Kitteredge Brook Forest Conserved
Water moves slowly along Kitteredge Brook, as it meanders through shady forests en route to Babson Creek and Somes Sound beyond. Along its banks, one quickly gets lost in a chorus of songbirds as they mark territories and raise their young. Not far from the shops and restaurants of Bar Harbor or well-visited Acadia landmarks, Kitteredge Brook is a quiet oasis that has changed very little over the past century. On June 27, the 516 acres that comprise Kitteredge Brook Forest became Maine Coast Heritage Trust's newest preserve, one that will provide ecological and recreational benefits for generations to come.
Located in the heart of Mount Desert Island, the 516-acre Kitteredge Brook Forest Preserve lies between Acadia National Park, the MDI High School, and the village centers of Town Hill and Somesville. The preserve is defined by its namesake Brook, the island's longest, unimpeded stream. Bordering this scenic waterway are valuable wetland and forested habitats that are home to resident and migratory birds, including, black duck, scarlet tanagers, spruce grouse, as well as numerous species of warblers, vireos, and thrushes.
In addition to being a haven for wildlife, the Kitteredge Brook Forest Preserve offers MCHT an opportunity to develop a recreational trail system to connect local neighborhoods with the island's high school, as well as to provide connections to adjacent conservation lands and the National Park.
As with many of MCHT's past conservation successes, the story of Kitteredge Brook would not have been possible without landowner generosity, donor support, and valuable partner contributions. The property's previous owner, local landowner and developer Shep Harris, was key to the effort--he offered the property to MCHT for less than half of its market value.
The opportunity to secure Kitteredge Brook Forest has been part of a broader effort to protect a collection of valuable conservation properties on Mount Desert Island. This larger, ongoing MDI Land Conservation Initiative has garnered support by the Pew Charitable Trusts, private donors, and federal grants. Last year the US Fish and Wildlife Service awarded MCHT $1,000,000 through the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) to support the Kitteredge Brook Forest acquisition and other important wetland projects in the Acadia region.
MCHT Stewardship staff has begun evaluating the new preserve, reaching out to the local community, and developing a strategy for public access and habitat protection. Stay tuned for updated information in the months and years to follow as our management plan is developed and implemented - and opportunities to enjoy this special place are made available.
More Information
Finding a green lining in slow property sales (The Boston Globe)
