RILEY TOWNSHIP – Members of the Mahoosuc Land Trust and state officials are meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Frenchman’s Hole to celebrate.
The outing’s purpose is to mark the acquisition of the popular, scenic swimming spot with its accompanying waterfall and 385 acres of woodland by the Maine Department of Conservation.
Closing on the real estate deal with landowners Roy and Mary Newton of Gorham, N.H., was slated for Friday.
In addition to the Newtons, who always allowed the public to visit and swim at Frenchman’s Hole, the trust has invited conservation department officials.
This summer, the Newtons concluded negotiations with the state to sell the waterfall and 385 accompanying acres, ensuring continued public access to the swimming hole.
The property abuts state-owned conservation land. Funding for the deal came from the Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Public Lands Acquisition Fund and the Mahoosuc Land Trust.
Following Sunday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Land Trust will begin a campaign to raise the local match of $42,000 for this acquisition, said director Marcel Polak.
Cider and cookies will be served. Parking is available at the Twin Bridges, about a half-mile from Frenchman’s Hole, about seven miles northwest of Sunday River Ski Resort.
Transportation will be provided from the Twin Bridges for those who wish to ride. For more information, people can call 824-2410.
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