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Otisfield moves to secure Moose Pond Community Forest access and funding
Summary
The Town of Otisfield agreed to grant a 60-foot easement and heard that Land for Maine's Future has approved $255,000 for acquisition of an 85‑acre Moose Pond parcel; additional grants totaling $79,000 were reported, and the town loan to the land trust would be repaid or forgiven upon LWCF approval or property transfer.
Lee Dassler, program director, and Korey Morgan, executive director of the Western Foothills Land Trust, told the Otisfield Select Board on April 1 that the Land for Maine's Future program approved 50% of the appraised value for the Moose Pond Community Forest project — $255,000 — and that five smaller grants totaling $79,000 have been secured to cover due diligence and acquisition costs. The presenters said they anticipate closing on the 85‑acre parcel no later than June 30, 2026.
The presenters reported that an on‑site review involving Lee Dassler, Chairman Hal Ferguson and a surveyor identified the need for public access from Hidden Lake Road and Fox Run. To secure that access the Select Board unanimously approved a motion (mover: Hal Ferguson; seconder: Rick Micklon) to grant an easement on town‑owned property extending from Fox Run Lane to the project site, with a maximum width of 60 feet.
Presenters outlined a three‑part financing plan: the Land for Maine's Future award, additional funds solicited by the Western Foothills Land Trust (amount not specified in the record), and a loan from the Town of Otisfield. The board was told the town loan would be repaid or forgiven if the town's application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is approved or if the land trust transfers the parcel to the town. The Land Trust stated it hopes to transfer the property to the town by late 2026 or early 2027; management would be town‑driven with ongoing support from the land trust.
The board also voted unanimously to accept the land trust's presentation (mover: Rick Micklon; seconder: Frank “Buddy” Blauvelt Jr.). The presenters said they plan to submit the LWCF grant application by the end of June.
