Maine Wilderness Watershed Trust Inc

Programs: Stewardshipmwwt board members established a stewardship program that helps ensure the continued responsible use of watershed lands. They oversee regular inspections of easement properties to ensure compliance with easement terms, and purchase insurance to cover any necessary enforcement of easement violations. Mwwt practices active forest management, which includes selective sustainable timber harvests as recommended by the trust forester. Mwwt also collaborates with state agencies in support of pierce ponds fishery and wildlife habitat. In 2017, mwwt began a water-quality initiative with the purchase and installation of two petroleum spill kits on pierce pond landings, as well as conducting and assessment of privies at campsite on pierce pond. Mwwt completed development of a trails plan for the 10,500-acre watershed to improve public recreational opportunities to enjoy conserved lands, including design of a trail on otter pond mountain, with lake views, parking, trail-head, and a separate water access point. The mwwt board evaluated and responded to a landowner's request to change the conditions of a conservation easement.

land protectionsince 1989, mwwt has worked cooperatively with watershed landowners to conserve the wildlife, water quality, and other natural resources of the pierce pond watershed. Mwwt has conserved 10,500 acres and over 30 miles of shoreline, through the purchase of conservation easements and land. Mwwt has established agreements with two sporting camps to ensure the continued traditional operation of these historic camps. In 2017, mwwt began a serious evaluation of opportunities to purchase watershed lands currently under commercial timber management.

educationmwwts annual newsletter educates members about land protection and stewardship activities in the watershed and responsible use of the watershed. Mwwts website provides information about the history of preservation of the watershed as well as updates on conservation initiatives and trust events. It also introduces the general public to the unique natural features of the area. Mwwt facilitates a program to educate boaters coming into the watershed about invasive aquatic plants and inspect boats for milfoil and other invasives. In 2016 and 2017, a video was produced to educate members about the evolving need for more aggrsssive protection of watershed lands surrounding pierce pond. In 2017, mwwt installed an informational kiosk at pierce pond's lindsay cove.