shoreline management boundaries

T H E NEWSLETTER OF MAINE COAST HERITA G E TR U S T WINTER 2003THE 775 ACRES NOW PROTECTED ON MARSHALLISLAND NEARLY SUCCUMBED TO DEVELOPMENT IN THELATE 1980S WHEN THE PROPERTY WAS SUBDIVIDEDINTO 14 PARCELS FOR SEASONAL ESTATE HOMES.GLENN JACKSON© SARA GRAYMAINE COAST HERITAGE TRUSTlaunched the new year on a highnote, completing the acquisition of775 acres on Maine’s largest remainingunprotected and undeveloped island.“There are no other properties likeMarshall Island along the entire coast,”says Director of Land ProtectionDavid MacDonald. “It’s a remarkablybeautiful place—and one that hasremained wild despite the odds.”Marshall Island, in Jericho Bay,includes nearly 5 miles of bold shorelineand two fine sand beaches listedon the State’s Register of CriticalAreas. Those beaches have luredpicnickers for the better part of acentury. Swans Island resident CarolynGrace recalls how several decadesago many local fishing families usedto picnic nearly every summer Sundayon Marshall Island: “It was wonderfulto see families out there routinely.We’re so delighted to know–withMCHT’s acquisition—that peoplewill be able to go there in the future:it makes us very, very happy whenthe public can enjoy places they’vetraditionally been.”Under MCHT’s stewardship, thatheritage of recreational, daytime usewill continue. In the coming months,the Trust will conduct a naturalresource inventory and create a managementplan for the new MarshallIsland preserve, which is being namedin honor of former Board ChairmanHarold E. (Ed) Woodsum.“Marshall Island was on our ‘wishlist’ from the Trust’s earliest days,”notes MCHT President Jay Espy.“Acadia National Park actually triedto include Marshall within its boundariesin the 1970s but that plan didnot materialize.” Subsequently theTrust attempted other conservationstrategies without luck. In the late1980s, developers acquired most ofMarshall Island and gained approvalfor a 14-lot subdivision, to be servedby an airstrip and a commercialdistrict. The investment souredunexpectedly and the bank put the775-acre property up for auction.“That welcome turn of events in1992 renewed our hopes,” Espy recalls,continued on page 3

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN by Jay EspyA RARE AND PRECIOUS PLACEMARSHALL ISLAND ENCOMPASSES ALL THE CONSERVATION VALUES THAT MCHT SEEKS TO PRESERVE IN ITS AMBITIOUS CAMPAIGN FOR THE COAST.GLENN JACKSON REALTYWhen explaining MCHT’s workto individuals and groups, I often namewell-known properties that embodythe essence of what we seek topreserve. Certain places come upso often that they become icons–vivid images that encapsulate ourhighest vision for coastal landconservation. Marshall Island, with1,000 acres of scenic grandeur, isone such icon.From its earliest days, MCHThas worked consistently to protectislands because they hold a concentrationof significant values.Islands are, in many ways, the“trademark” of the Maine coastline.They serve as a foundationfor Maine’s rich fishing andmaritime tradition. They are magicalsettings that evoke wonder and asense of discovery in residents andvisitors alike. Islands are rich in biodiversity,being refuges for species© SARA GRAYdriven from the mainland and habitatsfor many plants and animals atthe extremes of their breeding range.Marshall, the largest of all theundeveloped and unprotected islandsleft in Maine, is an especially rareand precious place. It embodies whatMCHT seeks to conserve in its ambitiousCampaign for the Coast. Whenwe speak of protecting “the characterof Maine’s coast,” it can be hard tocapture all of what that entails.Our vision is not just to preservesignificant wildlife habitat,exceptional views, workinglandscapes and appealing settingsfor people to enjoy. We seek toprotect the exquisite tapestry ofnatural and cultural values thatform the fabric of a place.In each of the next four issuesof Maine Heritage, we will havea column that explores oneof the primary values–scenic,ecological, recreational and productive—thatdefines the Trust’swork. We hope that these reflectionswill help to convey the “why”behind what we do. If we could distillall those words into one symbolicimage, though, it might well be thatof Marshall Island.2 M A I N E H E R I TA G E W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

© SARA GRAYMarshall Islandcontinued from page 1“but conservation representativeswere outbid at auction and the islandslipped away from us again.”Fortunately, the successful biddersat that auction– Marcia and RichardHeffering of Greenwich, Connecticutand Swans Island, Maine—soon realizedthat they had acquired a uniqueproperty meriting protection. Duringtheir decade of ownership, they chosenot to build any structures except adock and a few tent platforms. “Thereare so many different characteristicsto the terrain and habitat there, eachwith its own charms,” says MarciaHeffering, who has spent nearly everysummer day for years hiking theisland. “You practically have to walkevery square foot of it to appreciatethat. Many coastal properties on themainland are beautiful and enticing,”she continues, “but Marshall Islandis exponentially more so.”“As we became attached to theisland and all its wonders,” she continues,“we distanced ourselves fromthe prospect of taking advantageof the grandfathered developmentGLENN JACKSON REALTYFOR DECADES, LOCAL FAMILIES HAVE ENJOYEDTRADITIONAL USE OF MARSHALL ISLAND FORBEACHCOMBING AND SUMMER PICNICS. MCHTIS WORKING TO PREPARE A MANAGEMENT PLANTHAT WILL ALLOW FOR CONTINUED DAYTIME,LOW-IMPACT RECREATION.rights – even though we’d boughtthe island in part for its investmentpotential.” When MCHT approachedthe Hefferings to discuss the island’sfuture, the couple agreed to sell theirproperty to the Trust for a price wellbelow what they would have soughton the open market. “We were awareof Maine Coast Heritage Trust fromMARSHALL IS CONSIDERED “ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST GEMS AMONG THE ISLANDS THAT CROWN THEMAINE COAST,” ACCORDING TO ISLAND INSTITUTE PRESIDENT PHILIP CONKLING.the outset,” Heffering notes, “andwere very impressed with the purposeand philosophy of the organization.”Under the terms of the sale, theHefferings will retain exclusive lifetimeuse of a 97-acre parcel at theisland’s northern end (includingthe pier and float there). That landis subject to conservation restrictionsand will revert to MCHT (andbecome accessible to the public) followingtheir tenancy.With more than three-fourths ofMarshall Island now secured, MCHTis working protect the remaining twoparcels and raise funds for the recentpurchase. “The generosity of those whohave given to the Campaign for theCoast enabled us to take a leap offaith—stretching financially to takethis rare opportunity,” says DavidMacDonald. “We have some groundstill to cover, but we’re a quantum leapahead of where we were 15 years ago—when the island faced subdivision.MCHT has learned over the decadesto persevere in the face of setbacks,and this project demonstrates howpersistence pays off.”RICHARD KNOX3 M A I N E H E R I TA G E W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

MCHT Joins in Aquaculture DialogueMaine’s aquaculture industry has grown steadily duringthe last decade, part of a marked global increase in thefarming of fish and shellfish. Aquaculture facilities oncesited primarily Downeast are expanding into Penobscot,Blue Hill and Frenchman bays.This trend concerns many people since the State processfor reviewing proposedaquaculture sites currentlydoes not consider how aproposed site will affectshoreside properties interms of noise, lights andodors. Such impacts candegrade the quiet, beautyand ecological significanceof treasured naturalsettings. For example, aproposed salmon-farmingCHRIS HAMILTONoperation in Blue HillBay would site 300,000fish and a 1.5-story feedingbarge 670 feet fromTinker Island where MCHT owns a 230-acre preserve.A similar farm is proposed off of Pickering and Scottislands, conserved properties in East Penobscot Bay.After carefully monitoring these developments, MaineCoast Heritage Trust has decided to join in the policydialogue concerning aquaculture. The Trust seeks toproceed thoughtfully and carefully, mindful of howcomplex and challenging this realm is. MCHT currentlyis working with Senator Beth Edmonds of Freeport whohas proposed two remedial legislative measures. One billcalls for a bay management planning process while thesecond bill ensures that State review criteria considershoreside impacts.MCHT is formallyintervening in theDepartment of MarineResources permittingprocess – opposinga proposed fish farmoff Tinker Island thatwould have a significantdetrimental impact onthe island’s naturalcharacter. The Trustalso is assemblinga team of experts(including a landscapearchitect, noise specialist,and wildlife biologist) to help draft proposedstandards for aquaculture’s visual and auditory impacts onshoreside properties. For further information onthe Trust’s work in this realm, contact MCHT’s SeniorPolicy Coordinator, Chris Hamilton, at 729-7366,ext. 102.LARGE-SCALE SALMON-FARMING OPERATIONS THREATEN TO HAVE A DETRIMENTALIMPACT ON SOME OF MAINE’S CONSERVED ISLANDS.Name:Address:Amount:HELP PROTECT THE CHARACTER OF MAINE’S COASTWe greatly appreciate contributions at all levels in support of our land protection work.Check: I/we are enclosing a check payable to Maine Coast Heritage Trust(Address: 1 Main Street, Suite 201 • Topsham, Me 04086)Credit Card Number: (Visa/Mastercard)Expiration Date:Telephone:Securities: I/we would like to make a gift of securities and will have my/our broker contactLindsey Cadot, MCHT Development Assistant, at (207) 729-7366 for transfer instructions.Thank you! Questions? Please call (207) 729-7366 (or e-mail: development@mcht.org).4 M A I N E H E R I TA G E W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

34 & 56872 0 0 2 C O M P L E T E D P R O J E C T SMCHT completed 36 projects last year encompassing more than 1,100 acres, 20 shorefront miles and 11 entire islands.Each of these projects is a testimonial to the vision and generosity of private landowners and partner organizations: MCHT’sboard, council and staff acknowledges their significant contribution to preserving the character of Maine.1) Duck Island, Kittery (not shown)2) Smuttynose Island, Kittery (not shown)3) Robinson Woods, Cape Elizabeth4) Gilman Road House Lot, Yarmouth5) Gilman Road Farm Preserve, Yarmouth6) Birch Island, Harpswell7) Long Reach Preserve, Harpswell8) Whaleboat Island, Harpswell9) Thomas Point Homestead, Westport10) Berry Island, Wiscasset11) Guptil (Bryant) Island, Newcastle12) Tommy’s Island, St. George13) Ducktrap Riverfront, Lincolnville14) Sandy Point Shoreline,Stockton Springs 111091215) Crabtree Point Road Fields, North Haven16) Minister’s Creek, North Haven17) Orchard Cove, Vinalhaven1314222121 21 2115/161719/20183029 272825/26243533343132Bar Harbor18) The Basin, Vinalhaven19 & 20) Penobscot Island, Vinalhaven21) Bagaduce Narrows Point, Penobscot22) Witherle Woods Addition, Castine23) Little Spoon Island, Isle au Haut2324) Red Point, Swans Island25 & 26) Seal Cove, Swans Island27) Babson Creek, Mount Desert28) Pirate’s Point, Mount Desert29) Black Island, Bar Harbor30) Indian Point, Bar Harbor31) Doane’s Point Woodland, Sorrento32) Stave Island, Gouldsboro33) Mary’s Island, Milbridge34) Bowline Head Island, Harrington35) Pettegrow Beach, Machiasport36) Morong Cove, Lubec36PROTECTION OF PENOBSCOT ISLANDENHANCES WHOLE PLACE EFFORTLong-time supporters of MaineCoast Heritage Trust recently madetwo gifts that will conserve a spectacularisland at the heart of oneof MCHT’s most cherished “wholeplaces.” At 256 acres, Penobscot isthe largest island in Vinalhaven’s SealBay/Winter Harbor—a four-star cruisingdestination. Dense spruce-fir forestsstretch down to its shores, andthe only evidence of human habitationis a small seasonal camp on theisland’s northeast end. “PenobscotIsland remains remarkably untouchedby humans,” says MCHT ProjectManager Betsy Ham: “it has somehowescaped the introduction of non-nativespecies so it represents the sort of naturalcommunity that must have existedCAROLINE NORDENTHROUGH TWOGENEROUS GIFTS TOMCHT, HILARY AND ALCREIGHTON HAVE COMPLETED PROTECTIONOF PENOBSCOT ISLAND (SHOWN AT CENTER),AN IMPRESSIVE NATURAL HAVEN THAT LIES OFFVINALHAVEN IN SEAL BAY/WINTER HARBOR.here before European settlement.”This beautiful natural haven willretain its wild character, thanks totwo recent gifts made by Hilary andAl Creighton, of Vinalhaven andManchester, Massachusetts. Theygenerously donated 120 acres (with2.1 miles of shoreline) to MCHT, andoffered a conservation easement onseven remaining acres (surround-ingtheir small camp). Their gift complementsone made by Hilary’s brotherDr. Harry Holcomb who donated thesouthern half of the island to MCHTin 1997. For more than 40 years, bothfamilies have enjoyed staying on theisland, birdwatching and exploringits woods and shores. It’s a place,Al Creighton reflects, “that shouldremain forever wild. We just couldn’tbear to see it cut up and developed.We’re fortunate that we could dothis,” he continues. “Giving land isthe ultimate gift: it lasts. The land isalways there.”5 M A I N E H E R I TA G E W I N T E R 2 0 0 3CHRIS HAMILTON

Staff NewsKarin Marchetti Ponte, who has served MCHTmost recently on a contractual basis – acting as theTrust’s General Counsel, has rejoined the staff ona part-time basis.MCHT is pleased to announce the arrivalof Rich Knox, MCHT’s new Director ofCommunications in the Topsham Office.Rich worked previously as a Marketingand Communications Program Managerat Central Maine Power and led theState Planning Office’s waste managementand recycling planning effort. WithRich’s arrival, Chris Hamilton will be working as theSenior Policy Coordinator for the Trust.The new Project Manager forMount Desert Island, E. F. (Ned)Butler, Jr., was raised on MDI and isreturning home to his family’s smallseventh-generation farm after acareer in mineral exploration, naturalresource economics and softwaredevelopment. Ned will be covering the responsibilitiesof Caroline MacDonald Pryor, who steppeddown in December after 14 years with the Trust.Aldermere Farm is delighted to welcome Kayeand Andy Weaber, replacingherdsman Kevin Woltemath whomoved to upstate New York. TheWeabers most recently lived inVirginia where Kaye served asExecutive Director of the VirginiaAngus Association and Andy was employed at a largeAngus operation. Andy will be responsible for managingfarm operations while Kaye develops marketingand sales plans and coordinates cattle showings.SAVE THE DATE: Maine LandConservationConferenceThank You!FRIDAY, MAY 2Field trips to Freeport andHarpswell conserved lands,an in-depth seminar and areception at the Stone HouseConference Center in FreeportSATURDAY, MAY 3Plenary talk and 30educational workshopsat Brunswick High SchoolHARPSWELL HERITAGE LAND TRUST (WHICH CONSERVED LONG REACH,SHOWN HERE) AND FREEPORT CONSERVATION TRUST WILL HOST FIELDTRIPS TO PROTECTED PROPERTIES DURING THIS YEAR’S MAINE LANDCONSERVATION CONFERENCE.Becky Haynes and Marcella Sweet-Demetriou fordonating Minolta cameras used in field work.Northern Wings for providing aerial photography flights.Megan Shore and Pat Kelliher for donating a microwaveoven to our Topsham office.Jan Mahoney for loan of a limited edition print entitled“Belted Galloway,” displayed in the Topsham office lobby.NATURE WALKS AT ALDERMERE FARMThis summer and fall, MCHT's Aldermere Farm in Rockportwill host a series of nature walks focused on dragonflies, butterflies,wildflowers, mushrooms and foliage. For more information,please call 236-2739.©BILL SILLIKER JR.MAINE COAST HERITAGE TRUSTis dedicated to protecting land that is essential to the characterof Maine, its coastline and islands in particular. Since 1970, morethan 112,000 acres have been permanently protected. MCHTprovides conservation advisory services to landowners, local landtrusts and state and community officials free of charge. A membershiporganization, MCHT welcomes your support and inquiries.1 Main Street, Suite 201, Topsham, ME 04086207-729-7366P.O. Box 669, Mt. Desert, ME 04660207-244-5100Aldermere Farm, 70 Russell Ave., Rockport ME 04856207-236-2739Visit us at www.mcht.orgMaine Coast Heritage Trust1 Main Street, Suite 201Topsham, ME 04086Address Service RequestedPrinted on recycled paperDesign & Prepress: EthosWriting: Marina SchaufflerNON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT # 6PORTLAND, MAINE