High Peaks Alliance, Trust for Public Land and Kingfield worked together to conserve a 215-acre parcel that includes Shiloh Pond. By a margin of 119-64, voters accepted the land gift on Sept. 22. Submitted photo

KINGFIELD — The Kingfield Select Board met Aug. 5 to review year-end financials and discuss the Shiloh Pond Committee’s request to move the gate at the bridge leading to Shiloh Pond.

The meeting began with chairman Wade Browne accepting the minutes and reviewing financials covering July 2023 to June 2024 before moving on to the Shiloh Pond Committee.

Shiloh Pond is two miles from downtown Kingfield and includes a pond and 215 acres of protected land managed by the Shiloh Pond Committee. According to the town’s website, the committee’s mission stated on the website is, “As long-term stewards of the Shiloh Pond parcel, our mission is to protect and preserve the natural resources and traditional uses of the land.”

The Shiloh Pond Committee was established by the Kingfield Select Board after the town accepted the gift of Shiloh Pond and its surrounding 215 acres from the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program. The committee’s duties include improving access to the property, maintaining the trails and ensuring safety for visitors. The committee also enforces guidelines and prohibited uses to preserve the condition of the pond.

In new business, Shiloh Pond Committee Chairman Kathy Houston explained the gate requirement. “There was a gate right before the bridge forever,” she said. “You couldn’t get through the gate, it was difficult.” She said they debated where to put the gate.

Houston said they are going to make sure there is better access.  “We chose about 100-150 feet back from the bridge,” Houston said.

Houston noted the benefits of the new gate location, including a shorter distance to carry a canoe and the potential to serve as a trailhead.

The discussion touched on the balance between accessibility and land conservation. Houston emphasized the extensive volunteer work and donations that have supported the property’s upkeep.

“There has been a lot of volunteer work done and there were donated materials,” Houston said. “It is not a full town-maintained road.” She also acknowledged the limitations regarding handicap access.

“It is not a place that is intended for everyone to go to,” Houston said. “We didn’t have a remote wilderness pond and we have that now. It is not handicap accessible.”

Selectman Kimberly Jordan raised concerns about the old gate always being locked and the lack of accessibility for handicapped individuals. Browne suggested a potential solution. “Should we leave it unlocked and see how it goes? Would it get abused?” he asked, noting the balance between accessibility and preventing misuse. Houston expressed concerns about people driving too far and potentially bringing ATVs.

Browne proposed using carriers for canoes and kayaks that could be signed out from the office. “If you can lock it and prevent it from being stolen,” he said. The group responded positively to this idea, seeing it as a potential way to improve access without compromising the preservation goals.