Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) is excited to announce that they have received full funding in the amount of $237,990 from the State of Maine Trails Program to build the Gorham Community Forest. Maine voters, via ballot in 2024 passed the statewide initiative which created a $30-million Maine Trails bond to support the design, construction, and rehabilitation of trails for outdoor recreation throughout the state.
Will Sedlack, executive director of PRLT said, “This investment from the State speaks to the vision and importance of our efforts.” These funds will cover costs for designing and building more than a mile of accessible boardwalk trails for the Gorham Community Forest (GCF) project which was announced last May. Centrally located in downtown Gorham, GCF is a 53-acre parcel of wetlands, which includes a brook, meadows, and some forest land with ample wildlife habitat. Parking will likely be located off New Portland Road, behind Village School.
The Maine Trails grant money will also allow construction to begin in early spring, 2026, according to PRLT’s project manager, Toby Jacobs. Once the boardwalks are completed, the trails will be accessible year round for running, biking, and snowshoeing. They will also expand recreational opportunities via their connection with the existing Crosstown Trail system.
An outdoor classroom space for Village School students is also slated to be built with the input and cooperation of the School Department. A multilingual storywalk and a scenic overlook of Indian Camp Brook will encourage folks to slow down and commune with nature.
A forward-looking project of this scope will guarantee open space for generations of future Gorham residents. It has been made possible by the generosity of Susan and Jock Robie, KV Enterprise and a generous $20,000 donation from Maine Community Bank.
“Working with our local partners, we will create a vibrant hub for conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education for the people of Gorham,” said Sedlack. He added deep appreciation for the State’s investment and all the work done by members of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
While the Gorham Community Forest is a wonderful project, it also suggests a responsibility of the users of these trails to be mindful of and grateful to the abutting landowners in terms of noise and privacy, that the Community Forest nearby may enhance their properties.
For more information on the Gorham Community Forest, visit https://www.prlt.org/conserve-gorham-community-forest.
For more information on the Maine Trails Program, visit https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=13337394.