After more than a year of careful analysis and planning, five Midcoast Maine conservation organizations are proposing to unite as one; and they are taking their case to their memberships. If approved, the newly combined organization — yet to be named — would become one of the largest regional land conservation organizations in Maine with over 7,000 acres of land conserved, a professional staff of 10, a combined membership of 2,500, a combined annual operating budget of approximately $750,000, and 175 years of a collective conservation experience.

If approved, Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Pemaquid Watershed Association and the Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance would merge into the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, assume a new name and become accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The new organization would encompass conservation lands stretching from Palermo to Pemaquid Point to Westport Island and include the Damariscotta Lake watershed, Pemaquid River watershed, the Sheepscot River watershed and their many tributaries (see map). The mission of the newly formed trust will be to support and promote healthy lands, waters, wildlife, and people in Midcoast Maine through conservation, education, and recreation.

“Maine Coast Heritage Trust is very supportive of this effort, as mergers can lead to long-term sustainability and greater impact than was possible before,” said Tim Glidden, president of the Brunswick-based Maine Coast Heritage Trust, one of Maine’s leading conservation organizations. “We applaud these organizations for their forward thinking, and hope that their success can become a model for land trusts across the state of Maine and beyond that might be considering a similar move.”  Glidden continued, “Local land trust collaborations such as this represent a tangible, intelligent way for small conservation organizations to reduce administrative overload, enhance focus on their missions, and magnify their collective impact.”

The idea to unite was born several years ago from informal discussions among the executive directors of the five Midcoast nonprofit organizations. In January 2014, they agreed formally to explore a shared future by hiring an independent organizational change consultant.

“The responsibilities of conserving land and protecting water quality in perpetuity are complex and deeply consequential,” said Jody Jones, executive director of the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association. “Together, as a regional entity accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, we can enhance organizational efficiency to better conserve and protect the lands and waters that we love.” Jones emphasized that Land Trust Accreditation will provide access to greater financial and human resources and give existing and potential donors increased confidence in the organization’s longevity, structure, and long-term impact.

Jones noted that the five organizations recognize the need to combine forces and reduce redundancy if they are to serve the Midcoast geography and communities effectively. “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity proposes to combine five local conservation efforts into one powerful regional entity,” she said. The newly formed regional organization would include board representation from all five land trusts as well as councils with staff liaisons assigned to caring for the needs of local members and stewardship obligations.

Jones explained that the goal is to honor the individual legacies of the five founding member organizations –three of which are nearly five decades old – and to build upon their collective accomplishments. The new regional organization would maintain a grassroots spirit, giving volunteers the opportunity to work on projects that most excite them, she added.

To date, all five Boards have voted, and four unanimously approved the motion to merge. The Board of Directors of Pemaquid Watershed Association voted closely not to pass the motion; however, a subsequent member petition is bringing the question to that association’s membership. Between now and the end of September, the organizations will hold membership votes on the proposed merger (except for HVNC which does not have a voting membership).

By casting their votes, members of four of the five organizations have the opportunity to shape the future of land and water conservation in the region and to provide a statewide collaborative model. Board Presidents and executive staff from all of the five organizations are in support of the merger.

“We believe that our members will see the strength in this idea, which will create a team of experts specializing in water quality, land conservation, stewardship, education, and program development,” said Jones. “Our vision is to increase recreational and volunteer opportunities, offer affordable programming for adults and children; and offer peace of mind that the land and water in Midcoast Maine will conserved and protected in perpetuity.”

For more information and to read a FAQ about the proposed merger, please visit http://dlwa.org/merger

About the organizations

The Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association (DLWA) is a volunteer-based organization of nearly 500 member families, is committed to enhancing the quality of life in and around Damariscotta Lake

Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) is a community-based and supported nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in Lincoln County that encompasses 1,000 acres land, with over a mile of shore frontage and nearly 30 miles of multi-use trails.

Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA) is  a nonprofit, membership-supported organization dedicated to conserving the natural resources of the Pemaquid Peninsula.

Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SVCA) is an accredited land trust whose mission is to conserve and restore the natural and historic heritage of the Sheepscot Watershed.

Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance (SWLA) is a land trust that conserves over 1500 acres of land, maintains 20 miles of public trails, and hosts educational talks and hikes in the upper Sheepscot River watershed region.