South Portland Land Trust Leadership Change

South Portland Land Trust Leadership Change

Media Release
July 9, 2024
Contact: Tex Haeuser, SPLT President
tex@haeuserplanning.com

As we welcome summer in Maine, the South Portland Land Trust (SPLT) is also happy to welcome a leadership change at our Board of Directors. Alex Redfield has stepped down from the board and a new leadership team of Tex Haeuser and Karen Talentino have assumed the roles of President and Vice President, respectively. Alex offers this reflection after his term facilitating the Board’s direction as President.

“Even as a relative newcomer to South Portland, it’s been fascinating to watch the City evolve over the past several years. Just since joining SPLT in 2020, South Portland has faced incredible development pressure, seen the demographics of the City and Cumberland County change dramatically, observed a swing of the pendulum at the municipal political level, and started to reckon with the practical and unmistakable impacts of climate change. These shifts all intersect with the Land Trust’s mission of supporting a more connected and livable city, and it’s been a pleasure to connect with more of our neighbors who are aligned in advancing that vision of our shared home.

Welcoming a new generation of board members to the Land Trust and building systems for consistent membership engagement stand out as two of the most notable developments for SPLT since I joined the Board. With a new cohort of engaged residents, I’m excited that SPLT is continuing to clarify how conservation and public lands need to be centered in the next stage of our city’s development. SPLT is not, and in my opinion, should not become, a conservation power-house like some of our peer organizations in neighboring towns. I’m happy we’ve clarified that SPLT doesn’t need to fight to protect every single square inch of space in our city from development, but rather serve as an informed hub for those who advocate for smart and intentional growth where South Portland can welcome new residents, build better infrastructure and provide essential green space for community members, protect the unique and essential habitat and natural resources for urban-adjusted and coastal species, and work towards a cityscape that serves us all.

This organization and our city are both better off when more of us find ways to advocate for what future we want to see, I hope this leadership transition also serves as a new invitation for anyone reading this to jump in and speak up, whether that’s by knocking down knotweed, making a donation, joining the board, or even just thinking critically about our built and natural environment.”

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About South Portland Land Trust

South Portland Land Trust is a nonprofit organization committed to linking neighborhoods and improving quality of life in South Portland through expanding the city’s trail network, conserving open space, and educating the public on issues related to trails and open space. It holds eighteen properties and easements within the City of South Portland to preserve natural habitats, trail access, and open space for public enjoyment.

Please visit www.southportlandlandtrust.org for more information
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter IDs: @sopolandtrust