Preserving the Working Waterfront

The Bremen Lobster Co-Op, on Keene Narrows, has received a grant from the Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program that will help preserve the property as Working Waterfront. The Co-Op plans to use the funds to remove the decaying hull of the Cora Cressey, make repairs to the lobster pound, and purchase new equipment. In return, the property has a covenant restricting any future development to maintaining fishery use. Neighbor Dan Goldenson helped the Co-Op write the grant application. For more information on this program, go to www.wwapp.org

Another program that can help preserve Working Waterfront property is Maine's Working Waterfront Tax Law. This law allows property to be assessed for what it is worth as working waterfront land and not what its market value would be if it could be converted to other uses.

The program is similar to the Tree Growth Tax Law in that once it is enrolled in the program, the property must remain working waterfront or face penalties for withdrawal or disqualification.

Although not for everyone, the Tax Law has great potential for reducing taxes for those Working Waterfront property owners who want to keep their land for commercial fishing purposes.

For a definition of Working Waterfront and an explanation of how the program works, go to
www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/pubs/workingwaterq&a.htm

Both these programs are part of the Strategies Section to Encourage Traditional Rural Occupations in A Conservation Plan for Bremen

---

Historic Maps

Lincoln County Planner Bob Faunce gave a visual presentation at the Bremen Selectmen's meeting November 20 on historic population growth patterns in town.  Using a series of maps from the 1890s on, he showed where the town's residences were located in the past, and where they are today.  Before the 1960s, very few residences were located on the water, but since then that is where most of the town's residential growth has occurred.  Faunce challenged listeners to determine where future growth could occur if Bremen wants to retain its rural character. 

 

Fuance also showed population growth changes in neighboring towns such as Bristol, Damariscotta, and Nobleboro.  He is preparing a similar series of maps for all Lincoln County towns.  He said the population in Lincoln County has almost doubled in the past 30 years. 

 

Faunce left a set of maps and a DVD of his presentation with town officials.  The maps may be viewed at the town office. 

 

 

Programs at Audubon's Hog Island Camp Suspended

Maine Audubon and the National Audubon Society have announced programming at the Hog Island center in Bremen will be suspended in 2009 while the they undertake long-term planning to determine the future for the center.  The suspension includes resdential sessions, wildlife boat cruises, and operations at Todd Wildlife Sanctuary.  

 

For more information go to www.maineaudubon.org/hogisland and read the letter from Seth Benz, director of the Hog Island Center.

 

The Hog Island Audubon Center has been a landmark of environmental education, and of Bremen, since 1936. 

Keeping Bremen Clean

While walking some backwoods trails here in Bremen we came across two comfy looking chairs but no one was home.

Recreation Committee Getting Underway

The BCC's Recreation Committee is underway. We are looking for interested and enthusiastic individuals to assist in fulfilling the strategies recommended by the BCC and stated in the Town of Bremen Conservation Plan. Acquiring water access, maintaining traditional hunting and establishing a network of trails throughout Bremen are some of the projects of focus.

One project already underway is working with the MVLT in planning for the 165 acre Karl F. Berger Preserve on Bremen Long Island. If you have interest in recreation in Bremen then we need you. If you would like to volunteer or have questions please email bcc@tidewater.net

Traditional recreation : Info from IF&W

Dear Friend of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife:

Here's some important information from the Department we'd like you to knowabout.

HUNTING, TRAPPING AND FALL FISHING:Any-Deer Permits: Please write down your number and keep with your huntinglicense. IF&W will not be sending out permits this year in an effort toconserve funds. For more information, see http://deer.informe.org/index.htm

State Migratory Waterfowl Permit: Is required for all hunters 16 years ofage or older to hunt waterfowl. In addition to the permit, these huntersalso are required to have either a small game or big game hunting license aswell as a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. The State MigratoryWaterfowl Permit is available at all license agents or online athttp://www.mefishwildlife.com/

Conservation Account

Did you know the Town of Bremen has established a Conservation Account for the purpose of acquiring land, easements and rights-of-way to maintain open space for Bremen's future?    If you would like to contribute to this account, you may send donations to Conservation Account, Town of Bremen, P.O. Box 171, Bremen, ME 04551.   All donations are tax deductible.   

BCC one and only in Lincoln County

While conservation efforts abound in Lincoln County the MEACC reports on its website that the BCC is the only organized town conservation commission in Lincoln County. While other Lincoln County towns may be in the process of establishing a conservation commission it is imperative that the BCC encourage and promote conservation efforts in neighboring towns. As a member of the Maine Association of Conservation Commissions (MEACC) the BCC has at its disposal tools that will assist in implementing conservation stratgegies.

Johnston Hill Fire Tower

"A spiral of steel pointing towards heaven, amidst a sea of green." The Johnston Hill Fire Tower was erected by the State Forest Service, through an act of the Legislature, sponsored by Representative Spencer Gay of Damariscotta, which provided the money for the steel and by donations from all of the surrounding towns which provided for the building of the Tower under the direction of Waldo Clark of Jefferson, the State Fire Warden Supervisor of the district.

The Tower is roughly 40 feet high and situated 350 feet above sea level which gives the watchman a commanding view of Midcoast Maine.

Excerpt from Town of Bremen Annual Report

Bremen Conservation Plan

A Conservation Plan for Bremen can be viewed on the web at

http:/www.tidewater.net/~bremen

Upcoming BCC meeting schedule

Due to the approaching holiday season the BCC will meet Thursday Nov. 13th but will not hold any meetings in the month of December.

Karl Berger Preserve Site Visit

The BCC, Medomak Valley Land Trust and friends visited Bremen Long Island to explore the 165 acre Karl F. Berger Preserve. The hike focused on reaching the "backside" of the island via the Town Road.