3/17/10

University of Maine President Robert Kennedy announced that he is stepping down in June 2011 to take another position within the University of Maine System -- a new position whose focus is the "greening" of the university system. Media coverage reports that President Kennedy will look at "sustainability, alternative energy and taking advantage of federal initiatives", plus the highly interesting "further business opportunities in energy fields".

The City of Ellsworth leverages $950,000 in Land for Maine's Future and other funds to defray the costs of the $2.4 million Branch Lake conservation project. Ellsworth will buy 451 acres outright, and then grant an easement to the Frenchman Bay Conservancy to protect the water quality of the lake while developing low-impact, nonmotorized public recreation. A working forest easement on 745 acres will go to the Forest Society of Maine providing for the sustainable harvest of timber. Two councilors objected to the premise that Ellsworth will issue $1,515,000 in general obligation bonds, but the motion passed 4-2 (with an abstention from a councilor who had dealt in easements on the land).