For Immediate Release
July 2, 2014
Contact: Rex Turner (207) 287-4920
Moosehead Lake Region
Public-Private Recreational Initiative
Work begins on two trails that will be
part of a network of non-motorized trails
GREENVILLE,
Maine – The Maine Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced
that construction work has begun on two hiking trails that eventually will be
part of an expanded network of non-motorized trails in the Moosehead Lake
Region. The decision to start construction with the Number Four Mountain and
Eagle Rock Trails resulted from public input and will be led by the DACF’s Maine
Conservation Corps.
The one-of-a-kind regional trail
development collaboration is made possible through a 121-acre trail easement
granted by landowner Plum Creek. Construction by the Maine Conservation Corps
began in June, and will likely continue until 2018 in order to complete the
entire trail network.
“Outdoor recreation is important to
Maine residents and visitors. This public-private partnership will expand
outdoor recreational opportunities in the Moosehead Lake Region,” said Governor
Paul R. LePage. “This project benefits from public input and volunteer support,
so I encourage others to become involved.”
Commissioner Walt Whitcomb also
highlighted the importance of public input and volunteer support. “We were
pleased with the public’s input that this unique project has received,” said
Whitcomb. “Citizen input is helping create another gem in Maine’s outstanding
system of trails and public recreational spaces. The partnership of a major
landowner, townspeople and state recreation management experts is a formula for
success in this beautiful region of Maine.”
Project leader Rex Turner said that
the Department and project partners are looking forward to engaging new partners
and volunteers for this effort to help support, maintain and promote the trails
well into the future. “With these new trails, and others following in the next
few years, the Moosehead Lake Region will offer a premiere trail network that
will be a destination attracting hikers, bikers, skiers and others from far
and wide,” said Rex Turner, BPL outdoor recreation planner.
An ad-hoc committee led by BPL is
coordinating the trail planning effort, and will hold its next informational
meeting this fall. Participants and supporters in that effort include citizens
from the Moosehead Lake Region and representatives from the Appalachian
Mountain Club, Forest Society of Maine, Maine Huts and Trails, the Moosehead
Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Greenville and Plum Creek. The
first two trails to be constructed are:
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Number Four Mountain Trail – This project taking place through the summer of 2014,
rebuilds and redesigns the current Number Four Mountain Trail. It will reach
the remains of the historic fire tower on the mountain and also feature a
trailhead parking facility on Plum Creek land. Additionally, planning calls for
the trail to be expanded southwards from the summit to Lily Bay Mt. and beyond.
The current Number Four Mountain Trail remains open to hikers during
construction.
-
Eagle Rock Trail
– This new trail will be completed in August and will create 3.7 miles of hiking
trail from the Moore Bog area on the BPL’s Little Moose Public Land property to
Big Moose Mountain’s northwest ridge. The trail will culminate at Eagle Rock
and feature a trailhead parking facility on Bureau lands.
Planning work under way aims to enable trail
construction on portions of Lily Bay Mt. and Baker Mt. in Frenchtown starting
as early as this fall. Future trail
projects on the 121-acre easement could range from easy walking paths to
strenuous backpacking circuits and could accommodate hiking, mountain biking,
snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, canoe/kayak portaging and wildlife
observation activities.
In addition to the land easement
from Plum Creek, the company is providing funding for the trail system as part
of its regional land use agreement. Additional trail system support will be sought
by BPL and planning partners to help maintain the trail network. That support is anticipated to include
stewardship approaches such as adopt-a-trail opportunities and other similar
volunteer initiatives.
Six-person trail crews from the
Maine Conservation Corps will construct the trails. Volunteers are also
encouraged to participate. For more information about volunteer opportunities,
contact Mike Hein at 624-6092 or Michael.Hein@maine.gov.
Media Invitation: An active day of trail construction by the Maine Conservation
Corps will take place on July 10, from 10 am to 2 pm at the site of the new
Eagle Rock Trail. Representatives of BPL and other partners will also be
present to thank volunteers and assist.
Media are invited to join in the volunteer effort or attend to talk to
volunteers and organizers.
For
more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Forestry and its Bureau of Public Lands, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/
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