Loon Echo Land Trust creates Stone Preserve on Highland Lake with donation

Nov. 72017

BRIDGTON — A donation of land by Dr. Jenny Lee Stone of Waxhaw, N.C., has established Loon Echo Land Trust’s 10th preserve.

The 92-acre parcel of donated land is located at the northwest end of Bridgton’s Highland Lake.

Stone practices dermatologic surgery in North Carolina; she inherited the property from her father, Charles T. Stone, who died in 2006. Growing up in Bridgton, she shared her father’s love of wildlife and has always wanted this property to remain undeveloped.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this donation from Dr. Stone. It is with the support and generosity such as hers that allows Loon Echo to conserve important lands for the public and future generations,” said Loon Echo executive director Thom Perkins.

The Stone Preserve is a northern hardwood forest dominated by red oak with 1,275 feet of waterfront on Highland Lake. Several seasonal streams flow into Little Trull Brook, crossing the property as it flows into Highland Lake.
The property is a fine example of a continuous ecosystem as it descends from upland forest to the undisturbed wetland habitat at the lake, according to the trust.

The land, as part of the Sebago Lake watershed, helps Loon Echo in its efforts to protect water quality for the region. It provides valuable habitat for wildlife, including fish stocks, migrant birds and deer, moose and black bear.

Currently there are no plans for establishing trails at the Stone Preserve. However, Loon Echo will continue with its policy to provide traditional recreation uses of the property including hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, trapping (with permission) and nature observations.

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