Summer 2014

Downeast Lakes Tradi t ions

Forests and Lakes—For People—Forever

Volume 8, Issue 1

® ®

Leaving a mark on a beloved place is an aim to which many

aspire. Robert Yacolucci did it by donating 100 acres of forest to

the Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT). The trust will now

manage “Yacolucci Woods” in perpetuity for wildlife habitat,

recreation, and sustainable

forestry.

Motivated by his passion

for nature and love of

hunting, Mr. Yacolucci

purchased the forested land in

Talmadge, Maine in 2004

with hopes to build a home.

Because of his dedication to wildlife, Robert employed a local

forester and developed a plan to improve habitat on the parcel.

When he was diagnosed with cancer, his plans intensified.

“No dreams were stronger than his will to beat his cancer and

return,” reflected his friend, Sue LaPlante.

He never had the opportunity to live

there, but through his will, Mr. Yacolucci

donated his land to the trust. This gift, along

with a generous endowment, ensures the

land will be conserved forever. “We are

extraordinarily grateful to Mr. Yacolucci for

his vision and generosity,” said DLLT

Executive Director, Mark Berry. “As his

cancer progressed, he approached the trust.

We are glad to be able to honor his wishes

and ensure the forest will remain wildlife

habitat and a place for outdoor recreation.”

The 100-acre property is located in

Talmadge, and is easily accessible on the

west side of Route 1. To its south and west,

the property abuts the Sunrise Easement, a

312,000-acre area permanently conserved

under easements for conservation and public

access held by the New England Forestry

Foundation and the Maine Dept of

Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry.

The stewardship endowment contributed

by Mr. Yacolucci will provide DLLT with

income to fund property tax payments and

management of the property. DLLT plans

to create a small parking area, and offer

access for walking, bird-watching, or

hunting.

DLLT encourages landowners to contact the trust in advance

if considering a gift of land. Larger parcels, those with unique

habitat or recreational values, and those adjacent to existing

conserved lands, are most

likely to support the DLLT

mission of contributing to the

economic and environmental

well-being of the Downeast

Lakes region.

Mr. Yacolucci left his

favorite corner of the world a better place through his generosity.

His sister, Toni Iacolucci, said, “After visiting Bob's land and

meeting his wonderful friends in Grand Lake Stream, his dream

made perfect sense to us. We are very grateful to the Land Trust

for honoring Bob's wishes and helping him find peace.

LEAVING A LEGACY “Yacolucci Woods” Contributed to Downeast Lakes Land Trust

DLLT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH Mark Berry Leaving to Accept a New Position

Downeast Lakes Land Trust is currently seeking its next Executive Director. Please look at www.downeastlakes.org for a full position description, and share the opportunity with any qualified candidates. This is an outstanding opportunity for the right conservation professional. See inside (pages 2 and 3) for more information. The trust has a strong, well-qualified management team during the transition.

IN THIS ISSUE

Time of Transition - 2 Departing with Gratitude - 3 Children Catching Trout - 3

Community Calendar - 4 School Nature Clubs - 5

Programs Enrich Winter and Spring - 5 Land Owner Relations Award - 5

West Grand Lake Community Forest - 6

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Time of

Transition

2 Downeast Lakes Tradi t ions— Summer 2014

While all who have been even slightly involved

with the Downeast Lakes Land Trust must be

sorry for Mark Berry’s transition from his post

as DLLT’s Executive Director to a new and

exciting opportunity at the Schoodic Institute,

we are equally grateful for his eight years of

stellar service. Mark has been crucial in estab-

lishing the trust’s strong reputation for careful

stewardship of its land; he leaves the organiza-

tion in an excellent position to thrive long into

the future.

Mark Berry’s skills, his capacity to learn and to

adapt to all challenges, and his congeniality– all

have been exemplary, setting noble standards

for the worthy successor whom, after due dili-

gence, we are confident of finding.

Downeast Lakes Land Trust has put in place an

interim management committee of Directors

with extensive experience in the operation of

the Trust extending back to its founding thirteen

years ago. The committee is led by Vice Presi-

dent and Director Lee Whitely. I will continue

to lead the campaign to complete purchase of

the West Grand Lake Community Forest. The

search for a new Executive Director has begun

as the Trust continues its mission.

DLLT Directors, along with all who have sup-

ported and benefited from Marks’s industry and

ability, will miss him sorely, but we wish him

and his family great happiness and success as he

takes on his new endeavor.

Sincerely,

Syd Lea

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kimberly Arnold, Treasurer

Louie Cataldo Susan LaPlante

Sydney Lea, President Edward J. McGrath, Esq.

Stephen Schaefer, Secretary Dale Tobey

Lindsay P. Wheaton Lee Whitely, Vice President

STAFF Mark Berry, Executive Director

Tanya Rucosky, Education & Communications Manager

trucosky@downeastlakes.org

Laura Hunt, Office Manager lhunt@downeastlakes.org

John Harmon, Community Forest Program Manager

jharmon@downeastlakes.org

MISSION The Downeast Lakes Land Trust

contributes to the long-term economic and environmental

well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and

exemplary management of its forests and waters.

4 Water St, Grand Lake Stream, ME 04668 207-796-2100

www.downeastlakes.org ®

Downeast Lakes Tradi t ions— Summer 2014 3

I am writing today to share the news that I am

leaving my role as Executive Director of

Downeast Lakes Land Trust to take on a new

challenge as President of the Schoodic Insti-

tute at Acadia National Park.

One of the great pleasures of my eight years

at Downeast Lakes Land Trust has been the

opportunity to meet, get to know, and work

with the many friends, supporters, and part-

ners of the trust.

I am confident in this organization and in its

ability to attract outstanding candidates to be

its next leader. The trust is financially strong

and has great opportunities ahead, a skilled

staff, and a strong and committed Board of

Directors to manage the transition to new

leadership and carry the organization for-

ward. For those who love the outdoors, the

Downeast Lakes region of Maine is also an

exceptionally attractive area to live – thanks

in part to your support of Downeast Lakes

Land Trust.

I will remain as Executive Director until early

June, and will be working with the staff and

Board to facilitate a smooth transition. I will

always look back fondly on my time working

for the people and places of the Downeast

Lakes region of Maine.

My new position at Schoodic Institute is an

exciting professional opportunity that will

keep me in eastern Maine, just a couple hours

away on one of the most spectacular parts of

the Maine coast. I will be back to visit, and

look forward to staying in touch.

Sincerely,

Mark Berry

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Departing with Gratitude

Please Note: Mailing Address:

Downeast Lakes Land Trust 4 Water St.

Grand Lake Stream, ME 04668 The USPS will soon return mail to

you if it uses our old address!

CHILDREN CATCHING

TROUT Maine Tradition, New Opportunity

Generations of Maine kids (residents

and visitors alike) have experienced

the simple pleasure of catching a

brook trout with a baited hook.

Thanks to the Grand Lake Stream

Guides Association and Maine

Department of Inland Fisheries and

Wildlife, the canal along the Middle

Walk in Grand Lake Stream is now a

trout fishing pond for kids. As soon

as the fish were stocked in May

(from the Grand Lake Stream

Hatchery across the road), young

local anglers began enjoying the fun.

Visiting families are already finding

the opportunity. Fishing will likely

be best in spring and early summer.

American Center Fellow and PhD candidate,

discussed “Sandy” Ives’ book George Magoon and

the Down East Game War. Mr. Jesse shared

stories about George Magoon, and discussed what

they say about both a popular local folk hero and

the larger social context which formed the

backdrop of the game war.

The month ended with David Van Burgel and

Kathy Scott from Ardea Bamboo Rods leading

students in an intensive, week-long bamboo fly rod

making class.

Please contact Education and Communications

Manager Tanya Rucosky with ideas for future

programs.

(Continued from page 5) Education

4 Downeast Lakes Tradi t ions— Summer 2014

History & Heritage

When Maine was California: How Earthquakes and Volcanoes Made the Maine we Know and Love with Professor Bill Menke Mon. June 23 6:30 pm Lake Monitoring—Volunteer Training Wed. June 25 10am –3 pm Book Series—The Last Great Walk with Wayne Curtis Thurs. June 26 7 pm at GLS Historical Society Earth, Wind and Fire: Primitive Pottery Making with Felise Levine Mondays, July 7, 21, and 28 Please register in advance; $30. Moonlight Paddle on Big Musquash Sat. July 12 7:30 pm Big Musquash Bridge. Book Series—This Cider Still Tastes Funny with John Ford, Thurs. July 17 6:30 at GLS Historical Society Moose Calling with Roger Lambert Fri. Aug. 15, 6:30 pm Book Seriesð Flyfishing Northern New England's Seasons with Lou Zambello Thurs. Aug. 7 6:30 pm Wild Foods Weekend with Tom Seymour Sat. & Sun. Aug. 23 6:30 pm (Free) & Aug. 24 9 am ($15, Please register in advance). Book Series—The Bone Orchard with Paul Doiron Sat. Sept 6 6:30 pm

Explorations & Adventures

Tuesdays, 9:30 - 12 noon. Free weekly educational activities for children ages 6-12 (all ages welcome). Rain or shine. Free.

Jul 1: Nature Journaling Jul 8: Terrarium Trail Jul 15: A Forest Adventure Jul 22: Capturing Nature in Water Colors with Rebekah Raye July 29: Little Mayberry Cove Trail Hike Aug 5: Leaf Walk Aug 12: Tracking Aug. 19: Water Bugs

Serious Skills

for Girls & Boys Thursdays, 9:30 – Noon. Free weekly educational activities for children ages 10-16. Come ready for outdoor activities, rain or shine.

Jul 3: 4th of July Float Construction

Jul 10: Archery Jul 17: Canoeing Jul 24: Map and Compass Adventure July 31: Fire Making Aug 7: Wild Food Identification Aug 14: Fly Casting Aug. 21: Emergency Shelter Building

Events will meet at the Grand Lake Stream School Building unless otherwise indicated.

DLLT Annual Picnic Sun., July 27, 12-2 pm.

12th Annual Meeting. Lunch served at 12. By reservation; RSVP to info@downeastlakes.org.

Races Fri., July 4. Race for Grand Lake Stream, 3 mile Run or Walk. Register 8 am to 9 am - Water St. Sat Aug. 2 Baxter Outdoors Downeast Lakes Trail Run. DLLT is hosting this 5 mile trail run. Register 12 pm, 2 pm start; after party by Baxter Outdoors.

Sun., Aug 3 West Grand Lake Races (Tenth Annual!) Canoe or Kayak Races for everyone, with awards and picnic lunch. Only $10 per paddler. Bring a canoe or kayak, and register before 10:15 am.

Community Events: Thurs., 3:30 - 6:30 pm, June 12 - Sept. 25 Princeton Farmers’ Market Vendors selling the freshest local fruits and vegetables as well as locally produced maple syrup, handmade crafts, snacks.

Fri., July 4, 7 am - 9 pm Grand Lake Stream, America Fun all day community festival. Food available.

Fri. & Sat., July 25 & 26 Grand Lake Stream Guides Association Dinners

Sat. & Sun., July 26 & 27 10 am – 5 pm. Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival. See www. grandlakestreamfolkartfestival.com.

OTHER EVENTS LISTED AT WWW.DOWNEASTLAKES.ORG

®

DOWNEAST LAKES

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Get more information and keep up to date at

www.downeastlakes.org

SCHOOL NATURE CLUBS Guiding the next generation toward stewardship

Downeast Lakes Tradi t ions— Summer 2014 5

History & Heritage Programs Enrich Winter and Spring

The Downeast Lakes Land Trust undertook an ambitious set

of community programs across the late winter and spring.

Outdoor winter programs started with a chilly day learning to

identify hardwood trees without the benefit of leaves, then a

beautiful warm day on smooth ice on West Grand. Skaters and

hikers set off across the ice with Registered Maine Guide Dale

Tobey to see the annual ice harvest by Dave Tobey at Munson

Island on Ground Hog Day. Attendees came from as far as

Presque Isle, Machias, and Eastport to see a winter tradition that

extends back to the early 1800s.

On Feb. 20th, Donald Soctomah, author and Director of

the Passamaquoddy Tribal Historic Preservation Office, visited

Grand Lake Stream for an evening that explored the roots of

human history in the Downeast region.

Regional Fisheries Biologist Greg Burr led an insightful

conversation on the recent colonization of the upper St. Croix

River watershed by largemouth bass. “Someone is playing

Johnny Appleseed,” said Mr. Burr when asked if the invasion of

the non-native fish was accidental. “The shallow weedy habitat

of the Grand Falls Flowage favors largemouth over small mouth

bass. We were already concerned about smallmouth

recruitment there, which is why it is currently catch and

release,” explained Mr. Burr.

Two period-clad docents from the Burnham Tavern Museum

visited Grand Lake Stream in early March. By candle light, Dr.

Ruth and Robert Ahrens described the Battle of

the Margaretta, the first naval battle of the American

Revolution which occurred at Machias in 1775. A quick glance

at the list of men involved included names familiar in the region

now: Browns, Chandlers, Holmes, Spragues, Wheatons,

Whitneys and Woodruffs.

As the sap started running, Downeast Lakes Land Trust

volunteers transported visitors to Kossuth for a tour of

Chandler’s Sugar Shack.

In early April Ian Jesse, a University of Maine Canadian-(Continued on page 3)

Downeast Lakes Land Trust is leading

nature clubs at Indian Township, Princeton

and Woodland Elementary Schools. Aimed

at building knowledge, skills, and a sense

of place, DLLT is preparing the next

generation to be responsible stewards of the

Maine woods.

Nature club students have explored the

woods near their schools and in Grand

Lake Stream. They discovered deer yards,

navigated with map and compass, tracked

coyotes, surveyed forest health, monitored

aquatic insects, tapped maple trees, and

gathered wild edibles. Students also played

predator/prey games, dyed eggs with

natural materials, created nature journals,

and built terrariums. Through each

experience, children see themselves as

adventurers and people with knowledge

and values about the landscape and their

own abilities.

"When we first came outside in

January doing nature clubs,” said DLLT

Education and Communication Manager,

Tanya Rucosky, "Some of the kids didn't

have much experience even with

snow! Now I have kids running up to tell

me about animal signs they have found."

Downeast Lakes Land Trust offers

children's programs year round. This

summer, younger students are invited to

"Explorations and Adventures" on

Tuesday mornings, and older children can

learn "Serious Outdoor Skills" on

Thursdays mornings at the School

Building in Grand Lake Stream.

MPGA Land Owner Relations Award

The Maine Professional Guides As-

sociation (MPGA) honored Downeast

Lakes Land Trust with their Land

Owner Relations Award at the MPGA’s

35th Annual Banquet in Brewer on

April 12. The MPGA has over 1000

members and a 35 year history.

When presenting the award, MPGA

Executive Director Don Kleiner noted

that Downeast Lakes Land Trust was

unique as a Maine landowner because

support of Guides, guiding, and the out-

door recreation economy are central to

the mission and work of the trust. In

accepting the award, DLLT’s Executive

Director, Mark Berry, thanked the

Guides Association and highlighted the

success of DLLT in creating a Commu-

nity Forest where Guides and other local

residents have become the stewards of

the natural resources that support their

way of life.

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink All photos by Downeast Lakes Land Trust

Downeast Lakes Land Trust 4 Water St.

Grand Lake Stream, ME 04668

Temp. - Return Service Requested

Downeast Lakes Tradi t ions— Summer 2014 6

®

®

WEST GRAND LAKE COMMUNITY FOREST Downeast Lakes Land Trust is forging ahead with the work to raise funds to purchase the 22,000-acre West Grand Lake Community

Forest, and simultaneously preparing for stewardship of the property.

The Board, campaign committee, and a new Advisory Committee

convened early in January are all focused on the goal of securing the

remaining funds. A second carbon offset project for DLLT could

generate another $1 million toward reducing the purchase price of the

property. If this project is successful, approximately $3 million more

in contributions, grants, and pledges will be needed to complete the

project.

Meanwhile, the trust is preparing to write a new forest management

plan that will incorporate the new property and the existing 34,000-

acre Farm Cove Community Forest. The plan will continue to rely on

a strong combination of scientific expertise and local knowledge to benefit wildlife habitat, public recreation, and a sustainable timber

economy. The vision for the property, includes a 3,900-acre area focused on deer habitat management, a 7,000-acre ecological reserve,

smaller special management areas, plus new hiking trails and

water access campsites.

The opportunity of the West Grand Lake Community Forest

Project - to bring locally-guided conservation stewardship to a

56,000-acre mosaic of forests and wetlands, with over 85 miles

of shoreline on 10 lakes - is truly unique and extraordinary.

NEW HIKING TRAIL MAPS Fresh off the presses, we have copies of a new, all-in-one trail map

and brochure for the three hiking trails on the Farm Cove

Community Forest. Stop in at the DLLT office at 4 Water St., or

pick one up at the Pine Tree Store or a local lodge.

F o r e s t s a n d L a k e s F o r P e o p l e

F o r e v e r

207-796-2100 www.downeastlakes.org