August 22, 2008

Birch Harbor Pond Conserved

Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Winter Harbor Water District Complete Land Protection Deal

Winter Harbor: Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) and the Winter Harbor Water District announced this week that they have signed a conservation agreement that will permanently protect 366 acres surrounding Birch Harbor Pond in Winter Harbor. Birch Harbor Pond is the Water District's back-up water supply, and the land surrounding it has historically been used by the community for outdoor recreation. The terms of the agreement will ensure continued public access to the property for low-impact recreation including hiking, hunting, and fishing.

"This is an extremely beautiful area with pristine natural resources and sensitive wildlife habit. We're thrilled to be working with the Water District and other partners to assure its permanent protection," says Bob Deforrest, Project Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust. The land is located along Highway 186 and is highly visible to people driving the road or visiting nearby Acadia National Park.

Because the land is owned by a Water District, the project needed to be considered by the Town of Winter Harbor's Board of Selectmen at a recent town meeting. The Town voted to support MCHT's efforts by waiving the Town-held right of first refusal on the property and letting the conservation easement purchase by the Trust proceed. The $290,000 purchase price was raised through a broad fundraising effort, with gifts from neighbors and local families as well as significant partnership contributions from the Frenchman Bay Conservancy and Friends of Acadia.

The agreement allows the land to remain in the Water District's ownership. As holder of the conservation easement, MCHT assumes the responsibility to monitor and uphold over time the conservation terms that prohibit adverse development on the land.

"The Water District sees this as an ideal solution for the land," says Water District Board Chair Shirley Chase. "The easement agreement maintains our ability to use the land for our mission, while protecting what is special about the land for the public to enjoy forever." The Water District expects that the proceeds from the sale will help keep rates steady from community members, and will allow for anticipated water system maintenance.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is a statewide conservation organization dedicated to protecting land that is essential to the character of Maine, its coastline and islands in particular. Since its founding in 1970, the Trust has helped conserve more than 130,000 acres and 275 entire coastal islands. For more information, contact Rich Knox, Director of Communications and Public Policy 207-729-7366.

Contact:

Bob Deforrest, Project Manager, Maine Coast Heritage Trust 244-5100
Shirley Chase Chair Board of Trustees, Winter Harbor Water District, 963-7703