2006 Annual Report

MIDCOASTMIDCOAST© PAUL REZENDESMCHT secured protection of two critical parcels in an ongoing effort to protectVinalhaven’s Basin, an embayment of great ecological value.5 NorthportA bequest gift of 60 wooded acres along the LittleRiver protects the future of this important wildlife corridorand scenic buffer. Maine Coast Heritage Trust retained aconservation easement on the land before transferring it toCoastal Mountains Land Trust.6 MatinicusMCHT transferred Two Bush Island (acquired in2005) to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for long-termmanagement. This nationally significant nesting islandsupports eiders, gulls and guillemots.8/9 VinalhavenTwo parcels with more than half a mile of frontage nowhelp buffer the Basin, a significant “whole place” and primehabitat for bald eagles, wading birds and waterfowl. MCHTsecured an easement on 59 acres surrounding Basin HighMountain, and purchased 44 acres by Steep Mountain andthe Basin Preserve—helping extend public access along theBasin’s eastern side.10 CastineThrough a generous gift of 31 wooded acres, MaineCoast Heritage Trust was able to expand its Witherle WoodsPreserve. People in the community had long sought topreserve this important tract, which includes shore frontageon Penobscot Bay.11 PenobscotAn easement gift provides a 650-foot buffer fromdevelopment along the Bagaduce River at the Narrows,where MCHT has concentrated protection efforts fordecades. The Narrows area provides high-value habitatto many species, including rare breeding sites for thehorseshoe crab.7 VinalhavenWith help from Maine Coast Heritage Trust,Vinalhaven Land Trust (VLT) acquired a small propertynear MCHT’s Carrying Place Bridge Preserve in the WinterHarbor “whole place.” VLT will own and manage thisshorefront property, which abuts its new Sullivan Preserve.An easement donated to MCHT along the Bagaduce River Narrows helps toprotect one of four significant breeding sites for horseshoe crabs in Maine.MCHT6 Maine Coast Heritage TrustMaine Coast Heritage Trust 7