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LMF authorizes use of Sears Island consent-decree funds for Duck Trap River acquisition, subject to MDOT and EPA approval
Summary
The board authorized staff to fund a Coastal Mountains Land Trust proposal to conserve a roughly 55-acre Kendall Brook parcel in the Duck Trap River watershed using Sears Island consent-decree funds (approximately $180,000 in the account), contingent on MDOT and U.S. EPA approval and standard due diligence.
The LMF board voted Jan. 13 to authorize using Sears Island consent-decree funds to support a Coastal Mountains Land Trust proposal to acquire and conserve a roughly 55-acre parcel on Kendall Brook in the Duck Trap River watershed.
Staff explained the consent decree created a restricted LMF account (Sears Island consent-decree funds) with approximately $180,000 available; the decree requires LMF to administer the funds using its due-diligence processes and allows the LMF board to identify additional eligible properties subject to MDOT and EPA approval. Coastal Mountains Land Trust and IFNW proposed conserving the Spectre parcel (approximately 55 acres) to protect freshwater wetlands and Atlantic salmon habitat.
Heather Rogers, speaking for the applicant team, said the parcel listed for $499,000 and the trust had also secured other sources, including a climate resilience conservation fund award; she asked the board to authorize funding the acquisition "to the fullest extent possible." Board members asked about watershed context, tributaries and public notice; staff said the proposal would be publicly noticed and that MDOT and EPA have final approval under the consent-decree terms. The board approved the motion unanimously, with staff noting appraisal, AOC oversight and federal approvals will be part of next steps.
