Land for Maine's Future Program
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.”
Four bonds supporting the LMF Program with a total of $117 million over 20 years have passed by overwhelming margins. The Board will be considering a new round of projects in the spring of 2008.
Since its creation, the Program has assisted in the acquisition of more than 490,000 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 1,000 miles of shorefront and 158 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 $126 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
