The Scarborough Land Conservation Trust accepted one parcel of land in fee in 1992 bringing to the number of parcels owned in perpetuity to two. SLCT also has two conservation easements. The total protected area is 55 acres. The SLCT is dedicated towards the promotion and advancement of conservation, education, science and related charitable and benevolent purposes. Parcels accepted by the SLCT in fee promote the preservation of natural resources in the town of Scarborough for the benefit of the general public. These resources include and and water resources with attendant plant and animal life, and special scenic, agricultural, natural and historic sites.

The maintenance of open space areas is a specific goal of the SLCT. This goal is met both by acceptance of land in fee, and by the acceptance of conservation easements from land owners who wish to limit the future use of their property to purposes which meet the conservation purposes of the SLCT.

In 1992 the SLCT addressed its educational purpose by holding two public forums. In May, following the annual meeting, a forum on "Preserving Open Space in Scarborough" was held in the meeting room of the Scarborough Public Library. Rupert Neilly of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust spoke about the purposes of a land trust, and the practical considerations of conservation easements. Dennis Nadeau, chairman of the Scarborough Coastal Pollution Committee explained what the Commission has done to improve Scarborough's tidal wetlands, and how the monitoring program will be carried out in the future. In October, the SLCT forum focused on the Scarborough Marsh. John O. Snow, a Scarborough teacher and author, presented his slide program on the various facets of the marsh. Dudley Greely of the Maine Audubon Society discussed some of the Maine Audubon Society's work around the state, and in particular the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center operated by Audubon from late April to September. The SLCT forums are free of charge, however, donations are accepted.

The SLCT has been in existence for fifteen years, and was formerly called the Owascoag Land Conservation Trust, after the Indian name for the area. Always on the lookout to forward the objectives of its purposes, the members of the land trust welcome comments and discussion from anyone who has an interest in or potential contribution to land conservation. The officers for 1992-93 are Steve Shannon, President, Steve Ross, Vice President, Wallace Fengler, Secretary and Coordinator, and Elaine Warren, Treasurer. Quarterly meetings are held at the Scarborough Public Library, and monthly director's meetings are usually held at the homes of members.

Scarborough Land Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 1237
Scarborough, Maine 04070
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