Crooked River Forest Hike

The Crooked River Preserve located in Harrison, consists of two main parcels, Intervale and Woodsum Brook.  The 300 acre Intervale parcel has a long history of sustainable forestry and boasts a significant Northeastern Interior Pine Barren.  Intervale contains more than a mile of frontage along the spectacular Crooked River, the main tributary to Sebago Lake.  This project was funded in part by the Land for Maine’s Future Program for low impact recreation including fishing, hunting and snowshoeing.

The Crooked River has been identified as a priority for conservation as it is the largest tributary to Sebago Lake, with 38% of the inflow, and it offers local recreational opportunities and is situated above high quality sand and gravel aquifers. The river has been identified in the state’s Natural Resources Protection Act as an Outstanding River Segment with AA status; free flowing with the best water quality. This trout fishery is home to one of only four native populations of landlocked salmon in the state and is known to host one species of anadromous fish (American eel) and is thought to historically host Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey.

The Crooked River Forests Project consists of five parcels, with the two largest being “Intervale”  (296 acres; 1.5 mile of river frontage) located on Scribners Mill Road in the town of Harrison, now owned by Loon Echo. The second largest property is “Twin Bridges” (247 acres, 0.7 miles of river frontage) located on Rt. 117 in the town of Otisfield (adjacent to the rest area), now owned by Western Foothills Land Trust. Loon Echo also acquired “Woodsum Brook” (75 acres) located on Maple Ridge Road, with frontage on the brook that flows into Crystal Lake in Harrison. Western Foothills also acquired “Oak Hill” and “Watkins South” (FMI contact them).

This forested land is a benefit to the community’s recreation opportunities, historical character and,wildlife conservation.

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Trap

1940's Refrigerator