DENVER (July 20, 1999) — Bartlett Island Farm, in Mount Desert, Maine and owned by David Rockefeller has received the 9th Annual National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Environmental Stewardship Award in their region. Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the award recognizes cattle producers across the United States for using innovative practices to enhance the environment.
Located 1/2-mile off the northeastern coast of Maine, Bartlett Island Farm, and farm manager John Pyne, Jr. were honored during the NCBA summer conference in Denver for Region I, which includes: Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Maine.
Christopher Bartlett settled Bartlett Island in 1762. Forested land was quickly converted for agriculture purposes. In 1955 the island was subdivided with plans to develop "a high class residential improvement", putting an end to all agricultural endeavors. In 1973, David and Peggy Rockefeller purchased the 2,400 acre island, and created a conservation easement with the town of Mount Desert Island, putting an end to development pressures.
The island's most recent cattle operation began in 1975 when Mrs. Rockefeller began a Simmental herd. The Angus seedstock operation began in 1994 when Pyne was hired as farm manager. Currently the operation includes 200 head of cattle, including calves.
The amount of open land, the conservation easement and the types of crops that can be grown limit the island's carrying capacity for cattle. Rotational grazing and double cropping is used to make maximum use of available forage. In the past five years, the stocking density of the island's pastures has increased from one cow-calf pair per acre to three pair per acre.
"Bartlett Island Farm. is an exceptional example of the unique partnership U.S. Cattlemen have with the environment," said NCBA President, George Swan of Rogerson, Idaho. "This is a prime example of U.S. cattlemen working with the rhythms of nature, to increase their bottom line, while improving the earth for future generations."
In addition to farming, the operation also focuses on effective management of wildlife habitat and recreation. Hikers, fishermen and other recreationists share the land, its trails and woodlands with an abundance of wildlife including: bald eagles, osprey, Broad Wing hawks, and grouse along with deer and snowshoe hare.
"This is a beautiful place, and a productive place", said Pyne. "We're determined to see it protected and preserved in much the same way it was 230 years ago. But we also believe through effective management of our resources, particularly through the use of our cattle, that we can make this very special place a lot more special for generations to come."
The ESAP award annually recognizes up to seven cattlemen nationally. Members of the selection committee include representatives from the following organization: Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Agriculture Research Service, American Farmland Trust, US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Texas A&M University, Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Society for Range Management, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Wildlife Management Institute, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Florida State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Several criteria were used in the selection process, including the range of conservation practices that the candidates employ, such as water quality programs, manure management and wildlife habitat development. Candidates’ leadership activities were also important elements in the selection process.
A national winner will be selected from among the seven regional winners and announced during the NCBA Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, January 26-29, 2000.