Fall Community Paddle
September 25, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Jonathan P. LaBonte, Executive Director
Androscoggin Land Trust and Chisholm Trails
Office: (207) 782-2302,
Cell: (207) 577-5356
info@androscogginlandtrust.org
Celebrating the Community in the Fall, on the Androscoggin
Owners of Otis Ventures, LLC and the local group Chisholm Trails co-sponsor paddle to highlight ongoing trail and river recreation projects
Jay, Maine - Nearly two and a half years ago, news broke that the Otis Paper Mill was to be permanently closed. After more than a century as the dominant feature of the downtown riverfront landscape, it was unclear what the future might hold. However, under its new, local owners, Mary Howes and Tim DeMillo, an exciting chapter in the complex's history is beginning to unfold and it involves an entirely different use of the Androscoggin River. This Sunday, the day after the Apple-Pumpkin Festival just downstream in Livermore Falls, a community paddle will be held starting at the Otis Mill
Under a project first proposed last year to extend the 17-mile Whistle Stop Trail south though the Otis Mill and to Bridge Street in Livermore Falls, Otis Ventures and Chisholm Trails considered bringing access to the Androscoggin River for paddling and fishing to the site. Previously there was no good way to access the short stretch of river between the Otis Dam (at the Mill) and the Jay Dam upstream (at Pine Island).
Paddlers will explore the scenic Androscoggin River that sits between the Otis Falls Mill and Pine Island in Jay, a section nestled away from busy Route 4. This one and a half hour round trip paddle will explore the forested shoreline, provide a view of the community few have enjoyed, and include a discussion of future recreation planning for the area.
After the paddle, all visitors will be treated to a picnic lunch complements of the sponsor of the event, Otis Ventures.
Event Details:
Sunday September 25th - 11 AM
Start at Otis Mill, end of Mill Street in Jay (off Route 4)
End time projected to be 1 PM
The Androscoggin Land Trust is a membership supported land conservation organization dedicated to protecting, through land conservation and stewardship, the important natural areas, traditional landscapes and outdoor experience in the Androscoggin River watershed. ALT currently conserves over 4,750 acres. Chisholm Trails, a program of the Androscoggin Land Trust, has organized to lead an effort to build the "Riverfront School Trail" in Jay and Livermore Falls