Franklin County outdoor recreation projects get financial boost from Northern Forest Center
Courtesy / Laura and Adam Casey, High Peaks Alliance
The High Peaks Alliance has received a $50,000 grant from the Northern Forest Destination Development Initiative to improve trail accessibility to open space along the Sandy River in Farmington.
Two Franklin County organizations that are finding innovative ways to draw outdoor recreation tourism are among 11 recipients in northern New England of grants from the Northern Forest Destination Development Initiative.
The High Peaks Alliance and the Carrabassett Region Chapter of New England Mountain Bicycle Association both received a portion of the $317,526 awarded this month as part of the Northern Forest Center’s focus on destination development for northern Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
The programs that got grants help communities create amenities that can attract visitors, new residents and businesses while sustaining and enriching quality of life for people who already live in the destination area, a Northern Forest Center news release said.
“This year’s funded projects include all kinds of trail development, from accessible community trails to mountain biking and an arts trail, as well beginner-level ski jump hills, mountain biking skills parks, visitor information and a safe crossings program,” said Joe Short, vice president of the Northern Forest Center. “The grant program invests in projects that support economic development and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents in our region’s rural communities.”
The $317,526 granted this year leverages matching money and in-kind project support, for a total $515,491 investment in community-based outdoor recreation amenities. Coupled with 10 grants awarded in 2020, the initiative’s support for outdoor recreation infrastructure in the region totals $619,317 in grants toward a total $1.1 million investment in recreation projects.
High Peaks Alliance, in Farmington, got $50,000 to improve trail accessibility and community connection in Farmington, and train trail stewards.
“The Sandy River is an enormous asset to the town of Farmington,” said Brent West, executive director of the High Peaks Alliance. “By building an accessible trail connecting downtown Farmington to the waterfront, we will attract more people to town, keep people in town longer, and showcase why this region is a great place to raise a family, enroll in college, or spend a day.
"We have found that access to water, well maintained trail, and proximity to local amenities are popular for visitors and residents alike. These experiences are foundational to growing our economy and the Northern Forest Center’s grant will enable our community to build the first accessible trail in Franklin County," he said.
The Carrabassett Region Chapter of New England Mountain Bicycle Association, in Wyman Township and Carrabassett Valley, got $30,000 to begin construction of a new pod of 12-15 miles of user-specific trails for riders of all abilities, with its own trailhead center.
“This award will allow us to get started on a significant expansion to our current network,” said Joshua Tauses, Carrabassett Valley trails manager. “We have been working with the town of Carrabassett Valley and Maine Bureau of Public Lands since 2015 on planning and are excited that construction can soon begin.
"Our goal of providing quality outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike is growing the economic stability of our region significantly. Where there once was minimal year-round activity, we now have a world class network of trails for all abilities, providing sustainable healthy living for those who seek and experience it.”
Short, of the Northern Forest Center, said that applications represented more than $557,000 in projects.
The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, from its annual outdoor participation report found that there was a 28% increase in camping and a 16% increase in hiking nationwide in 2020.
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