BETHEL — Inland Woods + Trails, with a mission dedicated to creating economic prosperity through the development, maintenance and promotion of interconnected trail system, is pleased to announce that its proposal to the U.S. Forest Service received the #1 ranking in the U.S. during the latest round of applications to the Community Forest and Open Space Program. The ranking comes with an award of
up to $600,000 towards the purchase by Inland Woods + Trails of 532 acres of land to expand the existing 987-acre Bethel Community Forest. This funding is monumental, and critical towards achieving the $1.6 million expansion project budget. Inland Woods + Trails thanks U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for their support for Community Forest and Open Space Program funding for this project. The properties to be acquired by Inland Woods + Trails were formerly owned by Chadbourne Tree Farms, LLC and were purchased in June 2020 by The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit working to protect a historic working forest landscape of over 15,000 acres.
The Bethel Community Forest Phase 2 expansion will protect 121 acres of state designated deer wintering area, 61 acres of wetlands, 700 feet of Twitchell Brook and an additional half-mile of local snowmobile trail #13. Through the expansion of the Forest to 1,510 acres, the Forest’s capacity to enhance quality of life, support local economic development, protect critical wildlife habitat and water resources, provide educational opportunities to all residents, create close-to-home recreational opportunities, and unite the community around this shared resource will be further strengthened.
“The USDA Forest Service is proud to support the expansion of the Bethel Community Forest by providing $600,000 in funding through the Community Forest grant program,” said U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Gina Owens. “This project is an excellent example of how forests can provide a variety of important benefits to communities; including increased recreational opportunities and the environmental, educational, and economic attributes that help communities thrive.”
Ed Easter, Chair of the Bethel Community Forest Management Team and Vice President of the Board of Directors, says “This additional acreage for the Forest is important on many levels, including reinforcing the connectivity of the North Road corridor of public and private lands for current and future generations.”
According to Gabe Perkins, Executive Director of Inland Woods + Trails, the expansion of the Forest will “…allow us to expand the popular Bethel Community Forest, uphold the legacy of exemplary land management that Chadbourne Tree Farms had utilized on its lands, and provide more opportunities for trail expansion all while protecting critical wildlife habitat. We’ve been delighted in what these properties offer and we can’t wait to share these lands with the public. Whether it’s unique components like historic sulphur springs, excellent views and trail potential for a variety of uses, to an outstanding forest resource allowing us to start a green endowment to compliment our recreational
trail development in the area.”
“The white pine forests that surround the town of Bethel play an essential role in the regional character, economy and outdoor-centric lifestyles of many residents and visitors,” said Tom Duffus, Vice President and Northeast Representative for The Conservation Fund. “It’s no surprise this project was top ranked in the country because it will protect forests close to people, while also providing opportunities for recreational activities that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. We’re excited to help Inland Woods + Trails realize it’s vision for these lands.”
The original 978 acre Bethel Community Forest property is widely used by locals, visitors, and volunteers. Several miles of hiking and mountain bike trails are quickly becoming popular choices, with additional trails slated to be built this season. Detailed descriptions about the Forest trails can be found on the Maine Trail Finder website. The Bethel Community Forest Management Team spearheaded a forest restoration project this spring, supported by One Tree Planted and over 130 volunteers. 10,000 trees were planted in April and May in an effort to restore heavily logged areas to a healthy habitat that aligns with the goals of the forest to balance high quality recreation with exemplary forest management that supports wildlife, diverse ecology and the local wood supply. The Bethel Community Forest Phase 2 will only add to the current recreational, ecological, educational and wildlife opportunities and growth found there. Inland Woods + Trails welcomes new supporters of the Forest expansion project. To join in the efforts to purchase this important property, please contact Gabe Perkins at gabe@woodsandtrails.org.
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