POLAND — With one stipulation, the Select Board on Tuesday night approved two conservation easements introduced last month by the Poland Conservation Commission.
The Waterhouse Park easement involves about 90 acres split by Waterhouse Brook and containing almost 2 miles of developed walking trails. The area is behind Poland Community School on Route 26.
The second easement involves a 16-acre parcel that runs between Route 26 and Lower Range Pond adjacent to Aggregate Road.
The stipulation involves the second plan and prohibits the use of mechanized motor vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles, from using the parcel as a launch point to cross Route 26 and continue to Cyndi’s Dockside restaurant on Route 26.
Only limited parking off Route 26 entrance would be allowed.
Select Board Chairman Steve Robinson said a decision to allow or prohibit future use of the land as a launch point depends on a two-year trial, which began May 15, 2020.
The trial calls for riders to continue to Poland Corner Road and Aggregate Road, and cross Route 26 from the town property to reach Cyndi’s Dockside.
Conservation Commission members thought both easements to the town’s Comprehensive Plan are important for the preservation and improvement of the land’s natural habitat and usage.
Residents will have the final say on the easements at the annual town meeting.
In a related matter, the board approved Raymond Stillman as a member of the Conservation Commission.
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