Maine Government News
Leading Maine Environmentalist Dies
October 16, 2009
Conservation
Jeanne Curran, (207) 287-3156
AUGUSTA, Maine – Commissioner Patrick K. McGowan of the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC) has learned that a leading Maine conservationist has died.
Sherwood H. Libby, 76, of Limington died at his home on Oct. 14.
A life-long environmentalist, Libby was instrumental in the establishment of the Land Use Regulation Commission, now under the MDOC, and was a LURC commissioner for three years. He also was involved in the development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Maine’s Unorganized Territories and the establishment of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Sherwood Libby,” Commissioner McGowan said. “He clearly was dedicated to conserving Maine’s natural resources, and we are all very grateful for his service to our state.”
Libby served as a LURC commissioner from 1974-1977. He also was chairman of the Shoreland Zoning Task Force in the 1970s, which contributed to the state’s shore land zoning regulations. He and his wife, J. Lorraine, both worked to secure the legislation protecting the AWW.
On April 26, 2007, Libby and his wife were honored by Gov. John E. Baldacci with a proclamation announcing the “Sherwood and J. Lorraine Libby Day,” in recognition of “their more than 40 years of tireless work to protect Maine’s environment and preserve our natural heritage.”
Libby’s other accomplishments include being a founding director of the Francis Small Heritage Land Trust; serving on the Saco River Corridor Commission as a director and fund raiser; being an affiliated director of the Natural Resources Council of Maine; and serving as chairman of the Saco River Environmental Advisory Committee. He also fought the construction of the Dickey-Lincoln Dam on the St. John River and had been very active in numerous other land conservation efforts.
