We’re hopping with excitement to share we’ve been awarded two grants that will fund the next round of improvements to the new accessible trail at Castner Brook Community Forest in Damariscotta, which was constructed this past fall. Located minutes from downtown Damariscotta and adjacent to a new 70-bed nursing home, Castner Brook offers accessible natural experiences for older adults, people using mobility devices, and families.
The first grant is an award of $8,500 through the L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program, which Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) administers. Entering its 21st year, the program continues L.L. Bean’s long-standing commitment to support public access, habitat protection, and outdoor recreation across the state of Maine, bringing total funding to $558,750 for 129 projects since 2004. Coastal Rivers is one of nine land trusts across the state to receive this year’s award.
The Maine Land Trust funding will make it possible for us to build a fully ADA-compliant entrance to the trail, including a six-vehicle parking area with dedicated van-accessible spaces.
The the second grant comes from the first round of Maine Trails Program grants, just announced by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Coastal Rivers will receive $138,000 to build a bridge over Castner Brook, creating year-round access and a connection to the new mountain bike trail. This project is one of 44 being funded across 15 counties to boost trail access, connectivity, and outdoor recreation across Maine.
Created by the Maine Legislature and approved by voters as Question 4 on the November 2024 ballot, and administered by the BPL, the $30 million Maine Trails bond created the Maine Trails Program, a statewide initiative dedicated to supporting the design, construction, and rehabilitation of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Through 2034, the program will award up to $7.5 million annually, leveraging at least $3 million per year in matching public and private contributions.
Both projects will kick off next spring!
