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East Windham Conservation Project
What's New
- East Windham Conservation Project approved for LWCF funding.
- East Windham Conservation Area Sneak Preview Walk, Sunday, November 20, 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. Go to www.prlt.org/events to register.
- The Land Trust is leading the private funding effort. To learn more and support the East Windham Conservation Project go to: www.prlt.org/east-windham-project.
- The project is expanding to 750+ acres, with one more adjacent land owner agreeing to conserve their land, growing the project by 85 acres.
- At Town Meeting on June 18th voters approved the bond (paid for with open space impact fees) to match state grant funds
- East Windham Conservation Project selected for Land for Maine's Future funding
- Missed the May 31st Community Meeting? View the Meeting Recording, Presentation Slides, Concept Plans
- Thanks to the 900 people that responded to our survey! View the Survey Results
- Missed the site walks? Take a Virtual Map Tour of the property
- Please note that this land is private property. Please do not visit this land on your own time.
- Final Draft Concept Plan:
The project will have multiple phases, the first phase of this project is envisioned to include a year-round parking area, a 1-mile universal access trail to 3 viewpoint destinations, and a 10-mile trail system. The second phase of this project is envisioned to include an observation tower on the top of Atherton Hill (where the former fire tower stood in the 1900s) and the second mile of a universal access trail that will lead to the future observation tower. The second phase of this project is planned to be completed in five years.
Background Information
The Town of Windham, in partnership with the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, proposes to conserve 750+ acres of land in East Windham, off Falmouth Road. The forested land has approximately 1,545 feet of water frontage on Little Duck Pond and directly abuts over 1,000 acres of other conserved land in Windham and Falmouth. This acquisition would conserve a large unfragmented habitat block in Greater Portland and protect water quality of threatened waterbodies. An access road, parking areas and trails for outdoor education and recreation will connect to abutting conserved land. Uses will include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and hunting. A sweeping overlook will provide scenic view to the White Mountains.The project will have multiple phases, the second phase of this project is envisioned to include an observation tower on the top of Atherton Hill (where the former fire tower stood in the 1900s) and the second mile of a universal access trail that will lead to the future observation tower. The second phase of this project is planned to be completed in five years.
Scenic Viewpoint at Little Duck Pond:
Scenic Viewpoint looking West on Woods Road (photo credit Ted Anderson):
Atherton Hill 60' Fire Tower, installed 1946, removed 2000 (photo 1991):