BYRON – Generations of families from throughout Maine, New England and the United States have picnicked at Coos Canyon while watching and listening to the rushing waters of the Swift River.
Many people believe that the popular site is owned by the state or the town. But it isn’t. It has been owned by paper companies that are now selling off land.
Steve Duguay, a longtime selectman, wants the town to buy the picnic area and eight or nine wooded acres surrounding the canyon to ensure that it will remain open to the public.
A special town meeting seeking authorization for selectmen to try to buy this land has been set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the town office.
“This is something for the betterment of everyone,” said Duguay on Friday. “It’s enjoyed by everyone.”
As a resident of the town, and not as a selectman, Duguay said he began working toward the purchase of the land about five years ago when Boise paper company, then Mead, wanted to sell it off and a developer was interested in buying it. The plan by the developer fell through, Duguay said.
The intensity of his work increased about nine months ago when the Board of Selectmen and the state Department of Conservation got involved, he said.
He said about $70,000 of the $80,000 needed to buy the land from Bayroot LLC, whose land is managed by Wagner Land Management out of New Hampshire, has been raised through the state’s Lands for Maine’s Future and Outdoor Heritage Fund.
About $10,000 more is needed, Duguay said.
Also needed is approval by residents for the town to buy the parcel.
He said the Maine Department of Transportation will continue to maintain the picnic area. The acreage around the river and canyon includes a portion of a multi-purpose trail that is used by hikers, snowmobilers and others.
“We have to move fast on this. We have an agreement with Wagner,” Duguay said.
He also wants to make sure Byron residents want the town to buy the property. If someone can’t make it to the special town meeting, Duguay said he wants that person to call one of the selectmen with an opinion. Besides Duguay, Bruce Simmons and Steve Ladd serve on the board.
The current picnic area was once the site of a water-powered mill.
If the town buys the property, it will be the third municipally-owned parcel. About 20 years ago, when International Paper sold off land in Byron, the town bought about a half-acre on the east side of Garland Pond to use as a public boat launch. The town also bought about three acres on the west side of Garland Pond that is mostly swamp that serves as a wildlife area.
Those wishing to donate for the purchase of the Coos Canyon property may send checks to: Town of Byron, 1 Byron Village Road, Byron, ME 04275.
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