The Project

From the top of McGaffey Mountain — the highest point in Kennebec County — you can see for miles in every direction. To the south and west, the White Mountains of New Hampshire peek through the clouds. On a clear day, you can also see all the way to Mount Katahdin to the north, and the Camden Hills to the east, on the Maine coast. Even more dramatic, as they spread out in the valleys that skirt the eastern side of the Highlands are the Belgrade Lakes.

Nestled between these hills are miles of pristine streams, acres of wetlands and five undeveloped ponds which glimmer in the sunlight like gems in a crown. This region — encompassing more than 6,100 acres — is known as the Kennebec Highlands. The area is blanketed with hardwood and mixed-wood forests, interrupted only by blueberry barrens, streams and marshes. The varied topography provides a home for moose, deer, bear, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, turkeys, waterfowl and other wildlife. For years, residents and summer visitors alike have appreciated this area for its excellent outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain-biking, horseback riding, snow-mobiling and cross-country skiing.

One significant feature of the Kennebec Highlands is its location — in the middle of central Maine — within 15 miles of Augusta, Waterville and Farmington and only a little more than one hour from Bangor and Portland. The opportunity to assemble such a large block of conservation land, in an area of the state where the land-base is becoming increasingly fragmented, could not be overlooked. The pressure of encroaching developement was already being felt as the Kennebec Highlands project was started and began to grow. There was no time to waste in protecting its irreplaceable natural scenic, wildlife and recreational opportunities and resources, both for present use and future generations.

The Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance (BRCA), already committed to conserving important natural areas in the Belgrade Lakes region — well-known as the physical location that inspired the play and book, "On Golden Pond," by Ernest Thompson — launched this initiative in the spring of 1999. The Land for Maine's Future Program has granted $2,000,000 toward this project and BRCA is working hard to raise the final $90,000 needed for the required 50% local match. Continuing fund-raising, contributions and grants — together with increasing volunteer efforts and labor — will be used in support of access and resources protection, improvements and perpetual stewardship.