Photo by Jim Dugan

The concept of a water trail on the Maine coast first began to take shape in the late 1970s, following a land survey conducted by the State of Maine. This survey determined that the state held title to some 1,300 unclaimed islands, rocks, ledges, and low-water bars along the coast.

In the mid-1980s, the state contracted the non-profit Island Institute to evaluate the recreational potential of these properties. As part of this evaluation, Dave Getchell, Sr., MITA's founder, explored the length of the coast and identified 40 islands that could support public recreation. These public properties became the nucleus of the Maine Island Trail® in 1987.

Concerned that increasing visitation could damage the natural environment on these islands, the Trail's early proponents created a management association (MITA) to care for the Trail sites and help maintain their wilderness character. Formed in 1988 as a partnership between the Island Institute and the Maine Bureau of Public Lands, MITA became an independent entity in 1993.

MITA was founded on the belief that recreational visitors can and should serve as stewards of Maine's wild islands. From its inception, MITA has fostered a community of volunteer boaters and island users who monitor conditions on the Trail, participate in island clean-ups and other work projects, track recreational use of Trail properties, and spread the word about environment-friendly low-impact practices.

MITA complements these critical on-the-water activities with a robust program of mainland education and outreach. This includes distribution of printed materials - such as an annual Guidebook to the Trail, regular newsletters, and educational brochures - which encourage safe and environmentally responsible use of the islands. Our efforts also include hands-on Leave No Trace seminars, informational booths at boating-oriented shows and events, and many other activities designed to educate and instruct potential island visitors.

Though the Trail began as a water route between state-owned public islands, over the years a number of private islands have been brought into the Trail system. Inspired by a spirit of sharing, as well as MITA's track record of successful island management, dozens of generous property owners have offered access to their land for MITA members. In return, owners receive a promise of respectful and careful use, plus MITA stewardship service through the Monitor, Adopter, and Island Clean-Up programs.

Today MITA is nearly 4000 members strong, with a volunteer corps that numbers in the hundreds. The Trail has expanded to include more than 150 islands and mainland sites, of which over half are privately owned. While the organization's activities are funded almost entirely by member dues and financial contributions, MITA maintains a partnership with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and serves as the primary manager of the public Trail islands.

MITA continues to encourage low-impact use of the islands through its growing portfolio of stewardship programs, publications, and outreach efforts. The association also seeks out new and innovative ways to fulfill its mission in an ever-changing coastal environment. For example, MITA partners with the Maine Department of Conservation to hire an on-site caretaker in busy Casco Bay. In addition, MITA supervises a coast-wide management planning process to address challenges facing the public islands in the decade ahead.

MITA's success has made it a leader in the water trail community and a model for many other trails that are springing up across the continent. With the help of dedicated members and supporters, MITA is well positioned to fulfill its unique mission on the coast both now and in the years to come.