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Payson Property
Public Access: Yes; along the trail that runs through the property
Restrictions: Pedestrian use only during daylight hours and only on the trail; the remainder of the property is closed to public access
Description and History:
The Payson Property is a 104-acre, heavily wooded parcel that includes 1/2 mile of shore frontage on Casco Bay at Broad Cove. A conservation easement, donated by the Payson family to CCLT, limits new buildings on the land. CCLT has built a .6 mile public access trail through the woods that runs roughly parallel to the stone wall bordering the property along Route 88.
The property, which is the largest remaining parcel of undeveloped shore frontage in the north suburbs of Portland, was potentially in the running to be the site of a 30-40 lot subdivision. The property has shoreland, wetland and wooded areas. The shoreland is an important breeding and harvesting location for marine worms and soft clams. It also is a seabird, waterbird and wading bird habitat.
The trail has been designated "The Stone Wall Trail." Public access is limited to the well-marked trail that passes through a mature pine and mixed hardwood forest. Both adults and young children will find the trail easy to walk, even in winter with a thin snow covering.
Protecting this property is viewed with a sense of accomplishment and as a challenge. It happened because members have made CCLT a recognized, responsible land trust, capable of holding the easement and stewarding such a property, and because the Payson family has deep, longstanding feelings about conserving their beautiful property. Our entire local area will enjoy the benefits of their action forever.
George M. Hyde and Paul Gianas