On April 28, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust closed on the purchase of its largest independent acquisition to date in the town of Newcastle. The 270-acre Deer Meadow Brook Preserve is part of a block of nearly 4,700 acres of undeveloped wildlife habitat along Deer Meadow Brook.  

Located on West Hamlet Road, the property extends from the shore of Damariscotta Lake at State Route 215 (Pond Road) to Deer Meadow Brook, where it includes over 1,600 feet of stream frontage. 

Deer Meadow Brook flows into Marsh River, and eventually into the Sheepscot River. The forested corridor to either side of the brook represents the largest undeveloped block of land in Newcastle. In addition to protecting water quality in the brook and beyond, the area provides habitat for abundant wildlife. Extensive beaver-engineered wetlands on the property support inland wading birds and waterfowl, while the forested uplands provide important wintering grounds for deer.  

The conserved area extends the River~Link wildlife corridor, a vital ecological passage that runs from Boothbay to Newcastle along the Boothbay peninsula. This passage allows for free movement from south to north along the peninsula for species such as deer, moose, bear, bobcat, fisher and waterfowl. 

In addition to conserving valuable wildlife habitat and protecting water quality, the Deer Meadow Brook corridor offers exciting opportunities for community recreation, including for hunting, a traditional use which will continue under Coastal Rivers’ ownership. 

The property was purchased from the estate of Lenore Rugman, who passed away in early 2024 at the age of 100. Rugman and her husband George Rugman acquired the farm in the 1960s and spent their weekends there, traveling from Massachusetts. The Rugmans raised cattle on the farm with their neighbor, Bobby Hilton, who helped care for the livestock during the week. George Rugman also designed and built the barn, an addition to the 1880s farmhouse that remains on the property today. 

Lee McParland and Barb Cole wrote, “Our parents, George Sr. and Lenore Rugman, would love knowing that their beloved land will remain unspoiled and in the protective stewardship of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust…. [T]heir children and grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed Damariscotta Lake, sledding on the fields, snowmobiling on the old lumber trails and summer hikes. The Rugman Family Trust is grateful to [Coastal Rivers] for all their efforts in preserving the hundreds of acres so that many other generations of naturalists and visitors to the beautiful Damariscotta area will continue to enjoy this beauty.” 

The purchase of the Deer Meadow Brook Preserve was made possible through generous low-cost lending support from The Conservation Fund. Coastal Rivers has also applied for support through a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a larger partnership of conservation organizations.  

A majority of the needed funds will be secured through the resale of the 1880s farmhouse and surrounding 12-acres of woods and farm fields with a deed provision that helps to conserve a key portion of the high-quality farmland for future agricultural use. The 12-acre property will be listed and available for viewing in late May. 

Additionally, Coastal Rivers is seeking a subdivision permit from the Town of Newcastle to divide a 2.5-acre lot located along the road to the east of the farmhouse. This lot will also be available for sale and offers the opportunity to address a shortage of residential homes in the area. 

“This is a stunning property," said Coastal Rivers Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. "Having so many community values come together in this project – from water quality to wildlife habitat, from new trails to affordable homes – makes it that much more exciting. We're grateful to the Rugman family and our conservation partners, not least The Conservation Fund and an anonymous funder, for their help making this purchase a reality.” 

Looking ahead, Coastal Rivers plans to assess further opportunities for agriculture and affordable homes along the south side of West Hamlet Road. 

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.