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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) encourages diversity and equity in our public service and in our workplace. The Trust prohibits any discrimination in carrying on its mission on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. This includes all programs, projects, events, and any other related activity sponsored by KLT. KLT's commitment to diversity extends to all levels of our organization and is endorsed by our Board of Directors and Staff.
April 2023
KLT Board of Directors
KLT Statement on Wabanaki Access and Stewardship of Land
Maine is the homeland of the Wabanaki People. Since the Laurentide ice sheet retreated over 11,000 years ago, the Wabanaki have hunted, fished, traveled through, and lived on the land that we now call Maine. Wabanaki means the people of the dawn, a term referring to the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Abenaki people. Despite the devastating impacts of colonization in recent centuries, the Wabanaki culture and communities remain vibrant and strong in Maine today.
The Kennebec Land Trust’s (KLT) service area in Maine is within the Abenaki homeland. “Kennebec,” from the Abenaki word kinepk or kinepkw, translates to “deep river.” KLT has a deep appreciation for the complex relationships between people and the land and the natural world itself. We recognize the Wabanaki’s long relationship with the lands that we call Maine and the ongoing and important role they have in shaping the future. We are committed to continuing to learn about tribal priorities and considering future land trust and tribal conservation projects.
Approved April 10, 2024 KLT Board of Directors
AUGUSTA — While it’s still more than a year away, Enock Glidden is watching a project that’s expected to bring universal access to Augusta’s Howard Hill.
After years of discussions, officials in Hallowell, Augusta and the Kennebec Land Trust are working to make the conservation and recreation area just west of the state capital complex more widely accessible to people with disabilities.
“From the Kennebec Land Trust’s perspective, it’s the property closest to the population centers in the area,” said Theresa Kerchner, land trust president. “So, if we are going to put time and resources into developing a trail, Howard Hill makes the most sense in terms of how many people will benefit from it.”
Spanning 164 acres, Howard Hill offers forested open space with a stream and a ridgeline with cliffs, bordered by developed areas in Augusta and Hallowell. Residents often walk the network of old carriage roads through the hill to experience the scenic view of the Kennebec River or the State House building nestled amid an expansive shade of green.