When Lyme Timber purchased 22,000-acres around Grand Lake Stream, it did more than launch Downeast Lakes Land Trust on the West Grand Lake Community Forest Project. Through the help of CEI Capital Management, Coastal Enterprises, the Northern Forest Center, and Bangor Savings Bank, New Markets Tax Credits enabled the community of Grand Lake Stream to acquire key parcels for future growth and economic development, while Downeast Lakes Land Trust negotiated an option to conserve the property and purchase it for management as a community forest.
This short video, released by CEI Capital Management, highlights the importance of the project to the community of Grand Lake Stream:
The purchase by Lyme Timber took place in 2008, launching a 7 year campaign for the West Grand Lake Community Forest Project. Downeast Lakes Land Trust has through 2015 to secure the remaining funds to purchase this remarkable property and provide for long-term stewardship by local people dedicated to wildlife habitat, public recreation, and a sustainable timber economy.