2026 Downeast Lakes Conservation Award
August 4, 2026
In the midst of Downeast Lakes Land Trust’s 25th Anniversary Celebration on a gorgeous August weekend, emeritus Board Member and one of the original founders, Steve Schaefer, was presented with the 2026 Downeast Lakes Conservation Award.
Steve Schaefer
A Maine Master Guide, Schaefer has an extensive history of leadership in the Downeast Lakes region. He served ten years as a town selectman for Grand Lake Stream, chaired several DLLT committees, and was the very first DLLT Board President. In addition, Steve served on Governor Angus King’s Land Acquisition Priorities Advisory Committee and was a former member of Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission.
“I cannot think of a more deserving recipient for this award,” said DLLT Executive Director Brian Tripp. “I have enjoyed guiding and working with Steve as a Guide and Executive Director of DLLT in Grand Lake Stream. Steve’s heart and soul are committed to this place and mission.”
A beautiful canoe paddle, handcrafted and donated by Dale Tobey of Grand Lake Canoe & Paddle and wood burned by local artist Paige Fitch, was presented to Steve by former DLLT Board President, Syd Lea.
Steve thanked the audience, the Town of Grand Lake Stream, and most of all, his family, for all the support they have given throughout the years. He closed with a poignant and fitting quote that was written by his father, John R. Schaefer, in an early conservation essay titled Trail To Tomorrow from 1957 that was only discovered after Steve had begun his journey with DLLT.
“These ideas are set forth with the sincere hope that the “Trail To Tomorrow” is one that will lead to such things as towering, well-managed forests; an abundant supply of clean, pure water; a continuing supply of fish and game; intelligently maintained farmlands; and overwhelming vistas of natural scenery.”
“The choice is ours; whatever lies at the end of the trail will be the collective effort of each of us as individuals.”
To view the entire presentation and Steve’s acceptance speech, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBWFewbZT50
