Basin Cove Curtis Cove Project

Pursuing Harpswell’s Conservation Vision

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A Conservation Opportunity

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Preserving a piece of Harpswell

• Two beautiful oceanfront properties are for sale in South Harpswell

• 87 acres and 1900 shorefront with valuable wetlands and wildlife habitat

• HHLT plans to purchase and make available to public

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Land for sale

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Location of Project

• South Harpswell• Basin Cove near

Pott’s Harbor• Curtis Cove on Middle

Bay• Casco Bay

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Part of Harpswell’s Open Space Plan

• Located in Open Space Plan Focus Area

• Large part of Basin Cove Curtis Cove Focus Area

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Harpswell Heritage Land Trust

Mission: to preserve Harpswell’s natural environment, wildlife, open spaces, islands, shoreline for future generations

Project Goal: to preserve Basin Cove/Curtis Cove properties in order to:

1. Protect marine resources

2. Preserve habitat

3. Enhance public access and recreation

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What will we protect?

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Protecting Marine Resources

• Commercial and recreational fishing

• High value shellfish in both coves

• Eel grass habitat• Priority fish of Casco

Bay

• Core of our economy

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Protecting Clamming

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Protecting Fishing

• 8 USFWS High Priority Fish: e.g.. Blueback Herring, Stripped Bass

• 12 Fish Species use habitat of Casco Bay; e.g.. Cod, Mackerel, Halibut

• Lobster

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Protecting Water Quality

• Preserves water quality in Pott’s Harbor and Middle Bay

• Impacts on Casco Bay, An Estuary of National Significance

• Protects groundwater quality

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Protecting Critical Wildlife

• Wetlands, woodlands, fields, intertidal zones protect high priority wildlife

• 53 of 91 of USFWS priority species

• 17 of 32 priority shorebirds

• Endangered and threatened birds, including roseate tern, peregrine falcon, bald eagle

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Protecting Critical Wildlife

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Protecting Critical Wildlife

Photos of• Barred Owl• Great Blue Heron• Warbler• Great-crested Flycatcher• Rose-breasted Grosbeak• Flying Squirrel• Northern Leopard Frog

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Protecting Critical Shorebirds

• Photos of shorebirds

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Enhancing Public Access and Recreation

• Historic recreation site• Hiking, hunting, birding,

fishing, outdoor education• Access for clam diggers,

mussel harvesters, worm diggers

• Views Mt Washington

Enjoying Curtis Cove

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Campaign Budget

• Acquisition: $865,000• Other Costs: $75,000• Stewardship: $30,000• Total: $970,000

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Sources of Funding

• Federal and state grants (50%)

• HHLT funds (10%)• Casco Bay Estuary

Project (1%)• Maine Coast Heritage

Trust (1%)• Private Donations (38%)

Raised to date: $320,000

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How Can I Get Involved?

• Visit the property• Donate: No gift is too

large• Tell your neighbors• Join the fund raising

team• Vote for Town

allocation

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Basin Cove Curtis Cove Benefits

Project Benefits• Protection/Access to

Clam Flats• Protection Fish Nurseries

and Marine Water Quality• Drinking Water Protection• Wildlife Habitat

Conservation• Public Recreation and

Scenic Resources• Preservation of

Community Character

Who Will Benefit• Fishermen• Clammers• Harpswell Residents • Visitors• Wildlife

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Contact Information

Reed Coles207-721-1121

info@hhltmaine.org