AUGUSTA, Maine – A second public meeting to explore options for enhancing recreation opportunities at the state-owned Androscoggin Riverlands will be held:

  • 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, at the cafeteria, Multi-Purpose Center, 145 Birch St., Lewiston.

According to a recent press release, the purpose of the meeting is to hear from local residents what they would like to see as allowed uses, degree of development, and overall management of the 2,588-acre park lands located along the Androscoggin River just north of Lewiston and Auburn, according to Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands officials.

“The state is developing a plan for the future of these lands. We want the public to comment and give us their thoughts on what would be of value to them and what kind of additional use and amenities they would like,” Kathy Eickenberg, BPL chief of planning said.

The Riverlands includes significant wildlife habitat; shore lands along 8 miles of the Androscoggin River, diverse natural communities; historic landscapes; scenic vistas; and an existing recreational trails network.  The area already is widely used for land and water recreation, with 15 miles of multi-use trails and about 8 miles of hiking trails.

Now in the planning phase, implementation of any enhancements to the Riverlands is expected to take several years utilizing primarily grants and donations. The area is located within an hour’s drive of 50 percent of the state’s population and could become a significant recreational area.

The upcoming meeting will begin with an open house to allow local residents to review exhibits about the Androscoggin Riverlands and meet members of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park Advisory Committee as well as Bureau of Parks and Lands staff.

An overview of the planning process will be presented, with the session then opened for public comments.

“Public input is vitally important for developing a Vision and Master Plan for this property,” Eickenberg said. “The Riverlands already is a treasured resource to many who live near it, and we want to both protect and enhance it.”

For more information, contact Kathy Eickenberg, Chief of Planning, 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0022; or email: Katherine.eickenberg@maine.gov; or call: 287-4963

Or go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/planning/andro/androindex.shtml