BRIDGTON — On Jan. 15 the town of Sebago accepted a deed to 130 acres of land on Swamp Road granted by Loon Echo Land Trust.
Loon Echo reserved a perpetual conservation easement to ensure the property remains undeveloped and available to the public for a variety of recreational uses including snowmobiling and hunting. The property is a part of a larger 1,600-acre regional community forest project spanning Bridgton, Denmark and Sebago called the Perley Mills Community Forest that includes three miles of the Narrow Gauge multi-use trail.
In the coming months the town of Denmark will accept the deed to the remaining property located directly to the north.
The community forest model ensures community participation in setting management goals, and gives secure access to the value and benefits of the forest, such as public use of the land and trails and a long-term source of revenue from selective timber harvests.
Sebago officials are exploring future possibilities for expanding public recreational opportunities at the property.
Loon Echo Land Trust protects land in seven towns in the northern Sebago Lake region. Its mission is to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations.
Loon Echo protects over 5,900 acres of land and manages 25 miles of trails that are open to the public for walking, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing as well as snowmobiling and ATV’ing on certain designated trails.
For more information, visit www.loonecholandtrust.org or call (207) 647-4352.
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