Projects

Caribou-Bog Penjajawoc Project

Imagine a swath of open space from Bangor to Hudson on the east side of Pushaw Lake—more than 16,000 acres. Imagine that trails weave among tall pines, oaks and spruce, near wetlands and uplands where wildlife is free to roam. The Bangor Land Trust has joined with the Orono Land Trust to make that dream come true. For the last several years, local Land Trusts, Municipalities, State government departments, the University of Maine and others have joined forces to apply for grants from Land for Maine's Future Program, Outdoor Heritage Fund, and others to acquire land and/or easements that will connect previously conserved lands in this large corridor. This long-term effort will change the nature of the greater Bangor area providing unique recreation and natural areas at our front door. Exciting opportunities like this are rare and the Bangor Land Trust is working diligently to bring this major project to fruition.

Penjajawoc Marsh-Bangor Mall Commission

Bangor Land Trust holds three positions on the 15-member panel comprised of representatives from five interest groups: landowners, land trusts, environmental groups, city officials and commercial developers. It was established through the recommendation of the Penjajawoc Marsh-Bangor Mall Area Stakeholders Task Force and has been meeting regularly since November 2005. The commission's job is to develop a management and access plan for the ecologically sensitive Penjajawoc Stream and Marsh.

Bangor Trails

For several years, residents, business owners, and city planners have been urging Bangor to develop a public trail system. After months of planning, Bangor Land Trust and Keep Bangor Beautiful launched Bangor Trails with a successful kickoff presentation in March 2006. We have since partnered with the City of Bangor to develop and implement the Bangor Trails vision. The goal of Bangor Trails is to create a multiple-use trail system for the City of Bangor and surrounding communities. We are planning for many uses—running, walking, biking, dog walking, skiing, and many more—as long as these uses do not harm the environment or prevent other users from enjoying the trails. With an established trail system, Bangor area residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the city and experience the trail system's many benefits. There is great potential not only for recreation, but also for daily commuting, shopping, education, and exercise. View Initial Report presented to the Bangor City Council on 9/22/2008.

Focus Species Forestry

As one of a dozen local groups chosen to partner with Maine Audubon for the Focus Species Forestry project, Bangor Land Trust will be establishing a forest management plan for Walden-Parke Preserve. The project establishes management plans that protect wildlife while providing timber, recreation, clean water or other benefits. A representative group of wildlife found in sensitive habitats help guide these principles. These Community Forests will serve as models of ecologically responsible forestry for other communities and landowners in Maine who wish to achieve these multiple, compatible goals.