This is an exciting summer for the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) as they mark the 25th season of the Maine Island Trail – a water trail that consists of 200 uninhabited islands along the coast of Maine. We caught up with Doug Welch, Executive Director of MITA to learn a little bit more about the trail system as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.
SRG: Could you tell us about the mission of MITA and the work that the organization does?
DW: MITA is dedicated to the protection and the enjoyment of the uninhabited islands of coastal Maine. Over 25 years we’ve worked to build a community of island users and stewards, educate the public about the sustainable use of islands, and maintain a growing Trail through ongoing clean-ups and trail work visits to the islands.
SRG: What is “The Trail” and how can Mainers use it?
DW: The Maine Island Trail (MIT) is a water trail created, protected and enjoyed by people who love the coast of Maine. It was the first recreational “water trail” in America (as opposed to a continuous land trail such as the Appalachian Trail). As of 2013, the MIT includes 200 wild islands and mainland sites spanning 375 miles of Maine’s coast, from the New Hampshire border to the Canadian Maritimes.
MITA members have many ways to access the Trail. Boat owners can sail, row, paddle or motor out to any portion of the Trail and explore the islands as they please. And because many coastal outfitters and boat rental services offer discounts to MITA members, folks who don’t own their own boat can still access the Trail affordably and conveniently. To guide them along the trail, MITA members receive an annual Trail Guide in both paper and online formats. The Guide includes general information on the whole Trail, every portion of the Trail, as well as details for each and every Trail site.
SRG: What have been some of the more exciting highlights for MITA in the last 25 years?
DW: Over 25 years, the Trail has gone from a somewhat experimental concept to a very successful reality. The Trail began with fewer than 40 Trail islands, and just a handful of devoted members. The Trail now includes 200 sites spanning the entire coast of Maine and the Association is now 3,700 members strong. The original Trail has just one land-owning partner — the State of Maine — and now has 25, plus about 40 private families who share their islands. This growth has been very gratifying to see. And it is also great to know that we have built a community of approximately 25,000 members over time who constitute a powerful community of people who care about and care for the islands themselves. Mirroring the importance of the islands themselves in defining the Maine coast, the Association has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Coast of Maine.
SRG: In what ways can people get involved with the organization?
DW: The best way to support MITA and its ongoing mission is simply to become a member. Our members don’t just join to gain access to every site on the Trail – they join to become a part of a growing community of island lovers and stewards as well. As part of their membership, MITA folks agree to minimize their impact while visiting islands, to Leave No Trace, and to do their part to protect the natural integrity of Trail islands – so just by joining and doing their part on the islands, they help promote the mission and spread awareness. Also, membership dues form a major portion of the funds we use to keep the islands clean and vibrant.
Folks are also welcome to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at www.mita.org, which provides ongoing info about volunteer opportunities and other chances to get involved. Volunteers typically come out to help with island cleanups, trail maintenance, etc.
SRG: What does being a member of MITA entail? What benefits are included in membership?
DW: Two-thirds of the Trail are privately owned islands that are generally not accessible to the public at-large. However, because MITA’s members agree to minimize human impact and practice Leave No Trace ethics, membership grants access to 100% of the Trail.
Membership includes an official card, which serves as written permission to visit any Trail island. It also includes a 260-page Trail Guide with detailed information on the Trail, from its entire span down to every individual site, and more. Members find the Guide to be extremely useful for planning trips in accordance with the specific details of each island site (for instance, some islands are open to fires, camping or pets, whereas some others aren’t). Members also receive access to an online version of the Guide, which features interactive charts, at no extra cost!
Members also receive a bevy of great discounts with area outfitters, rental services, moorings, retailers and more. In addition, membership includes monthly e-news updates and a subscription to our mail newsletter, offering myriad ways that individuals can be involved in stewardship activities and other aspects of the Maine Island Trail community.
Individual memberships start at just $45 (and $65 for families) for the full year and include both a printed and online Trail Guide as well as a package of discounts from local retailers and outfitters. Join with a SunriseGuide coupon (before 12/31/13) and get a free membership to give as a gift when you purchase one. Detailed information about can be found at www.mita.org/benefits.
