RAYMOND — The Loon Echo Land Trust completed its purchase of the Raymond Community Forest from Hancock Land Co. for the town on June 21.

The forest encompasses a 356-acre parcel of land to the east of Crescent Lake bisected by Conesca Road.

This new community forest offers long-term benefits for the town, including protection of the quality of Raymond’s waterways and wildlife, as well as exceptional views to and from Pismire Mountain.

The Raymond Conservation Commission had its eyes on the property since developing its Open Space Plan in 2009. The land conservation project was first proposed by the Raymond Conservation Commission and Loon Echo Land Trust in 2012.

Recreational plans are being developed with the assistance of community members. Plans include establishing a parking area on Conesca Road and developing hiking trails leading to the cliffs of Pismire Mountain. Plans for the lower elevation forest include low-impact multi-use trails such as walking, hiking, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and mountain biking. Traditional uses such as hunting will continue.

The property has had a long tradition of sustainable forest management. With a history of forestry, the property will continue to provide necessary income through timber management to support the land and trails into the future.

FMI: 207-647-4352, www.lelt.org.


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