History & Region

Quoddy Regional Land Trust

Founded in 1987, Quoddy Regional Land Trust (QRLT) 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.

Merged to form DCC in 2009 and serve the Downeast Coastal Region

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. We serve from Route 9 (the Airline) to the coastline and bays of Washington County, Maine. We refer to this area as the Downeast Coastal Region. It includes the watersheds of the major Downeast rivers, some of the richest estuaries on America’s eastern seaboard, and numerous wild islands in the northern section of the Gulf of Maine. The region’s vast forests, abundant lakes and rivers, rugged headlands, and traditional saltwater farms offer exceptional wildlife habitat, unmatched scenic beauty and diverse opportunities for public access and recreation.

Downeast Coastal Conservancy is responsible for the stewardship and protection of 7,000 acres and more than 70 miles of shoreline in Downeast Maine.

We also work in close partnership with other conservation partners such as Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Downeast Salmon Federation and the Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation to achieve conservation at the community and regional landscape level.