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BRIDGTON — Loon Echo Land Trust and The Trust for Public Land have received a $100,000 anonymous grant to match new donations for the protection of 1,400 acres of undeveloped land in the town of Sebago.
The fundraising campaign to buy and protect the property had raised nearly $1.3 million by the middle of November. LELT is seeking to raise an additional $286,000 needed to buy the property by the end of the year. Once conserved by the trust, the property will be known as Tiger Hill Community Forest, in recognition of the land’s most prominent peak.
The land, to be owned and managed by LELT on behalf of the community, protects sensitive wildlife habitat and historic working forestlands, and will be open to the public for recreation.
“The property is currently used by local community members for hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, snowmobiling and other activities,” stated the Sebago Board of Selectmen in a letter of support. “Acquiring the property for conservation and recreation will secure these close-to-home recreation opportunities for Sebago residents and visitors.”
While still largely rural, Sebago and surrounding towns have experienced more than twice the population growth rate of the state as a whole. Conservation of natural areas like the Tiger Hill Community Forest will help to maintain the region’s rural charm while benefiting the local tourism, outdoor recreation, and forest products industries.
Loon Echo has partnered with the trust in the fundraising effort to acquire the property. Both organizations are members of Sebago Clean Waters, a partnership working to conserve 35,000 acres in the Sebago Lake watershed to protect the water quality of Sebago Lake, the water source for over one-sixth of Maine residents, many visitors, and businesses in the greater Portland area. Portland Water District is also a partner in the partnership and has pledged $345,000 towards the project. The Maine Drinking Water Program is providing a low-interest loan to the district to fund its contribution.
“Tiger Hill Community Forest provides countless public benefits, including protection of drinking water for a sixth of Maine’s population. Its forests act as a filter, purifying water as it flows into rivers, streams, and ultimately Sebago Lake,” according to the district’s environmental manager Paul Hunt. “Conserving this forest means Mainers will enjoy the benefits forever. We are excited for the residents of the town of Sebago and will continue to support projects like this in the Sebago Lake watershed.”
Loon Echo and the trust have raised approximately 80 percent of the funds for the project, but need to raise another $286,000 to complete the purchase and care for the land forever. With a deadline for acquisition of Dec. 31, Loon Echo is seeking to raise the remaining funds from private individuals, public resources, and additional grants.
Donations of any amount to the project will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the matching grant. Support for Tiger Hill Community Forest can be sent to Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot St., Suite 4, Bridgton, ME 04009 or made online at loonecholandtrust.org/tigerhill.
PHOTO: Tiger Hill Community Forest showing how the Northwest River flows through it. (Jerry Monkman, EcoPhotography photo)
