Progress through PartnershipSome of the great partners that help us protect the Kennebec EstuaryApril 14, 2010
Bowdoin College -This is the second summer we will be working with a student as an intern through the Psi Upsilon Environmental Fellowship program. Leah Wang will be joining us in June working with KELT to develop a marketing strategy and online knowledge base for the “The Kennebec Estuary Report: Restoration Challenges and Opportunities” to promote the report, and assist in Outreach and Stewardship programming. For the first time this position is a joint effort with the City of Bath to develop a Bath Bike and Pedestrian Plan. Twelve Rivers Woodland Collaborative, an effort among 10 local land trusts to increase the amount of forested lands protected in midcoast Maine and provide multiple benefits to the citizens of this region, including clean water, wildlife habitat, economic opportunities, and recreation. Bath Trails- Bath Trails is a partnership of KELT, Bath City government, local schools, non-profits, individual hikers and bicycle riders, and private businesses, with a mission set on the creation, connection, and maintenance of a network of multi-use trails for recreation, transportation, and a healthier community. Within the 9.2 square miles of the City of Bath we are hoping to create/inventory/promote/maintain 20-30 miles of multi-use trails through the city connecting KELT properties. Phippsburg Land Trust – KELT works with the PLT Board of Directors to provide mutual education and training opportunities, and assists in database administration and support services. KELT acknowledges the strong working relationship between the two land trusts and appreciates this partnership. Kennebec Estuary Partners- A collaboration with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, Time & Tide Resource Conservation Area, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Androscoggin Soil & Water District and AmeriCorps to approach water quality issues with a regional approach while encouraging attention and action at the local, grassroots level. KELT participates in the Shellfish Committee to identify, develop and implement action that addresses pollution issues that directly impact shellfish harvesting. This effort is leading into a separate discussion of restoration projects with the Sheepscot River Watershed group and Maine Coastal Program. Maine Wetlands Protection Coalition - established in 1992 to protect high value habitat in the Kennebec Estuary, this effort has gained national recognition as a successful model that brings the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and many non-governmental organizations together to prioritize and protect land of significant value. As a result, more than 15,000 acres of coastal wetlands and uplands have been protected to date in the Kennebec Estuary Focus Area.
Bates College - Is sharing two talented students this summer. One position will work directly for the summer with the Kennebec Estuary Preserve Steward Team. The second student will focus on our 2010 education and outreach events related to water – both quantity as it relates to climate change, and quality as it relates to drinking water and health of shellfish beds. Assist with research on these topics, as well as to develop relevant marketing messages and programs to raise community awareness of the role the Kennebec River plays in the economic and environmental health of the communities along its lower reach. The research will be used in KELT’s summer communications via email and Facebook, be incorporated into community summer programs as well as shape the content of our annual fall environmental lecture series. The Nature Conservancy - This crucial partnership focuses on land acquisition and stewardship which consists of both a formal grant award from the organization and tremendous support and expertise from key TNC staff who volunteer countless hours to KELT. MCHT – KELT is participating in the Maine Excellence Program which is offered through the Maine Land Trust Network. This program will be the key to success toward achieving accreditation. It is a tremendous advantage to have the resources of staff, like Deb Chapman, who is committed to helping us achieve our goal, is instrumental. Unity College – KELT is just finishing our first project with a group of students studying and creating GIS mapping. They were interested in taking the water chapter of the State of the Estuary Report and bringing it to life with new interesting maps. They will be presenting their materials to KELT in the next month. The HabNet Coalition - The HabNet Coalition is a national alliance of more than 50 coastal organizations working to advance the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Coastal Program. The Coalition, founded by Restore America’s Estuaries, is helping to provide a unified national voice in support of the Coastal Program.
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Regional Stewardship Team - This stewardship team will assist with management of nature preserves held in the Kennebec Estuary including the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, Phippsburg Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. Tasks will include working with staff, community members, and volunteers to maintain preserve trails and boundary lines; develop trail plans; educate preserve visitors on use policies; monitor plants, animals and natural communities; remove invasive weeds, and perform basic carpentry and other stewardship tasks as needed.