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WOODSTOCK – The town took title to what is now Buck’s Ledge Community Forest on Aug. 25.
Buck’s Ledge is a striking geological feature and a long-time landmark. Its granite cliffs overlooking North Pond provide expansive views of the Mahoosuc and Presidential ranges. The six-plus mile trail network on the 646-acre property connects Lapham Ledge, Buck’s Ledge and Moody Mountain.
“The town of Woodstock’s acquisition of this property from Bayroot LLC is a historic achievement for the community,” said Ed Rosenberg, conservation commission member. “Funds were raised in a remarkably short time – just over a year – thanks to a synergy of partnerships including Mahoosuc Land Trust, Northern Forest Center and Forest Society of Maine, with the leadership of the Woodstock Conservation Commission.”
The project has inspired wide-reaching community support, the commission said, exceeding the local fundraising goal of $175,000. More than 270 people contributed, including selectmen and the town manager.
The Buck’s Ledge acquisition project has also inspired art and connection. Students of Melissa Prescott’s community art class designed and constructed four unique benches that will be placed along the trail network. In addition, Telstar Middle School art students created an art project, and also conducted and recorded interviews with a four individuals relating to Buck’s Ledge. These records are archived at the Bethel Historical Society.
The Project Agreement between the town, Land for Maine’s Future and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, coupled with the conservation easement held by Mahoosuc Land Trust, will conserve the land, protect it from development and grow a treasured forever forest.
This project would not have been possible without financial support from the state and other conservation organizations. The town land was more than 50% funded by the Land for Maine’s Future program to secure public conserved land, and was funded in part through the Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund, which supports the protection of climate resilient lands for wildlife and communities. The fund is made possible with support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Maine Mountain Collaborative funded a portion of the due diligence costs.
There will be a celebration of the forest at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Buck’s Ledge Community Forest parking lot on Route 26. The celebration will include dedication of the Telstar Middle School art installation.
PHOTO: Bucks Ledge Community Forest in Woodstock. (Chris Woodward photo)
