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Description

The forest's entire eastern boundary is defined by nearly 3,000' of frontage on a major bend in the Saco River in Fryeburg, Maine, offering easy access for boating, fishing and swimming. Approximately 27 acres along the river corridor are designated as "Floodplain Forest" and are off-limits to timber harvesting. The remaining acreage is moderately well-drained, with gentle topography, and is available for long-term forest management. Timber species include white pine, red oak, and a mix of northern hardwoods.
 

Primary Conservation Objectives

Saco River floodplain is an irreplaceable ecoregional portfolio conservation area with several conservation targets found nowhere else and a large and excellent condition example of a floodplain system. It also represents a good opportunity to protect large blocks of representative forest. The Saco River itself is a high priority within the aquatic portfolio in Maine because of its size and excellent intact condition. Priority conservation targets include Saco River mainstem upstream of Hiram Dam, forested floodplain, non-forested floodplain including Long's Bulrush and rare dragonflies, riverwash barrens, contiguous upland blocks, priority tributaries including native fish and rare invertebrates.
 

Biodiversity Highlights

Saco River frontage and floodplain forest.

Easements and Restrictions

A conservation easement will be held by the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, an established regional land trust that promotes land conservation and sustainable forest management through the Upper Saco River Valley. The spirit, intent and language of the easement supports a reasonable level of professional forestry discretion as it relates to third party certification standards. The conservation easement allows for a 5-acre building lot located along the town-maintained Menotomy Road. Power and utilities are within a reasonable distance from the last year-round residence. Granite stone walls border two sides of the lot and the perimeter has been surveyed, with boundaries clearly marked. The terrain is moderately sloping and well-drained and offers several building options. With some tree clearing, long-distance views of the White Mountains may be possible.