Land Trust conserves East Grand Lake island

The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust has purchased scenic Greenland Island, in East Grand Lake. The purchase was undertaken for the benefit of the general public – the aesthetic and recreational enjoyment of all lake users. The land trust is committed to conserving the natural character of East Grand Lake for today’s and future generations.     Located near the Greenland Point Landing in the Town of Danforth, Greenland Island has long served as a place where local residents and visitors can enjoy a quiet respite under its dense forest canopy, while enjoying the expansive view across the lake. Sporting over one-half mile of rugged, undeveloped, forested shoreline, the island also contributes greatly to the natural beauty of East Grand Lake.
To ensure that this local landmark will forever provide public benefit, and that development rights are extinguished, the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust has responded to the property’s appearance on the real estate market by purchasing it with a mortgage loan from Machias Savings Bank. Soon the land trust will be commencing a fundraising campaign to repay the loan, create a small stewardship fund, and cover other related project expenses. While the island’s management plan is not yet complete, a key goal will be to provide the greatest long-term benefit to the public possible while keeping an important feature of the local landscape natural.
The Woodie Wheaton Land Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve the land and waters of the Chiputneticook chain of lakes for public benefit. Operating on a willing buyer/willing seller basis, it is the only local land trust serving northeastern Washington and southern Aroostook counties. The land trust’s past accomplishments include the conservation of U.S side of Spednic Lake and many miles along the St. Croix River corridor for the public’s use and enjoyment.
Further information is available by calling the land trust office at 319-7652.