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Water Access Initiative
 Recreational Access
Access to water, both salt and fresh, was a key concern of many of the public officials we talked to. Development on the coast, lakes and rivers makes it harder for others to enjoy the views, launch boats and fish in the public waters. Projects to protect access to the water are likely to be fairly small and enjoy broad support from the local communities.
Working Waterfronts
  Seventy-five percent of working waterfront access is on private land. The rising value of coastal property drives the conversion of commercial property to residential use and threatens the access of commercial fishermen, who usually can't afford to take on the debt that is required to buy these properties. FBC plans to work with local communities to help frame the issue as it applies to their towns, develop solutions and bring new resources to the table. We will focus on projects identified through this collaborative process as high priority for the community.
Union River Corridor Initiative
 The banks of the Union River north of Ellsworth are characterized by long stretches of undeveloped land, a remarkable scenic and recreational resource within easy reach of Bangor and Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, the western shore of the river provides a solid green backdrop to the view from Water Street. By focusing proactive efforts in the Union River watershed on land along the river, FBC has an opportunity to protect much of this resource.
Schoodic to Schoodic Initiative
 A plan to link the two major conserved areas in the Frenchman Bay watershed, Schoodic Point and the state land around Schoodic Mountain, is a natural project for the local land trust. Schoodic Bog, Little Tunk Pond, Lower West Bay Pond, Duck Pond and Darthia Farm are properties already protected by FBC in the area. A few key acquisitions and conservation easements could create a protected wildlife corridor that would enable Schoodic Point wildlife to move freely through the larger region.
Rapid Response Fund Initiative
FBC needs to develop the capacity to respond quickly as key properties appear on the market. It takes a long time to get funding commitments from foundations, public agencies and even private donors. By building a reserve fund earmarked for expenses such as appraisals and options, we may be able to buy time to raise the funds we need for acquisition. A rapid response fund will be an essential supplement to all the conservation initiatives in this plan.
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