Lakes Region Conservation Trust

Land Conservation--The Lakes Region Conservation Trust has conserved more than 29,700 acres of land since the Organizations founding in 1979. This total includes over 19,000 acres owned by LRCT, over 9,300 acres subject to primary conservation easements held by LRCT, and over 1,300 acres conserved through other means. These lands include 30 summits, more than 41 miles of shoreline on the regions lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, and more than 120 miles of trails open to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and certain trails open for mountain biking and snowmobiling. Each year LRCT works with landowners, other conservation organizations, and local conservation commissions on dozens of land conservation projects and opportunities throughout the Lakes Region. LRCTs land conservation work is guided by the Lakes Region Strategic Conservation Plan, incorporating climate change resilience data, that provides a valuable land conservation tool for LRCT and other land conservation organizations working in the region.

Land Management, Stewardship, and Recreation--As noted above, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust has conserved more than 29,700 acres of land since the Organizations founding in 1979. A significant part of LRCTs responsibilities is the management of more than 120 owned properties totaling over 19,000 acres and the monitoring of 62 conservation easements totaling over 9,300 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 approximately 200 talented and dedicated volunteers.