Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Wetland – Denmark, Maine

To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

Introduction and Compliance with Federal Regulations

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is considering funding the Proposed Action under its 2023 Catalyst Program. NBRC has prepared an 8-Step Decision-Making Process review in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management), which ensures that federally funded projects consider floodplain impacts and avoid unnecessary risks. 

Additionally, NBRC is in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), which aims to avoid, to the extent possible, the long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands and to prevent the direct or indirect support of new construction in wetlands where practicable alternatives exist.

Description of the Proposed Action

NBRC is considering funding the Western Maine Trails Investment Project (the Proposed Action). In support of  the Proposed Action, NBRC would provide funds to Western Maine Trails Investment Partnership, a collaboration of five partner land trusts (Greater Lovell Land Trust, Loon Echo Land Trust, Western Foothills Land Trust, Mahoosuc Land Trust, and Inland Woods + Trails), to be used to improve access, amenities, and opportunities for trail-based recreation at trail systems in Oxford County. Implementation of the Proposed Action would result in the creation and maintenance of sustainable, durable recreational assets designed to withstand the stressors of climate change and extreme weather events that provide equitable access to the outdoors to the residents of Oxford County while also contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of the region.

Projects to be completed as part of the Proposed Action include general trail improvements at a number of locations, resurfacing trails for universal access, improving trailhead parking areas, and replacing chemical port-a-johns with vault toilets, at nineteen discrete project sites throughout Oxford County. Although the Proposed Action includes nineteen project sites, this Final Notice will examine only the Pleasant Mountain East and West project sites, managed by Loon Echo Land Trust, where wetlands were identified: 

Pleasant Mountain West and East – Trail Improvements and Vault Toilet (44°24'38.96"N, 70°53'38.85"W)

Proposed improvements will focus on Ledges, Southwest Ridge, and Bald Peak Trails, as well as the main parking area. Approximately 5 miles of trail will require improvements, including narrowing a half a mile of tread to an approximate width of 18-36 inches. Approximately 300 linear feet of tread on the Ledges Trail will be replaced with stone step tread. New water bars will be installed on each trail, including five on Southwest Ridge, two on Ledges Trail, and three on Bald Peak Trail.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL NOTICE DOCUMENT HERE

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This notice provides people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment with an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information. Comments should be submitted by email to nepa@nbrc.gov. NBRC is accepting comments on this notice for seven days from Thursday, August 6th, through the end of the day of Thursday, August 13th.

Date of Publication: Wednesday, August 5th

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