 Land for Maine's Future
New Round Public Notice
NEW! The Land for Maine’s Future Board has issued a new call for land conservation proposals. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2008. After careful evaluation, the Board will select project finalists at its July 2008 meeting. The New Proposal Workbook is also now available (LMF Proposal Workbook).
LMF 2007 Proposal Workbook is now available.
NEW! This is the seventh edition of the Proposal Workbook since the Land for Maine’s Future Board initiated its grants program in 1988. This workbook contains vital information on a wide range of Land for Maine’s Future topics. Please see the LMF Proposal Workbook for more imformation.
2007 LMF Biennial Legislative Presentation, February 2007
Recent LMF News
Land for Maine’s Future Board selects First-of-kind Working Waterfront Protection projects - January 16, 2007
Land
for Maine's Future Program receives high marks from first
independent evaluation: “Increasing the Return on a Sound
Public Investment” report posted to web
About the Land For Maine's Future Program
The concept behind the Land for Maine's Future (LMF) Program
is simple. Lands that have exceptional natural or recreational
value warrant permanent protection. With spreading development
and changing land uses, Maine is at risk of losing many of
the natural landscapes that residents cherish and that are
so important to Maine's natural and cultural heritage as
well as to its economic vitality. The LMF Program seeks to
conserve these important settings.
In 1987, citizens voiced their desire to have Maine's most
special places held forever in the public trust for all to
enjoy. The Maine Legislature created the LMF Program to secure “the
traditional Maine heritage of public access to Maine's land
and water resources or continued quality and availability
of natural resources important to the interests and continued
heritage of Maine people.”
Three bonds supporting the
LMF Program, a $35 million in 1987, $50 million in 1999,
and $12 million in 2005, have
passed by overwhelming margins. Virtually all of these
funds are now committed to current land protection projects.
Until
new funding is approved, LMF will not be able to support
any new major land conservation projects are possible.
Since its creation, the Program has assisted in the acquisition
of more than 444,000 acres from willing sellers, including
247,000 acres protected through conservation easements.
(Conservation easements can ensure public access while
keeping land in
private hands.) The lands protected through the LMF
Program include more than 919 miles of shorefront and 113 miles
of rail-trails as well as valuable wildlife habitat,
entire islands, and working forests and farms.
The LMF Program
works successfully with a wide array of partner
groups.
Because the program provides such tangible
returns,
it has won the support of outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen,
fishermen and clammers, conservationists, business people,
municipal officials and citizens throughout Maine. By
requiring at least a one-third match of private funds for
the public
funds expended, the LMF Program has successfully leveraged
more than $94 million from other sources, including private
and federal dollars. Key funding partners have included
nonprofit organizations, foundations, cooperating landowners,
and federal
agencies. Since 2000, the Program has secured a match
of $3 for every dollar expended.
The LMF Board, which administers
the Program, consists of 11 members: six private citizens
(appointed by the
Governor and approved by the Senate) and five commissioners
representing
the Departments of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Conservation,
Marine Resources, Agriculture and the State Planning
Office. All Board meetings are open and the Board encourages
public
participation.
Anyone may submit a proposal for consideration.
A proposal
workbook outlines the application process and
staff
can assist applicants. Every proposal must be endorsed
by
one of the
participating state agencies (see list above).
Tim Glidden, Director
Maine State Planning Office
184 State Street
38 State House Station
Augusta , Maine 04330-0038
Phone: 207-287-1487
Fax: 207-287-8059
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