RUMFORD – Selectmen have overwhelmingly agreed to support efforts by Mahoosuc Land Trust to protect Whitecap Mountain from development and preserve it for public use.
The 4-1 vote came after nearly an hour of discussion with some of the approximately 50 residents who turned out for Thursday’s board meeting. Board Chairman Jim Thibodeau was the sole dissenter.
If Whitecap, a popular spot for hiking, blueberrying, nature watching, skiing and other outdoor activities for several generations, is successfully purchased by the land trust, it will become the first parcel in town to receive protection under the state’s Land for Maine’s Future program.
A letter of support for the project was ready Friday morning.
At issue is the recent change in ownership of thousands of acres throughout the state that once belonged to paper companies.
Mahoosuc Land Trust wants to buy about 733 acres on Whitecap, which was owned by MeadWestvaco and is now owned by Bayroot LLC. The land is managed by Wagner Forest Management LTD of Lyme, N.H.
Bill French, a Downtown Revitalization Committee member, told selectmen that Whitecap is one of the town’s drawing cards.
“This is a quality of life issue. The four assets in this town are the Androscoggin River, Pennacook Falls, Whitecap and Black Mountain. Not only should we be giving a letter, but the total support of the town of Rumford. The day it’s ringed with condos would be a sorry day for Rumford,” he said.
Local businessman Ron Theriault said the town can’t afford to take land off the tax list.
“We’re not in a position to give anything away,” he said. “That road (to Whitecap) is among the only places for high-end housing. To block that is a penalty on taxpayers.”
Jordan Ginsburg, a resident of Martin Road, said preserving the land would keep Rumford special.
“To get a little money upfront is shortsighted. This is a natural resource for our area,” he said.
Taxes on the 733 acres are about $1,550.
Selectmen agreed to provide support for the project, provided that: taxes continue to be paid on the land, Rumford residents sit on the Mahoosuc Land Trust board and no financial obligations would be required of town taxpayers without their approval.
Marcel Polak, consultant to Mahoosuc Land Trust, said public hearings will be held on Whitecap before the land becomes publicly funded.
Voters statewide will decide whether to raise money for public lands at referendum in November.
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