Land Trust Accepts Donation of Critical Land in Jersey Bog.
March 27, 2012
The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) has closed on its acquisition of 20 acres of land in Buckfield in its Jersey Bog Conservation Area. As part of mitigation for the impact of its planned new store location in Turner Village, Hannaford partnered with ALT to identify high quality wetland areas to conserve that were proximate to the Nezinscot River. This effort led to the upstream area around Jersey Bog, where ALT now conserves 615 acres.
The Jersey Bog ecosystem is part of a 5000-acre Focus Area designated by the board of ALT due to its statewide ecological significance. In addition to a diverse wetland complex, the Maine Natural Areas Program identifies Jersey Bog as containing an exemplary Northern White Cedar Swamp as well as a state-listed rare plant species and critical deer wintering areas. This new parcel protects important shoreline along Lincoln Pond and some of the most critical sections of the cedar swamp.
“Even in times of limited public funding to conserve some of our region’s most unique ecological areas, innovative partnerships like this help advance shared interests,” states Jonathan LaBonte, ALT executive director. “The willingness of Hannaford to work with us to identify high value conservation options as they permitted their new store and plans to bring significant jobs to the region is a win-win.”
This Hannaford partnership continues recent momentum in Jersey Bog. Early in 2011, ALT had completed a conservation project in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to protect a nearby 185 acre parcel that is now owned by the Small Woodlands Owners Association of Maine.
The Androscoggin Land Trust protects important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experiences within the Androscoggin River watershed by promoting stewardship and supporting a network of public and privately held conservation land. We currently conserve nearly 4,850 acres of land, including over ten miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River.