History

Merger in 2009

The Downeast Coastal Conservancy was formed through the merger of Great Auk Land Trust and Quoddy Regional Land Trust. The merger was completed in August 2009 and brought together two successful land trusts, with shared values and priorities, into a single, stronger organization dedicated to protecting the unique and wonderful geography of coastal Downeast Maine.

Great Auk Land Trust

Great Auk Land Trust (GALT) was incorporated in 1989 and focused on the region from Steuben to Beals to Jonesboro in southwestern Washington County. Through conservation easements and acquisition of lands by gift or purchase, the land trust protected 27 properties totaling more than 1100 acres and over 20 miles of seacoast in the greater Pleasant Bay. GALT built strong ties with the communities it served through the promotion of community-supported land conservation, education activities with local youth, and by involving local residents in the stewardship of its conserved lands.

Quoddy Regional Land Trust

Founded in 1987, Quoddy Regional Land Trust (QRLT) has focused on the region from Machias to Lubec to Calais in eastern Washington County.  Through conservation easements and acquisition of lands by gift or purchase, the land trust protected 45 properties totaling more than 2,800 acres and over 22 miles of salt and freshwater shore on Cobscook and Passamaquoddy Bays. QRLT also managed the Cobscook Trails program, a partnership project to develop and steward hiking trails and distribute a trail guide highlighting area conservation properties.