East Windham Conservation Project

What's New

ALA - EAST WINDHAM CONSERVATION PROJECT- 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.


An aerical image map showing the property boundary of the proposed East Windham Conservation Project

Scenic Viewpoint at Little Duck Pond:Little Duck Pond

Scenic Viewpoint looking West on Woods Road (photo credit Ted Anderson):View from scenic lookout


Atherton Hill 60' Fire Tower, installed 1946, removed 2000 (photo 1991): Atherton Hill Fire Tower (1991)


Project Schedule

January 2022
- Steering Committee Meeting - January 27 5pm Zoom (Agenda)
February
- Community Meeting (hybrid) - Wednesday FEBRUARY 16 6:30PM at Council Chambers & ZOOM (Presentation Slides)
March 

April 
- Apply for Land for Land for Maine’s Future State Grant Program for matching funds to conserve the land (4/1)
- Steering Committee Meeting - April 6 6pm Zoom (Agenda)
- Town-wide Survey - April 22-May 6 - View Survey Results
- Site Walk opportunities Thursday April 28 3:30pm and Sunday May 1 12:00pm 
-  Virtual Map Tour
May 
- Steering Committee Meeting - May 18 6pm Zoom (Agenda)
- LMF Awards 5/26 - View Governor Mills' press release of selected projects
- Community Meeting (hybrid) - Tuesday May 31 6:30pm at Council Chambers & ZOOM (Meeting RecordingPresentation SlidesConcept Plans)
June 
- Town Meeting (6/18) - Vote for bond to support project that would be paid for by open space impact fees
July 
   - Apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund to help fund building out the recreational opportunities (7/1)
Summer 2022
   - Presumpscot Regional Land Trust will lead private funding.  Click here to learn more and support the project.
November 
  - Site Walk opportunity - Sunday November 20 12:00pm.  Go to www.prlt.org/events to register. 
Winter 2023
   - Steering Committee Meeting
   - Close on property
   - Finalize management plan
2023
   - Grand opening of the project 
2024
   - Expansion of recreational amenities

Questions? 
Contact Us

Linda Brooks
Parks & Recreation Director
Email
(207) 892-1905

Amanda Lessard
Planning Director
Email
(207) 894-5960 Ext. 2


Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.