FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Auburn, ME – Androscoggin Land Trust announces Fundraising Campaign to purchase Camp Gustin

Androscoggin Land Trust is pleased to announce the official launch of a fundraising campaign aimed at raising money to conserve and purchase Camp Gustin in Sabattus, ME

The Camp Gustin Campaign will permanently protect 95 acres in Sabattus, Androscoggin County, along Loon Pond and Curtis Bog. The property has freshwater vulnerable forested and bog wetlands, upland wetlands, and forested upland buffer. Resource protection is the primary management goal for this project. There are approximately 1,800 feet of shore frontage on Loon Pond, several flowing and intermittent streams, vernal pools, and wetland including 15 acres of Curtis Bog. This property gives ALT the opportunity to protect the undeveloped character of a substantial section of shoreline providing water quality benefits. The property is a key component in protecting and preserving a 429-acre connective undeveloped habitat corridor with abutting conserved land. This property is at significant risk for development.

Use of the property would include low-impact recreation including hiking, hunting, biking, skiing, fishing, birding, and carry-in carryout camping. Camping on this site has been established for decades and ALT would continue to maintain this site for camping. Camping will be open to the public and sites will be available by reservation.
ALT has raised a sizable portion of the funds needed to conserve the property but must raise the final $228,000 by May 1, 2022, to permanently protect the land from development. ALT will finance the purchase of Camp Gustin with a combination of approaches: conservation funding from Land for Maine’s Future Program, conservation funding from other organizations, and funds from private individuals. 

“The Gustin families are more than thrilled to know that their legacy will live on through the acquisition by Androscoggin Land Trust. This purchase will preserve the property for outdoor recreational use in its wild and undeveloped nature by the Boy Scouts and the public. It has always been a source of immense pride that our Grandfather, Great-grandfather, and Great-great grandfather, Charles W. Gustin, made this charitable land donation in 1948. It was very important to his two sons, George W., and Lewis A. Gustin, that the land continue to be used for the purpose their father intended, and for his legacy to live on for generations.

We thank Androscoggin Land Trust and Pine Tree Council for working together in providing permanent conservation of Camp Gustin. Truly, this is a great outcome and will allow Camp Gustin to be appreciated and used for years and years to come by all.” – Shareen Gustin Thompson and the Gustin family

“This is a tremendous opportunity to conserve a very important property not only for its conservation values, but its historical ties for local people, the Gustin family, and the scouting community,” said Aimee Dorval, ALT Executive Director. “We are grateful to the Pine Tree Council for agreeing to sell and conserve this land, and we are thrilled to extend the acreage in the Loon Pond/Curtis Bog watershed. The contiguous wildlife habitat and wetlands are irreplaceable. And we are extremely grateful to have the full support of the Gustin family in protecting a piece of land that is sentimental to their family.”

For more information about ALT or to donate please visit www.androscogginlandtrust.org

Please call to make a pledge or donate on the link below.

https://alt.betterworld.org/campaigns/camp-gustin-campaign-2?fbclid=IwAR1Mj2hpk3FrNkxQO78rIih4fojqXdm8pDe_UYh6dgkAjCVB9vIWIILePvs

Aimee Dorval – Executive Director

207-782-2302

info@androscogginlandtrust.org

 

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