Trail projects in Skowhegan underway as part of master plan

Dr. Ann Dorney walks through Malbon’s Woods at Parsons Family Preserve in Skowhegan in May 2022. Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel Rich File

SKOWHEGAN — Two projects underway in Skowhegan are the latest additions to a network of trails established in a master plan aimed at boosting the region’s economy.

Dr. Ann Dorney plants a red maple tree in May 2022 as she works to redevelop the Wesserunsett Stream Preserve, which is adjacent to the Parsons Family Preserve in Skowhegan. Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel Rich File

The Somerset Woods Trustees are working on several trail relocation projects at Wesserunsett Stream Preserve and infrastructure upgrades at Parsons Family Preserve. The Somerset County-based nonprofit land trust and the Main Street Skowhegan economic development nonprofit announced the projects in a joint news release Thursday.

“We don’t just protect the land or work independently,” Rachel Cheatham-McFadden, stewardship coordinator for the Somerset Woods Trustees, said in the release. “We are building a lasting legacy of connection and community between our reserves, the people of this community and the ecosystems of the Earth we all love so much.”

At Wesserunsett Stream Preserve, a 40-acre wooded area off Evergreen Drive near Malbons Mills Road, the trail relocation project aims to reduce mental and physical barriers for first-time hikers and families, prevent trail erosion, and protect wood turtle habitat, press release. said. The work is funded by grants from Somerset Public Health’s Move More Kids Program and the LL Bean Maine Land Trust.

At the Parsons Family Preserve, a 27-acre field on Malbons Mills Road, the group is building an eight-vehicle parking lot and a fence that will protect a pollinator conservation project, the news release said.

Several local organizations use Conceptual map of Skowhegan area trails to guide their work, organizers said.

The plan, commissioned by Main Street Skowhegan in 2022, was completed in January. Funding from the Maine Community Foundation supported its development.

“Skowhegan’s location on the Kennebec River with adjacent wooded parcels positions the community as a place for outdoor recreation,” Kristina Cannon, president and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan, said in the release. “We commissioned the trail master plan not only to identify potential new projects, but also to improve existing trail networks.”

The Millinocket Outdoor Sports Institute engaged with more than a dozen organizations in the Skowhegan area to develop the master plan. These include the city’s Park and Recreation Department, Maine School District 54, Lake George Regional Park, the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and the New Balance Foundation, among others.

The consulting group also reviewed existing trails around Skowhegan, visiting each area and analyzing GIS data.

Finally, the plan recommends specific plans and priorities for 60 miles of new trails, including bike lanes, sidewalks and other related infrastructure.

“By creating accessible trail systems near downtown, schools, homes and businesses,” the plan concludes, “partners can elevate Skowhegan from a simple recreation town to a renowned outdoor recreation center that draws visitors from the whole country and country.”

Among other major outdoor recreation projects in Skowhegan is river parkformerly known as the Run of River, which includes riverfront development in downtown Skowhegan, whitewater kayaking waves in the Kennebec River and improved river access. Organizers have already secured millions for its construction, and work on the river section is expected to begin in 2025, pending approval of federal permits.

Meanwhile, the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, is building a new headquarters for its track crew in Skowhegan. Improvements to facilities at Lake George Regional Park in Skowhegan and Canaan, aim to sustainably expand the use of the parkpark management said earlier this year.

Cannon, of Main Street Skowhegan, said he expects these types of projects to have more benefits for the community — not just economic.

“With the river park, riverside amenities and an expanded trail system, we expect to see improved health and wellness outcomes in the region, as well as increased sales at local businesses,” she said in a statement.

Advocates like Cannon and Cheatham-McFadden are asking Maine voters to approve a $30 million bond for runway development. The referendum will appear as Question 4 in Tuesday’s election.

“The trail master plan has identified a number of future projects in Skowhegan that could benefit from bond financing,” Cannon said in a statement. “Skowhegan Partners is eager to collaborate and bring these projects to life for the benefit of the community and the economy.”