details about the lands conserved by KELT in 2020 and 2021! In an unparalleled time, KELT remains committed to protecting important landscapes to benefit wildlife, today’s communities, and future generations.
As people developed the coast of Maine over the past few hundred years, many roads, dams and causeways were built across the surface of Maine’s marshes and waterways. The splintering of these ecologically-rich habitats impacted not only plants and animals but also people. KELT participates in restoration projects because it is in our mission: restoring lands and waters that benefit people and wildlife in the estuary region. Removing unnecessary causeways or installing culverts and bridges to allow for free movement of inland and tidal waters (along with animals) aides in restoring a fractured habitat. It allows this habitat to serve our built and natural communities today and in the future.
“[The Nequasset] restoration project has not only effectively improved this historic fishery and retained an important local economic asset, but has galvanized the local community. Hundreds of concerned citizens and a wide array of conservation organizations have been involved, and we’ve increased the awareness of and pride in this critical natural and cultural resource.”
– Carrie Kinne, KELT's former Executive Director
Impaired wetlands have been improved at KELT’s Lundstrom Marsh Preserve after years of careful planning and collaboration.
