Posted on September 23, 2020
Cobscook Shores, a new system of parks scattered along the coast of eastern Maine, will celebrate its grand opening on Memorial Day 2021.
A number of the properties, however, are already open for the public to enjoy.
Covering more than 13.5 miles of Down East coastline, the parklands currently consist of 14 separate properties scattered from Whiting to Lubec. These separate preserves feature about 8 miles of trails, as well as boat launches, picnic areas, campsites and other amenities for recreationists.
The $11 million project was funded by the Butler Conservation Fund, a private family foundation based in New York. The foundation also recently spent $26 million building Penobscot River Trails, a state-of-the-art system of trails for cross-country skiing, biking and walking near Millinocket.
“Both of our Maine projects include trails, bridges and a variety of features that are beautifully designed to last 100 years and are easily accessible for walking, bicycles and even baby carriages,” said Carl Carlson, Butler Conservation Fund’s chief operating officer.
The Cobscook Shores project began about four years ago, when the Butler Conservation Fund began purchasing parcels of land along the Maine coast. The organization’s founder, environmental philanthropist Gilbert Butler, grew up spending his summers in Northeast Harbor. He fell in love with the Cobscook Bay region decades ago, when introduced to it by a friend, Carlson said.
Though work is still being done to improve Cobscook Shores properties, 11 of the 14 preserves have opened to visitors throughout the summer. Three of the properties remain closed as trails are being developed and important features such as parking lots and outhouses are added.
“Right now, everything kind of soft open,” Carlson said. “All the gates are open [on 11 properties]. Trails are available. Porta potties are open. Everythings available for use right now … There’s still a little detail work that needs to be done and still small construction projects here and there.”
Source: coastalnewstoday
