30x30 Conservation Initiative

Meeting the growing threats to Midcoast Maine by conserving 30,000 acres of land and expanding water quality programs by 2030.

OVERVIEW

Our mission at Midcoast Conservancy is to protect and restore the vital lands and waters of midcoast Maine on a scale that matters. Currently, we have protected over 15,000 acres through direct acquisition and conservation easements with landowners.  Midcoast Conservancy’s service area is roughly 500 square miles covering the Sheepscot River, Damariscotta Lake, and Medomak River watersheds. 

In 2021, Midcoast Conservancy launched its 30x30 Land and Water Conservation Initiative to protect 30,000 acres of the midcoast region by 2030.  This aspirational goal--doubling our current conservation efforts– will contribute significantly to protecting and restoring the vital lands and waters of the midcoast on a scale that matters, act to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and ensure the quality of life our residents and communities deserve.

Now is the time to develop and pursue locally-led strategies to protect, restore, and connect the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we all depend. The most effective and enduring conservation strategies are those that reflect the priorities, needs, and perspectives of the families and communities that know, live and work on, and care for the lands and waters; are scientifically sound; build trust in communities; and improve access for hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, and other forms of outdoor recreation.

In January of 2021 we convened 20 of the top environmental experts in the region to utilize the vast amount of existing analyses and data to establish ‘focus areas’ and corridors in the midcoast region that must be protected in some form to maintain ecological integrity and biodiversity and provide connectivity across the landscape and protections from the impacts of climate change.  In October 2022, Midcoast Conservancy will release a “30x30 Strategic Conservation Plan” that will be used to educate and inspire landowners, offer a motivating vision for financial supporters and philanthropic entities to stand behind, and provide a road map for partners and municipalities to realize their conservation goals. We hope you will join us in this mission.

Video

Jeremy Gabrielson from Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Chris Schorn from Midcoast Conservancy join executive director Pete Nichols to discuss the strategy, technology, and impacts of the 30x30 Conservation Initiative.