Paul Austin, President and Kathy Mills, Executive Director of Scarborough Land Trust
January 28th Meeting
Rick Murphy introduced Paul Austin, President and Kathy Mills, Executive Director of Scarborough Land Trust (SLT). SLT was originally founded as the Owascoag Land Conservation Trust in 1977. Owascoag being the Indian name meaning “the land of many grasses”. In 1984 it was renamed to Scarborough Land Trust. Kathy Mills described SLT as a “small organization doing big things”!
It’s mission is conserving land for public enjoyment. They protect more than 1200 acres, most of which are open to public passive recreation. Kathy noted that besides 8 miles of coast there are also 5 rivers in Scarborough. She named the current properties with trails.
1. Fuller Farm on Broadturn Road
2. Libby River Farm on Black Point Road
3. Sewell Woods on Ash Swamp Road
4. Broadturn Farm (Access at Hansen Road)
In addition, they have announced plans to conserve the Benjamin Farm Property located at the intersection of the Pleasant Hill and Fogg Road. Being located almost adjacent to the Rachel Carson preserve, it provides an additional resting area for migrating birds.
Paul Austin portrayed SLT as a business economic engine. Using the Broad Turn Farm as an example, he illustrated how it has a direct benefit to 4,935 people. He contrasted farming versus residential development where typically most occupants do not pay for the municipal services they consume.
Historically Scarborough voters have been very supportive as illustrated by 3 recent bond referendums’.