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Conservation Work > What We’re Working on Now

The Cutler Harbor Community Access Project

A collaboration between MCHT and the town of Cutler protects access to an outstanding preserve, creates a new town park, and improves access to the harbor for recreation and commercial fishing

At the gateway to Maine’s Bold Coast, the village of Cutler over­looks a picturesque harbor that shelters a fleet of lobster boats.

Cutler has one of the highest rates of residents work­ing in fisheries statewide. Its harbor is a critical coastal access site, one of only four natural harbors in a region where cliffs and strong currents constrain access to the water.

A photo from Western Head Preserve

Maine Coast Heritage Trust has been a neighbor here since 1988, when we conserved 247 acres on Western and Great Heads to halt a 31-lot subdivision opposed by the Town. Western Head Preserve is a source of local pride and one of our most popular Downeast preserves. How­ever, access to Western Head has depended on a handshake agreement with the adjacent landowner.

With the opportunity to purchase that adjacent property, MCHT and the Town of Cutler have designed a conservation plan that will enhance outdoor recreation, increase public access to the harbor, and give the Town more options to adjust to a changing economy and lobster fishery.

Your gift to this project will:

  • Protect almost six shorefront acres that the Town of Cutler will develop into a town park
  • Increase public access to Cutler Har­bor for recreation and commercial fishing
  • Secure access to and expand parking for MCHT’s Western Head Preserve, where beautiful trails offer a 3.5-mile round-trip hike to spectacular coastal headlands.

Project overview:

Location: Cutler, Washington County
Project size: ±16 acres*
Total project cost: $983,850
Fundraising deadline: 12/31/2022

*This ±16-acre project is part of a larger 190-acre property that will be acquired by MCHT. We will re-sell the balance of the property, keeping approximately 174 acres on the tax rolls. 

Fundraising covers land acquisition costs, MCHT’s pooled stewardship funds, and operational support.

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For more information, please contact:

Nicky Blanchard
Director of Engagement
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Office: 207.607.4369
Mobile: 207.649.9141

Jacob van de Sande
Project Manager
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Phone: 207.259.5040