Combined efforts of a team from the Maine Conservation Corps and volunteers from the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SCVA) have brought major improvements to the mile and a half of trails on SVCA's Whitefield Salmon Preserve. The 56-acre preserve is located at the scenically spectacular and environmentally important confluence of the West Branch and main stem of the Sheepscot River, and includes over 4,000 feet of river frontage.  It is accessed via the Howe Road in Whitefield.

The work on the preserve took place November 13-15 when members of the Conservation Corps worked with six SVCA volunteers to install three bog bridges, six small plank spans, one stone-and-wood stepping stone passage, and complete a small stoned gully project at one spot to minimize potential high flow runoff into the West Branch.  The completed projects will considerably ease hiking in the preserve in all seasons by spanning several wet spots, while mitigating the impacts that usage by hikers can cause through trail erosion from overuse and the resultant runoff.

The N.C. Hunt Company of Jefferson contributed lumber for the projects, David Lieser, an SVCA Board Member from Wiscasset, donated cedar posts, and Paris Farmers Union of Winthrop provided the nails.  SVCA's Lands Director Tish Carr managed the operation. 

None of this work would have been possible without these donations and a grant from Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation Service (KCSWCD).  SVCA and KCSWCD have partnered on a number of projects in the Sheepscot Watershed including a continuing program to test the water quality of the fresh water section of the river for bacteria and other factors important for the survival of Atlantic salmon and other aquatics and projects like the one just completed to reduce non-point source pollution impacts such as road runoff and erosion.  The partnerships and synergy that are created from these projects helps make them an even greater success for all involved. 

SVCA maintains five preserves open to the public: Bass Falls in Alna, Griggs Preserve and the Marsh River Preserve in Newcastle, Palermo Preserve in Palermo, and the Whitefield Salmon Preserve, and expects to open two new preserves in 2008.  To get to the Whitefield Salmon Preserve from Wiscasset, take Route 218 North towards Whitefield.  Once in Whitefield, turn left on Route 126.  Follow 126 for 1.2 miles and turn right onto Vigue Road (at a hair salon).  Take Vigue Road for 1.8 miles until you reach Howe Road.  Turn right at Howe Road and follow for .8 miles.  Cross the one-lane bridge and look for gravel parking lot and kiosk on the right.    

The SVCA is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine's 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969.  Today, more than 2,200 acres and 13 miles of riverfront are protected.  The SVCA's ongoing monitoring of water quality helps ensure the watershed's ecosystems stay healthy, including its Atlantic salmon habitat.  SVCA's mapping services, technical support and educational programs encourage prudent land use so the resources people value today are conserved forever.  For more information call the office at 207-586-5616 or visit our Web site at www.sheepscot.org .