NEW GLOUCESTER — Fundraising efforts by the Royal River Conservation Trust to raise $46,000 to secure two large parcels to protect roughly 245 acres of land in New Gloucester are at a critical final stage.

The Pisgah Hill Conservation Area has exclusive options to purchase several key parcels in the project area by Aug. 15.

Executive Director Henry Nichols said by telephone this week that a purchase option with one landowner expires on Aug. 15. This 100-acre parcel is the vital link at the beginning of the Pisgah Hill conservation area that begins on the North Pownal Road in New Gloucester and ends on the Doherty Road.

And an additional 55-acre lot is part of the fundraising campaign at the end of the loop that meanders through seven parcels of privately owned land, including a tax-acquired small parcel owned by the town of New Gloucester. The trail will end on the Doherty Road.

The final parcel of the trail system includes 55 acres offered by a private landowner that requires a portion of the funds be used for purchase in the final phases of providing a vital link for the future greenbelt parkway.

The eastern boundary of New Gloucester, a large tract, is currently for sale. This beautiful land is situated perfectly for future connection with a greenbelt stretching from Bradbury Mountain in Pownal, to Runaround Pond to Pineland.

The Land for Maine’s Future has pledged as a matching grant $266,000 to the Pisgah Hill Project, said Nichols.

The local fundraising proceeds will be used to leverage state grants with a 2 for 1 match.

The RRCT, additionally, has pledged to contribute $4 for every $1 raised from state and federal programs and private foundations toward the project.

Over the past year, members of the Pisgah Hill Campaign Committee have led walks to show the project area to the public. The land purchase will allow the conservation of prime wildlife habitat, including several deer wintering areas. Public access will be allowed in the future.

All bets are off to do the project if the final fundraising effort fails, said Nichols.

“We need to exercise the option for the remaining 100-acre property or lose the exclusive option to that property, which then goes on the open market,” said Nichols.

The public can support the project by pledging a contribution to the RRCT, P.O. Box 90, Yarmouth, ME 04096 or call Henry Nichols at 847-9399 or e-mail at [email protected].