Mission: Coastal Mountains Land Trust permanently conserves land and
connects people with nature in the western Penobscot Bay region.
Vision
We imagine a future with healthy, diverse, resilient ecosystems and vibrant communities that come together to protect and share in the natural places we love.
Core Values
We commit to bringing the following values to our work:
Adaptability
Being agile, creative and curious makes our organization more effective, better at solving problems and more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. We seek to be innovative in accomplishing our goals, always open to new tools and methods.
Authenticity
Genuine relationships are built upon honesty, integrity, and transparency. We aim to be accountable; we own our mistakes and acknowledge our blind spots. We communicate openly, empathetically, and compassionately.
Collaboration
Partnerships are integral to effective work. They enable us to share and learn in ways that enhance all of our strengths, elevate capacity in support of community needs, create solutions, and achieve mutual goals.
Land Ethic
Our commitment to community includes not only humans, but all other parts of the Earth as well: soils, waters, plants, and animals – the land. We believe that the well-being of people and the land are deeply intertwined.
Inclusion
Nature is stronger through diversity, and so are we. We listen to and incorporate a wide variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences in our work. We commit to treating all people equitably and to creating an inclusive community connected to the land.
Intentionality
Successful outcomes are based upon research and careful planning. We are pragmatic and use a strategic approach to accomplish our mission.
Joy
We find joy in the pursuit of our mission and the hope this work generates.
Key Priorities
Supporting Nature’s Resilience:
We will continue to support biodiversity, wildlife habitat and water quality through our land conservation, management, and stewardship work. We will learn from other conservation organizations and partners, and through our education programs we will share what we have learned about natural systems and climate in our community.
Balancing Efforts across Western Penobscot Bay region:
We will serve and represent all 16 towns in which we work. We are a multi-local organization that balances its efforts across our geography through board and volunteer recruitment, hosting free events, and conserving lands that connect diverse populations with nature across our service region.
Promoting Access and Inclusion:
We will ensure that the benefits of land conservation are accessible to everyone in our community. We will expand public recreation opportunities by making our preserves, trails, and programs more accessible, enhance communication and signage, and collaborate with other local organizations to welcome new and multi-generational audiences within our community.
Supporting Community Needs:
We will bring our skills and strengths as a land trust to partnerships with schools and other community organizations to support projects that address community health and wellness, beyond the benefits of traditional conservation work.
Building Organizational Strength and Capacity:
We will ensure capacity to fulfill our mission with a strong board and staff, systems and facilities, and necessary financial resources.
Core Commitments
Permanent land conservation:
We will continue to proactively identify and permanently conserve areas of high natural and community significance throughout the Western Penobscot Bay region.
Sustainable land stewardship:
We will care for the natural resources and community values of our preserves, easements and trails.
Community engagement:
We will work with the communities we serve to connect with and ensure they benefit from the lands we protect.
