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WOODSTOCK — Buck’s Ledge Community Forest project earned high marks and the Town of Woodstock’s request of $307,500 was fully funded by the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) board. The money will contribute to the purchase price of the 634-acre parcel.
The competition for these state funds was stiff. Of the five projects under consideration, Buck’s Ledge ranked third. The project received high marks for the significance of the parcel, its accessibility, and the community’s need for a major recreational land asset. Additional points were awarded for the property’s scenic value, nearness to a public water supply, and rare and endangered species found there. Woodstock’s Marcel Polak took the lead in writing the grant and presenting the project to the Land For Maine’s Future board.
The Buck’s Ledge Community Forest Campaign is raising funds to purchase the 634-acre parcel that includes Buck’s Ledge, Lapham Ledge, and Moody Mountain. The total project cost is over $900,000. The Town of Woodstock will own the property as a Community Forest and Mahoosuc Land Trust will hold a conservation easement to protect the land forever. The Woodstock Conservation Commission maintains over 6 miles of hiking trails, leading to spectacular views over North and South Pond and Lake Christopher, and the Town maintains the main trailhead parking lot on Rt. 26 year-round. A recently developed addition to the trail network connects to the Woodstock Elementary School via Echo Lane. Children can use the entire land as an outdoor classroom just by going outside, no buses needed.
The campaign committees would like to thank the project partners: The Northern Forest Center, Mahoosuc Land Trust, the Forest Society of Maine, and the Woodstock Conservation Commission, for their help and expertise.
The conservation commission is leading hikes every Sunday at 10 a.m. Meet at the Rt 26 trailhead and bring microspikes or snowshoes, depending on conditions.
To donate to this effort to permanently conserve Buck’s Ledge, mail checks to Mahoosuc Land Trust, PO Box 981, Bethel, Maine, 04217 or Town of Woodstock, PO Box 317, Bryant Pond, ME, 04219. Put Buck’s Ledge in the memo line. Or visit www.mahoosuc.org/donate.
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