Photo Credit: Brian Rimm

December 12, 2025 – Belgrade Lakes, ME – 7 Lakes Alliance has been awarded $4,000 through the L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program, which Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) administers. Entering its 21st year, the program continues L.L.Bean’s long-standing commitment to support public access, habitat protection, and outdoor recreation across the state of Maine, bringing total funding to $558,750 for 129 projects since 2004. 7 Lakes is one of nine land trusts across the state to receive this year’s award.

This grant will help 7 Lakes purchase paddling equipment that will expand recreational, low-impact water access for all. The project will give individuals and families a low-cost way to explore our lakes—without the burden of owning or renting a canoe or motorboat. Recreation and conservation go hand in hand, and by making paddling more accessible across the Belgrade watershed, we aim to deepen our community’s connection to the lands and lakes we love and work tirelessly to protect.

About 7 Lakes Alliance

7 Lakes Alliance’s mission is “to conserve the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes Region for all.” We take an ecosystem-based approach grounded in science and community partnerships, to confront the growing threats in our watershed.

Climate change intensifies these challenges, bringing more frequent and severe storms that increase runoff and erosion- fueling harmful algal blooms that can turn lakes green and potentially toxic. Warming conditions promote the spread of invasive species.  Meanwhile, Increasing human use and unsustainable development place additional stress on the fragile ecosystem. Now, more than ever, our conservation efforts are critical to protecting the future of the Belgrade Lakes watershed.

Our year-round work includes land conservation and land stewardship, water quality monitoring and remediation, invasive aquatic species prevention and control, erosion prevention and mitigation and education and outreach.

Healthy lakes, surrounding lands and the scenic beauty of the Belgrade Lakes watershed are vital to the region’s economy and quality of life.  Our lakes and lands are defining features of community life in the Belgrade watershed and is the cornerstone of the local economy. Protecting open space and wildlife, safeguarding water quality, and expanding opportunities for recreation are more important than ever in the face of growing climate-related threats to the watershed.

About the Maine Land Trust Network

The Maine Land Trust Network (MLTN) enhances the quality and effectiveness of land conservation organizations across the state. Since its establishment in 1995, MLTN has served as a central hub for conservation collaboration, technical assistance, and grant administration, ensuring sustainable and impactful conservation efforts. A program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, MLTN is led by a Steering Committee representing up to 25-member land trusts. Learn more at https://www.mltn.org/.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust 

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) advances the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. Since 1970, we have worked to guide the conservation movement and support a network of more than 80 land trusts. Together with partners, we’ve protected over 190,000 acres, supporting the needs of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems across the coast. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our natural areas can mitigate the effects of climate change and support all people and life for generations to come. Learn more about our work and get involved at www.mcht.org.