Conserving Marsh Island

T HE N EWSLETTER OF M AINE C OAST H ERITAGE T RUST FALL 2004ConservingMarsh IslandON A CHILLY NOVEMBER DAYin 1964, two friends from Cambridge,Massachusetts traveled ona leaky boat out to Marsh Islandoff Bristol. For more than twoyears, they had been looking for awild stretch of Maine waterfront,and someone had told them that asmall portion of this island mightbe available. “We fell instantly inlove with it,” one of them recalls.They purchased the propertyjointly and over the interveningfour decades acquired most ofMarsh Island, ultimately securing89 of the island’s 102 acres.These two individuals recentlycompleted conservation easementson their properties that guaranteeno development will occur on 62acres of Marsh Island, and thatgreatly restrict uses on 27 additionalacres. “The easements fixour relationship with the place,”says one of the landowners. “Bothof us have children and grandchildrenso the whole island couldhave been ringed with houses.Now, under this agreement, it willremain simple and mostly wilderness.”“Conservation is a very highpriority for me,” noted the otherowner. “I adore the island and ampleased to see it kept wild.”Maine Coast Heritage Trustwill hold both easements in perpetuity.The easements help preservethe natural character of MarshIsland, which has only a few simplecamps on its 102 acres. Marsh liesin a wildlife-rich archipelago inMuscongus Bay, surrounded bymany other conserved islands–including Thief, Ross, Wreck,Harbor, Crane and part of Louds.Collectively, these islands affordnesting and roosting habitat fora diverse array of wading shorebirds,migratory waterfowl, ospreysand eagles.TWO CONSERVATION EASEMENTS PLACED ON MARSH ISLAND (FOREGROUND) PROTECT NEARLY90 PERCENT OF ITS 102 ACRES, AND ENHANCE THE SCENIC AND ECOLOGICAL VALUES OFOTHER PROTECTED ISLANDS IN THE VICINITY (SUCH AS LOUDS ISLAND, SHOWN AT REAR).BETSY HAM

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN by Jay EspyConnecting People and LandWell, it’s been a few years sinceI’ve had a chance to write about “whatI learned on my summer vacation!” Mysabbatical from May through September,while not all vacation, did afford awealth of wonderful learning opportunities.I had the chance to visit morethan a dozen land conservation groupsacross the country, seeing how somemodel organizations put their missionsinto action.Repeatedly on these visits I wasstruck by the important role that landtrusts can play in connecting peopleand the land. It was inspiring to seetrusts working creatively to engagethe public in their work and givepeople a first-hand experience of landprotection’s many values. Severalland trust programs get people behindthe fences of private working farmsand ranches that have been preserved,giving them a chance to enjoy bucolicsettings and taste the fruits of local,sustainable agriculture. Other trustsroutinely offer outings for the generalpublic and donors, enabling peopleto raft, fish, and hike in places theymight not otherwise go. These tripsinspire people in their support andunderstanding of conservation: asmost of us know from personal experience,there’s no substitute forgetting out on the land–the importanceof conservation hits you inevery sense when you’re there.Last summer, thanks to MaineSport Outfitters, we took a group ofreporters on a boat tour from Rockportto Camden—offering them a newperspective on places MCHT andCoastal Mountains Land Trust havehelped to protect, such as AldermereA KAYAK TRIP MCHT HOSTED THIS SUMMER GAVE REPORTERS A RENEWED APPRECIATION FOR THEVALUE OF CONSERVED LANDS ALONG THE COAST.Farm and Beech Hill. The reaction ofone reporter, Holly Anderson, wastypical: “If more people would get outon the water and see the shore andthe views, they would understandthe beauty of the resources that landtrusts… work to preserve for everyoneto enjoy, now and in the future.”My summer travels convinced methat land trusts can help renew avital understanding of place. One ofmy goals now is to have Maine CoastHeritage Trust engage more peoplein creating a strong and shared landethic. In the long run, the best insurancewe have for the work we do is apopulace that knows first-hand thevalue of protected places.MAINE HERITAGE READERSHIP SURVEYMaine Coast Heritage Trustis conducting a survey to learnhow this newsletter can betterserve members and friends. Arandom sample of readers willreceive the survey as an insertto this edition of Maine Heritage.If you find a survey enclosed,please take a few minutes tocomplete it and mail it BYNOVEMBER 22 in the enclosedpostage-paid envelope. Allresponses are anonymous.We welcome additional suggestionsfrom those who did notreceive surveys. Please sendyour feedback by postal mailor e-mail (to info@mcht.org).Many thanks for your valuableinput!RICH KNOX2 MAINE HERITAGE FALL 2004

MCHT WELCOMES CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIESFew gifts keep on giving the way conserved landdoes—providing places that nourish generations ofpeople, plants and animals. Now donors interested insupporting land conservation have a new option: a charitablegift annuity (commonly referred to as CGA) withMaine Coast Heritage Trust.“CGAs are the most popular form of planned gift inuse today–with good reason,” says John Tewhey, Boardmember and Chair of MCHT’sPlanned Giving Committee.“We’re confident that many ofour supporters will like the simplicityand multiple benefitsthey offer.” In an economic climatemarked by low interestrates and market fluctuations,CGAs provide older individualsa dependable rate of return.Through a simple contract,donors can give MCHT securitiesor cash; in exchange, theyreceive quarterly or annual“annuity” payments for life(based on uniform rates recommendedby the AmericanCouncil on Gift Annuities).Rates are fixed for the length ofthe contract and depend on thedonor’s age at the time of signing.© SARA GRAYCGA RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS(AS OF JULY 1, 2004)AGE RATE AGE RATE60 5.7 % 80 8.0 %65 6.0 % 85 9.5 %70 6.5 % 90+ 11.3%75 7.1 %(source: American Council on Gift Annuities,www.acga-web.org)Rates currently range from 5.7 percent at age 60 to 11.3percent at age 90 (see box). CGAs can be set up to benefitone or two individuals.Donors receive an initial income tax deduction fortheir charitable gift, and a portion of their annual returnis tax-free (being return of principal). The annuity isbacked by all the organization’s assets, and MCHT has tomake payments as long as the donor lives—even if paymentsexceed the amount originallycontributed. The sum thatremains after annuity paymentsand expenses goes to benefitTrust programs. On average, thisresiduum represents about 50percent of the original gift.In addition to acceptingCGAs, Maine Coast HeritageTrust now can serve as a trusteeor co-trustee of charitable trusts.Detailed flyers on each of theseplanned giving tools will beavailable soon. To receive copies,contact Janice Kauer, Director ofDevelopment, at 207-729-7366or jkauer@mcht.org. A copy ofMCHT’s newly revised “GiftAcceptance Policies” can befound online at www.mcht.org/gift-acceptance-policies.html.HELP PROTECT THE CHARACTER OF MAINE’S COASTWe greatly appreciate tax-deductible contributions at all levels in support of our land protection work.Name:Address:Seasonal Address:Dates:Check: I/we are enclosing a check payable to Maine Coast Heritage TrustAmount(Address: 1 Main Street, Suite 201 • Topsham, ME 04086)Credit Card Number: (Visa/Mastercard)Expiration Date:Cardholder: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.Please send information on: Charitable Gift Annuities Wills Charitable Remainder Trusts.Thank you! Questions? Please call (207) 729-7366 (or email: development@mcht.org). www.mcht.org3 MAINE HERITAGE FALL 2004

CIONA ULBRICHEasement Gift ProtectsScenic Coastal MountainJOEL AND RUTH DAVIS STAND ON TOP OF THE COASTAL MOUNTAIN THEY CONSERVED THROUGHA GENEROUS EASEMENT DONATION TO MCHT.John B. Mountain in SouthBrooksville is a prominent locallandmark–its summit visible fromEggemoggin Reach and the StateownedHolbrook Island Sanctuary.Thanks to the generosity of ownersJoel and Ruth Davis, this 38-acremountain will remain wild, protectedby a restrictive conservation easementdonated to Maine Coast HeritageTrust. The newly protected landadjoins Bell Farm, on which MCHTholds an easement, and that propertylies next to a Blue Hill Heritage TrustPreserve. Together, the three conservedproperties form a 267-acreblock of wildlife habitat with morethan two miles of shore frontage.Four years ago, this property wasthreatened with development whenit was listed for sale. The Davises,who live down the road from thisland, were caught off-guard by the“for sale” signs: “it’s so easy to thinka cherished neighborhood propertywill always remain open… but changecan happen overnight,” notes RuthDavis. The Davises moved quickly topurchase John B. Mountain. In Joel’swords, “we met their price and toldthem we were buying it so it wouldstay the way it’s always been.” Theeasement donated to MCHT helpsto assure that vision, keeping theproperty a natural haven for wildlifeand a beautiful wooded backdrop toOrcutt Harbor and Horseshoe Cove,two popular cruising destinations.MCHT Project Manager CionaUlbrich commends the Davises forcompleting a “model project”—asimple donated easement that successfullyprotected an entire mountain.“Joel and Ruth clearly had the bestinterest of the land at heart. They’vebeen active proponents of conservationin the local community as well,inspiring others with their devotionto the land and their generosity. Weare grateful both for their easement giftand for the conservation leadershipthey’ve shown over time.”CARING FOR ISLANDS IN MERCHANT ROWThanks to generous donors, landownersand all those who have supportedMCHT’s Campaign for theCoast, the Trust now owns four islandsin the Merchant Row area: Green,Eastern Mark, Nathan and the Fort.Three of these were acquired withinthe past three years.This past summer, MCHT workedwith several partner organizations tolearn more about patterns of publicuse on the islands in Merchant Row, apopular destination for both cruisersand kayakers. The group effort involvedan assessment of public use onconserved islands in the area. Results ofthat preliminary study indicatedsurprisingly low levels of use, duein part perhaps to the cool, wetweather that characterized muchof the summer season.In addition to the study, MaineCoast Heritage Trust, Island HeritageTrust, the Maine Departmentof Conservation and the MaineIsland Trail Association co-hosteda gathering of island owners andmanagers in August—providing achance for people to meet one another,discuss shared concerns, and learn moreabout successful public use strategies.MCHT is grateful to Bud and SoniaOWNERS AND MANAGERS OF CONSERVED ISLANDSIN MERCHANT ROWMETUPONST. HELENAISLAND IN AUGUST.Spaulding, owners of St. Helena Island,for graciously hosting that event. Participantsgreatly enjoyed the opportunityto talk, and the gathering may becomean annual tradition!WARREN WHITNEY5 MAINE HERITAGE FALL 2004

Thank YouMaine Sport Outfitters of Rockportfor hosting a kayak paddle forMCHT staff and midcoast reporters.Brewer’s Marine of S. Freeport fordonating use of a slip this summer forthe Whaleboat Island caretaker boat.Welcome!MCHT welcomes Heidi Smallidgeas the new Mount Desert Island officemanager. Heidi has held a variety ofrelated positions, including nineyears’ work as Executive Secretary inthe Town of Bar Harbor’s PublicWorks Department.MARTIE CRONE AND HEIDI SMALLIDGE.The Trust also extends a welcometo Martie Crone, who is taking overas Land Protection Assistant in theMDI office. Martie recently moved toBar Harbor from Montana where sheworked for five years with MontanaFish, Wildlife and Parks System.MCHT extends best wishes toformer Land Protection AssistantMelanie Farrington who is pursuing acareer making documentary films.Beyond Thank YouWISH LIST• Small 5hp or less outboard motor• Conference room table and chairs• Small microwave• Laminating machine• Slide projector• Small economical car or truckCHRISTIEKELLEYSeeking a simpler life,Bonnie Adams first movedto Mount Desert Islandin 1988 after leavinga high-powered positionworking onBank of America’scorporate identity.When an ad appearedfor an officemanager at MaineCoast Heritage Trust, sheapplied—thinking the Trustwas a bank! She got the job, and forthe last 17 years, MCHT’s board andstaff members have banked on Bonnie—relying on her organizational genius,personal warmth and exacting standardsin countless ways. This fall,Bonnie left the Trust and moved toNorth Carolina to be closer to herextended family.“She’s had a huge impact shapingthe culture, aesthetics and relationshipswithin MCHT,” saysProject Manager CionaUlbrich. “Bonnie’s keptthe Mount DesertIsland staff workingproductively throughmany changes—fromphysical moves, tostaff changes, to technologicalupgrades.She’s tended faithfullyto all the details we relyon: everything here hasa touch of Bonnie.”For hundreds of landowners, Bonniehas been the first point of contact atMCHT. “Her personal warmth hasbeen the signature of our MDI officefor so long,” says Jay Espy, MCHTPresident. She treated colleagues andfriends of the Trust like family, observesKarin Marchetti Ponte, General Counsel:“Bonnie made work feel like home,very nurturing and comfortable.”As her position evolved over theyears, Bonnie assumed many variedroles—from tracking the details ofcountless land projects and planningmajor events to helping MCHTrefine its “corporate identity.” Sheexcelled in all these capacities, reflectsformer staff member Caroline Pryor:“Bonnie is truly a team player andhas had a hand in protecting tens ofthousands of acres during her tenure.”MAINE COAST HERITAGE TRUSTis dedicated to protecting land that is essential to the character of Maine,its coastline and islands in particular. Since 1970, more than 118,000acres have been permanently protected, including 241 entire coastalislands. MCHT provides conservation advisory services to landowners,local land trusts and state and community officials free of charge. Amembership organization, 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 04086Return Service RequestedPrinted on recycled paperDesign & Prepress: EthosWriting: Marina SchaufflerNON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT # 6PORTLAND, MAINE