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Current Projects
Downeast Lakes Land Trust
- Size: 27,080 acres
- Location: Grand Lake Stream, Maine
- Link: Downeast Lakes website
Summary: In 2003, Seven Islands Land Company, the parent company of 
Orion Timberlands, LLC was approached by members of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust about developing a comprehensive management plan for the 27,000 acres of forestland the trust was seeking to acquire and manage as a community forest. The plan was completed in late 2003, accepted by the trust and was instrumental in DLLT's and the New England Forestry Foundation's fund raising efforts to acquire the property.
Seven Islands Land Company contracted with the trust in 2004 for the management of the property under the management plan. In January 2005 the management contract was assigned to Orion Timberlands, LLC, the newly formed subsidiary of Seven Islands. Consistent with Orion's philosophy, management activities and harvesting is closely coordinated with the trust's forestry committee to achieve the trust's objectives.
In 2001, residents of interior Washington County formed the Downeast Lakes Land Trust to protect the unique natural resources of the region. The trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Grand Lake Stream.
This is the first northern Maine forest conservation project that is community incubated, community supported, community led, and designed to sustain a natural resource based, rural economy and lifestyle of residents in Washington County, Maine.
Farm Cove Community Forest
On May 25, 2005 Downeast Lakes Land Trust completed acquisition of 27,080 acres on and around West Grand Lake in Washington County, Maine, including 62 miles of lake shore, wetlands and diverse forests. Within that property, 23,520 acres- including a 3,751 acre late-successional management area- is operated as a sustainable working forest, concentrating on timber production, wildlife management, and support of traditional recreational activities. The balance of the property, 3,560 acres, has been established as an ecological reserve where only limited management activities occur.
The objectives of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust are:
- Protect, maintain and enhance the quality and diversity of wildlife habitats.
- Manage the forest to maintain and support traditional uses and values.
- Manage the forest as a commercial forest enterprise.
- Integrate management of timber, recreation, wildlife and water resources.
- Manage for the protection and enhancement of aesthetic quality.
- Manage the forest to maintain and enhance forest health and productivity.
- Manage the forest to protect ecological diversity.