The
Land
- The
Kennebec Highlands encompass the most significant mountain
range in central Maine. Views
from the tops of these mountains are among the best in the state.
In addition, the Kennebec Highlands comprise the entire view
shed as one looks west from Belgrade Lakes.
- The
establishment of a 6,100-acre undeveloped preserve in this area
will represent a remarkable achievement of open space protection
in one of the most rapidly-growing parts of the State
of Maine.
- The
project area includes five undeveloped
ponds, a scarce resource in central Maine, and more than
1,800 feet of frontage on Long Pond, which has very little shoreline
in public ownership.
- The
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has identified
important deer and wetland habitat
throughout the project area and considers it to be
an important undeveloped habitat for many species of wildlife.
- The
Maine Natural Areas Program has identified the Kennebec Highlands
as an important area for preservation. Due to its large, continuous
area it provides an important home to many species that
require uninterrupted habitat.
- Currently,
residents of Belgrade, Rome, Vienna, Mount Vernon, New Sharon,
Farmington and the greater Augusta-Waterville area must travel
a considerable distance to gain access to public recreation
lands. The Kennebec Highlands will correct this deficiency,
providing public access to a vast array of outstanding recreation
opportunities currently in great demand in the region.
Trails
for Hiking, Skiing, Biking
& Horseback Riding
More
than 18 miles of old logging roads and informal trails traverse
the Kennebec Highlands, providing hikers, mountain-bikers, horseback
riders and cross-country skiers opportunities for both short trips
and extended outings. Six of the mountains and hills in the Kennebec
Highlands provide scenic vistas of the surrounding lakes as well
as of distant mountains. The panoramic views from the top of Vienna
Mountain are among the best in the state. Trails also follow streams
through mountain valleys and ravines, access remote ponds, and
wind through scenic forest stands and around blueberry barrens.
Most current trail use is by knowledgeable local residents who
can find their way around on their own. A more formal trail system
with maintained trails, signs and maps will be established as
part of the required Management and Access Plans. The topography
of the Kennebec Highlands will lend itself to the creation of
loop trails, ranging in length from one to eight hours of hiking,
with some designated and suitable for single-purpose and others
for multiple use.
Boating
& Canoeing
The
Kennebec Highlands include two parcels of undeveloped shore frontage
on Long Pond, totaling more than half a mile and offering excellent
opportunities for boaters, hikers and picnickers. From the village
of Belgrade Lakes, one can canoe directly across the pond to a
picnic site, then set off to explore the Highlands.
In addition, there are a total of five miles of completely undeveloped
frontage on Round, Kidder and Mclntire Ponds.
Fishing
& Hunting
Mclntire
Pond has produced very good growth rates for brook trout and is
stocked each year with spring yearlings. Mclntire, Round and the
other ponds in the Kennebec Highlands are popular with anglers
interested in a remote fishing experience. In addition, more than
four miles of perennial streams run through the area.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile clubs in Rome, Mt. Vernon and Vienna utilize and maintain
about 10 miles of trails in the Kennebec Highlands, drawing snowmobilers
from the area to York Hill, just north of the Kennebec Highlands
and connecting with international trails into Canada.
Picnicking
& Nature Study
The Kennebec Highlands include extensive frontage along paved
and gravel roads, offering opportunities for the establishment
of areas for picnicking and day use. Development of an 80-acre
parcel on Long Pond as an Environmental Education and Visitors
Center, as well as for a variety of day use activities, is a particularly
attractive possibility. Picnic sites could be set up near the
shore and short trails established nearby. Access to the area
could be by both road and water. No such facility currently exists
in the Belgrade Lakes region.
Camping
A number of informal camp sites are scattered about the Kennebec
Highlands, mostly in conjunction with its remote ponds. With proper
management, a system of simple camp sites could be established,
accessible by trail, to provide remote camping opportunities for
individuals, families, and area youth groups. Such opportunities
are not available to the public anywhere else in the region.
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