The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Bog Pond spared from development

May 03, 2007 - Wildlife, bog vegetation and carnivorous plants will continue to flourish in the newest parcel of land the Kennebec Land Trust had a hand in preserving.

The trust partnered with Anthony and Donna Mancini-nearby residents-to acquire 80 acres of property under immediate threat of development, 50 acres of which is now owned by the trust.

The Mancini's kept 30 acres next to their home, but donated another 30 acres that included a portion of the bog and upland and abutted the 50 acres the trust acquired.

Neighbor Jeffrey Tim contributed 10 more acres to significantly add to the size and value of the conservation area.

The property abuts the Jamie's Pond Wildlife Management Area, an 840 acre preserve managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Norm Rodrigue, a member of the trust's board of directors and chairman of the development committee, said the trust invested $35,000 in the land, which includes Bog Pond and upland in Manchester that had been under contract for the development of 14 house lots.

It's the third property the trust has acquired and conserved along Jamie's Pond boundaries since 1999.

"Right now we own it, that was the important thing, to get it off the market," Rodrigue said Wednesday. "Our hope in the future is to work something out with the state to have them acquire it and add it to the Jamie's Pond Wildlife Management Area."

He said Jamie's Pond area has a well-established trail system that he said someday may extend to the bog and upland.

Jean Grigsby, second vice president of the trust, said Jamie's Pond is of particular value because of its hardwood and softwood forests, beautiful stone walls, streams, ponds and wildlife habitat.

"By increasing the size of conservation lands in the area, KLT is helping to ensure that this ecologically rich area is preserved," Grigsby said.

She said the newly preserved area provides habitat for moose, dear, fox, otter, fishers and beaver as well as numerous birds, including osprey, ducks, loons and geese.

In addition, she said there are opportunities for bird watching, cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities. The new parcel can be accessed from Jamie's Pond.
"When you're out on that body you have the sense that you're hundreds of miles away, but actually you're no more than 4 miles from the capital," Rodrigues said. "It's rejuvenating. You get a refreshing feeling when you're out there. Literally it's quite peaceful and untouched."

Later this summer, he said the trust will embark on a capital campaign to replenish funds.

This article appeared in its original form in the Kennebec Journal Thursday, May 3, 2007


Lakes: Jamies Pond
Regions: Belgrade


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News