Bath, Maine — Bath Housing Development Corporation and the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) are proud to announce the permanent protection of more than 10 acres of woodland and wetland located off Congress Avenue in Bath. Through a conservation easement granted to KELT, this urban forest is now secured as open space forever, ensuring critical environmental, recreational, and community benefits for generations to come.
The newly protected property—comprised of oak-pine forest, a stream valley, and associated wetlands—serves as an essential part of Bath’s natural infrastructure. Located near the Bath YMCA, Morse High School, and Bath Middle School, the forest is both an ecological resource and a well-loved community space. The Whiskeag Trail, a popular local trail system, crosses through the land, providing low-impact, non-motorized access for bikers, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
“Preserving this land reinforces Bath Housing’s commitment to thoughtful, community-focused development,” said Debora Keller, Executive Director of Bath Housing. “This easement allows us to support both affordable housing and environmental sustainability in a way that strengthens the quality of life in Bath.”
The conservation easement ensures that the land will remain undeveloped and accessible for traditional recreation, while also protecting wildlife habitat, promoting stormwater absorption, and reducing the urban heat island effect. Public access is guaranteed along the Whiskeag Trail corridor, while the rest of the forest will remain protected for its natural values.
KELT will hold and steward the conservation easement, conducting monitoring and management to maintain the ecological integrity of the land with options for future expansion of the Whiskeag Trial network to connect to Congress Street and the nearby high school
“This partnership highlights the power of collaboration between housing, conservation, and municipal interests,” said Becky Kolak, Executive Director of KELT. “We are honored to help safeguard this vital green space in the heart of Bath.”
The City of Bath supported the protection of the parcel through contract rezoning approved by the City Council, which provided for the density allowable from this acreage to be concentrated on two pending housing projects at 80 Congress Avenue and 150 Congress Avenue. The easement aligns with broader community goals of environmental protection, equitable access to nature, and sustainable urban planning.
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