BYRON – Efforts to ensure continued public access to Coos Canyon were strengthened Tuesday night when residents at a special town meeting unanimously authorized selectmen to buy the nine acres surrounding the scenic Swift River picnicking and swimming area off Route 17.
Largely through the Land for Maine’s Future and the Outdoor Heritage Fund, Selectman Steve Duguay has put together $70,000 of the $80,000 needed to buy the property that is owned by Bayroot LLC and managed by Wagner Land Management of New Hampshire.
If the remaining funds aren’t raised in time for the annual town meeting in March, an item may be added to the town warrant requesting approval to use tax money to bridge the gap, Duguay said. Adding, one mill in Byron is equal to about $12,000.
“This is a mecca for this area. People may not know where Byron is, but they know about Coos Canyon,” said resident Patrick Knapp before the vote.
For the past five years, Duguay has been quietly working to find a way to retain the canyon’s picnic area for use by the public. That’s when he learned of a potential buyer who wanted to purchase the parcel and develop the property. At that time, Boise Cascade, then Mead, was selling off land. When the developer’s plans fell through, Duguay began searching for ways for the state or town to buy the property.
He said the Maine Department of Transportation will continue to maintain the picnic area by clearing brush, removing garbage, pumping the outhouse and doing whatever else needs to be done. During the summer and autumn months, he said the MDOT removes garbage twice a day because of the heavy use of the scenic area.
“In the fall, cars from everywhere this side of the Mississippi are here,” he said.
Patricia Duguay, Steve Duguay’s sister-in-law and head of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, volunteered to head up a fundraising effort. Those who wish to help in the fundraising effort are asked to call her at 364-7408. Donations may also be sent to the Town of Byron, 1 Byron Village Road, Byron, Maine 04275.
Steve Duguay said he has already received several calls from people in Oxford and Franklin counties asking how they can help in the effort. He also said he has been working with Jerry Bley of Creative Conservation LLC to find ways to finance the purchase of the land.
Comments are no longer available on this story