RANGELEY — One property has been added to Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust’s conservation land, the trust has opened an off-road bike trail for kids in Rangley, and another trail is open for winter use.
For years, Robert and Janet Bissell considered permanently conserving their 40 acres of land at Bemis, but were unsure about how to make that happen. Preserving habitat for wildlife and native plants and supporting efforts to combat climate change was paramount to their goals.
In January, the Bissells contacted the trust to learn how to conserve their land. The RLHT supported the Bissells through the process, helping them meet the federal, state and local requirements for a conservation easement. “We look forward to many years of a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Robert.
RLHT Executive Director David Miller said he’s excited not only about conserving the special piece of land, but about the Bissell’s intention to preserve special forestland for wildlife habitat in the midst of a changing climate.
“The Bissells understand how important it is to conserve critical habitat in the face of a changing climate, and that we all have a part to play,” said Miller.
Meanwhile in town, the new Main Street Dirt Track, located on three vacant lots across from the Town and Lake Motel, is now open for kids to practice their riding skills.
The 1,000-foot dirt track winds its way through the grass and trees. Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Sarge’s Pub & Grub, and AJ’s Fat Bikes have partnered on the trail.
Craig Sargent, owner and proprietor of Sarge’s Pub & Grub, owns the three lots on Main Street that sat vacant for several years. Sargent donated the use of the land for the Bike Course for the next several seasons.
“Creating a downtown dirt track provides families with a convenient place to get off the pavement and practice new skills in a safe environment,” said RLHT Program Manager Amanda Laliberte. “Learning to transition from the sidewalk to the trails isn’t easy, but it’s a skill we are trying to encourage. Mountain biking is another way to connect with nature, and often times with conservation land.”
The course is open daily year-round from dawn to dusk and is free to use. This winter it will remain open and groomed courtesy of AJ’s Fat Bikes.
And in Madrid Township, nestled in the low-lying area between Saddleback, Saddleback Junior and Mount Abraham, the Perham Stream Birding Trail, 2.2 miles, is open for the winter.
Families and groups are encouraged to snowshoe, cross-country ski or bring sleds out to enjoy the natural hills. The trail is wide and easy to navigate making it suitable for all ages. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.
Once the sun sets, PSBT offers exceptional views of the night sky, naturally making it an ideal location for night photography. The natural shape of the valley blocks ambient light from neighboring towns offering views of the Milky Way or watch meteor showers.
To visit the Perham Stream Birding Trail travel north on Route 4 to Phillips, turning right onto Route 142 in Phillips. Following Route 142 for 2.5 miles, visitors will turn left onto the East Madrid Road. The trail is 4.7 miles from this turn, stay straight through the intersection, cross over Perham Stream, arriving at 553 East Madrid Road. Look for the trailhead and kiosk on the left.
To learn more about conservation options in the Rangeley Lakes region, contact either Shelby Rousseau, deputy director, or Miller, at 207-864-7311 or visit rlht.org.
TOP PHOTO: Eli Davis tries out the new off-road bike trail for kids in Rangeley. (RLHT photo)
