Mark Berry, Executive Director of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust, will give a presentation at the Camden Public Library on Grand Lake Stream and the efforts of the land trust to conserve 370,000 acres, centered on a “community forest” around the village. The talk will be on Thursday, March 28, at 7:00 pm, and will include a 15-minute documentary film made for public television by Visionaries and hosted by Sam Waterston, which will air on MPBN and PBS stations around the country. The presentation will continue with a slide talk and discussion led by Mark Berry.
The “community forest” concept includes conservation of the forest as a local economic strategy, including wildlife habitat projects, public recreation opportunities, and a sustainable forest economy. “We have led an effort that has already permanently conserved 350,000 acres of forests and wetlands, and hundreds of miles of lake front,” said Berry. “We manage a 33,700 acre Community Forest for wildlife habitat, public recreation, and a sustainable timber harvest. Our forest management is FSC certified. We are currently working to conserve 22,000 acres around the village of Grand Lake Stream – the West Grand Lake Community Forest Project.”
Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by local residents in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. As their website states, “We contribute to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters. The forests, lakes, streams, rivers, and wildlife that surround Grand Lake Stream are truly exceptional. The economic future of Grand Lake Stream – and Maine – depends on ensuring that these natural resources are always available. People in Downeast Maine depend on these natural resources for their livelihoods and their quality of life.
“The Downeast Lakes region is the inland portion of the eastern corner of Maine. Our fisheries, including native landlocked salmon and brook trout, as well as smallmouth bass, are world-renowned. The area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, and at least 180 species of birds. The economy is highly dependent upon natural resources, which provide livelihoods for local craftsmen, guides, sporting camp owners and employees, and forest industry workers. The village of Grand Lake Stream is in the heart of the region, and has long been a destination for outdoor recreation.”The evening’s speaker, Mark Berry, has served as Executive Director since January 2007. His previous position was manager of the 34,000-acre Pine Creek Conservation Area in north central Oregon for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. He has taught and researched in the outdoors from Antarctica to Wyoming. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Environmental, Population and Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado. He completed his thesis on the effects of habitat and landscape context on songbird breeding habitat in the Colorado foothills. Mark received a degree in Environmental & Evolutionary Biology from Dartmouth College. Mark enjoys many outdoor activities including kayaking, canoeing, and skiing.
