RUMFORD – Selectmen Thursday gave Marcel Polak of the Mahoosuc Land Trust tacit approval to go ahead with a study of one of the town’s most beautiful public access spots, Whitecap Mountain.

For the first time in the town’s history, efforts are being made to try to protect lands that are changing hands as a result of MeadWestvaco Corp.’s sale two years ago of 600,000 acres statewide.

In Rumford, 750 acres of former MeadWestvaco land make up most of 1,465-foot Whitecap Mountain, which is in the northwest section of the town. It is a popular spot for hiking, blueberrying, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities.

“There is no other site you can hike easily that has such views. There is a lot of public interest,” he said.

Polak, a consultant for land conservation matters, was recently asked to conduct a study that could lead to acquisition of the land by Mahoosuc Land Trust.

The trust would acquire the land with funds from the private sector, foundations, local money and the state’s Lands for Maine’s Future program.

He said Wagner Management of New Hampshire is managing the 750 acres for owners Bayroot LLC.

The move to protect the land was triggered by requests by several area residents who want public access continued. In some cases, when former paper company lands have changed hands, public access has ended. In others, said Polak, developers have built homes.

“Ridge tops are getting developed,” he said.

Of most concern to board Chairman Jim Thibodeau was the continuation of timber harvesting on lands that make up Whitecap.

“I’m in favor of public use, but I fear that once this land is acquired, forestry would be shut down,” he said.

Polak said that if the land is acquired by Mahoosuc, a forestry management plan would be put into place that would allow sustainable forestry.

“It would be multiple use. This land is the story of the conversion of paper company lands,” he said.

Whitecap lands are adjacent to Black Mountain Ski Resort, and a change in ownership of the small mountain could affect the ski area. Polak said he plans to meet with Andy Shepard of Maine Winter Sports, owner of Black Mountain, to discuss the move to try to preserve Whitecap.

Once the Mahoosuc Land Trust board gives approval, the study will be conducted. After that is done, Polak will report back to the Board of Selectmen, and may then seek greater support, he said.