Last fall, the town of Boothbay published a request for proposals (RFP) for the Cross River Property located off of Route 27 (otherwise known as the Smith Property). The property, acquired by the town of Boothbay through foreclosure, was approved by voters in 2002 to be designated for public use.

The Cross River Property was then leased to the Boothbay Civic Association (BCA) in October 2002 with the agreement that the association would provide walking and hiking trails, as well as facilities for picnicking and boating. The BCA also proposed to construct a community arts center. Despite the best of intentions, these items were never completed.

When the RFP was circulated, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) saw this as a prime opportunity for that original vision of the Cross River property to become realized, and therefore submitted the following proposal summarized below:

"BRLT is committed to establishing parking facilities, developing hiking trails for public access, fostering working waterfront access for clam diggers and providing public access to the shore for recreational use. BRLT will consider building handicap-accessible trails and may consider constructing a nature center with BRLT office space and educational facilities contingent upon site planning and funding.

"BRLT pledges to the development of trails and trailhead within one year. The conception and planning process for improving waterfront access and site development, including a nature center to serve as a “gateway” to Boothbay Region public lands, would begin within two years. Implementation of a construction plan would occur as funds become available."

The Cross River contains 317-plus acres of productive mudflats for clamming. Access to this significant resource is currently via boat (12 miles round trip from Knickercane), across private property, or across the unimproved Cross River Property (.3-mile hike each way through the forest). BRLT’s plan would significantly enhance access to these flats for area clammers.

BRLT’s proposal would also provide the potential for area employment related to the planning and construction of facilities (e.g. local contractors for trail building, parking facilities, signage and possible nature center construction). BRLT has had great success in raising funds through various granting agencies, as well as private donors, and would be responsible for these expenses that would ultimately benefit the entire region.

Boothbay Region Land Trust’s history clearly demonstrates a commitment and ability to retain public access. BRLT has 22 public access preserves and is devoted to maintain that access in perpetuity. The land trust also provides free access to over 30 miles of hiking trails on the peninsula and maintains working waterfront sites on Damariscove and Barters Island. Conserving and increasing access to the area’s waterfront and special places is one of Boothbay Region Land Trust’s top priorities. Please feel free to contact the BRLT office at 207-633-4818 or brlt@bbrlt.org to learn more about the Cross River proposal to the town of Boothbay.