Land for Maine's Future Board Issues Call for New Proposals

Maine - The Land for Maine's Future Board announces a Call for Proposals for land conservation projects using funding from approximately $10.4 million in Land for Maine's Future (LMF) bonds approved by Maine voters.

Projects will be funded in the following categories:

- Conservation and recreational lands - Farmland protection - Working Waterfront access protection - Public access to Maine Waters, for boating, fishing and swimming

Proposals will be accepted by the LMF program until 5:00 PM, March 28, 2014.

LMF Board Chair William Vail of Saco said "It is exciting to begin a new round of conservation projects because they are good for Maine. We encourage proposals to increase public access to our State's remarkable public resources and projects that will open the door for the people of Maine to experience the very best of our outdoor heritage."

Walter E. Whitcomb, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and a member of the LMF Board, said "We are pleased these funds are available to invest in outdoor recreation, conservation, working forests, farms and waterfront access protection. The local projects funded through these bonds support our vital natural resource industries, and sustainable jobs."

Eligible applicants include state agencies, non-profit land conservation organizations, counties, cities and towns.

Proposals that seek to protect Deer Wintering Areas will receive priority consideration in scoring. These are habitat areas that provide shelter and food for white-tailed deer during months of severe cold and deep snow. This new emphasis on deer habitat originated in the statute which authorized the bond approved by voters in 2012.

At its November 19 meeting, the Board adopted guidelines for organizations seeking LMF funding. Applicants are encouraged to read the "Proposal Workbook," which provides detailed instructions on how proposals should be submitted and will be evaluated. The revised 2013 Workbook is posted on the LMF website at http://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf

All conservation, recreation, farmland protection and water access proposals must be sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.

Projects in the category of "conservation and recreational lands" are divided into three sub-categories: statewide, regional, or local significance. Regional and local projects may be held by local units of government or non-profit land conservation organizations.

Proposals for Working Waterfront Protection projects will be solicited by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) in early 2014. The LMF Board administers the Working Waterfront Program jointly with the DMR.

Legislation requires a matching contribution of funds of at least $1 for each $1 of LMF funding, with matching funds from other sources such as federal grants or private donations.

Additional information will be updated on the LMF website http://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf

The LMF program works with citizens, land trusts, businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and federal and state agencies to identify special lands to accomplish the State's goals for resource conservation and protection of working forests, farms and waterfronts. The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and is supported by bonds approved by Maine voters.

For information contact: Ed Meadows, Land for Maine's Future, , 207-287-7576