Calais nears Devil’s Head land-buy goal

CALAIS – A rugged coastal property that officials hope will be another magnet for tourists will become part of the city’s treasures with the help of a federal grant, officials said Tuesday.

Devil’s Head offers a spectacular view of the St. Croix River and the Passamaquoddy region. At 340 feet, it is the highest headland Down East.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded the city a $44,750 grant to buy 85 acres of the property. The 85 acres are part of a 315-acre headland bordering U.S. Route 1 and the international St. Croix estuary. The parcel is about six miles south of the city’s downtown.

It will be owned and managed by the city under conservation agreements with the state.

For the past year, the city and the St. Croix International Waterway Commission have worked to raise the $400,000 needed to buy all five properties that make up the head.

The latest grant comes from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service.

“This is terrific news,” Lee Sochasky, executive director of the waterway commission, said Tuesday. “The grant makes a tremendous contribution to this acquisition.”

The property would be acquired by the city from five willing landowners to create a conservation area for recreation and education while retaining open space and preserving key habitat for ospreys, eagles and other species.

“It has been gratifying to see this project move along … and watching the support we have received on the state, federal and local levels,” said City Manager Linda Pagels.

The property offers beach access to the St. Croix River, and a scenic view of 40 miles of Maine and New Brunswick coastline and trails.

The Land for Maine’s Future Program, which has contributed $204,033 in matching funds, selected the project as a priority. With this federal grant, Sochasky said, the city is within $65,000 of its goal.

One property already has been purchased. The Land and Water Conservation Fund will supply the needed match to buy the next two properties. The last two properties are to be acquired by the end of the year, Sochasky said.

The city and commission have launched a final campaign to raise the remaining money. That includes half-acre sponsorships at $100 apiece, and a Christmas gift certificate in that amount.

In addition, the Maine Community Foundation has issued a challenge grant that will match $5,000 donated by Washington County residents.

“Devil’s Head will serve the residents of Washington County and [bring] many visitors to our area. We look forward to beginning the trails and interpretive programs next year,” Sochasky said.

The city also is building its $6.6 million Downeast Heritage Center in a bid to showcase the county’s natural areas, including Devil’s Head.

“It is one more attraction for visitors to the area to tour,” Assistant City Manager Jim Porter said.

“It all connects in with the trail system we are developing. … The more things there are to do, the longer they are going to stay.”