Maine Governor Accepts Baxter Park Wilderness Trust

Fund will Help Preserve Baxter State Park for Future Generations

August 23, 2007 -- AUGUSTA - Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today formally accepted a generous gift of funding that will help to preserve the quality and character of Baxter State Park for generations to come. The donor, Frank Trautmann, requested that the gift be placed in a new trust, The Baxter Park Wilderness Fund.

Governor Baldacci recognized Frank Trautmann and his wife, Margery, who passed away in September, for their devotion to the vision of Governor Baxter and the preservation of Baxter State Park.

“This gift has been more than 20 years in the making,” said Governor Baldacci. “Frank began volunteering at Baxter State Park that long ago. He helped with trail building and maintenance. Today his gift to the people of Maine will ensure that the unique beauty and adventure of the park will be accessible to all, now and into the future.”

Under the terms of the Trust, which is expected to receive roughly $2.7 million initially and ultimately as much as $10 million, three individuals appointed by the Governor will be charged with managing the Trust's funds to maximize their growth for the benefit of the Park. “I am pleased to announce today that Jim Garland, Skip Pease and Buzz Caverly will be appointed to serve in this important capacity, and I look forward to working with each of them,” said Governor Baldacci.

The Governor said he gained a renewed appreciation for Baxter State Park when he climbed up Mount Katahdin last month with his son, Jack.

“It was a truly remarkable experience, and one which I will treasure forever,” said Governor Baldacci. “As a father I wanted to share that experience with my son. As Governor, I want to ensure that this state and national treasure remains unspoiled and accessible for all – for generations to come. I fully appreciate the vision of Percival Baxter for this land – and I share it. Governor Baxter gave us a wonderful gift.”

Governor Baldacci also recognized Buzz Caverly, longtime director of Baxter State Park, now retired, who had worked with Frank Trautmann to establish the trust. Additionally, State Treasurer David Lemoine and Attorney General Steve Rowe worked with the Governor’s office to establish the Trust document that will fulfill Trautmann 's vision and benefit the Park.

This marks the second significant impact on the Park and its future in less than a year. In December 2006, Maine celebrated the completion of the Katahdin Lake Project. This achievement was decades in the making and took the combined efforts of more than 1,000 individuals, foundations and corporations to complete.

“May this gift inspire others to help preserve the rugged beauty that can be found in Maine’s north woods,” Governor Baldacci said, “and may we continue to honor Governor Baxter’s vision, and regard today’s achievement as another important milestone on our journey to keep the Park among our most treasured Maine places.”

Source: Maine Governor

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