The Land for Maine’s Future Board has issued a new call for land conservation proposals. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2008. Tthe Board will select project finalists at its July 2008 meeting.

The LMF program has released an updated edition of its “Proposal Workbook”. All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to read the workbook thoroughly as some provisions of the program were changed in recent legislation. The Workbook is now available on the internet at http://www.maine.gov/spo/lmf/publications/.

This edition also includes a complete description of the Board’s evaluation process and application forms to be used in preparing proposals. Copies can also be obtained from the LMF office by calling (207) 287-1485.

Applicants are also reminded that all proposals to the LMF Board must have the sponsorship of an appropriate state agency.

Contacting the appropriate agency at least two months prior to the application deadline is strongly advised. Sponsoring agencies include the Maine Departments of Conservation, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Agriculture. Contact information on staff and phone numbers are included in the proposal workbook. The workbook also describes the process for applying for water access funding support.

Water access project applications can be entertained by the Board at any time. A separate call for proposals on the Working Waterfront Protection Program will be issued early in January 2008.

The Land for Maine’s Future Program was created in 1987 in response to concerns over the loss of critical natural areas and wildlife habitat along with traditional access to undeveloped lands for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

To date, the Land for Maine’s Future Program has funded the protection of more than 445,000 acres of Maine’s best natural areas, farms, and recreation areas.

The Program also seeks to protect public access to water for fishing, boating, and swimming. Working with other state agencies, numerous local governments and charitable nonprofit groups, the Land for Maine’s Future Board adheres to a “willing seller only” policy.

Funding for these new projects will come from a $17 million bond issue approved by the Maine Legislature and Maine voters in 2007.