Project Titles:

• Rehabilitate Hiking Trails (FFS #R5GW)
• Replace Observation Platforms on Rachel Carson Trail (FFS #R5GV)
• Replace Seasonal Housing Facility (FFS #R5BG)

State: Maine

Project Descriptions: Biologist, environmentalist, and author Rachel Carson wrote about complex scientific material in a way that was accessible and captivating to the general public. $834,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were used at her namesake refuge to ensure that people with limited mobility are able to experience many diverse habitats first hand and that seasonal employees have a place to live.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. The refuge now consists of 10 divisions spread along 50 miles of Maine coastline from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth hosting a wide variety of salt marsh, woodland and barrier beach habitats.

The refuge’s main trail, the Rachel Carson Trail, is a one-mile loop around refuge headquarters in Wells, Maine, which takes 70,000-100,000 visitors a year through a pine forest while offering a breathtaking view of expansive tidal salt marshes. The earthen trail was universally accessible but needed of some general repair work. Three of the trail’s six observation platforms and approximately 550 feet of handrails were replaced and one additional platform was installed. One section of the trail was also be rehabilitated due to recent landslides and stone dust was added to prevent future erosion.

The 1.8 mile Cutts Island trail in the Brave Boat Harbor Division of the refuge in Kittery is not currently universally accessible. Projects here included working on the “tread of the trail” so visitors can enjoy the hardwood and salt marsh habitat without having to worry about the ground before them. Also, the initial grade of the trail and the trail leading to the restrooms was altered for universal accessibility. All who visit the trail will be able to appreciate the first portion of the trail as a result of this work.

The nearby Goosefare Brook Trail was also retrofitted with a 300-foot continuous guardrail from the overlook to the parking lot.

All lumber material used for these projects consisted of recycled content plastic lumber instead of traditional pressure treated lumber. The Service has found that this synthetic lumber not only lasts longer than its wooden alternative, but is also more environmentally friendly. Chemicals used in the pressure treating process have been found to leach out of the wood over time, a problem the recycled plastic will not present.

Seth McCoy’s Trucking and Excavating LLC, a small business from Alfred, Maine, was awarded a contract to complete the trail work. The work was completed in September 2010.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge has a year-round core staff of only six people. In the summer months, that number can swell to include almost 30 student interns who carry out pivotal habitat management and rehabilitation efforts. These summer workers are in need of a place to stay and, thanks to the Recovery Act, they will have new accommodations in the spring of 2011.

Horne Construction Co. Inc., from Rochester, New Hampshire, was awarded a $622,520 contract to construct an energy efficient quarters building. Now known as Houston Manor, the building boasts a geothermal heating and cooling system and should provide comfortable living environment for many seasons to come. Horne hired subcontractors from the Wells area to work on the project.

“Rachel Carson NWR recognizes that the ARRA funds will create jobs in York County,” said Refuge Manager Ward Feurt in April 2010. “The combination of helping the employment situation and accomplishing conservation goals is powerful and exciting. We encourage our friends and neighbors to go to recovery.doi.gov and follow the progress of their American Recovery Reinvestment Act projects.”

Photos:

Video: Recovery Act Projects at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Watch the following video to hear Refuge Manager Ward Feurt talk about the projects!

Originally posted 04/07/2010
Updated 10/22/2010
Updated 10/26/2010
Updated 03/09/2011
Page Completed 03/10/2011