What's New Archive

From fitting rusty blackbirds and saltmarsh sparrow with tiny Nanotag transmitters to track their behavior and movement, to acoustic bat surveys, black bear den surveys, and acquiring land for habitat management and water access sites, the work of Maine's wildlife biologists is like no other... Fascinating, remote, and incredibly important. If you have an interest for wildlife and how we are working to protect Maine's natural resources, this report is for you ». 

BANGOR, Maine (Feb. 15, 2023) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making funding available for agricultural producers and forest landowners nationwide to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided an additional $19.5 billion over five years for climate smart agriculture through several of the conservation programs that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implements. NRCS is making available $850 million in Fiscal Year 2023 for its oversubscribed conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

Maine is slated for more than $3.5 million in IRA allocations for Fiscal Year 2023 financial and technical assistance under its signature conservation programs through the NRCS.

“The Inflation Reduction Act provided a once-in-a-generation investment in conservation on working lands, and we want to work with agricultural and forest landowners to invest in climate-smart practices that create value and economic opportunities for producers,” said Vilsack, who spoke Monday at the National Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting. “We know that agriculture plays a critical role in the nation’s effort to address climate change, and we’re using this funding to bolster our existing programs, maximize climate benefits, and foster other environmental benefits across the landscape.”

Nationally the IRA funding includes an additional $8.45 billion for EQIP, $4.95 billion for RCPP, $3.25 billion for CSP, and $1.4 billion for ACEP. The increased funding levels begin in Fiscal Year 2023 and rapidly build over four years. These additional investments are estimated to help hundreds of thousands of farmers and ranchers apply conservation to millions of acres of land. Additionally, the IRA provides $300 million to quantify carbon sequestration and greenhouse gases (GHG) through the collection and use of field-based data to assess conservation outcomes. Information gained through this effort will be used to improve practices and technical assistance to customers. Further guidance on this important work will be provided as the implementation of this portion of the IRA continues.

These funds will provide direct climate mitigation benefits and will expand access to financial and technical assistance for producers to advance conservation on their farm, ranch or forest land through practices like cover cropping, conservation tillage, wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, tree planting and more. To ensure we can quantify the benefits of these IRA investments, NRCS is working to support Department-wide work on Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV). The IRA provided targeted funding to support this effort. In administering the Inflation Reduction Act climate investments, USDA will also support other environmental co-benefits, including – among other things – water conservation, wildlife habitat improvements, and reducing runoff.

How to Apply
NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but producers interested in EQIP or CSP should apply by March 17, 2023, for funding consideration in the current cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process and will include an opportunity to address the unmet demand from producers who have previously sought funding for climate-smart conservation activities.

Secretary Sonny Purdue announced on Nov. 12, 2020, the signup periods for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the CRP Grasslands in 2021. Signup for general CRP will be open from Jan. 4, 2021, to Feb. 12, 2021, and signup for CRP Grasslands runs from March 15, 2021 to April 23, 2021. Both programs are competitive and provide annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes. There will be a free webinar on January 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. MST. Register in advance for this meeting After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.  For more information, email Jeff Tranel or call 719-251-0990 

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Find the resources they need to make smart, sustainable decisions to protect their land for you to enjoy.  Donate to the Maine Land Conservation Assistance Network today!  Learn more »

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today it is seeking public input on its existing national conservation practice standards as part of implementing the 2018 Farm Bill. NRCS offers 150-plus conservation practices to America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to help them meet their business and natural resource needs on their working lands. NRCS is requesting public comments on how to improve conservation practice standards that support programs. The comment period ends April 25, 2019.  Learn More »

Do you think land conservation is important? Do you like beer? Then come drink for a good cause! The Land Conservation Assistance Network is hosting a fundraising event at Rising Tide Brewery, $5 gets you two drink tickets and all proceeds help support our national conservation efforts!  Learn More

Paul Birdsall was a longtime leader in the Maine Organic Farming and Gardening Association community and was a pioneer of Maine land conservation, helping to found both the Blue Hill Heritage Trust and the Belfast-based Maine Farmland Trust. Over the years, those two nonprofit agencies have protected many thousands of acres of working farms and other land for the benefit of farmers and the public.

Officials at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) report that emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in Maine. Despite an aggressive search for at least a decade, the destructive forest insect from Asia had not been detected in Maine previously. It has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in thirty-four states throughout the country. The estimated commercial (unprocessed) value of Maine ash trees is approximately $320 million. Learn more here.

The Maine Coast Heritage Trust has launched a $4.4 million fundraising campaign to purchase 126 acres for conservation on Clark Island in St. George. Read the article here.

Northern Maine Sheep Breeders will hold a sheep and goat health education seminar on Saturday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 7 Houlton Road, Presque Isle. Learn more here.

FARMINGTON - You are invited to attend the 70th Annual Meeting of the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District Friday, April 6 at W G Mallett School on Middle Street. The evening will begin with a welcome and a complementary buffet style dinner. At 6:15 p.m. a presentation will be given by Ranger Solar’s permitting director, Aaron Svedlow. Learn more here.

Local Wood Works is honored with the Source Award for Forester, based on its efforts to connect consumers to local wood products.“From the beginning, as we articulated our mission it was to both support long-term conservation and advance forest-based wood economies,” said Theresa Kercher, the executive director of the Kennebec Land Trust. Learn more here.

The Maine Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee has released its report on conservation lands owned by nonprofit organizations, which it was authorized to undertake by a provision in the General Fund Biennial Budget for 2018 and 2019. The report gives high marks to our land trust community and includes some interesting recommendations. Read the article and full report.

When the landscape is free of foliage in late winter, it’s a good time to walk your property in search invasive plants including woody growths like Asiatic bittersweet that just might choke the life out of your trees come spring. Learn more here.

There no figures kept at the state level but according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, invasive species cause more than $100 billion in harm nationwide to agriculture, natural resources and human health. Read the article here.

The deadline for the FY2018 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is quickly approaching. The conservation tool helps landowners and partners engage in long-term protection of Maine's farmland, wetlands and grasslands. The application deadline for ACEP is Jan. 31, 2018.  Learn more here. 

Kennebec Land Trust member Stewart Myers donated a 238-acre conservation easement to the Kennebec Land Trust on Dec. 19. This easement, which encompasses most of the shoreline of Egypt Pond, will protect natural scenery, water quality, working woodlands and farmland, and wildlife habitat. Learn more here.

Leslie "Les" Hyde, a University of Maine educator with Cooperative Extension who never outgrew his contagious sense of fun or his ability for making the improbable seem possible, died on Christmas Day, leaving behind a legacy of successful nature education and land conservation projects that he championed — including launching the Georges River Land Trust and Tanglewood 4-H Camp in Lincolnville. Read on here.

The Maine Master Naturalist Program is now taking applicants for its upcoming course, which will be held at Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm in Falmouth starting in April. The cost is $500 per person and applications are due by Jan. 2. Interested? Learn more and apply here.

The role farmers' markets play in the increasingly active local foods economy will be the theme at the 10th annual Maine Farmers' Market Convention in January, which is being held in conjunction with the Maine Agricultural Trades Show at the Augusta Civic Center this year. Registration, which closes Jan. 2, is required to attend. Learn more here.

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program is giving more than $1.4 million to fund nine projects designed to restore and protect wetlands and natural areas around the state. Read on here.

In the next decade, more than 400,000 acres of Maine farmland will transition in ownership. Farmers, landowners, and farm advocates are invited to the third annual Farmland Access Conference on December 4, 2017 at the Augusta Civic Center, Augusta ME co-hosted by Maine Farmland Trust and Land For Good. Learn more and register here.

The Freeport Conservation Trust will celebrate 40 years of preserving, connecting and sharing town lands on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The party, open to the public, will take place from 2-5 p.m. at the Tidebrook Preserve, 38 Bartol Island Road, and will include food, drinks, games, trail walks and live music from The Wabacs. Learn more.

Mark your calendars! The York Land Trust welcomes you to join them at their new home for a full day of activities on Sunday, September 17th. Activities will include a free open house and fundraising supper in the evening. Learn more here.

Maine conservation and forestry officials are going around the state in August and September to educate the public about how to recognize and help control invasive forest pests.  The next one is scheduled for Aug. 30 in Belgrade Lakes. View the event flyer here.

Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 10am - 12pm

Location: Full Circle Farm, 78 South Stanley Hill Road, Vassalboro, ME

Join ReVision Energy and Full Circle Farm for a Solar Open House, where guests can learn how Full Circle Farm is locking into long-term energy savings and lowering their carbon footprint as a local business. Learn more here.

Starting in November, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Maine Farms for the Future Program, and Jed Beach of FarmSmart Business Services will put on “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity,” a business planning course tailored for Maine farmers.? Learn more here.

“This is a great day for rural economic development and the environmental and social wealth of rural communities,” said Rep. Craig Hickman. Read article.

Increasingly farmers markets and individual farmers are using social media to get information to customers and generate a broader following. Learn more.

The Bath-based group will spend the funds to help support a volunteer program to monitor birds. Read more here.

Knox-Lincoln SWCD is again teaming up with Aaron Englander, Erickson Fields Farm & Program Manager for Maine Coast Heritage Trust, to offer programs of interest to farmers, those who would like to farm, as well as home gardeners interested in improving their skills. The next event - Shearing and Wool Grading? - is Sunday, April 23. Learn more and register here.

Women and our Woods is teaming up with Women of the Maine Outdoors to offer an action-packed workshop for women woodland owners and outdoor enthusiasts! Join us Saturday, April 29 at Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine for engaging, hands-on classes in a variety of forest-based topics. Learn more and register here.

FARMINGTON - At the annual meeting of the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District (FCSWCD) people from Chesterville, Jay and New Vineyard received awards for their commitment to conservation and stewardship of natural resources. Learn more here.

As traditional paper businesses are shifting to growing markets in food packaging and tissue — and as the pellet industry tries to grow its share of the U.S. heating market — others are eyeing new industries to breathe life into the economic engine in Maine’s woods. Read more here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available $500 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Conservation easements are an important tool to help landowners and partners voluntarily provide long-term protection of our nation's farmland, ranchland, wetlands and grasslands for future generations. Read the release.

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — In the search for a third rotation crop for potatoes, trials at the Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle are showing some promise for field peas, a crop that once had a successful run in the region until the 1970s.

Read on here.

Feb. 17 the Piscataquis County conservation district will host a rural energy workshop to educate homeowners, farmers and business owners about how they can more efficiently power their properties. Learn more here.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is adding 11 new projects to Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW), the agency’s targeted, science-based effort to help producers restore and protect habitat for declining species on farms, ranches and working forests.

UNITY, ME — Morten Moesswilde, district forester for the Maine Forest Service, will speak about forest stewardship, management and restoration at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Sebasticook Regional Land Trust office, 93 Main St.

Read the article.

REED PLANTATION, Maine — One of the world’s largest tech companies and a top-ranked conservation organization who last year partnered to buy a large swath of land in southern Aroostook County are again joining forces to donate a conservation easement on the more than 32,400 acres known as Reed Forest. Read more here.

In October, Winslow became the first town in Maine to receive applications for its new Voluntary Municipal Farm Support Program, which allows qualifying landowners to grant a temporary agricultural conservation easement to the town. Read the article.

This year's fair, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, at Misty Meadows Farm features an expanded children's section and a rainfall simulator from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Learn more about the fair here.

Downeast Salmon Federation is  re-opening our search for a high-energy and unstoppable person to lead our three year campaign to protect 35 miles of frontage on some of wildest rivers remaining on the east coast. Funding is available, large blocks of land are coming onto the market and the region is beautiful with rich and varied habitat--this is a campaign that will be fun--and won. 

Job description is here. Please take  look and pass on to others who might be interested.

"There has been a real shift toward more small ownership of woodlots in Maine," which make up 5 million of the state's 17 million forested acres, said Tom Doak, executive director of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine.

Read the article here.

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) conserves wildlife and open spaces through the sale of instant, scratch lottery tickets. With proceeds from ticket sales, grants are awarded twice a year, totaling approximately $700,000 annually. Grant application deadlines are March 1 and September 1 of each year.
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