A Boothbay Harbor couple with an interest in preserving local working waterfront has donated $500,000 to the Boothbay Region Land Trust for the purchase of a small but choice shore property on Barters Island.
The 1.9-acre parcel is at the end of Kimballtown Road, contiguous to the land trust’s 19-acre Porter Preserve. It consists of a point of land on the Sheepscot River with rocky, scenic coves, a dock that has long been used by local lobstermen, a house, field and wooded pathway.
The property transfer took place last month. Donors Robert and Linda Jones said in a letter to the land trust that the gift is in keeping with their wishes “to designate shorefront land for the preservation of what we shall call ‘life as we have come to know it’ here on the peninsula.”
Specifically, the couple said their intention is to “allow those waterfront activities to continue that we and others in the community have viewed as endangeredC9namelyC9the various fisheries and the entrance to them by young men and women of limited means.”
Sellers of the property were Lyndon and Margaret Roberts, whose family had owned and lived on the property for many years, and had permitted local lobstermen the use of the dock.
William Logan, BRLT president, said the land trust, which also has an active interest in preserving local waterfront, is extremely grateful to the Joneses for making this purchase possible.
“The location is particularly fortuitous,” Logan said. “Not only will it be available as working waterfront for local fishermen, but since it is adjacent to the Porter Preserve, it will add a new dimension – availability of dock use – to visitors to this popular hiking area.”
In a thank-you letter to the Joneses, Logan said their gift to the land trust “represents an invaluable addition to its preserves and takes the concept of stewardship to a higher, more challenging level. The land trust will endeavor to fulfill the goals that you have set forthC9that will preserve the spirit of your generosity to the people of the Boothbay region.”
Alan Lewis, a BRLT board member active in the land trust’s stewardship activities, said the pier and dock, which are currently in disrepair, will be rebuilt and possibly expanded to permit use by several local lobster fishermen under arrangements still to be decided. There is also potential for kayak launching from the shore, Lewis said. Moorings may also be added for boaters’ use.
This is the land trust’s second working waterfront property. Damariscove Island, acquired last spring, also provides facilities to local lobstermen.