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Deer Point
Public Access: Yes, pedestrian access along the trail through the property
Parking Location: On South Road near Bennett's Cove on Chebeague Island
Restrictions: No overnight camping; no fires
Description and History:
Deer Point, on the Southwest tip of Chebeague Island is as close as we come in Casco Bay to the typical 'downeast' island, with only a strip of gray ledge separating its thatch of dark spruce from the ocean. Its a wild place, exposed to the open ocean as few places in the inner bay are, and it has been a favorite spot for picnics for generations.
Now, thanks to the generosity of its owner this spot will stay in its present wild and scenic condition and will be accessible to the public forever. The property is 13 acres in total and is along the seaward side of the steep ridge that forms the southwest end of the island. The two acres at the the very tip are protected with a "forever wild" easement while the remaining 11 acres are protected with a conservation easment allowing for the development of only two residential buildings. The "forever wild" status of the point means that there may be no changes there except for the removal of dead or damaged trees or other vegetation; it is assurance that this place, special to so many people, is safe from manmade changes.Public access is secured through Mr. Bowman's grant to the Trust of a trail easement, assuring that pedestrian travel from a public road will not be hindered in any way. The only condition attached is a provision allowing the trust and the landowner to act together to restrict access if the 'conservation values' of the property are in danger; one possible scenario might have the tip of the point becoming an active nesting ground for some kind of endangered bird, in which case it might be advisable to restrict access during the nesting season.
The people of Cumberland and Chebeague Island, and indeed anyone that uses Casco Bay in any way, are very fortunate that Mr. Bowman has decided to protect his land in this way. The Trust hopes that his example will serve to inspire other landowners, as well, to do so.
Michael Porter