Maine Conservation Corps Arrives In Grand Lake Stream

July 26, 2017

2017 MCC crew

Downeast Lakes Land Trust is pleased to welcome a trail crew from the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) to build and improve upon three trails in the Downeast Lakes Community Forest (DLCF).  MCC was established by Maine’s governor and legislature in 1983 and since then has recruited and placed hundreds of members who have accomplished countless natural resource projects all over Maine.  The crew arrived on Monday and will be in the area until mid-August.  Working in a tight-knit group of six, their four weeks of work in the Downeast Lakes region will include improvements to the existing Musquash Esker Trail, extending the newly-created Tower Hill Trail, and building the Trail to Tomorrow – an interpretive trail at the end of Tough End.

Tower Hill Trail, which was constructed by the Student Conservation Association in 2016, begins near the historic Grand Lake Stream fire tower, and winds 1.1 miles through forested wetlands and hardwood ridges, before descending to Bonney Brook Road.  The MCC crew will be extending the trail along the shore of Bonney Brook Lake, crossing back over the road and connecting to Pappy’s Way.  This will create a 2.5 mile loop trail that is in close proximity to town.  Trail to Tomorrow is a planned 0.6 mile interpretive loop that will leave from Tough End.  Inspired by a 1957 essay from John R. Schaefer, the Trail to Tomorrow will be a valuable educational trail for local residents, seasonal visitors, and school groups.

“Conservation is a passion worth pursuing,” said MCC crew leader Liz Thibault.  “We are thrilled to be finishing our summer season in Grand Lake Stream.”

Trail crew members have remarked about how beautiful the Grand Lake Stream area is, and they are looking forward to working hard, meeting local folks, and enjoying the DLCF.  If you see the crew around town, be sure to say hello and welcome them to the region.

After this summer’s trail work, DLLT will be releasing an updated, comprehensive visitor’s guide which will include hiking trails, water-access campsites, and many more outdoor recreation opportunities in the Downeast Lakes Community Forest.