Downeast Lakes Land Trust Honored with Land Owner Relations Award

April 18, 2014

The Maine Professional Guides Association (MPGA) honored Downeast Lakes Land Trust with their Land Owner Relations Award at the MPGA’s 35th Annual Banquet in Brewer last Saturday, which was attended by over 300 people.

Registered Maine Guides have a long and colorful history and are recognized around the world. The Maine Professional Guides Association is the largest and oldest organization of Maine guides, with over 1000 members and a 35 year history. Its members sign a code of ethics, pledging to “provide quality service, promote safety, obey all laws, cooperate with wildlife officials and landowners, and support conservation and education”.

When presenting the award, MPGA Executive Director Don Kleiner noted that Downeast Lakes Land Trust was unique as a Maine landowner because support of Guides, guiding, and the outdoor recreation economy are central to the mission and work of the land trust. In accepting the award, DLLT’s Executive Director, Mark Berry, thanked the Guides Association for the honor and highlighted the unique success of DLLT in creating a Community Forest where Guides and other local residents have become the stewards and managers of the natural resources that support their way of life.