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The 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 with 1900’ shorefront with valuable wetlands and wildlife habitat

Curtis Cove View from gravel beach

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Curtis Cove View from gravel beach

Open water wetland

Basin Cove Road

Preserving a Piece of HarpswellValuable Intertidal

Resources

Wooded Uplands

Freshwater Wetlands

HHLT plans to purchase and make available to the public.

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Land for Sale

Old Field

Intertidal Resources

Wooded Uplands

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Location of Project

• South Harpswell• Basin Cove near

Pott’s Harbor• Curtis Cove on Middle

Bay• Casco Bay, Maine

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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

Add photo of open space/aerial photo of property instead of map

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Mission

To preserve Harpswell’s natural environment, wildlife, open spaces, islands, and shoreline for future generations.

Achievements11 preserves20 easements1100 acres protected

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust

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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

• Priority fish of Casco Bay

• Eel grass habitat• Core of our economy

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Protecting Clamming

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Protecting Fishing

• Lobster• Atlantic Salmon• Blueback Herring• Striped Bass• Bluefish• Cod • Mackerel• Halibut

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Protecting Water Quality

• Protects groundwater quality

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

• Impacts on Casco Bay, An Estuary of National Significance

Add photos of hand pump, birches

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Preserving Wildlife Habitat

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Protecting Shorebird Habitat

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Enhancing Public Access and Recreation

• Historic recreation site• Views Mt Washington• Hiking, hunting, birding,

fishing, & outdoor education

• Access for clam diggers, mussel harvesters, worm diggers

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Campaign Budget• Acquisition: $865,000• Other Costs: $75,000• Stewardship: $30,000

Total: $970,000

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Project Funding Sources• Federal and State Grants • Private Donations

• HHLT Funds

• Casco Bay Estuary Project

• Maine Coast Heritage Trust

 Raised to Date: $320,000

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What Can I Do?• Visit the property• Look at displays and

take some literature• Donate: Every gift

helps• Tell your neighbors• Join the fund raising

team

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Basin Cove Curtis Cove BenefitsProject Benefits

• Protection/Access to Clam/Shellfish Flats

• Protection Fish Nurseries and Marine Water Quality

• Drinking Water Protection• Wildlife Habitat

Conservation• Public Recreation

Who Will Benefit

• Fishermen• Clammers• Harpswell Residents • Visitors• Wildlife

Credits:

Photographs courtesy of:HHLT Harpswell TVCasco Bay Fishing ClubMary Ann NahfElsa Martz