The Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust (GPMCT) is a perfect example of a fine old Maine tradition – local people working locally to preserve America’s wildlife and wild places, and traditional community values and uses of the land.

The trust has recently committed itself to preserving almost 4,300 acres of gem quality wild lands in Orland, between Bucksport and Ellsworth, adjacent to Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery. This project beautifully protects a spectacular undeveloped mountain valley nestled among six peaks and two miles along the Dead River, as well as a large part of balding Great Pond Mountain, which so many local people already quietly enjoy.

There are spectacular views of glistening coastal waters, Acadia’s rounded spine and other coastal promontories, the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge, and, on a clear day, glimpses of Katahdin and the Western Mountains.

Last week the Land for Maine’s Future Project allocated $342,000 in for the project. International Paper has just added another $10,000. This still leaves local and regional citizen’s groups a hefty $750,000 to raise over the next year to pay back a no-interest loan. This all has happened just as waves of sprawl from Bucksport and Ellsworth were about to merge into a tsunami of ugly and selfish “No Trespassing!” – “No Hunting!” – “No Fishing!” signs staring us down.

The overarching concept of this project is to provide a multiple-use conservation area that is accessible for as many compatible nature-related activities as possible. People from as far away as Rockland and Machias will be pleased to find this tranquil retreat “far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife” on coastal Mount Desert Island and Blue Hill Bay. People from Bangor to Castine will appreciate its quiet serenity and easy four-season access for multiple public uses.

It is an ideal area to see moose and deer, watch eagles fish and listen to the magic calls of nesting songbirds and loons, and squonking geese parading their goslings. Bobcats hide in the willows. Spring brings a bevy of shy wildflowers. Fall replies with a medley of vibrant colors and swirling leaves. There are abundant wetlands in the valley. Hothole Brook and Hothole Pond are not named for any underlying volcanic activity!

A thorough ecological survey and forestry plan is taking stock of plant communities, including wildflowers, rare and endangered plants, animals and bird life and laying plans for recovery of the cut-over forests and sound future forest management. Provisions will be made for camping by local outing and scouting groups.

Schools and youth organizations will use the lands for learning and conservation related activities. Hiking trails and access for the handicapped will be improved. Traditional hunting and fishing methods are encouraged and snowmobile access will be maintained. It would be a stunning safe venue for foot races, and cross-country ski races. It’s ideal for eclectic sports such as orienteering and its close cousin “geo-caching.”

Americans have inherited a deep-seated need for nature in our daily lives. We yearn for the wild at every order of magnitude – from tiny scrids of green adorning our city apartments and offices – to the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon and “Purple Mountain’s Majesty” – to the desolate shores of the Caribou calving grounds in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Frederick Law Olmstead designed the renowned “emerald necklace” of parks that courses through Boston and Central Park where, even though surrounded by a phalanx of tall apartment buildings, there are remnants of nature that give city dwellers solace.

Maine needs its own emerald ribbons of protected woodlands and waterways, walking trails and bikeways. These should all be connected into a well-planned and unified system throughout the United States, then with similar areas in neighboring Canada and Mexico. Completion of the Appalachian Trail corridor and the proposed East Coast natural and historical bike trail foreshadow this concept. GPMCT’s dream is to be part of such a system.

As a physician, I strongly believe the key to good health is an active and engaged life – a healthy spirit in a healthy body. Accessible and abundant green-spaces get us off our couches, out of our cars, and involved in healthier lifestyles that combat our ubiquitous plagues of obesity and heart disease, anxiety and depression, substance and self-abuse.

This project merits strong support from all citizens, community advocacy groups and municipalities within 100 miles. I encourage all residents of the area to support GPMCT financially, by “in kind” donations, or through volunteered time.

Learn about guided tours by contacting Marcia at greatpond@midmaine.com. The drive to Orland will be well worth your while.

Paul Averill Liebow, M.D., FACEP, lives in Bucksport.