Roberts Farm Preserve receives boost

NORWAY - The Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands, has awarded the Western Foothills Land Trust a $35,000 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to support the completion of the Libby, Gates and Howe trails at Roberts Farm Preserve. RTP is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU)” and is administered by the Maine Department of Conservation.

This is the second RTP grant the Trust has secured for trail work at the Preserve. Matching funds will be provided by proceeds from the 2011 Norway Triathlon and additional grants. Included in the project, which is scheduled to be completed this summer, is the construction of approximately 2.1kilometers of the nine-foot wide grassed Minnie Libby trail which is designed as a beginner-level trail with fewer turns and gradual slopes. The Libby trail will be a strong asset for beginner skiers, after school ski programs, and will provide all skiers with additional options and views.

In addition to the Libby trail, the Howe and Gates universally accessible trails will be completed, adding an additional .7 kilometers to the system and some fascinating loops through the farm’s old apple orchard.

Part of a strategy to provide pedestrian access to Norway’s assets, a Roberts Farm Preserve trailhead at the Pennesseewassee Lake Rest Area will be installed leading to a series of stone steps and the Preserve’s Mellie Dunham hiking trail.