COURTESY OF THE FOREST SOCIETY OF MAINE
Picture this: a summer trip up to Maine’s remote north woods, warm air and sunshine accenting the sounds of birds going about their routines. A trek near a lake reveals the sounds of loon calls, and a mountain hike reveals a landscape view so striking you vow to make the trip again.
Perhaps you are out to try and spot a moose or spending your entire trip fishing in your favorite spot. Maybe you’re in these great woods for a more scientific purpose, testing your knowledge on tree identification or hunting down vernal pools and wetlands. With every step, your purpose is swayed by the organic nature of these woods; new trails, forgotten relics of those who traveled here before you, an abundance of flora and fauna you may have never seen before. Each new discovery draws you in further and inspires future trips to Maine’s forestlands.
If you have an interest in the scenic view, the activities you can do there, the ecological benefits of these lands, or the history and culture that shaped them, you have something in common with Forest Society of Maine (FSM).
FSM is a statewide land trust working with willing landowners to conserve Maine’s forestlands to sustain their ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational values. For more than 40 years with support from individuals, businesses, and foundations, FSM has helped conserve more than a million acres of forestland across the state, preventing these lands from being developed and conserving them forever.
These lands are, in majority, owned by private landowners. Maine has long held a history of public access on private lands, but this is not guaranteed if these lands are developed. With conservation easements, FSM can help ensure that these lands remain undeveloped and ensure that that access remains the same as it has been.
Our work, done mostly through the development of these easements, working with the landowners, and subsequent stewardship of the lands we conserve, is an important part of the bigger picture of Maine’s conservation goals, namely the goal for 30% of Maine’s lands conserved by 2030, reminding us that there is more work to be done.
So, the next time you enjoy those sunny rays and venture out to recreate in the great outdoors, consider the future of these lands and how you can help. These forests show us the importance of slowing down and enjoying the beauty of the access that we’ve been given — let’s make sure that access remains, for all the future trips we have yet to plan.ious camps may be offered to congregants and non-congregants alike, so parents can look around for religious camps even if their current house of worship does not host a camp of their own.
Learn more about FSM and the work we do at www.fsmaine.org.
