|
|
Dear Friend,
I was recently paddling a canoe deep in the middle of the soon-to-be-acquired Roach Pond tract in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness, and I came across a small flock of Canada geese. What struck me was the primeval sense that they belonged here and, quite possibly, their ancestors may have been stopping here for centuries. Collectively, we are protecting this piece of wildness, not only for generations to come, but also for the planet itself. With the slated acquisition of the Roach Pond tract this fall, the AMC Maine Woods Initiative is about to take yet another monumental step in protecting this important part of Maine, an effort designed to benefit its biodiversity as well as surrounding communities and the many people who want to enjoy its richness.
The brook trout are rising as the fly fishing season gets under way in earnest (with two sold-out fly fishing workshops at our Maine wilderness lodges), new hiking trails and bike routes beg to be explored, and a summer’s worth of adventure awaits in the 100-Mile Wilderness region.
The excitement of the summer ahead is surpassed only by our anticipated acquisition of the Roach Pond tract, which will allow us to offer additional recreational opportunities on another 29,500 acres of conservation land, and is a critical link in a protected greenway running from our Katahdin Iron Works (KIW) property all the way to Baxter Park and Katahdin. We expect the purchase to be completed this fall, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Thanks to all who have helped us accomplish so much with the Maine Woods Initiative; your help and support are critical to our success. Read on for more accomplishments and opportunities.
Happy Summer!
Walter
Walter Graff
AMC Deputy Director
Outdoor Recreation
Late June is typically a hot time for fly fishing season in the 100-Mile Wilderness region, and anglers at our Maine wilderness lodges have been enjoying the action. Check out our new fly fishing web pages for fishing opportunities on the KIW property and plan your next fishing trip. New this season, our sporting camps are official members of Trout Unlimited's Outfitters, Guides & Business Members Program.
We've been working with neighbors and partners to provide additional mountain biking opportunities at our Maine lodges. In addition to bike routes (PDF) on woods roads near Little Lyford, we also offer mountain biking (PDF) routes near Medawisla, including a new out-and-back route from Medawisla to West Branch Pond Camps that provides a nice pedaling and picnicking opportunity.
Medawisla will host a special adventure weekend July 3-5 with activities geared toward an active 50+ audience. The weekend includes guided hikes and evening programs, we well as plenty of time to relax or explore nearby Second Roach Pond by kayak.
AMC trail crews have been busy working on the Katahdin Iron Works property, which now offers 55 miles of trails open for public use and a variety of overnight options. In addition to lodge accommodations, campsites are available on the property, including drive-up sites near Horseshoe Pond and at Long Pond, a new shelter at Trout Pond, and the paddle-in Coyote Rock Campsite on Long Pond. Campsite reservations can be made through the KI Jo-Mary Multiple Use Forest at (207) 965-8135. Our newly updated KIW Recreation Map and Guide offers details on these and other opportunities. The trail crew has also improved the approach to a great swimming hole on the West Branch of the Pleasant River, which offers a cool spot for Little Lyford's summer guests to beat the heat.
Community Partnerships
AMC is partnering with three Greenville businesses in support of the state's new Maine Woods Discovery Package program, highlighting crafts, culture, lodging, and recreation in the greater Moosehead region. Guests staying three nights or more at AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges can sign up for a special package that also provides them with a custom selection of trout flies from the Maine Guide Fly Shop, a cruise on Moosehead Lake’s Katahdin steamship, and a North Woods travel kit from Maine Mountain Soap and Candle. Book your package now.
The Moosehead Area Schools Project continues to grow with involvement from AMC's MWI Programs Manager Shannon LeRoy, who has been working this spring with educators from the Brownfield Elementary School to create a viewing platform at a vernal pool along the school's nature trail. Both the trail and the pool have become important learning tools for school pupils. Creation of the viewing platform is supported through a grant from the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Day visitors are being encouraged to access the Katahdin Iron Works Jo-Mary Forest (of which AMC's KIW property is a part) through a new promotion offering 2-for-1 entry fees with use of a special coupon, available at area businesses and chamber of commerce visitor centers.
Conservation
On June 2 the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) directed its staff to proceed with fine-tuning the final details of the Plum Creek concept plan application for the Moosehead Lake region based on feedback from the commission and intervening parties, including AMC. LURC is expected to make a final vote on the plan at its next meeting, in August or September, after which AMC would have 45 days to purchase the 29,500-acre Roach Pond tract.
People
Meet AMC's new MWI Operations Manager and Greenville resident Gary Dethlefsen>>
Congratulations are in order for AMC MWI Trail Crew veteran, Travis Kendall, who has been promoted to the position of MWI Land Steward. In his fourth year with the trail crew, Travis has also served as winter caretaker of Gorman Chairback Camps and worked directly for Bob Leroy on trails and capital projects. He will work on trails through the summer and begin full-time as Land Steward in September. Congratulations and best wishes also to former MWI Land Steward Bob LeRoy and his wife, Arlene, previous owners of Little Lyford, who recently sold their home in KIW and moved to the coast of Maine, where they are operating an organic farm.
Campaign for the Maine Woods
Incredible progress has been made with AMC's Maine Woods Initiative, thanks to the enthusiasm and support of AMC members and donors. Take a tour and learn more about what has been accomplished--you just may be inspired to plan your next outdoor adventure in Maine. Contributions and pledges for the campaign received before December 31, 2009 will help us qualify for a challenge grant of $1.5 million from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Please consider making a gift!
Sustainable Forestry
Timber harvesting is taking place on a section of the KIW property north of the Appalachian Trail this season, with a continued focus on removing diseased beech. Harvesting continues to be governed by our long-term forest management plan, based on sustainable harvesting methods.
MWI in the News
The Maine Woods Initiative is entered in the National Geographic Geotourism Challenge 2009. Check out the MWI vision for nature-based tourism and conservation.
The May issue of "Down East" magazine includes a positive review of AMC's The Wildest Country, which traces Thoreau’s travels through the Maine Woods and features the region’s Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail. "Down East" calls the book by J. Parker Huber "fine-grained, far-ranging, and rich in both background data and local detail."
AMC's Family Adventure Camps, including camps at Medawisla and Little Lyford, were called out by Budget Travel in its May 2009 feature on family summer camps. Watch the new Family Adventure Camps video.
Get a first-hand look at AMC's Maine Wilderness lodges and the Maine Woods Initiative by checking out these video links:
AMC's Maine Woods Initiative
AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges
AMC Family Adventure Camps at Medawisla
View ongoing press coverage of the Maine Woods Initiative and AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges.
View back issues of MWI News.
Media Contact: AMC Public Affairs Director Rob Burbank at rburbank@outdoors.org or (603) 466-2721, ext. 8155. Contact Rob if you have ideas for articles to be included in future issues of MWI News.
|
 |
