Great News from Maine Audubon

Great news! You can sign up—now!—for summer 2010 ornithology programs at Hog Island Audubon Center. As you know, a committee of Audubon and Maine Audubon staff has worked with expert consultants for nearly a year, envisioning options for the island consistent with its celebrated environmental education history and potential. The work continues, and while it does, the two organizations have agreed to re-establish programming in 2010. Audubon’s internationally recognized Project Puffin Seabird Restoration Program will lead five distinct sessions of bird-loving bliss, working with a team of dynamic instructors, including Kenn Kaufman and Pete Dunne: Maine Seabird Biology and Conservation (May 30-June 4) Field Ornithology I (June 13-18) Field Ornithology II (June 20-25) Maine Coast Birding Studies for Teens (June 20-25) Maine Seabird Biology and Conservation (September 12-17) Get more information and download registration forms at: www.projectpuffin.org. Or e-mail projectpuffin@audubon.org. We hope that, like us, you see this as good news, and will spread the word. These are the only programs the historic center will offer in 2010, and space is limited. As our committee continues its work, we want you to know that we share with Hog Island’s loyal alumni, past instructors, and supporters the desire for long-term arrangements that will continue Hog Island’s historic service to conservation. Toward that goal, we hope you will help us fill our 2010 sessions with enthusiastic participants. Thank you for your continuing support.

Town Landing at Southern End of Bremen Long Island

Perhaps you never knew but yes there are two public access points to the Town Road on Bremen Long Island. Perhaps they're not the easiest to find but there nevertheless. This photo is the southern Town Landing just to the left of the Boathouse. A great half day trek from either end of the island for any residents of Bremen looking for a nice fall day outdoors. Enjoy :)

Posted by the Bremen Recreation Committee

Woodland Owner's Shortcourse

Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District and the Camden Public Library, together with the Maine Forest Service, will be hosting a workshop entitled "A Woodland Owner's Shortcourse" on Saturday, November 7. Landowners and others interested in learning more about taking care of or managing woodlands are invited to attend.

The workshop presenter will be Morten Moesswilde, Midcoast District Forester for Maine Forest Service.

This introductory "shortcourse" will highlight basic elements of successful woodland stewardship and point landowners toward the resources to achieve them. It will address developing landowner goals, basic woodland ecology & assessment, essential administrative/ planning decisions, and key elements of a successful timber harvest.

The goal is to make woodland owners, and others who work with woodland owners in different capacities, more familiar with the basics of forest stewardship.

The course will include information on the steps in forest stewardship planning for the long-term, as well as an overview of timber harvesting. "I don't assume that all landowners will have a specific interest in timber management" Moesswilde says. "I include information about it in this course because, in my experience, the principles of timber harvesting apply equally for very different kinds of projects – everything from thinning an acre or less, to larger-scale harvesting. And cutting trees can aim at a variety of goals, everything from wildlife habitat to aesthetics to producing income. Either way, it's important to understand the process."

The course will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (includes ½ hour lunch break—bring your own), in the Jean Picker Room at the Camden Public Library, 55 Main Street in Camden. There is no fee for the course. Please register in advance by November 4 so that we can have adequate materials on hand. To register for this event or for more information, please contact Rebecca Jacobs at 273-2005 x 101 or send an email Rebecca.jacobs@me.nacdnet.net

 

Talk on Oyster Farming at Bremen Library

Dana Morse will give a talk about Oyster Farming In Maine at the Bremen Library on Monday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m.

 

Dana  is an Extension Associate for the Maine Sea Grant Program, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension.  He works out of the Darling Marine Center in Walpole and focuses mostly on issues in marine fisheries and shellfish aquaculture, such as selectivity in trawl and scallop fishing, scallop stock enhancement and spat collection, and shellfish  production, including the recreational Oyster Gardening Program and helping new growers get started. 

 

Dana's background includes a BS in Wildlife Management from the Univ. of New Hampshire, an MS in Fisheries Technology from the University of Rhode Island.

 

His talk will focus on how Oyster Farming started in Maine, how it has evolved, its successes and  challenges, and why the Damariscotta River is so good for growing oysters.  

 

The Bremen Library is located on Rt. 32 in front of the Bremen Town Office. 

 

BCC to attend Community Forest Workshop

The Bremen Conservation Commission will be sending two members to attend the all day workshop on Community Forests in Bath on October 23rd.. The workshop is designed to engage participants through facilitated exercises that promote an exchange of questions, information and experience on issues related to:

• Different models of ownership and management of community forests

• Challenges and opportunities for communities in owning and managing forestland

• Engaging your community in acquiring and managing a community forest

• What resources are available to help communities own and manage forestland

• What roles community forests play in achieving local or regional conservation goals, town master planning efforts, and local community development

• Guided site visits to the Bath community forests during lunch.

Please contact Dennis Prior (529-2987) or Diane O'Connor (529-4499) if you should have any questions regarding this workshop.

Muscongus Pond Alewife Update: October 6, 2009

I actually smelled them before I saw them. I have looked for them
over the summer, but no confirmation until today. I had found the remains of what I hoped to be a young alewife in a downstream beaver dam, but it wasn't until I saw an actual school that the celebrating started.

They may not be here in the numbers as recent summers when DMR would
stock the pond. These are however a few very important young alewife. (The photo does not do justice.) The summer of 2009 now marks the first year since the installation in the 1960's of the southern RT 32/ Muscongus Stream culvert that "naturally" returning adult alewife reached and spawned in Bremen's Webber Pond. If you remember this past June ascending adult alewife successfully used a fish ladder to pass upstream of the southern hanging MEDOT RT 32 culvert. They also passed the remains of the old Webber Mill and yet another challenging RT 32 culvert before crossing a beaver dam into the lake. THESE CULVERTS MUST GO! Culverts are unnatural structures that accelerate a consistent water flow, and do not allow bypass alternate routes for fish etc... I will provide other fish ladders until these culverts are removed.

Fish ladders are a poor alternative, that work only under ideal conditions. This small population of now resident alewife will likely not prosper until future culvert removal. Though the 09' fish ladder was demolished in the late June flood, the effort was worthwhile.

I am excited!

Dave Wilkins

Aggressive Invasive Aquatic Plant Found in Local Lake

Would anyone in Bremen be able to identify this invasive plant species if it were in McCurdy, Webber or Pemaquid Pond??

Dick Butterfield, a Jefferson volunteer for the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA) took a workshop to identify invasive aquatic plants.

This week that course and Butterfield's keen eyes may save Damariscotta Lake from the most aggressive invasive aquatic plant in North America - hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata).

Maine Dept. Environmental Protection biologists and the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program confirmed Butterfield's Sept. 21 discovery in the lake's west 0.3-acre cove.

Able to grow an inch a day and without predators, hydrilla overtakes native lake habitats, shading and out competing ecologically valuable plants. Dense infestations can alter water chemistry and oxygen levels.

A preliminary survey on Sept. 23 suggests the infestation is limited to within and just outside the mouth of the small cove.

Biologists from the DEP are screening off the cove's mouth to prevent hydrilla fragments and thereby potential new infestations, from migrating into greater Damariscotta Lake. Butterfield and other DLWA volunteers, who are trained in plant identification and lake survey methods will begin monitoring nearby coves to determine the scope of hydrilla in the lake.

Plant identifications training is provided by Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program's Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants under contract with the DEP.

Only one other water body in the state, Pickerel Pond in Limerick, is infested with hydrilla. In total, 31 out of Maine's 5700 ponds and lakes contain an invasive aquatic plant species.

Article from the Lincoln County News

Conservation commissions good for Maine | Portland Press Herald

Conservation commissions good for Maine | Portland Press Herald

Artwork Raffle Success

Congratulations to Bob Wheeler who won the artwork raffle from the Muscongus Bay Atlas Exhibit held in Bremen on August 18th. Dennis Prior and 717 Studio donated a photographic canvas art piece to raise funds to benefit the Town of Bremen's Land Conservation Reserve Fund.

Anyone interested in taking part in future art exhibits sponsored by the Bremen Conservation Commission to benefit this account is encouraged to contact Dennis Prior. Look for more information in the coming months here and in the Lincoln County News.

Hunting Safety Courses at YMCA

The CLC YMCA will offer 2 hunter safety courses this fall. Taught at the YMCA by long time instructor Gunnar Gunderson the course includes a course handbook, outdoor survival information, and additional handouts. This course is mandatory to hunt in the state of Maine. There will be a class in September and October. Cost of class $7. Dates TBA. Call the Y at 563-3477 for more details.

Muscongus Bay Map Exhibit

There will be an opening night reception for the Muscongus Bay Atlas Exhibit from 7 - 9 p.m. on  Tuesday, August 18, at the Bremen Town House. 

 

The exhibit includes 24 colorful maps of the Muscongus Bay region, featuring a variety of themes such as historical sites, fishing, sailing and kayaking areas, and wildlife habitats. 

 

Everyone is invited to attend; admission is free and refreshments will be served. 

 

In addition to the map exhibit, the Bremen Historical Society will have photo display on Bremen Boat building at the opening.   

 

At about 7:30 p.m., there will be brief presentations by Jennifer Atkinson, Marine Program Director of the Quebec-Labrador Foundation which prepared the maps, and Maggie Shannon, Director of the LakeSmart program.  Three LakeSmart Awards will be presented.  

 

Also, BCC chairman Dennis Prior is providing original artwork from his collection to benefit the Bremen Conservation Account. Ten selections, all marine inspired, capture the essence of Bremen's working waterfront and its fleet in a vibrant display of light and color. Each piece ranges in size from 16" x 16" to 16" x 22" and is valued starting at $300.  Anyone who donates $5 to the conservation account at the exhibit opening will receive a chance to win the canvas of their choice; a $20 gift will entitle the donor to five chances.  The drawing will be at 8:30 p.m.  

After the opening, the maps will move to the town center where they will remain on display through August 31.

 

A number of Bremen committees and organizations are helping sponsor this Opening Event, including the Conservation Commission, Townhouse Committee, Historical Society, Patriotic Club, Muscongus Community Club and the Library.    The Medomak Valley Lant Trust and the Pemaquid Watershed Association are also sponsoring this event. 

Woodlot Workshop in Waldoboro

The Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, in collaboration with the Maine Forest Service, will present a six-session course titled "Working with Your Woodlot" beginning Monday, September 14, at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro.

 

The course will help landowners to make informed decisions about their woodlots.  Topics to be covered include forest managment techniques, wildlife management, forest health, tree identification, forest management plans, harvesting, working with forest professionals, legal aspects of forest ownership and more.

 

All are invited to attend.  The fee for the course is $15.  Classes will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. on six consecutive Mondays.

 

Medomak Valley High School is located at 320 Manktown Road, Waldoboro.  For more information, contact Jeanne Kannegieser at 207-626-0005 or jeanne@swoam.org. 

Conservation Account is Growing

The Bremen Conservation Commission has received a donation of $955 for the town's conservation account from the Friends of Broad Cove.

Friends Co-Chair Barney Burrall said the money was raised to help protect the Cove from environmental damage and foster education with land owners. "Because the Bremen Conservation Commission has demonstrated its commitment to similar goals, we feel this donation will be better used in fostering the Commission's efforts for all of Bremen," Burrall said.

Dennis Prior, chairman of the Bremen Conservation Commission, thanked the Friends of Broad Cove for its generous donation. Prior said he was delighted to see this donation to the Conservation Account and pleased by the confidence in the Commission shown by the Friends of Broad Cove. "You can be sure that these funds will be used to benefit all of Bremen," he said.

The Conservation Account was established by vote at the 2008 Bremen Town Meeting for the purpose of acquiring land, easements and rights-of-way to maintain open space for Bremen's future. Including this donation, the $3,100 appropriated to the account by the town, and donations of $178.50 from the BCC's 2009 Earth Day compost bin sale, the Conservation Account now totals $4233.50.

Invasive Aquatic Plant Identification Workshop

Where: Roberts 101, University of Maine, Farmington
When: August 11th, 1-6:30 pm

New and seasoned shoreline patrollers and plant identifiers are welcome and encouraged to attend a hands-on workshop hosted by RLHT and conducted by the Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants (MCIAP).
During the informative workshop participants will learn about the ecological and economic threats posed by invasive aquatic plants. They will also learn how to conduct a shoreline survey, collect aquatic plants, and identify both native and invasive species that can live in Maine's waters.
No experience is needed and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Pre-registration is required but the workshop is free. To sign up, contact Rebecca Kurtz at RLHT (864-7311 ext. 5 / rkurtz@rlht.org), or go online at http://www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/workshops

Can you identify this island?

This might mean you have to get out on the water in a boat of some kind.
Email bcc@tidewater.net with your answer/guess.
We'll post the answer soon.

Lakesmart Getting Underway

Local volunteers for the Lakesmart Progam recently met at the beautiful home of Mary Berger to fine tune local efforts and to get the program underway on Bremen's lakes and ponds.

The Lakesmart Program recognizes property owners in lake watersheds who manage and landscape their property to protect lake water quality. Declining water quality can affect the type and number of fish species that inhabit the lake and can harm other recreational uses as well as the local economy. Studies have shown that as water quality declines the value of shorefront property also decreases.

Lakesmart is a completely voluntary program that involves an on-site evaluation to review the landscape and maintenance practices in four categories:

• Road, Driveway & Parking areas,
• Structures and Septic Systems,
• Lawn, Recreation Area and Footpaths,
• and shorefront & beach area.

If the owner's property exceeds the criteria in all four categories he/she will receive:

• A personalized award plaque,
• Publicity in local newspaper or newsletter, and
• Signs for their Lakesmart property (optional).

Homeowners may schedule a visit to be evaluated for a Lakesmart Award by contacting DEP or the local Soil and Water Conservation District. Volunteers from Bremen who are certified as pre-screeners for the Lakesmart Program are Mary Berger, Bob Wheeler, Bennett Collins and Dennis Prior.

Visit the Lakesmart website at www.MaineDEP.com for more information.

QLF Exhibit Coming in August!

The BCC is working with the Quebec Labrador Foundation to exhibit their beautiful maps of Muscongus Bay.  These maps are detailed, theme oriented and beautifully done.  In addition the MVLT, PWA, Lakesmart and the BCC will be taking part in this event. The BCC is hoping for an opening at the Bremen Town House sometime around the second week in August.  More information will be available soon in the local newspapers.  Watch for more details or check back here soon!

Volunteers Needed

The Bremen Conservation Commission is forming a sub-committee to address issues relating to water quality and water resources in Bremen. The focus of the committee will be lakes and ponds, with some members participating in the Lakesmart program which recognizes landowners who practice stewardship of their waterfront properties.
Future focus areas for this sub-committee could be fishery protection, shellfish conservation and groundwater supplies. Anyone with concerns with the health of our water resources should contact Bennett Collins at 650-4759 or by emailing bcc@tidewater.net.

Warning - Invasive Plant Species

Yellow flag-iris

(Iris pseudacorus)

Yellow flag-iris (Iris pseudacorus) is an eye-catching perennial, found in wet areas at low- to mid-elevations, growing in ditches, irrigation canals, marshes, stream and lake shorelines and shallow ponds. Currently yellow flag-iris is distributed in BC's southern interior, and has quickly spread throughout the Okanagan valley, lower Similkameen valley, Christina Lake and other isolated sites in the West Kootenays. Plants have showy yellow flowers with 3 sepals that curve backward and 3 petals pointing upwards. Leaves fold and clasp the stem at the base in a fan-like fashion. They stand erect or bent at the top, with long sword-like leaves toward the outside of the plant. At maturity, plants can reach 1.5 metres in height. Yellow flag-iris reproduces quickly through seed dispersal and horizontal root systems, creating thickets in the water like cattails. Up to several hundred flowering plants may be connected rhizomatously under the water, and fragments can form new plants when they break off and drift downstream. Yellow flag-iris is widely sold in nurseries and on the Internet for wet areas and well-mulched soil. While seeds disperse in the wind and water, popularity of the plant in the market exacerbate efforts to contain new infestations. Dense stands of yellow flag-iris exclude native wetland species, threatening plant and animal diversity. Warning: Yellow flag-iris can sicken livestock if ingested, though it is generally avoided by grazing animals. Contact with the resins can cause skin irritation in humans.

BCC members attend Lakesmart Training

On June 22nd the state pilot Lakesmart Training Program was held at the Bremen Town House. Co-coordinated by the Pemaquid Watershed Association. (PWA), Damariscotta Lake Watershed Associaiton. (DLWA) and the Muscongus Pond Association the Bremen Conservation Commission represented the Town of Bremen well as Mary Berger, Bennett Collins and Dennis Prior completed a full day of classroom and on-site evaluation training to become Lakesmart evaluators.

The Lakesmart Program recognizes property owners in lake watersheds who manage and landscape their property to protect lake water quality. Declining water quality can affect the type and number of fish species that inhabit the lake and can harm other recreational uses as well as the local economy. Studies have shown that as water quality declines the value of shorefront property also decreases.

Lakesmart evaluations involve a site visit to review the landscape and maintenance practices in four categories:

• Road, Driveway & Parking areas,
• Structures and Septic Systems,
• Lawn, Recreation Area and Footpaths,
• and shorefront & beach area.

If the owner's property exceeds the criteria in all four categories he/she will receive:

• A personalized award plaque,
• Publicity in local newspaper or newsletter, and
• Signs for their Lakesmart property (optional).

Homeowners may schedule a visit to be evaluated for a Lakesmart Award by contacting DEP or the local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Visit the Lakesmart website at www.MaineDEP.com for more information.

Have you checked your septic tank lately?

When did you last check your septic tank? Do you even know where it is located on your property? When was the last time you pumped out your septic tank? Many of us forget that our septic systems should be pumped out every 2-3 years to maintain healthy septic field function. A properly maintained septic tank will extend the life of your septic field by years. By the time problems are identified with your septic field it is usually too late. Spending a couple hundred dollars is good insurance against a failed septic system that can cost thousands if it needs to be replaced. I encourage everyone to locate their tanks and take a look? Is it time for pumping?

Public service announcement - Submitted by Dennis Prior

BCC 2009 Sterling Dow Award Recipient

The Bremen Conservation Commission was recently awarded the Sterling Dow Conservation Commission of the Year Award by the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions for 2009.
Bob Shafto of the MEACC presented the award May 21st to the Bremen selectmen in front of well attended selectmen's meeting of BCC members, associates, volunteers and supporters.
The MEACC recognized the BCC for its outstanding leadership, community involvement, ongoing public conservation awareness programs and the completion of its open space plan which has been a model for open space planning in the State of Maine.
The BCC wishes to thank everyone who contributed to and supported its efforts over the past 3 years.

Bremen Favors Conservation Bonds

Are Bremen residents in favor of Open Space Conservation? The Bremen Conservation Commission thinks so. Attendence at workshops and public forums held by the BCC, and town votes to set up and appropriate funds for a Conservation Account seem to indicate that they are. But we've found further proof.

At a recent Open Space Conservation Planning and Finance Workshop, we learned that Maine voters passed three referendum questions favoring conservation bonds in 1999, 2005, and 2007 by what one speaker called significant margins -- 69%, 65%, and 63% respectively.

These bonds have been used to purchase public lands and easements for such things as conservation, water access, working waterfront, outdoor recreation, wildlife and fish habitat and farmland preservation throughout the State.

Curious as to how Bremen voted on these referenda questions, we checked elections results on the Secretary of State's website, and found Bremen voters favored issuing conservation bonds by even higher margins -- 71%, 74%, and 65%.

Way to go, Bremen!

Recreation Committee Gearing Up

If you are a Bremen resident and have interest in getting involved with the Bremen Recreation Committee please email bcc@tidewater.net or call Dennis Prior @ 529-2987

Lakesmart Training Program to be held in Bremen

LakeSmart Volunteer Site Evaluator Training will be held at the Bremen Town House, Monday June 22nd, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Two sample site visits will be conducted to supplement the training on Damariscotta Lake. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer for the Lakesmart Program please RSVP with info@pemaquidwatershed.org.

What is Lakesmart?

How we develop the land that drains to a lake can have a huge effect on the water quality. If we bring the suburban landscaping practice or large lush lawns to the lakeshore or even the lake watershed, we bring more sources of pollution. With fewer natural, vegetated areas to absorb stormwater, more pollutants from the land get washed into the lake each time it rains or snow melts.

Pristine lake waters add beauty, increase property value and provide recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. Studies have shown that as water quality declines the value of shorefront property also decreases. Declining water quality can also affect the type and number of fish species that inhabit the lake and can hinder other recreational uses of the lake as well as the local economy.

Clearly it is in everyone's best interest to take whatever actions they can to protect lake water quality. LakeSmart is an educational program that offers FREE opportunities for homeowners to learn how to manage their home and yard to protect the water quality of their lake. The goal of LakeSmart is to change the increasingly common suburban landscaping practices around lakes to more natural, lake-friendly environments.

The primary focus of LakeSmart is to keep our lake water clean by stabilizing eroding areas, reducing the use of chemicals, diverting rainwater into vegetated areas, and minimizing lawns and other impervious areas. Landscaping and managing your property in an environmentally friendly manner through LakeSmart is one way to do your part in protecting your lake's water quality and have a low maintenance, great looking property.

For more info on the Lakesmart Program click on the link below:

www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart/index.htm

ALB Threat: Asian Longhorned Beetles

The Maine Department of Agriculture will be holding a day-long workshop on Tuesday, June 16 in Augusta to train volunteers to educate the public about the potential threat of ALB. They are looking for people willing to attend this workshop and share the information within their communities. The workshop is free, and lunch and snacks will be provided. Participants will be asked to conduct three or more outreach events in their communities in July and August, with the assistance of the Department.

If interested please contact Anne Bills at the Department of Agriculture at annebills@rocketmail.com or 207-287-3892 and more information will be provided.

The Asian longhorned beetle is a destructive pest of many hardwood tree species including maple, elm, ash, and birch. The threat to shade trees, forests, lumber and maple sugar production, nurseries and tourism is very high should this beetle become established in Maine. ALB was first discovered in New York in 1996 and has since been found in three other states, the closest being Massachusetts. Beetles may be transported by movement of wood products such as firewood, packing crates and pallets. Educating the public about this major forest threat is crucial to the health of Maine’s trees.

Sold Out!

The Earth Day sale of compost bins by the Bremen Conservation Commission was a success way beyond what we ever imagined, a total of 140 bins! The pick up date for the bins is Saturday, May 23, 8 a.m. to noon, in the parking lot by the Bremen Fire Station.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the sale, and a special thanks to Town Clerk Joanne McGregor who ended up fielding a lot of the phone calls and organzied our order forms.

The BCC did not make any profit on the compost bin sale; we sponsored it as a service to the citizens of Bremen and neighboring towns, and as a way for them to learn about us and what we do.

Crazy idea saved a piece of paradise By Bill Nemitz

A wonderful story of how people worked together to conserve land. A must read! Click on link below to read full story
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=249334&ac=PHnws

Calendar Photo

Do you have a favorite photograph you've taken in the Medomak Valley Watershed?  If so, why not submit it for the Medomak Valley Land Trust's 2010 Calendar. Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2009.  You may email photos to volmvlt@midcoast.com. Or mail to: Maria Jenness c/o Medomak Valley Land Trust, PO Box 180, Waldoboro ME 04572.   For details about the contest, and a map of the watershed, see the MVLT website, listed at the bottom right side of this page.  

 

Speaking of land trusts, Bremen is fortunate to be served by two outstanding local land trusts, MVLT and the Pemaquid Watershed Assocation.  Both have numerous spring and summer activites planned.  Check out their websites at the bottom right of this page.  

Biodiversity

Maintaining biodiversity is an important aspect of conservation efforts. Here's some information about scientific studies and reports on biodiversity.

For the first time, the science on Maine's freshwater animals and plans has been collected into one report, "Freshwater Biodiversity in Maine." The report includes every known freshwater species and habitat type in Maine, provides information on habitat types and threats to Maine's freshwater biodiversity, and offers recommendations to protect that biodiversity. The report can be viewed or downloaded from
www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mnap/aquatic/index/htm.

A study from the Environmental Law Institute www.eli.org/ called "Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners" provides a review and synthesis of information from the most up-to-date scientific literature for land use planners to use when making decisions affecting biodiversity. The report summarizes what is known within the scientific community about potential land use planning and design thresholds and offers general guidance on how to transform traditional planning aproaches into more ecologically-based conservation tools. The study may be downloaded from http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=10839. We have Chuck McGregor to thank for letting us know about this study.

Thank-you Bremen

For the second year in a row Bremen voters approved funds for deposit into the Land Conservation Reserve Fund. Despite these tough economic times and while other towns have had to make tough decisions, Bremen voters displayed their dedication to conservation by generously approving the request as submitted by the Bremen Conservation Commission.

Thank-you,

Dennis Prior
Chairman, Bremen Conservation Commission

Compost Bins Available

As part of Earth Day 2009 celebration, the Bremen Conservation Commission is participating in a statewide sale of backyard composting bins. Through May 2, a home compost bin and how-to guide with a combined retail value of $100 can be purchase for only $37.50 (tax included). Order forms are available now at the Town Office. On Bremen Clean Up Day, Sat., April 18, the BCC will take orders and have a sample bin on display in Bremen Fire Station parking lot; on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, they will be set up in the Town Center parking lot. There are a limited number of compost bins available and they are being sold on a first come, first serve basis.

It's estimated that 25 percent of the average household's waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps that can be easily composted and turned into rich soil for your garden.

Residents from other towns are welcome to participate in the sale. For more information, or to receive an order form, call Diane at 529-4499 or email doc@tidewater.net.

Woodland Assistance

Need assistance in caring for your woodland? The 2008 Farm Bill expanded access to some conservation programs for forest landowners and managers. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts are sponsoring meetings throughout Maine in March to provide information about programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program and Forest Stewardship; how they could benefit Maine's forest landowners; and eligibility requirements. One meeting is scheduled for Waldoboro on Thursday, March 26, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Knox-Lincoln Extension Service office at 377 Manktown Road. If you'd like to attend, please call 273-3005, ext. 3, a week in advance.

A list of all the meeting dates, locations, times and contact information is available at www.me.nrcs.usda.gov.

Coastal Access

If you are interested in coastal access issues, check out this new website developed by Maine Sea Grant. Www.seagrant.umaine.edu/accesslaw offers legal tools to address specific coastal access questions, and is a resource for coastal property owners, beach and waterfront users, public and environmental interests groups, and governments. It is well designed, easy to use and offers a lot of concrete suggestions.

Tax Benefits of Donating Conservation Land by Robert Levin

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There are several kinds of tax benefits available to donors of land or conservation easements. This article attempts to summarize these benefits and provide some examples of how they work. If you are uncertain about the differences between bargain sales and donations, or conservation easements and whole interests in property, go to Conservation 101 for a quick brush up.

Federal Tax Benefits

There are two main kinds of federal tax benefits available to conservation donors: federal income tax benefits and federal estate tax benefits.

Federal Income Tax Benefits- Donors of land and conservation easements may claim an income tax deduction under § 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. The exact amount of tax savings depends on several factors:

• How long the donor has owned the property (benefits are generally greater if owned for more than one year);
• How the donor has used the property (residence, investment, agricultural);
• The income of the donor (the higher one’s income, the more one will save on taxes); and
• The value of the donated property (the more valuable the property, the bigger the deduction).

Federal Estate Tax Benefits - A donor may also save substantially on estate taxes if he donates a conservation easement. Under § 2031(c) of the Code, up to $500,000 may be excluded from one’s taxable estate if he or she had donated a qualifying easement. As with the income tax benefits, the larger the value of the donated easement, the bigger the deduction.

The federal estate tax is currently in great flux. In 2003, any estate of $1 million or more is subject to the estate tax. This number rises gradually and the estate tax is completely phased out in 2010. But in 2011, the estate tax is back, along with the $1 million threshold. It is likely that Congress will revisit the estate tax in the coming years, so it is impossible to make any long-term predictions.

State Tax Benefits

Some states have enacted income tax deductions or credits for the donation of land or conservation easements. Check with your local land trust for more information. For example, there is no such state income tax benefit in Maine.

Local Property Tax Benefits

In general, property tax reductions are available for landowners who grant land or a conservation easement. The exact results depend on state law. In Maine, for example, property subject to a conservation easement. will qualify under the Open Space Tax Program. The landowner must file an application with the local tax assessor, who will then make the final decision on the amount of the reduction.

See some hypothetical examples of how much one couple could save

Woodland Management Workshops Offered

Do you own woodland? If so, you might be interested in free two woodland management workshops being offered this month, both led by Morten Moesswilde, the midcoast district forester for the Maine Forest Service.

On Sat., March 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Coastal Mountains Land Trust will host a condensed forest management course at their office at 101 Mt. Battie Street in Camden on the fundamentals of managing woodlands. Advance registration is required; to register or for more information, call 236-7091 or visit www.coastalmountains.org.

Sheepscot Valley Conservation Assn. and the Maine Forest Service are hosting a two-part "Woodland Owner's Shortcourse" from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 17 and 24, at SVCA's office in Sheepscot Village. Pre-registration is required by March 12; call 586-5616 or send an email to svca@sheepscot.org.

Ocean Front Property: To Preserve Or Not Preserve
By John Maguire

Bremen residents learned how landowners could preserve oceanfront property for commercial fishing use during a presentation at the Town Center on Feb. 25.

Jeff Kendall, a property appraiser from the Property Tax Division at the Maine Revenue Service, spoke in front of a small audience about the state Working Waterfront current use program.

Bremen had the highest acreage (20.70 acres) in Maine classified under the Working Waterfront program in 2008, according to Kendall and the Maine Revenue Service.

To read the article in its entirety link to Lincoln County News by clicking on the link below:

http://www.mainelincolncountynews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=44149&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=75&S=1

BCC to take part in Open Space Conservation Planning and Financing Workshop

On Monday, April 27th, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust Conservation Innovation Program will be hosting a workshop at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick for people involved in open space conservation and planning.

The Bremen Conservation Commission has been invited to take part in a panel presentation that will discuss open space planning and the path taken in developing the conservation plan for the Town of Bremen.

The 9:00 am - 3:30 pm workshop will also cover Town Bonding for Open Space Plan Implementation, Town Installment Purchase Agreements, and Installment Purchase Agreements for Land Trusts. The finance portion with Daniel O'Connell will acquaint town officials, conservation commissions and land trusts with a very innovative financing method that can save the buyer and seller money.

Community Forests

MEACC will co-sponsor a conference with the Maine Forest Service and the Community Forest Collaborative on Community Forests in October. Two sessions will be offered: Bangor, October 16th and Bath, October 23rd. If you have a community forest, or see the establishment of a community forest as a way of getting your town involved in open space acquisition, be sure to save the date. This is a particularly good strategy for policy makers who see open space just taking property off the tax rolls for the enjoyment of "elites." Community forests can pay real dividends to towns, often in excess of whatever property taxes these lands might otherwise generate.

Discussing Maine's Working Waterfront Tax Law Program

The Bremen Conservation Commission will hold a public informational meeting regarding Maine’s Working Waterfront Tax Law Program on Wednesday, February 25th at 7pm at the Bremen Town Center. Jeff Kendall of the Maine Revenue Service and Town Assessor Juanita Hennessey will provide insight into this program and discuss its benefits to those living and working along Bremen’s Working Waterfront. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

Working Waterfront Land Application
www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/apps/workingwaterfrontapp.pdf

DIFW: New Website...Check it out!

Great article on the Bald Eagle in this new user friendly interactive magazine. Check it out
www.flipseekllc.com/maine2009winter.html

Sharing community stories

A new website is available for people to post stories about their communities and read about other communities. Developed by the Orton Family Foundation, this is a place on the web where people can share stories about the heart and soul of their community. Through these stories, we can learn about the real fabric of our people and our places. Post a story today at Community Almanac!