MACHIAS, Maine — The Downeast Coastal Conservancy is seeking public input as it develops a plan for two pieces of land acquired for about $1.2 million in 2013.
The conservancy solicited ideas from about 35 people at a public meeting on March 24, and it will be seeking more thoughts on what to do with the Middle River Park and Machias River Preserve, said Rich Bard, conservancy executive director.
“We had what I think was a pretty good turnout and lots of comments and suggestions from the public,” Bard said. “We had some suggestions that were different from what we might have already thought of.”
For example, someone suggested building a dog park there. Others wanted recreation for children, but not the big plastic equipment seen in traditional playgrounds. They wanted something more natural such as logs for children to balance on.
“It’s a natural play area, but it’s managed,” Bard said. “They don’t want to see plastic.”
The two properties on the Machias River and the Middle River in the Machias Valley area total more than 1,000 acres and boast 4½ miles of shoreline. They also are connected by the Down East Sunrise Trail, a converted rail-trail that runs 85 miles from Washington Junction in Ellsworth to Ayers Junction near Calais.
The conservancy, which manages about 6,000 acres in all, acquired the Machias Valley parcels in part because they were located in Machias, though they also span Whitneyville and Marshfield. The conservancy has an office in Machias but did not have any land there.
When the two parcels became available at the same time, “It was a slam dunk for us,” Bard said.
To complete the plan of what to do with the new parcels, the conservancy contracted with the Washington County Council of Governments, an independent nonprofit designed to serve municipalities with planning and resources.
The council’s Crystal Hitchings facilitated the March 24 meeting and will develop a draft plan that will go out for more public comment. Conservancy officials hope to have the plan finished in June.
“There’s no way we can do everything that was suggested,” Bard said.
The planning process will “winnow down ideas” to a few that can be accomplished in five years.
The conservancy does plan to improve signage, parking and boat access, Bard said.
While the Machias River Preserve will remain woodland and a spot for hiking, the Middle River Park will become more of a “community space,” he added.
“This is not land to be protected from people. It was to be protected for people,” he said.
Anyone with comments or questions about the plan may call the conservancy at 255-4500 or email info@downeastconservancy.org.