We received many thoughtful responses to our June 8 letter about these historic times, as communities, families, businesses, and non-profits struggle to address the non-partisan topic of racial inequality in our country. In line with KLT’s mission, we are focused on communicating that everyone, regardless of color or economic background, is welcome and should feel safe on our conservation properties, whether they are city parks like Howard Hill, rural preserves, or managed woodlands. Across the country, our land trust colleagues found meaningful ways to note the connections between land conservation work and racial justice.
June 8, 2020
Dear KLT Members,
We are writing to address what we’re witnessing across the world and to let you know that we are committed to examining how KLT can best respond in this time of protest against racial inequality.
Yesterday many KLT members attended the Black Lives Matter rally in Augusta. We heard from activists of all ages, parents, student leaders, and representatives from the City of Augusta and the State of Maine. In the crowd of over 1,000, mostly all masked, toddlers stood with their parents and witnessed a moment of hope for a more just Maine and world. The organizers emphasized time and again that the demonstration was a peaceful protest and that violent or unlawful behavior should be immediately reported.
We at KLT condemn the acts of violence committed against black women and men in America. It is unconscionable that our neighbors in Maine live in fear for their children when they walk out the door and that skin color is aligned with lack of opportunity, health care, and the privileges that many of us take for granted.
We acknowledge the many other ways racism and prejudice do daily harm to people of color, indigenous people, and other communities in Maine and across the country.
We have a long way to go to listen, learn, and act within the scope of our mission to address these complex issues, and the way they inform our land conservation work.
We are committed to this path and hope that you will share your thoughts and ideas for avenues we might take to further our work for a better, safer, and more just Maine and world.
Thank you for being a part of KLT.
Kim Vandermeulen, President and
Theresa Kerchner, Executive Director