Growing the Dream: The Campaign for Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

The Campaign for Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

Growing the Dream: the Campaign for Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust What began as the dream of Stuart Gross and a few conservation-minded friends in the 1980s became the Wildlands in 2005. A 5,000-acre preserve in Hancock County, the Wildlands is one of the largest contiguous

• Invest in Wildlands infrastructure, including equipment, trails, roads, and bridges • Secure additional funds for land acquisitions currently in negotiation

land holdings on Maine’s coastal plain. It supports a large, diverse population of wildlife, a recovering forest, and

Campaign Goal: $2.36 Million

a popular network of trails for hikers, cyclists, skiers,

Land acquisition.............................................$1,466,764

and equestrians.

Stewardship funds............................................ $786,500 Campaign costs.................................................. $105,950

Growing the Dream is a $2.36 million capital campaign supporting these major initiatives:

As you read about these exciting initiatives,

• Complete the purchase of and build stewardship funds

please know that your contribution will help the Trust keep the dream growing.

for a 355-acre addition to the Wildlands • Build stewardship funds to maintain the gift of the 25acre Joost Family Preserve on Verona Island, which will be a place for public gatherings and recreation

Photo: view of Dead River West (photo by Jim Dugan) On cover: Dead River and the Trust’s new parcel, Dead River West (photo by Jim Dugan)

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Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

Introducing Dead River West

Dead River West Acquisition: • Assures 355 acres of contiguous forest and wetlands will be protected from development

Dead River West is 355 acres of woods, wetlands, and wildlife, with diverse topography and more than a mile of frontage across the Dead River from the rest of the Wildlands. The property has been a priority for possible acquisition for some time.

Viewed from Hay Ledges and the Dead River Road, the property’s

• Adds more than a mile of shoreline to the Wildlands

significance as a key addition to the Wildlands is apparent: it is likely

• Is supported by contributions to the campaign

development and to buffer our western boundary.

the last opportunity to protect the river from extensive shorefront

In the care of the Trust, water quality for the wide variety of fish, shellfish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and invertebrates that

“More than 30 years ago, GPMCT’s founder, my father, Stuart Gross, started working toward the creation of the Wildlands. Since then, thousands have enjoyed the fruits of his dream. Now, with the addition of this property of wetlands and gorgeous mature forest to the Wildlands, both sides of Dead River will be protected forever.”

David Gross, Bucksport, Maine Honorary Campaign Co-Chair

depend on the river habitat can be better protected. The aesthetic and cultural values of this undeveloped river, a short boat ride from Alamoosook Lake, will also be protected.

The property’s two large wetlands are inland waterfowl/wading bird habitat as designated by the State of Maine. Active beavers in both wetlands have greatly enriched the property’s species diversity, which includes the Virginia rail and ring-necked duck.

As naturalist Cathy Rees notes, “The varied topography, complex hydrology, limestone bedrock, and diverse, mature forest of the Dead River West parcel make it an exceptional addition to GPMCT’s conservation and stewardship mission.”

Photo: Dead River, looking south (photo by Jim Dugan)

Growing the Dream • This document produced with recycled paper and soy-based ink

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The Joost Family Preserve

The Preserve will include: • More than a half mile of protected saltwater shoreline and 25 acres on Verona Island • Future public walking paths and areas for families to enjoy • An oak and pine forest, two large meadows, and “the Point,” a prominent headland with views of the Eastern Channel of the Penobscot River

Tony and Sarah Joost Tomanelli plan to donate the Joost Family Preserve to the Trust to honor Sarah’s father, Arthur Joost, whose conservation vision resulted in the protection of 500 acres in the interior of Verona Island.

High banks overlook the Eastern Channel of the Penobscot River with views to Porcupine Island and Leaches Point. Black ducks, seals, ospreys, bald eagles, and cormorants are frequent visitors. The Eastern Channel is an important feeding and nesting ground for shore birds and waterfowl as well as spawning ground for alewives, American shad, striped bass, and rainbow smelt.

The acquisition of the property will remove development rights and open it to low-impact public recreation. Contributions to Growing the

“With a gift of this special property that’s been in my family for three generations, we want to honor my family and especially my father, Arthur Joost. We’re thrilled with the prospect of a new opportunity for local families to enjoy the land and shorefront.”

Dream will create a stewardship fund to pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses, and provide support for accessible parking and trails.

Sarah Joost Tomanelli, Bucksport Photo: Joost Family Preserve meadow and shoreline (photos by Jim Dugan)

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Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

Climate Resilience in the Wildlands “Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate. Improving climate resilience involves assessing how climate change will create new, or alter current, climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks.”

– Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (www.c2es.org)

The Wildlands acts as a buffer against the effects of climate change. Hills provide habitat for wildlife seeking cooler elevations. Streams are vital migration corridors for birds, fish, and mammals. The forest absorbs carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas.

Although the Wildlands mitigates the effects of climate change, it is also impacted by increased frequency and intensity of storms and accelerated erosion of soil from trails and roads. Few of our culverts and bridges were designed for the increasing volume of stormwater. Erosion from heavier rainfall has washed soil into culverts and damaged aging trails and gravel roads, requiring intensive maintenance and increasing our costs. Two bridges badly damaged by recent storms

Wildlands Infrastructure

must be rebuilt. Long stretches of the Stuart Gross Trail are badly eroded

The Wildlands road network is similar

and need to be rehabilitated.

to that of a small municipality. There are 150 culverts, 7 bridges, and 25 miles of

Campaign contributions will also fund:

roads. As we rebuild our infrastructure to

• Construction of a maintenance building to house the tractor and

be more resilient, we must:

road and trail work equipment

• Resize existing culverts or replace

• New trails from the north and south gates

with bridges

• Expanded parking lots to accommodate horse trailers, school buses,

• Build wider bridges

and additional vehicles

• Enlarge and maintain drainage ditches

• Trail-use counters to understand user patterns

• Protect roads and trails by using a

• Educational kiosks and trail signage

lighter utility task vehicle (side-by-side

• Outhouses in high-use areas

ATV) to transport staff, volunteers, and equipment to remote sites for trail,

Your support allows us to better prepare the Wildlands for the challenges of our changing climate and to ensure the richest outdoor experience for our visitors.

Photo: Great Pond Mountain

habitat, and forestry work.

These initiatives are vital to preserving wildlife habitat and accommodating our visitors.

Growing the Dream • Produced with recycled paper and soy-based ink

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Mapping the Dream Bu ck sp o

By Leah Page

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Chestnut Plantation

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Mountain Trailhead  Great Pond Mtn. ad River Gate

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g passage; to be replaced with live-bottom culverts, bridges Moose Road, Flag Hill Road

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Trail

Acadia Highway

South Gate

Dedicated to the Memory of Cherished Volunteers Robert “Bob” Mushrall

Susan D. Van Leer

1933 - 2016

1930 - 2021

Bob‘s favorite place on the planet was

Sue Van Leer, with her enthusiasm,

his log cabin that sits on the bank of

energy, warmth, and kindness,

the Dead River near the home he and

consistently engaged others to join

his wife, Marsha, shared in Orland. He

her in supporting the Trust.

loved to rock in his chair on the porch and watch the wildlife in and around

Photo provided by Marsha Mushrall

the river in the shadow of Great Pond Mountain.

Photo provided by

the Van Leer Family

Emily Fuller Hawkins, campaign co-

chair, explains, “Sue was passionate about the work of the Trust. Her words of encouragement were an invaluable

Bob was thrilled when the Trust purchased the parcel

tonic to all involved with the organization.”

across the river in 2005, knowing at least part of the river and surrounding property would be protected for

Sue and her husband, Ted, purchased their camp

future generations. He served as the Trust’s first Wildlands

facing Great Pond Mountain on the western shore of

Ranger and volunteered countless hours managing the

Alamoosook Lake in 1966. Years later, when they heard

property – which included cooking his favorite baked

that Stuart Gross was working to purchase the land

beans for the other volunteers. Bob loved to show off the

around Great Pond Mountain, Sue and Ted became early

property and entertain visitors with stories of earlier days.

members of the Trust and were deeply involved in efforts to protect the area they loved.

“Bob deeply believed in the conservation of the Wildlands,” says Marsha, who serves as honorary

Says Emily, “Sue was the Trust’s best advocate and, with

campaign co-chair. “He would be just tickled pink with

Ted, kept the Trust going through their fundraising

the purchase of this new property, protecting the rest

efforts and their own generosity – roles in which Ted

of the Dead River.”

continues today.”

The Capital Campaign Committee dedicates Growing the Dream to the memory of dear friends, Bob Mushrall and Sue Van Leer.

Photo by Jim Dugan Page 8

Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

A Tribute to Ted Van Leer, Honorary Campaign Chair Emeritus A dear friend and devoted supporter, Ted Van Leer, with his beloved late wife, Sue, were early generous donors who helped make the Trust a reality. Ted was instrumental in forming the Trust, and his leadership has left a lasting imprint. He served as president of the board and a member of the finance committee. Ted’s friendship and generosity won the Trust many more friends.

Photo provided by the Van Leer Family

When invited to serve as Honorary Campaign Chair Emeritus of Growing the Dream, Ted responded, “I will do anything to support the Trust!”

The board and everyone involved in this campaign cherishes your decades of friendship and generous support.

Thank you, Ted!

Growing the Dream Campaign Team The Campaign volunteer leadership includes co-chairs Carl Derian and Emily Fuller Hawkins; honorary campaign co-chairs Anne Buck Davis, David Gross, Marsha Mushrall; and honorary campaign chair emeritus, Ted Van Leer.

Carl Derian, Emily Fuller Hawkins, Marsha Mushrall, David Gross, and Anne Buck Davis (inset)

Committee members are Trust staff Landon Fake (executive director) and Liz Leuthner (donor relations and outreach coordinator); and volunteers Carol Bennatti,

The Trust is grateful for everyone’s support in this

Chris Johnson, Sarah LeVine, Jack MacBrayne, Jennifer

campaign and also thanks Cheri Domina, Jim Dugan, Eric

Riefler, Irene Schmidt, and Peter Van Leer.

Meier, Leah Page, Cathy Rees, Jeff Smith, and Sarah Joost Tomanelli for their talents and contributions.

Alicia J. Nichols serves as campaign counsel and Pamela Dorman is campaign design consultant.

Growing the Dream • Produced with recycled paper and soy-based ink

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Your Support Keeps the Dream Growing!

Your Contribution Supports: • The purchase and conservation of Dead River West and additional lands • Stewardship projects on all Trust properties to protect wildlife, promote climate resilience, and accommodate the public

Ways to Give: • Check • Wire transfer or automated clearing house (ACH)

Growing the Dream Campaign Goal: $2.36 Million

• Gift of appreciated stock • Pledge • Donor-advised fund

Your Support is Vital

Stewardship Funds: $786,500 33%

As we embark on our three-year Growing the Dream Land Acquisition: $1,466,764 62%

campaign, we want to emphasize the importance of your annual gift, which funds operations – from trail maintenance and habitat management to community outreach and staff salaries. Your commitment to the Trust sustains us and makes it possible to meet the additional challenges of building our land acquisition and

Campaign Cost: $105,950 5%

stewardship funds.

As you also commit to the Growing the Dream campaign, please continue your annual support of the Trust. Together, we will ensure that Trust lands remain protected and open.

Photo: American black ducks, Dead River (photo by Jim Dugan) Page 10

Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust

“When I lived in Orland, using the trails in the Wildlands was my daily exercise year-round, whether alone or with friends, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birding, or leading a program for the Trust. Seeing how much other people enjoy the land has been my greatest pleasure. I loved introducing someone to the songs of whippoorwills and the woodcock’s sky dance, watching kids wade barefoot in a cold brook, and helping families cut their own Christmas trees. The Wildlands always deliver magic and memories that visitors and volunteers carry forever.”

Cheri Domina, Swanzey, New Hampshire Former Executive Director, Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust Photo: view northwest from Great Pond Mountain Growing the Dream • This document produced with recycled paper and soy-based ink

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Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust P.O. Box 266 Orland, Maine 04472 207.469.6929 info@greatpondtrust.org www.GreatPondTrust.org

“To me, as a resident of Verona Island, Sarah Joost Tomanelli’s offer to donate ‘The Point’, the 25 acres on the eastern shore, is a special act of generosity. I can’t think of anything better than a preserve, open to the community, on this beautiful part of the island. I’ve walked the land many times over the years. From the paved road, it looks like any other wooded gravel road, but as you walk down it, suddenly you are in a long, spacious meadow, with views of the river and Porcupine Island, and you feel a welcome solitude.”

Jennifer Riefler, Verona Island, Maine Photo: Porcupine Island and Eastern Channel of the Penobscot River from the Joost Family Preserve (photo by Jim Dugan)