DRA Welcomes New Director of Lands and Stewardship

After a thorough search process, the Damariscotta River Association is delighted to welcome Jesse Ferreira as Director of Lands and Stewardship. Coming on board in early July, Jesse will be responsible for working with landowners, leading land and conservation easement acquisition projects, helping to improve and expand DRA’s network of trails, and overseeing volunteer trail crews and conservation easement monitors.

Ferreira’s role is vital to DRA’s mission to “preserve and promote the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River and adjacent areas for the benefit of all.” An accredited land trust, DRA has completed over 100 conservation projects to date, managing 42 properties and 41 conservation easements, including 6 islands. DRA also co-manages several properties with state agencies and assists local municipalities in caring for town-owned natural areas.

Executive Director Steven Hufnagel looks forward to benefiting from Ferreira’s collaborative energy, he shared. “He is really good at building relationships among conservation organizations, and with town leaders and agencies. Developing these partnerships is such an important part of what we do.”

A native of Camden, Maine, Ferreira says he is happy to be returning to the Midcoast area. He worked as a Land Conservation and Stewardship Specialist jointly for the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Wareham Land Trust in Southeastern Massachusetts, where his responsibilities included monitoring properties, writing baseline reports, leading land acquisition projects and assisting with the land trust accreditation process.

Ferreira got his start in land conservation with The Trustees of Reservations, where he managed their properties on Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. He also worked with the Westport Land Conservation Trust as their Stewardship Manager, and has designed and built a number of trail systems, boardwalks, kiosks and parking areas.

Ferreira holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. In his free time he enjoys beachcombing and hiking trails with his family.