CAMDEN — Doug Sensenig, of Rockport, will become the next executive director of Coastal Mountains Land Trust in February, following the retirement of current executive director, Scott Dickerson.

Sensenig helped draft and negotiate one of the first conservation easements held by CMLT, on a family property on Fernalds Neck in Lincolnville in 1987. He has served six years on the Land Trust's board of directors, including a term as president.

He was formerly executive director for two years of the Hawaii Island Land Trust in Kealakekua, Hawaii, where he guided that organization through a merger with three others to form one statewide land trust. Sensenig's background as an attorney and as an investment adviser will also serve him in his oversight and management of the Land Trust, according to a CMLT press release. Sensenig, his wife Jennifer Bell, and their daughter, Kate, live in Camden.

"Coastal Mountains Land Trust has been a part of my life for more than 25 years,” said Sensenig in the release. “It's been a story of people of all backgrounds coming together to make sure we pass on the same beautiful places that were left to us. It's a story of joy, remarkable success and a lot of great laughs. I'm honored to help carry the torch that has been so ably borne by Scott Dickerson and the excellent staff over the years. Land conservation is vitally important to our communities. It isn't about fighting change. It's about communities changing for the better."

Also in the release, Land Trust Board President Jim Krosschell said, "We are very fortunate to be able to hire someone who has technical expertise, infectious enthusiasm and long-standing ties to this community. We're looking forward to Doug's tenure with the Land Trust with great anticipation."

Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of western Penobscot Bay, including Beech Hill in Rockport, Bald and Ragged mountains in the Camden Hills and Belfast's Passagassawakeag Greenway. For more information, visit www.coastalmountains.org or call 236-7091.