Imagine...10,000 conserved acres connected by backcountry trails. Wherever you live, this would be an extraordinary resource. It’s exciting to work on this landscape vision in mid-coast Maine, close to Belfast, Augusta, Camden and Waterville.
The 410-acre Whitten Hill Project, in the headwaters region of the Sheepscot River, is a critical part of this vision. For years, the Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance (SWLA) has dreamed of seeing this exceptional property conserved. Today, that dream is within reach. SWLA and the landowner recently negotiated an option so SWLA has the opportunity to purchase this beautiful and strategically located property, if the funds can be raised.
The Whitten Hill property and surrounding protected lands will be primarily conserved as forever wild, a special status few conserved properties in Maine receive that prohibits development and logging.
In May of 2008 a natural resources inventory for the entire Sheepscot watershed was completed by a professional ecologist. This information in collaboration with other land trusts in the watershed is being used to knowledgeably and proactively conserve land.
Protecting Whitten Hill is part of a landscape vision to conserve more than 10,000 contiguous acres of habitat, stretching from nearby 5,240-acre Frye Mountain Game Management Area to the Sheepscot headwaters. With the acquisition of this parcel more than 7,000 acres will be permanently
conserved.
Why preserve the Whitten Hill property?
■ The 410-acre Whitten Hill parcel is one of the largest remaining parcels in the Sheepscot River watershed.
■ Whitten Hill protects more than 2,600 feet of undisturbed river frontage along the upper reaches of the Sheepscot River, one of eight Maine rivers that are critical habitat for endangered Atlantic Salmon.
■ The land abuts five conserved properties that together form an 1,100- acre protected block, larger than nearby Lake St.George State Park and Ruffingham Meadow State Game Management Area combined.
■ The land contains high quality habitat for 23 critical Gulf of Maine animal and plant species, including Northern Goshawk, three warblers, Wood Thrush and Small Whorled Pogonia, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
■ Mature and old-growth forests are rare in Maine. Few southern Maine properties are permanently conserved as forever wild as the Whitten Hills property in the wildlands area will be.
■ Whitten Hill is an integral part of a 26-mile pedestrian trail network, the largest system in Waldo County and one of the largest in mid-coast Maine. SWLA and partners plan to expand this popular backcountry network.
■ Unity College uses SWLA properties as an outdoor classroom because of the exceptional opportunity to observe and research diverse ecosystems with mature forests.
■ Conserved lands provide a variety of “ecological services” benefiting human and natural communities that include providing ground water storage, purifying air, filtering pollutants, and moderating climate change.
Who will benefit?
We all benefit when we work together to protect the places that make our communities and region a special place to live and visit. The Sheepscot Headwaters Wildlands brings together families, hikers,
sportsmen and women, birders, students and teachers, snowshoers, anglers, cross-country skiers and nature photographers.
Investing in this project helps ensure that our children and great grandchildren will always have a place of quiet beauty and tall woods close to home. The Wildlands is a place to enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods, experience the changing seasons, to listen for the call of an owl or just explore the great outdoors. Wild landscapes and beautiful forests are right here, not just in remote northern Maine.
Why now?
Once taken for granted, large blocks of undeveloped land in southern Maine are diminishing, especially near the coast. Protecting large blocks of land containing the species rich and unique habitat of mature and old growth forests is essential to maintaining Maine’s biodiversity.
Today, less than 2 percent of Maine’s forests are managed as forever wild and mature and old-growth forests are in severe decline. Scientists say that the most disturbing biodiversity trend in Maine is the decrease in
mature forests.
As coastal property values soar, relatively affordable inland parcels like Whitten Hill are increasingly subject to subdivision and liquidation harvesting pressures. Traditional uses of the land for hiking and hunting are often the first casualties when “No Trespassing” signs are posted. Whitten Hill has a history of public access on the trail network and this project will ensure that tradition is continued.
Studies by the U.S. Forest Service and the Maine State Planning Office indicate that much of Southern Maine is going to experience widespread housing development and increased forest fragmentation in the near future.
It is important to act now to protect our natural heritage and quality of life. By working with landowners and using voluntary land protection techniques, SWLA brings practical, lasting solutions to these challenges.
The campaign and how you can help
This is the largest capital campaign, by far, undertaken by SWLA. The campaign has currently raised 96%, more than $714,000 of its goal, thanks to the very generous support of serveral major donors, the financial committment of 100% of its board, the Sweet Water Trust, the Davis Conservation Foundation, the John Sage Foundation, Fields Pond Foundation, Newman's Own Foundation, the Anna Marie & John E. Thron Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, the Butler Foundation, the Trilobite Fund of the Tides Foundation, a grant from the Land for Maine's Future Program and a grant from the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program.
At this point in the campaign, we continue to solicit gifts while approaching foundations. The public and business components of the campaign were launched in the fall and winter of 2009, with expected Campaign completion by summer 2010. We have faith, even in this economy, and conintue to be inspired by the positive and generous support we are receiving. It demonstrates to us the public's unquenched desire to protect and steward an array of special natural places.
The Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance is working to raise $739,000 to acquire the Whitten Hill parcel. Only with your help will SWLA reach this goal. Pledges, including matching gifts, are greatly appreciated.
Gifts of cash and appreciated stock are the lifeblood of this Campaign. We also welcome “in kind” gifts such as the donation of your time, materials or other volunteer services.
Please consider a bequest to the Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance. By naming SWLA in your will, you provide a lasting legacy that will help support SWLA’s land protection and stewardship work in perpetuity.
Donors making a gift of securities, real estate or cash may realize substantial tax benefits. Gifts should be made to Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Contact SWLA
Please contact the Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance if you are interested in donating to the Whitten Hill Project.
Email SWLA at buckoherin@fairpoint.net
Call SWLA at 207-589-3230
Thank you very much!