Joint Federal, State, and County Partnership
Preserves 318 Acres of Riggs Farm

Centreville , MD (May 2006) - What do you get when you combine $1,250,000 in NPS Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) assistance with $2,930,000 in state and county funding? 318 acres of farmland protected in perpetuity for park, recreation, and conservation purposes in the Corsica River Watershed. When governments work together, great things can happen; as they did with this acquisition.

Conceptual plans for this property incorporate water quality and habitat restoration, recreation opportunities, and a demonstration farm to promote best management practices. Water quality and habitat restoration plans consist of restoration of wetlands, including a unique Delmarva bay wetland, and expansion of a riparian forest buffer among other improvements. To meet the recreation needs of the County, a portion of the property will be developed with organized sports facilities while incorporating sustainable development techniques serving as a model for other such facilities across the State. New trails and open field play areas are also planned to allow visitors to interact with the natural resources.

The acquisition of this prime property, combined with the proposed development, are focused on making this publicly accessible project an environmentally supportive, integral, and valued addition to the Town of Centreville. For more information, please contact Bill Sharp at William_Sharp@nps.gov or (215) 597-1655.

Gardiner , ME (May 2006) - A 680-foot long elevated boardwalk is planned along the bank of the Kennebec River in downtown Waterfront Park in the City of Gardiner . An NPS Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) assistance grant of $50,000, along with a local match of $165,000, will improve accessibility to the scenic Kennebec River . The enhancements will also provide a variety of additional recreation amenities on the site. In addition to the LWCF work, the City intends to construct a parking area, picnic area with a gazebo, access to carry in boats, and finger docks on an existing dock area.

Directly north of Gardiner Waterfront Park is a link to the Kennebec Rail Trail. This 7-mile non-motorized trail along the river, when finished this year, will extend through the communities of Gardiner, Farmingdale, Hallowell, and Augusta , Maine . To the south of Gardiner Waterfront Park is a recently completed trail, funded through the Department of Transportation's Recreation Trail Program (RTP), which extends approximately .3 miles along the river on state-owned property.

The LWCF-funded boardwalk will provide a linkage between the RTP and rail trail while stabilizing a deteriorating shoreline. For more information, please contact Michael Louie at Michael_T_Louie@nps.gov or 215-597-4056.