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By Jonah Raether
Kennebec Land Trust
George Smith has always been, among other things, an avid sportsman. Some of his earliest memories are of hunting and fishing with his dad, Ezra, and close friends. He spent 18 years as the executive director of the Maine Sportsman’s Alliance. And he also cares deeply about land conservation.
In 2018, Smith donated his 125-acre woodlot in Mount Vernon to the Kennebec Land Trust, intending that it be used to educate the community about keeping habitats intact for Maine’s wildlife.
Though these two perspectives – outdoorsman and conservationist – are often assumed to be separate and divided, Smith demonstrates and discusses how important it is that everyone be on the same team when it comes to caring for the natural spaces around us.
In our conversation he stated simply, “It matters, to get outside.” Engaging consistently with the outdoors, whether through hunting, fishing, hiking, birding or any activity we choose, helps us to stay healthy and to connect with the environment in a deep way.
Because of his own connections with the environment, Smith has noticed drastic changes affecting the areas that are most important to him. He told me about his observations of a changing watershed and fish habitat near his home, with decreasing water levels and decreasing numbers of certain types of fish. He attributed the changes to the impact of climatic changes like warmer temperatures and less summer rainfall, as well as human presence on local waters.
As an example, he said, “People have been introducing illegal species, like Northern pike.”
While any environmental change will have an impact on Mainers, especially those who use the land and water for hunting, fishing or recreation, Smith is also worried about the effect on the local economy. If there are fewer deer to hunt or native fish to catch, out-of-state sportsmen who might have traveled to Maine in the past may take their business elsewhere in the future. Already, outdoor businesses, sporting camps, and guide services across the state have struggled because of a loss of business.
One way to support the environment around us is by using it. Being involved in the outdoors, not just through spending time outside, but also by supporting projects and organizations that are advocating for the natural spaces and natural resources of Maine, can yield tremendous benefits for ourselves and our communities.
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In 2019, Kennebec Land Trust intern Jonah Raether interviewed five Kennebec County community members about their relationships and connections to the land and natural spaces; this is one of his essays. The land trust works with landowners and communities to conserve the forests, shorelands, fields and wildlife that define central Maine. It welcomes everyone to explore its trails and property, and make their own connection with the natural world. For more information, visit www.tklt.org or call 207-377-2848.
PHOTO: George Smith (gray raincoat, seated) and his family on the land in Mount Vernon that he donated to the Kennebec Land Trust. (KLT photo)
