Our Strategic Framework
Our Vision
Everyone who lives in or visits this region can access, enjoy, and feel welcomed into beautiful and thriving natural spaces that connect, inspire and sustain us.
Our Mission
Caring for the lands, waters, and communities of the Damariscotta region.
Our Values
Welcoming
Coastal Rivers is an inclusive, respectful, and joyful space where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate.
Trustworthy
We are honest, transparent, and accountable, always maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Caring
We cultivate compassion and respect by building meaningful connections and making nature accessible to everyone.
Adaptable
We embrace growth and continued learning, staying flexible and creative in our work.
Strategic Priorities
Steward Land and Waters
We care for our conserved lands and local waters with a long view, focusing on ecological health and resilience in a changing climate. Our stewardship work is grounded in science, traditional knowledge, and current data; and supported by the tools and information our team needs to care for each property. We recognize the human communities connected to these lands and waters and strive to ensure the benefits of stewardship are shared equitably across the region.
Expand Connected Landscapes
We prioritize land conservation that strengthens habitat connectivity and community resilience, focusing on projects we have the capacity to care for over the long term and that reflect community priorities. This strategic growth builds connections to the coast and expands and connects key corridors to support wildlife, climate resilience, and water quality. Conservation priorities are identified in partnership with communities to reflect local needs and support equitable outcomes alongside ecological goals.
Broaden Public Access
We want everyone to feel welcomed on our lands and trails. We steward our properties to support a wide range of uses—including recreation, nature observation, hunting, fishing, clamming, agriculture, and Indigenous activities—while reducing physical, informational, and cultural barriers to access. Through improved accessibility and clear communication, we aim to reach new audiences and invite more people to connect with conservation lands.
Inspire Love of Place
We grow the community of people who care about the lands and waters of the Damariscotta–Pemaquid region by inviting people of all ages to form meaningful connections to this place. Through nature education, public programs, and opportunities to be involved, we foster curiosity, appreciation, and a lasting sense of stewardship.
Strengthen Organizational Foundations
We aim to build a resilient, well-resourced organization that can sustain its mission over the long term. Staff and board have clear roles and responsibilities within a values-driven culture. Strong financial systems, strategic planning, and ongoing learning help the organization respond to change while maintaining a healthy, engaged, and well-supported staff and board.
For wildlife. For water quality. For community.
Your support powers the protection of our lakes, ponds, and rivers for generations to come. Join us today.
