| Maine’s Huts
and Trails project — moving Maine in the right direction
Larry Warren, Penobscot Gov. Kirk Francis and Gov. John E. Baldacci break ground
for the first hut of the Maine Huts & Trails project - photo by Ramona du Houx
By Ramona du Houx
Governor John Baldacci assisted in the ground
breaking of the first hut of the Maine Huts and Trails project at Western Maine’s
Poplar Stream Falls in the Carrabassett Valley last September. The hut is the first of 12
that will be built along what will be a 180-mile recreation corridor stretching from
Bethel to Moosehead Lake.
"It’s just the beginning. We’ve
just barely written the first chapter of the story," said Maine Huts and Trails
Executive Director Dave Herring. "We want people from around the world to come and
enjoy this unique trail."
Poplar Stream Falls is located on land leased
from the Penobscot Indian Nation. Working with the Governor’s Office, Chief Kirk
Francis and Larry Warren came to an agreement.
"The Penobscot Indian Nation wholeheartedly
supports this project. This gives us a great opportunity to partner with people who share
the same core values as we do towards nature. We’re extremely proud to be a part of
this, and to be a presence in the area. The ecotourism is important, but the most
important part of this entire project is the friendships that we are forging," said
Penobscot Governor Francis.
Larry Warren, a founder of Western Mountains
Foundation and visionary of the Huts and Trail system, has worked on this project for over
20 years. Over $4.2 million has been raised for the project. He walked through western
Maine’s hills and valleys for years and developed the trail. The ground breaking was
a milestone for him. "I’m thrilled that it’s happening. Western Maine has
to transform itself from the industries of the past to the industries of the future,"
said Warren. "We believe that nature-based tourism, experiential education, and
quality destination resort facilities will create significant opportunities."
"This is a great project for economic
development, which will grow eco- tourism and many other types of economic development
down the road," said Brain Hodeges, business specialist for the Department of
Economic and Community Development. "I think companies are looking for green
opportunities. We certainly think there will be a lot of trickle down effect from new
tourists coming to the area, staying for longer, and making use of local services, in
addition to about 50 jobs over the next five years."
People could hike, boat, snowshoe, or ski the
trail system, stopping to rent the huts for the evening and continuing their trip the next
day. The huts are "huts" only in name. The architectural rendering showed them
to resemble stylish cabins. The dozen huts, to be open year round, will be about 12 miles
apart, with sites on ponds, lakes, rivers, and in the foothills. They are modeled after
Maine’s traditional sporting camps, with a main building with attached porch that
houses the kitchen.
A stay at a hut, able to accommodate 40 guests
per night, could include two meals, cooked onsite with propane, and shower facilities.
"What’s not to like about this
project?" asked Governor Baldacci praising the work of the Trail volunteers and
staff. "You have people working together to take advantage of economic development
and tourism done in a responsible manner. Maine has already protected and conserved some
of the most spectacular pieces of land in the country with Baxter State Park, Mount
Katahdin, and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Now we are witnessing doors opening to
another awe-inspiring part of Maine for future generations to experience and enjoy. The
trail system also fits in perfectly with the state’s Take It Outside initiative,
which encourages young people to experience and appreciate the natural world."
Maine Huts and Trails was founded by Mainers who
share a vision for preserving Maine’s beautiful, remote areas. Their goal is to
preserve some of Western Maine’s best backcountry for the purposes of conservation
and environmentally sensitive economic development, and ensure public access for
generations to come.
"For years I’ve come here and visited
the falls with my friends. Larry has put a beacon of light on the really special things we
have in this area, and I know from my own personal enjoyment of the area people will love
it," said Olympian Seth Wescott. "Larry and I share the same vision for Western
Maine."
"It’s a world-class initiative,"
said Karen Tilburg of the Governor’s Office. "It’s going to be a way for
people to get to know Maine and the many different aspects we offer. Today is a tremendous
beginning. When it is all completed, it will attract visitors from around the world."
With ecotourism on the rise, Maine will be ready
to accommodate—with this trail system that will also provide informational pamphlets,
history, and educational guides
"Building this trail throughout Maine and
making it accessible to people who aren’t hard-core campers is great," said Adam
Lee. "It will get people back out into the woods. It also shows a way forward for the
kind of growth we need in the state."
Thomas Dodd, age seven said, "I think
it’s great to see Larry’s dream come true. He followed his dream to make it all
happen."
Canoe routes just $10- postage included -direct from the
publisher - 207-643-2795
or send check to: Polar Bear & Co. PO BOX 311, Solon, Maine
04979
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