Governor Mills Announces Five New Land for Maine's Future Conservation Projects

Statement

Governor Janet Mills today announced five major Land for Maine's Future conservation projects that protect working lands and wildlife habitat and that preserve public access to lakes, rivers, scenic views, and mountain vistas. The projects, which are located across the state, are the first to be selected by the Land for Maine's Future Board since Governor Mills and the Legislature reinvigorated the program with $40 million in new State funding under Governor Mills' most recent biennial budget.

The round of projects also reflects for the first time the goals of LD 404, An Act to Preserve Deer Habitat, which was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor last year, by giving preferential consideration to projects that conserve deer wintering habitat. The Caribou Stream Deer Winter Area project, approved yesterday, will conserve 930 acres of priority deer wintering habitat in Woodland and Washburn in Aroostook County.

"This is an exciting moment for conservation in Maine," said Governor Mills. "Maine people value the outdoors, and each of these projects represents an exceptional opportunity to preserve working land, expand opportunities for outdoor recreation, protect important deer habitat, and ensure public access for the enjoyment of future generations. I am proud that the State of Maine is once again preserving our cherished lands and waters in a meaningful way."

Source