Loon Echo Land Trust recently announced the conservation of 192 acres of undeveloped forestland in Bridgton. The property was donated to LELT by the Lebovitz family, and will be called the Clara and Samuel Lebovitz Forest Preserve.
Under LELT’s ownership, permanent public access for hunting, fishing, hiking and other recreational activities is now secured. The conservation of the land protects a half-mile of shoreline on the northern end of Otter Pond, a mile of tributary streams, and over 70 acres of wetlands. The forested property also hosts significant habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, the endangered Blanding’s turtle, and several rare species of damselflies.
The property was identified as a high priority for protection by Sebago Clean Waters, a collaborative of eleven partners including LELT working to conserve forestland in the Sebago Lake watershed for water quality protection and other benefits.
LELT is developing a forest and recreation management plan for the property that will outline forest management goals to promote carbon sequestration and biodiversity, maintain water quality protections, and consider future recreation opportunities on the property.
There are no formal trails on the property, but LELT welcomes walkers, snowshoers, anglers, and hunters to experience the forest with access from Kansas Road. A club-maintained snowmobile trail also provides access along the property’s western boundary.
More information can be found at lelt.org/lebovitz-forest.