BIDDEFORD — As Saco Valley Land Trust celebrates its 30-year anniversary, the trust is announcing the first acquisition of its new Conservation Bridge Project, an effort to link 12 easement and fee parcels that it has already conserved within the state-designated Biddeford/Kennebunkport
Vernal Pool Complex.
Located in the area around the intersection of West Street and Guinea Road in Biddeford, these 12 lots or easements were acquired through donations by landowners, developers and the City, through private foundation funding and federal grants: around 500 acres.
SVLT holds, in total, 32 parcels in fee or under easement (1,000 acres) in Biddeford, Saco and Buxton.
Because of its unique geological characteristics, the Vernal Pool Complex is ideal habitat for many species of concern, including reptiles, amphibians, and migrating water- and song-birds. Its wetlands filter water into the Little and Batson Rivers.
Along with wetlands, brooks and tributaries are forested uplands that reforested after the 1947 fire, and fields that are remnants of a farming past.
Along with habitat protection, SVLT will practice careful forest management to improve forest health and provide funds for land stewardship into the future.
The newly acquired 40-acre parcel, and a planned acquisition of an adjoining 50 acres, have received foundation support from the Davis Conservation Foundation and Fields Pond Foundation, as well as a donation from Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution.
In the coming months, Saco Valley Land Trust will be reaching out to local businesses and residents, asking for financial support of this project. For more information concerning the Conservation Bridge Project or to make a donation visit sacovalleylandtrust.org.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
