Judy Fossel of Alna has donated to SVCA four acres of her property bordering the Sheepscot, with a river frontage of 480 feet. The parcel directly adjoins the south side of the Bass Falls Preserve already owned by SVCA, and will permit extension in the coming year of a walking trail through the newly acquired property from the existing Bass Falls trails.

With this and pending purchases and easements, all part of its "Heart of the Watershed" campaign, SVCA plans by the end of 2006 to have ensured the protection of over two miles of shoreline on each side of this section of the river, which the state of Maine has designated a focus area of its Maine Natural Areas Program. The program's aim is to protect rare and endangered species in the state.

Besides constituting an essential link in the state's salmon restoration project for the Sheepscot, this section of the river is home to a number of exceedingly rare mudplant species. Abundant bird life is found along the river here, from bald eagles and ospreys to ruffed grouse, wild turkeys and many songbirds, while bass and brook trout are found in the waters.

Fossel, who walks her dogs on her land daily, says she had always planned to preserve her part of the Sheepscot shoreline, which because of its configuration and because of state and town restrictions on development near the river, in fact has limited current economic potential. But she found that if she donated her shoreline parcel to SVCA, she could permanently ensure preservation of the land in its natural state, and at the same time reduce her property tax bill.

"Another advantage to having SVCA own the property," Fossel said, "is that they'll put paths through it, and make the land accessible to everybody. They're doing wonderful things. I'm glad to have people use that land."

A small parking area and information kiosk for the Bass Falls Preserve adjoining the Fossel property is located 1/4 mile south of the Alna Store on Route 218, on the east side of the road.

SVCA is a land trust and advocacy organization that for over 30 years has worked to protect the natural and historic resources of the Sheepscot River watershed.

For more information on the association's work and activities, and on the location of SVCA preserves, visit online at www.sheepscot.org.