In 2003, the community and Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) came together to raise money to build a dock and float at Indiantown Island. This new boat access location was a reflection of the land trust’s philosophy - that providing public access only strengthens connections with and affection for the land. And it certainly matched this region’s love of water. In addition to Indiantown Island, Damariscove Island and Roberts Wharf at Porter Preserve provide boat and working waterfront facilities with piers, docks, floats and moorings. Boaters can also access Ovens Mouth, Spectacle Island, and Zak Preserve. Boaters enjoy this access and these facilities for free.

In 2005, the land trust acquired Damariscove Island and soon thereafter, the Roberts property, next to Porter Preserve. Both sites were critical working waterfront sites for local fishermen especially given the shrinking shoreline accessible in the state. The land trust’s ownership ensures this access forever. Soon after acquiring the properties, BRLT improved facilities at both sites. In addition to the boating public, they now serve 13 fishing families.

The land trust is now reaching out to the community, the region’s residents and visitors, to make a donation and/or pledge to the Stewardship Campaign to sustain its boat access, working waterfront, hiking trails, and education program. Over half of the $3 million endowment goal is in hand, and the land trust is asking the public to help meet a $500,000 goal by year’s end. All campaign costs are underwritten so 100 percent of all gifts go straight to BRLT’s endowment fund. Also, all public gifts received by December 31, 2013 will be matched.

For more information or to make a gift or pledge, visit www.bbrlt.org, call the land trust at (207) 633-4818, or stop by the land trust office at 137 Townsend Avenue.