OTISFIELD – The Western Foothills Land Trust accepted its first conservation easement in Otisfield, the 130-acre Scribner Hill Farm owned by Jean Hankins, on April 12.

The farm overlooks high ground on both sides of Scribner Hill Road, with mountain views to the north and west from the now protected fields.

In addition, the farm has a managed white pine woodlot with mature trees and an undergrowth of new pine. Hankins maintains a system of woods roads and ski trails on her property and allows hunting and snowmobiling on an existing snowmobile route.

On the eastern side of the farm, Thompson Lake can be viewed a short distance across the Cobb Hill Road. That section, as well as the open fields, could become prime targets for future development, but are now permanently protected. There is one building envelop on the farm that contains the house, barn and room for an additional structure.

In the 20 years since its incorporation, the Western Foothills Land Trust has accepted easements and purchased properties that total more than 2,000 acres in six Western Maine towns. Current projects could nearly double that acreage. The trust is dedicated to preserving the open space and current use of land in Oxford County.