For Immediate Release
January 4, 2024

Land for Maine's Future Program Announces Call for Conservation and Recreation Proposals

Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land for Maine's Future Program (LMF) announced its next call for Conservation and Recreation proposals. The latest requests are for Projects of Statewide Significance and Community Conservation Projects.

LMF is the State's primary method of conserving land for its natural and recreational value. The Program was established in 1987 when Maine citizens approved a $35 million bond to fund land purchases and easements. The Program's priority is to conserve more of Maine's landscape, recognizing that permanently protecting lands with exceptional natural or recreational value is critical to maintaining our quality of life.

Since its inception, LMF has successfully conserved an expanse of over 626,000 acres. The scope of LMF's impact encompasses creating 73 water access sites, offering 67 miles of protected shoreline along rivers, lakes, and ponds. The program has safeguarded 41 farms, securing 9,884 acres of farmland. Additionally, LMF has been instrumental in conserving 30 working waterfront properties and repurposing 158 miles of former railroad corridors into recreational trails. This multifaceted approach extends to creating over 65 miles of coastal access, enhancing public enjoyment of Maine's coastal landscapes.

Since Governor Mills proposed and the Legislature overwhelmingly approved $40 million to reinvigorate LMF, the LMF Board has approved 56 new projects, totaling $22.7 million. These projects are expected to leverage an additional $52.6 million in private and Federal funds.

Important LMF Proposal Dates

• January 19, 2024 - Inquiry Forms are due by 5:00 p.m.
• March 22, 2024 - Final Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m.

Projects of Statewide Significance include lands with one or more resources that are rare and exceptional in Maine based on a published report, database, or credible testimony, or the recreational activity associated with the parcel will frequently and routinely attract users. 

Community Conservation Projects are projects of local or regional significance that promote public outdoor recreational access to land and waters, including for underserved populations; public health; connection between conserved lands and population centers; local or regional agriculture; conservation of cultural and historical resources on undeveloped lands; protection of lakes, rivers or streams; conservation of fish or wildlife habitat; protection of public drinking water supplies; conservation of community forests; local economic development; opportunities for environmental learning; and nonmotorized transportation options. 

Eligible LMF applicants include nonprofit land conservation organizations, cities, towns, state agencies, or other eligible holders of conservation easements under Title 33 MRSA, Section 476(2). An application must include full knowledge and agreement from the landowner that their project is up for consideration for LMF funding.

A copy of the LMF Workbook, which contains all the information necessary to apply for LMF funds, is now available on the LMF web page.

Note that LMF's Public Access to Maine's Waters Fund operates on a continuous submission basis.

For more information about the LMF program and the conservation projects, please visit maine.gov/dacf/lmf.

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Media contact: Jim Britt