RANGELEY — Saddleback Land and Timber Corp. announced Wednesday its recent sale of 1,750 acres of undeveloped land abutting Saddleback Ski Resort.

The buyer, Root Estates of New Jersey, which lists a post office mailbox in Oakland, will manage the property it bought on April 1 as a working forest and preserve its scenic landscape, the news release stated.

“Root Estates’ vision for use of the land is philosophically aligned with the Berry Family’s,” Archie W. “Bill” Berry said on behalf of Saddleback Land and Timber. “We look forward to working with our new neighbor.”

Root Estates’ president, an avid outdoorsman, is interested in implementing programs that will contribute to the traditional recreation and employment opportunities in the region, the release stated.

They also plan to participate in the development of a local “huts and trails” system as a component of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail Corridor.

Long-term plans for the property include dedicated trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as the establishment of a wilderness skills education center, wildlife observation stations and simple campsites constructed using native materials, the release stated.

The property is in Sandy River and Dallas plantations and encompasses Rock and Midway ponds, which each cover 7 acres and are stocked brook trout fisheries.

Rock Pond, which has a maximum depth of 15 feet, is accessible via a trail leading south from the ski area, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Midway Pond is 29 feet deep and is accessible via a series of trails leaving from Saddleback Ski Resort.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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