This year, we have worked diligently to preserve an important 31-acre piece of property on McDonald Road. Early in 2009, the Trust was contacted about the possibility of purchasing property located next to the town-owned Elizabeth and Ruby Cohen Woodlands Estate. The parcel constitutes the headwaters of Cabin Brook, which flows west eventually joining three other rivers before flowing into the Salmon River. Since the property is also situated within the town’s aquifer, the trust realized the environmental value of this land and its potential to protect the quality of Colchester’s water. Additionally, this land could expand the protected Cohen Woodlands to over 148 acres so it was determined that the town would be the best owner. We negotiated a “bargain sale” price for the town that was $30,000 less than the appraised value, and following a favorable town meeting, voters approved the purchase of the property. Colchester Land Trust agreed to contribute $42,500 toward the purchase. We were awarded a one-year, no-interest loan from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and we are in the process of fundraising to satisfy the loan. The property is now permanently protected in the deed and limited to “passive recreation and education.”

Colchester Land Trust needs to raise $50,000 in 12 months to replace our
Land Acquisition Funds used to secure our loan. To make a contribution
in recognition of our support of the Cohen Woodlands property addition,
CLICK HERE!