Parcels of land to be protected are situated in Lisbon, Peru, Newry and Bridgton.
By Terry Karkos
Staff Writer

Maine achieved a significant milestone late Thursday afternoon in its commitment to preserve the state’s natural heritage.

Utilizing funding from the $50 million bond approved by voters in 1999, the Land for Maine’s Future Program Board unanimously authorized a state contribution of $5.8 million for 15 farm, recreation and natural resource conservation projects.

“Over 15,800 acres of Maine’s best natural, recreational and farm resources will be protected,” said LMF Staff Director Tim Glidden of the board’s six-hour meeting in Augusta at the Pine Tree State Arboretum.

He added that at least $7 million in funding for the projects will come from other sources.

Eleven of the 15 finalist land conservation projects, which range from southern York County up into the western mountains and east to Washington County, came in this year for funding.

Located in eight counties throughout Maine, the finalists included four farmland preservation projects along with nine conservation and recreation projects, and two water access projects.

“The board’s action today marks a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to these valuable projects,” said LMF Board Chairman George Lapointe. “Maine citizens treasure the natural heritage of this state. They understand the connection between a healthy environment and a sound economy.”

Among the land that will be conserved thanks to Thursday’s voting, will be strategic expansions of two state parks – Ferry Beach in Saco and Camden Hills in Knox and Waldo counties – and a nationally renowned river corridor along the wild and free-flowing Machias River.

Other projects include:

• Frenchman’s Hole and 385 acres in Riley Township above Newry. Frenchman’s Hole is a 20-foot waterfall and plunge pool that provides a very popular swimming hole on the Sunday River.

• Worthley Pond in Peru, which entails less than an acre with 150 feet of pond frontage, for a town-managed boat ramp and source of water for fire suppression in the area.

• Five Fields Orchard, with 208 acres in Bridgton to conserve a popular apple orchard that is also used for cross-country skiing.

• Hooper Pond in Androscoggin County and 174 acres, which protects the entire east side of the only undeveloped pond in the town of Greene.

• Packard-Littlefield Farm and 200 acres in Lisbon with 1,400 lineal feet of river frontage along Sabattus River and 5,000 lineal feet of frontage with No Name Brook.

• Jordan Farm in Cape Elizabeth with 45 acres, which have an expansive vista of adjacent marshes and 1,000 lineal feet of frontage along Spurwink Creek.

• Sunrise Acres Farm with 156 acres at Cumberland Center to eliminate development threats through purchase of an agricultural conservation easement.

• Lower Kennebec River and 64.25 acres in Bowdoinham to protect high value salt marshes, tidal freshwater marshes, riparian habitat and associated upland buffers in Merrymeeting Bay and the Lower Kennebec River Estuary.

• Greater Mount Agamenticus and 204.64 acres in York and Wells for The Nature Conservancy.

• 744 acres on Marshall Island in Hancock County with over 3.4 miles of coastal frontage and significant habitat for seabirds and bald eagles.

• 183 acres on Crowley Island in Washington County to protect and enhance wildlife habitat.

• 6.17 acres at Lambert Lake in Washington County for water access.

Lapointe said the LMF Board had been fortunate to have this “great” portfolio of farm and conservation projects “that can serve as important pieces of the larger effort to protect the character of the state without in any way diminishing its economic viability.”

The Land for Maine’s Future Program was created in 1987 in response to concerns over the loss of critical natural areas and wildlife habitat along with traditional access to undeveloped lands for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.

To date, the program has protected over 131,000 acres of Maine’s best natural areas, Glidden added.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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