State buys land along Kennebec to ensure access

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife purchased 32.5 acres of property along the western shore of the Kennebec River in the village of Shawmut on Friday, according to a DIF&W press release.

The land north of the town of Fairfield borders what has become a world-class brown trout fishery on the Kennebec, and ensures that anglers will always have access to one of the state’s most popular fisheries.

The Kennebec River has experienced a rebirth as one of the nations best brown trout rivers in the country. Over the past five years the river has been recognized by television networks such as ESPN and the Outdoor Network, and received national acclaim in such periodicals as “Field and Stream,” “Outdoor Life,” “Fly Fisherman,” and “Gray’s Sporting Journal.”

The purchase consists of two separate parcels that are split by the Maine Central Railroad. The larger parcel lies by the Kennebec River, and the 25 acres possess approximately 2,500 feet of river frontage. The other parcel, 7.6 acres, is located between Bray Avenue in Shawmut Village and the west side of the railroad. The property borders the FPL Energy Maine dam and hydroelectric project.

Along with ensuring access, the purchase eliminates the potential for development along that stretch of the Kennebec. As the popularity of the Kennebec fishery rises, so does the interest in land along its shores. This purchase ensures that this 2,500 feet of river frontage will remain unchanged for years to come.

This is the latest of acquisitions by the department that ensures access on some of Maine’s fabled fishing waters. Recent purchases have included frontage along the Rapid River and Grand Lake Stream. In the past 10 years, the department has purchased 62 access sites or pieces of frontage similar to this. DIF&W currently owns or has agreements on 87 access sites across the state.