BRIDGTON — Even with the lack of power due to Tropical Storm Irene the day before, the Loon Echo Land Trust annual meeting was a lovely affair. The meeting was held at Wyonegonic Camps in Denmark on the shores of Moose Pond overlooking Pleasant Mountain, where the organization celebrated their 24th anniversary.

On Aug. 29 Loon Echo Land Trust honored an organization instead of an individual as volunteer of the year. The Appalachian Mountain Club was the 2011 recipient for their volunteer efforts on several of Loon Echo Land Trust’s trails.

“The vital work completed by the AMC has not only enhanced Loon Echo’s trail system but has brought our knowledge of trail maintenance and care of our properties to a higher standard,” said volunteer and stewardship coordinator Jon Evans.

Keith Chapman of the Maine chapter of the AMC was on hand to accept the honor. AMC’s trails department staff at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center were unable to attend due to the storm. Their teen and adult volunteer work crews have assisted with major trail rehabilitation efforts at Pleasant Mountain and this year at Bald Pate Mountain where bog bridging was installed on the Micah and Moose trails.

The membership of Loon Echo also elected Mike McSally to the board of directors during the meeting. McSally is a part time resident of Bridgton enjoying his summers on Highland Lake and skiing at Shawnee Peak in the winter. When not in Bridgton, he makes his home in Greenland, N.H. A member of Loon Echo since 2009, McSally looks forward to giving back to the Lakes Region community through his work with the organization.

To learn more about Loon Echo’s land protection projects, programs and events visit www.loonecholandtrust.org.