Loon Echo is pLEasEd to announcE thE compLEtion of our most recent conservation easement. A 210.6 acre parcel of important habitat within the Upper Saco River Focus area in Western Maine, a subset of the larger Saco River Watershed, was granted to Loon Echo Land Trust by Andrew and Joy Norkin of Denmark, Maine. The watershed which stretches from New Hampshire to Lovell and down to Hiram supports a healthy and unique ecosystem comprised of silver maple dominated flood plain forest, vernal pools, oxbow ponds and several lakes and ponds all of which support a diverse array of flora and fauna including, the globally rare Long’s bulrush (Scirpus longii), three globally rare species of dragonfly and ten state designated rare plant species. With 3497 feet of frontage on Pleasant Pond, 4808 feet on Black Brook and roughly 120 acres of sensitive bog land known as a Sweetgale fen, this land is designated as a Maine Natural Areas Program exemplary natural community. The watershed is one of the largest un-fragmented floodplain forests in New England, making it a focus for habitat and species protection by the State, The Nature Conservancy and Loon Echo Land Trust.

The Norkin property has been in the family since the 1940’s and has had a long history of agriculture, recreation

summer/fall 2012

continued on page 5

New Loon Echo WebsiteLoon Echo is excited to announce the launch of our newly updated website. Created by web developers 3c32, the new site offers easy navigation and useful information. The new photograph gallery allows users to peruse our preserves digitally and then decide which one to visit. Preserve trail maps and visitor use guidelines are offered, providing easy access to our properties year-round. An entire page is dedicated to conservation resources to assist landowners in decision making and offer information about how to best protect their land. The most recent Loon Echo news will be posted on the home page to keep the public up to date on important articles. Also follow Loon Echo by liking us on Facebook, where you will find photographs from recent activities and events and be able to offer feedback or comments on Loon Echo happenings. Please be sure to check out the new site at www.loonecholandtrust.org, and while there don’t forget to like us on Facebook.

Black Brook Bog Conservation Easement Completed

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“It is all about preserving the past and present so the future

generations can enjoy the area. I know that my father

would have wanted to see this property protected,” stated

Andrew Norkin. “It has been a pleasure

working with the staff and volunteers of the Loon Echo

Land Trust to ensure this property is protected for

future generations to enjoy.”

loon echoland trust

insideFocusing on the Crooked River Find out how river is a uniting natural feature. 8

Event Calendar Did you know that we offer at least one walk or hike every month? 4

Project UpdatesPondicherry Park, and Hacker’s Hill 3

Pleasant Mountain looms over Black Brook Bog, a natural area of importance.

25th Loon Echo Anniversary Celebration 2

2 • loon echo summer/fall 2012 news www.lelt.org

loon echo news

staffExecutive DirectorCarrie Walia, carrie@lelt.orgStewardship & Volunteer CoordinatorJon Evans, jon@lelt.orgMembership & Communications CoordinatorBeth Phelps, beth@lelt.orgspecialists (non-staff)Event Manager, Carol Meader, trek@lelt.orgCartographer, Pam Edwardsmapping@lelt.org

board of directorsNorm Nicholson, PresidentBrian Dillon, Vice PresidentRobert Gowdy, TreasurerConnie CrossEric DibnerEdward FriedmanKaren EllerAllen ErlerJerry HoltDavid HurstyMichael McSallyCarol SudduthJohn Thomas

8 Depot St., Ste 4Bridgton, Maine 04009207-647-4352info@lelt.org

loon echo welcomes new board members

WE arE pLEasEd to announcE thE addition of tWo nEW members to the Loon Echo Board of Directors. Edward Friedman, long time resident of Raymond and John Thomas, seasonal Bridgton resident, joined the Board in May. Both Ed and John are long-standing members and volunteers of Loon Echo and bring varied and desirable skills to their posts. Ed, a retired Osteopathic physician, also serves on the Board of the International Appalachian Trail and is an avid hiker who has section hiked the AT and lists hiking the trails of Pleasant Mountain as a favorite pastime. John, a retired professor of political economy at the Kennedy School of Government, has also served on many nonprofit boards primarily focusing on economic development in foreign countries. John very much enjoys volunteering as a conservation easement monitor and appreciates the scope of work undertaken by Loon Echo. Organizational members will have an opportunity to welcome Ed and John at our 25th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting in August.

New Loon Echo Board member, Ed Friedman of Raymond.

New Loon Echo Board member, John Thomas of Bridgton.

25th loon echo anniversary celebration Loon Echo WiLL hoLd our 25th annuaL mEEting and Anniversary Celebration at Camp Skylemar in Naples on Saturday, August 25. This year is a special one as we recognize our 25th Anniversary as a vibrant regional organization committed to conserving land in the Lake Region of Maine. Members will enjoy an evening of cocktails and dinner while being entertained by guest speaker, David Morine, author of Good Dirt: Confessions of a Conservationist and Two Coots in a Canoe. Described as a “briefcase conservationist specializing in human nature,” David helped protect more than three million acres of wilderness during his fifteen years in charge of land acquisition with The Nature Conservancy and found plenty to laugh about along the way. He took what he learned and his experiences and created “some of the funniest tales in the annals of conservation.” Join Loon Echo and hear some of the entertaining stories of land deals and the people who made them. The meeting will begin with a hors devours and cocktail hour in the garden at 5:00 pm, with a short anniversary presentation and election of the Board of Directors to follow. The dinner will feature a roasted chicken breast or vegetarian dinner. The cost to attendees is $25.00 per person. Reserve your spot by sending in a check with names of attendees and meal choice by August 15 to Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot St., Ste 4, Bridgton, ME 04009. For more information please contact us at 207-647-4352 or beth@lelt.org.

farewell to van winklethE Board and staff of Loon Echo would like to express a heartfelt thank you to former director Mark Van Winkle. Mark served on the Board of Directors since 2003 and for the past four years has held the post of Secretary. A resident of Raymond, Mark is the Owner/Director of Camp Wohelo, a girls’ camp on Sebago Lake. “I have really enjoyed my time on the Board,” stated Mark “and look forward to keeping up with Loon Echo especially on future land projects in Raymond.” Mark’s energy and unique perspective will be missed.

www.lelt.org loon echo summer/fall 2012 news • 3

projEct updatEs

pondicherry park – truly a town parkLoon Echo has finishEd thE consErvation EasEmEnt document that will forever preserve Pondicherry Park and its natural qualities. The Town of Bridgton’s Board of Selectmen voted to approve the easement and management plan on May 22, after four months of meetings between Loon Echo, Town and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) representatives. The easement will protect the Park’s water resources, including the 5,000 feet of stream frontage along the Stevens and Willett Brooks and the tranquil Kneeland Spring. It will also protect the floodplain and upland forests that are now home to many species of plant and animal life, including mink, beaver, otter, turtles, fisher, fox and deer to name just a few.

The conservation easement also supports important public recreational and educational values. There are nearly three miles of walking trails in the Park today, and the footprint of these low-impact pedestrian trails will not greatly expand beyond this scope. The easement also allows for a picnic pavilion and six picnic tables to be located throughout the Park.

The Park now features a newly developed dog trail that, Loon Echo, after listening to the community’s desires, advocated that such use be permitted in a section of the Park. The easement outlines a specific “zone” and loop trail that will allow dog walking, and in the future, once the trail is better equipped, bicycles. This new “dog trail” will be open to the public sometime in June of 2012, when Park property is gifted to the Town and simultaneously a conservation easement is granted to Loon Echo.

A Town of Bridgton Pondicherry Park Stewardship Committee will be formed to work with the Park Department’s staff on the maintenance and management of the property. Loon Echo and LEA will appoint one member each to this five person committee. The committee, once formed, will be oriented to the conservation easement and associated management plan that will govern the Park’s use and care. The educational programming within the Park will continue to expand as the Town’s various organizations seek out this quiet oasis.

“Loon Echo is extremely pleased with the support that the Selectmen, citizens and project donors showed throughout this process. We are looking forward to turning the page to a new chapter in the life of Pondicherry Park,” said Executive Director Carrie Walia.

proud owner of hacker’s hill Loon Echo is pLEasEd to announcE that as of junE 14

thE organization is the new, proud owner of Hacker’s Hill. The community-based fundraising campaign held over the past year has allowed Loon Echo to meet the terms of the option agreement to purchase the 27 acre scenic hilltop on Quaker Ridge in Casco.

Loon Echo now owns the hilltop, but also has a $100,000 mortgage on the property that must be paid by June of 2013, and additional funds are needed for the planned $50,000 property endowment. Fundraising will continue throughout 2012 as Loon Echo transitions into managing the property.

Over two hundred and fifty families have already contributed to the project, gifting half of the funds that were applied at the property’s closing. Other donors that have contributed to this effort include the Land for Maine’s Future Program, Town of Casco, Davis Conservation Foundation, Fields Pond Foundation, Carol and David Hancock Charitable Trust, and Casco Fire Association. (A full list of donors, except those who wish to remain anonymous, will be made available at the conclusion of the campaign.)

Thankfully, the sellers, Jeff and Conrad Hall, have pledged to mentor Loon Echo staff and volunteers as well as to assist throughout the year with the day-to-day care that includes mowing, trash and restroom clean-up, and

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Hacker’s Hill Preservation Run and Walk Loon Echo will host a Hacker’s Hill 4 mile run and walk on the morning of Saturday, August 11. The course will have runners and walkers striding uphill on Quaker Ridge Road finally ending atop Hacker’s Hill with stunning views of the mountains and lakes. The cost to runners and walkers is $20/adult $15/children and youth. Registration starts at 7:30 am and runners will take off at 8:30 am with walkers to follow. All proceeds from this event will go to the protection and stewardship of Hacker’s Hill. For more information on this event visit www.loonecholandtrust.org or email trek@lelt.org.

opening and closing the gate at the base of the hill. A plan is underway to form a volunteer stewardship committee to oversee the future management of the property.

Loon Echo is hosting several summer and fall events to raise awareness about the public benefits of protecting the Hill, including a four mile Hacker’s Hill Run and Walk, meteor shower watch, geology walk and talk, and hawk migration count. Please see the calendar of events and featured section below for further information.

To make a gift to this project, please contact Loon Echo at (207) 647-4352 or visit our website at www.lelt.org.

A beautiful view of Pleasant Mountain and Mount Washington seen from atop Hacker’s Hill.

4 • loon echo summer/fall 2012 news www.lelt.org

Summer Solstice Hike at Bald PateJune 21

Celebrate the first day of summer with a moderate hike up Bald Pate Mountain and also remember Bob Chase, one of Loon Echo’s founders, who loved the mountain and its views of the surrounding ponds and lakes. There is a 300’ elevation gain from the main parking lot, making Bald Pate a family friendly destination. Meet at the Bald Pate main parking area at 5:00 pm. Approx 2 hours.

Hacker’s Hill Bicycle LoopJuly 1

Meet at Raymond Beach located on Rte. 302 in Raymond at 8 a.m. We will ride up Quaker Ridge Rd. which offers breathtaking views of our own Pleasant Mtn. as well as all the White Mtns. For those daring, we will pedal to the top of Hackers Hill. Once back down, we will pedal into Raymond on the east side of Rattlesnake Mtn., passing lakes and ponds and eventually back to the beach. This is a moderately hilly 20 mile ride. Pace will be determined by riders present and no one will be left behind. All riders should bring water or sports drink, an energy bar and basic tire changing supplies. Contact Carol Meader for more information.

Acoustic Sunset at Hacker’s HillJuly 12

The Swampdonkeys will perform a one hour set of acoustic music on top of Hacker’s Hill while the sun sets beyond the White Mountains. Hailing from Western Maine, “The Donks” incorporate styles of old time, Canadian Maritime, Irish and original songs. From “John Henry” to “Charlie on the MTA,” the band appeals to a wide variety of audiences with

its rich texture of instruments, three-part harmonies and plucky, playful songwriting. The Swampdonkeys comprises Ted Tibbetts (Otisfield), Michael Hayashida (Auburn) and John Gunn (Hebron) who play the guitar, mandolin, fiddle, clawhammer banjo and bodhran. There is a $10 per person ($5 for children) donation to benefit the Hacker’s Hill Campaign. Refreshments will be served. Rain date of July 13. Music begins at 7:30 and will end at sunset at 8:30.

Geology Talk at Hacker’s HillJuly 14

Spend an early evening with Geologists Robert Marvinney and Walter Anderson as we look back in time at the northern Sebago Lake region from a geological stand point. The land between the west shore of Sebago Lake and the White Mountains offer an interesting story of ancient ocean shorelines, glaciers and multiple ice ages. Hacker’s Hill provides a great vantage point and signs of geological events in the past. Meet at the hill at 5:00 p.m. Approx 2 hours.

Tar Sands Pipeline Awareness Event with NRCMJuly 19

See page 6.

Nurture through Nature Green Living ExpoJuly 21

A full day of alternative green living workshops at Nurture though Nature in Denmark. Whether you are tied to the grid or tired of the grid join us for this daylong expo to learn how you can green up, simplify and economize your living situation. From 10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. with a community-wood fired sauna to end your day. Pre-registration is required, cost is $45-$75 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Loon Echo Land Trust. For more information or to register visit www.ntnretreats.com.

Volunteer Appreciation Cook-outJuly 25

Loon Echo has a great group of volunteers and we would like to thank them with burgers, dogs and salads at the beautiful Centennial Park in Denmark, right at the outlet of Moose pond. Trail adopters, Trek volunteers, office support people all play an important role in the work that we do here at Loon Echo. Meet at the venue at 5:00 pm. RSVP required. Approx 2 hours.

Trail Work at Pleasant MountainJuly 28

Join Loon Echo trail adopters and the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club for a day of important work on the heavily used Ledges Trail at Pleasant Mountain. Workers should come prepared for the moderate to difficult climb and work day. Basic training and some tools will be provided. Meet at the Ledges trail head on Mountain Road at 7:45 am. Approx 6 hours.

Bald Pate Bicycle Loop August 5

Meet at the Hannaford parking lot in Bridgton at 8 a.m. We will take High Street to Rte. 107 and onto Fosterville Rd. passing the east side of Bald Pate Mtn. and into Sebago where we will hook back over to Rte. 107 via Long Hill Rd. near Douglas Mtn. We will make our way back to the west side of Bald Pate, passing Five Fields and back into Bridgton. This is a hilly 30 mile ride. Pace will be determined by riders present and no one will be left behind. All riders should bring water or sports drink, an energy bar and basic tire changing supplies. Contact Carol Meader for more information.

Hacker’s Hill 4-mile Walk and RunAugust 11

See page 3.

Perseids Meteor ShowerAugust 12

Join Loon Echo for a late night meteor shower gazing party atop Hacker’s Hill. The Perseids meteor shower offer viewers approximately 60 meteors an hour – this year conditions are almost optimal as there will only be a slight waning crescent moon keeping the night sky dark. Peak viewing times for

june-december 2012 event calendar

All outdoor hikes and walks are subject to weather conditions and/or date changes. Please check our website for updates and additional activities at www.lelt.org. Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and varied terrain. Bring water and snacks with you on the trail. Call (207) 647-4352 for more information.

Lady Slippers about to bloom seen on the wildflower walk at Mayberry Hill Farm Preserve this past May.

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www.lelt.org loon echo summer/fall 2012 news • 5

and forest management. Located in the Northwest corner of Denmark, the property affords scenic views of Pleasant Pond, the bog and a westerly view of Pleasant Mountain. Located in the midst of a framework of conservation lands protected by local, state and national organizations the Black Brook Bog conservation property increases the amount of total protected land in this high priority conservation area and brings Loon Echo’s total protected acreage to over 4,000.

The preservation of this property allows for protection of the greater Pleasant Pond ecosystem, maintenance of a forested buffer around the Sweetgale fen for wildlife and

continued from page 1

2012 are between the hours of 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. beginning the evening of August 12. There will be a stationary telescope on site for constellation viewing, care of Raymond Public Library and light refreshments will be offered to keep viewers alert. Gate will be open between 9:30 p.m. to midnight.

Loon Echo Land Trust 25th Annual Meeting August 25

Save the Date Camp Skylemar, Naples, ME. See page 2. 5:00-8:30 pm

Trek Preview Bicycle LoopSeptember 2

With the Trek just two weeks away, let’s do the 25 mile course. Meet at Shawnee Peak on Mountain Rd. in Bridgton at 8 a.m. and we will follow the course of the 25 mile trek, giving us the opportunity to pedal over Knights Hill Rd., into Fryeburg and then back the way we came. This is a rolling to moderate hilly 25 mile course. Pace will be determined by riders

present and no one will be left behind. All riders should bring water or sports drink, an energy bar and basic tire changing supplies. Contact Carol Meader for more information.

Hawk Migration at Hacker’s HillSeptember 8

Join Loon Echo and former director of Maine Audubon, Dick Anderson, for a morning of bird watching at the incredible Hacker’s Hill in Casco. Under the right conditions, viewers should see large numbers of hawks and other birds, as they make the long journey south to warmer climates. Last year, guests enjoyed a beautiful early autumn day with sightings of hawks, ospreys and eagles. Guests can drive to the summit of Hacker’s Hill for this unique event. Bring your binoculars and chair for the 9:00 am start. Approx 4 hours. Rain date of Sept. 9.

Loon Echo TrekSeptember 15

Shawnee Peak, Bridgton, ME See page 7.

Foliage Hike at Pleasant MountainOctober 13

Come along with Loon Echo for what should be a spectacular morning of hiking and foliage viewing as climbers make their way to the less visited Southwest Summit of Pleasant Mountain. An array of colors will carpet the Saco River Valley reaching up to the White Mountains. Hikers should meet at the Southwest Trail head on Denmark Road at 8:45 am for this moderate to difficult hike. Approx 5 hours.

Sunset/Moonrise Hike at Bald PateNovember 28

A fun late afternoon event! Loon Echo’s Bald Pate Mtn. is the scene for this unique hike to watch the sun as it sets at 4:07 pm and welcome

Calendar continued

the full moon as it rises by 4:20 pm. A flash light or head lamp is recommended for the descent. Trekkers should meet at the main parking lot of Bald Pate at 3:00 pm for this moderate hike. Approx 2.5 hours.

Snowshoe Hike at Pondicherry ParkDecember 15

Join Loon Echo for an easy to moderate snowshoe stroll through Pondicherry Park in downtown Bridgton. Your tour will begin at the kiosk near the entrance to the spectacular Dunning Memorial Bridge at 9:00 am. From there strap on a pair of snowshoes (some pairs available upon reservation) and walk along the Stevens and Willet Brooks and through the forgotten pastures of an early Bridgton village. Approx 2 hours.

The May 5th Super Moon seen from Bald Pate Mountain.

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rare species that use wetlands, shrub lands and aquatic systems for all parts of their life cycle, and enables Loon Echo to increase protection in the Pleasant Mountain region.

Like all stewardship-minded landowners, the Norkins and their four children seek to keep their land, which has been in the family for three generations, as pristine and undeveloped as possible. They intend to maintain the forested buffer around the wetland and pond for species that depend on these ecosystems, while continuing sustainable woodlot management in the upland forests in a way that is ecologically sound and economically feasible. “It is all about preserving the past and present so the future generations can enjoy the area. I know that my father would have wanted to see this property protected,” stated Andrew. “It has been a pleasure working with the staff and volunteers of the Loon Echo Land Trust to ensure this property is protected for future generations to enjoy.”

This project was supported by the Landowner Incentive Program administered by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as The Nature Conservancy.

The preservation of this property allows for protection of the greater Pleasant Pond ecosystem, maintenance of a forested buffer around the Sweetgale fen for wildlife and rare species that use wetlands, shrub lands and aquatic systems for all parts of their life cycle, and enables Loon Echo to increase protection in the Pleasant Mountain region.

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Pleasant Pond at high water in the spring.

6 • loon echo summer/fall 2012 news www.lelt.org

this summEr nEW WELcomE signs WiLL BE LocatEd at thE entrances to our preserves and use guideline signs featured at the trail head kiosks. In addition, the Stewardship Committee plans to use a standardized approach to marking the over 20 miles of hiking trails under our management. Beginning this summer, colored aluminum markers will be installed on Pleasant Mountain and Mayberry Hill trails. This approach will save staff and volunteer time over the long term and offer guests a more user friendly experience.

thE appaLachian mountain cLuB will again volunteer at Bald Pate Mountain in August. The Teen Volunteer Crew from Camp Dodge at Pinkham Notch will continue the installation of bog style bridging and drainage work started in summer 2011. The crew made major improvements to historically wet areas and stream crossings last summer, resulting in vastly improved trail conditions. The youth involved with this program come from all walks of life, many from urban areas. They learn many skills, make lifelong friends, give back to community and enjoy the beautiful landscape our region has to offer. We look forward to hosting them once again.

Loon Echo appLiEd for and Was aWardEd a grant from the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation for stewardship projects at the Pleasant Mountain Preserve. The funds will be used in part to hire a local contractor with an excavator to perform significant drainage work on the badly eroded Fire Warden’s Trail. The grant also allows Loon Echo to hire a professional crew from the Appalachian Mountain Club to do technical work such as building stone steps and rock water bars on the Ledges Trail.

notEs from thE traiL

LornE first got invoLvEd with Loon Echo in 2008. He was visiting the Needles Eye waterfall on the Bald Peak Trail with his grandson as part of a geo-caching summer long adventure, when he ran into Loon Echo Volunteer and Stewardship Coordinator, Jon Evans. Expounding upon his love of Pleasant Mountain, Lorne was pleased to accept the post of “Trail Co-Adopter” for the Ledges Trail on Mountain Road. As a Trail Adopter Lorne visits the trail three times a year and reports on and assists with any maintenance needed.

“I enjoy being on the trails of Pleasant Mountain,” states Lorne. “That summer of geo-caching, learning map and compass skills and being in the wilderness with my grandson on Pleasant Mountain was a fabulous time.”

To learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can help, please contact us.

voLuntEEr spotLight lorne schneider

Lorne Schneider “trail adopter” with his grand kids at the Needles Eye on Pleasant Mountain.

tar sands oil pipeline public event with nrcm

havE you hEard aBout thE proposaL from thE Canadian oil pipeline giant Enbridge to pump dirty tar sands oil from Ontario to Portland—through beautiful Western Maine? Loon Echo Land Trust and the Western Foothills Land Trust have teamed up to bring Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, to Casco so we can learn more about tar sands and the potential risks from tar sands crude oil flowing

portland-montreal pipeline systemthrough Western Maine. Mr. Voorhees will describe tar sands and discuss the environmental and public health risks of this emerging tar sands pipeline project: Reversing the flow of existing pipelines that run through our region in order to bring tar sands crude oil through Maine for international export. The pipeline runs along and crosses the Androscoggin and Crooked Rivers, and right next to Sebago Lake and Panther Pond.

What: Presentation entitled “Will the Dirtiest Energy Source on the Planet Flow through Western Maine?”When: Thursday, July 19th from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Where: Crooked River Adult Community Education Center, Casco on Rt. 11 (just over the Naples town line). Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public with an RSVP to Emmie Theberge at emmie@nrcm.org or (207) 430-0105.

For more information about this tar sands proposal and the event, please visit www.nrcm.org.

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www.lelt.org loon echo summer/fall 2012 news • 7

thE 12th annuaL Loon Echo trEk WiLL BE hELd on Saturday, September 15 at Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton. September will be here before you know it! Registration is live and if you register by July 1st you will not only help save land, you will save money with the discounted “early bird” rate of $65 for the bike routes, $50 for the hike route and $30 for children and youth. The event offers a 100 mile cycle billed as the toughest century in Maine which will take you through the beautiful Evans Notch of the White Mountain National Forest. There is also a 50 or 25 mile bike route option for casual cyclists looking to take their training to the next level. These routes pass through scenic farm fields and river courses in Western Maine. Non-cyclists can choose the six mile hike over our conservation land on Pleasant Mountain with gourmet rest stops along the way.

Post adventure, join in the festivities at the base of Shawnee Peak. Once again, there will be massage offered by HealthSource, an Allagash beer tent, music and the delicious Blizzards Pub BBQ meal. So choose your adventure and register today by visiting www.loonechotrek.org, and be sure to like us on Facebook while there.

Platinum:

Gold:

Silver: About Time Graphics, Allagash Brewing Company, Atayne, Camp Wigwam, Ernie’s Cycle Shop, Hannaford Supermarkets, Healthsource, Moose Landing Marina, The Bridgton News, Yankee Amateur Radio Club.

Bronze: Bridgton Hospital, Cardinal Printing, Chalmers Insurance Agency, DLD, Macdonald Motors and Main Eco Properties.

Loon Echo would like to thank our 2012 TREK sponsors

Participants of the 2011 Trek enjoy the festive “Finisher’s Nest” after their hiking or cycling challenge.

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Leave a Legacy of Conservation Join the Bob Chase Legacy SocietyLoon Echo has pledged to forever care for the land that you help us conserve today. Together, we can save places that are important to you and your family. When you include Loon Echo in your estate planning, you’ll keep making a difference for generations to come.

For more information about making a donation, call us at (207) 647-4352 or info@lelt.org.

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trek - register now!

8 • loon echo summer/fall 2012 news www.lelt.org

Loon Echo, in partnErship With WEstErn foothiLLs Land Trust, Portland Water District, Greater Lovell Land Trust and Mahoosuc Land Trust, is leading an effort to increase public awareness and voluntary watershed protection by landowners along the Crooked River in Western Maine. The Crooked River is an exceptional resource, flowing over 50 miles from its headwaters at Songo Pond in Bethel to discharge into Sebago Lake in Casco/Naples. This one river provides 40% of the annual flow into Sebago Lake, the public drinking water source for 200,000 residents in the greater Portland area. The river is a uniting natural feature that passes through the land trusts’ service areas.

The land trusts are committed to dramatically accelerating the pace of land conservation in the watershed. An Aggregation strategy is being formed in an effort to conserve a large fraction of the forest land through acquisition of land or conservation easements from willing landowners, emphasizing those parcels that are most significant for protecting water quality. Aggregation is a technique identified in “Wildlands and Woodlands; A

Focusing On The Crooked RiverVision for the New England Landscape.” It involves collaborative conservation with multiple organizations working on many projects simultaneously to provide an economy of scale while protecting a critical mass of productive forestland.

A feasibility study, commissioned by the land trusts and conducted by Sage Advisors, is underway to determine how much public support and funding may exist for such an ambitious concept. If the study shows positive results, the organizations will lead a multi-year effort to protect thousands of acres in the Crooked River watershed using the Aggregation strategy. The land trusts would collectively raise the capital needed to partner with willing landowners to conserve their land. The watershed conservation work will benefit the public and private drinking water resources in Western Maine to the City of Portland.

8 Depot St., Ste 4Bridgton, Maine 04009Address service requested

The Crooked river provides 40% of the annual flow into

Sebago Lake, the public drinking water source for 200,000 residents in the

greater Portland area.

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Edes Falls along the Crooked River in Naples.