Lakes Region Conservation Trust

Land Management, Stewardship, and Recreation--As noted above, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust has conserved more than 29,000 acres of land since the Organizations founding in 1979. A significant part of LRCTs responsibilities is the management of more than 100 owned properties totaling over 18,500 acres and the monitoring of 61 conservation easements totaling over 9,225 acres to ensure that the conservation values of these lands are being protected and that easement restrictions and requirements are being satisfied. A particular focus of LRCTs land management work is the provision of opportunities for the public to enjoy, appreciate, and learn from the conserved lands. Consequently, the Organization devotes significant effort to stewardship of trails open to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as certain trails open for mountain biking and snowmobiling. In its land management and stewardship work, the Organization benefits greatly from the participation and efforts of more than 200 talented and dedicated volunteers.

Conservation Education/Outreach/Communications--The Lakes Region Conservation Trust produces newsletters, trail maps, and other informational materials and maintains substantial information on its website regarding the Organizations conserved lands and land conservation activities. As noted above, a particular focus of the Organizations work is the provision of opportunities for the public to enjoy, appreciate, and learn from the conserved lands. In this regard, LRCT maintains informational kiosks at many properties, and organizes guided hikes, guided paddles, and educational programs for the public regarding the conserved lands. In addition, LRCT works with local schools and other organizations to introduce members of the community to the conserved lands, to provide opportunities for these other organizations to integrate conserved lands into their curricula and programs, and to enhance their understanding of the Lakes Regions natural heritage and the important role of land conservation in shaping the natural landscapes cherished by residents and visitors alike.