The Driveway The driveway is tucked in close to the side of the farmhouse. It continues down a hill, leading, eventually to the entrance to the property. (Photo Paula Gibbs)

The announcement was made by Maine Yankee's Chief Nuclear Officer Mike Meisner at the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) January 16. Negotiations with Chewonki for the transfer of the so-called Eaton Farm property are underway.

As part of Maine Yankee's 1998 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rate case, officials at the closed nuclear power plant agreed to donate the property to a nonprofit organization and to make a $200,000 contribution to the organization.

According to the settlement agreement the property is to be used to create a nature preserve and environmental education center, and to provide public access of coastal lands in the mid coast region.

The property is located off the Ready Point Road, which starts at the Ferry Road. An old farmhouse sits on a hillside overlooking the shores of the Back River. Other buildings on the property include a large storage shed and a barn that also overlooks the water.

Maine Yankee received two other proposals -- one from the town of Wiscasset, and the other from the Atlantic Center for Environmental Policy Dialogue.

"If Maine Yankee and Chewonki reach an agreement, the Eaton Farm property will be donated to the Chewonki Foundation," Meisner said.

According to background information included in the proposal submitted by Chewonki, the foundation manages over 500 acres of land in Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties.

It is a nonprofit educational institution organized in 1962, serving people of all ages throughout the year by providing educational experiences in indoor and outdoor classrooms.

Among the provisions included in Chewonki's proposal are: establishing an annual environmental forum; convening a forum to guide the long-term program for the property, involving representatives from state, local, and regional not-for-profit organizations with strong interests in the environment and education, schools, colleges, and groups interested in economic development, including established businesses and entrepreneurs; rehabilitating the existing farmhouse and barns, and constructing and maintaining appropriate facilities; providing public access to the land, including the waterfront, with the assistance of the town of Wiscasset, local and regional environmental organizations, and state agencies; trails will be maintained for daytime use, and overnight camping will be continued through agreements with organizations and agencies, including the Boy Scouts; involvement with the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association in the development of a plan for the nature preserve.

Chewonki's proposal calls for putting the $200,000 from Maine Yankee into an endowment to support the management and program activities at the Eaton Farm.

Maine Yankee requested and received an early release of the Eaton Farm from their license to make this award.