River~Link: One big step closer to filling in the gap!

Because of you, we are a big step closer to protecting this special property forever!

We are thrilled to share with you the news that with your help, Damariscotta River Association (now Coastal Rivers) has secured an option to purchase the 178-acre Louderback Property at the heart of the River~Link* corridor in Newcastle and Edgecomb (see map below).

What’s more, we’ve just learned DRA has been awarded a grant that will get us 85% of the way to conserving the land permanently. We are that close to finalizing the remaining link in this incredible conservation and recreation corridor.

Your commitment to the River and our community has made it possible to create this string of protected properties that extends for almost six miles. Where else can you walk for three and a half hours here in Midcoast Maine and not cross a road or hear a car?

Not only does this project carry great recreational value, it is also critical wildlife habitat and of great importance to water quality in the watershed.

Your support is vital to our conservation work in the Damariscotta River Region. Thank you!

Conservation of the Louderback Property is a win for…

A Wildlife Corridor

The Louderback parcel lies at the center of the largest unfragmented forest block on the Boothbay peninsula – nearly 5,000 acres. Conservation on this scale allows large mammals, such as bobcat, moose, bear and deer, to thrive. At right: Bobcat kittens (photo by Summer Tribble)

Water Quality

Extensive wetlands on the property flow into the Sherman Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Newcastle. Protecting this area from development contributes directly to water quality in the Marsh and Sheepscot Rivers. At left: Aerial view of Sherman Marsh (photo courtesy of Lincoln County News)

Specialized Habitat

Designated by the State of Maine as significant habitat for waterfowl and wading birds, the Louderback property is occupied by at least 46 species of birds. Fully half of these are listed either as Endandered or of Special Concern. At right: Black throated green warbler (photo by Dan Pancamo)

Trails & Recreation

The property will be managed as part of a preserve that is accessible to the public. Louderback is the “golden spike” completing the River~Link Trail, which extends unbroken along the spine of the peninsula for five and a half miles. Photo by Darryn T. Kaymen

*River~Link is a partnership among land trusts, towns and state agencies, including Damariscotta River Association (DRA), Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT), Midcoast Conservancy (MC), Town of Newcastle, Town of Edgecomb Schmid Preserve, Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands (BPL), Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW), Lands for Maine’s Future (LMF), Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP), and numerous private landowners and foundations.