New Infrastructure Strengthens Resilience
Severely damaged during historic storms in December 2023, the Bemis Track was closed for two years, disrupting access to destinations such as the Appalachian Trail, Angel Falls, Ten Degree, and regional ATV routes.
Originally built in the 1890s as part of the Rumford Falls and Rangeley Lakes railway, the Bemis Track follows the historic railroad grade that once brought tourists to the region’s grand hotels and sporting camps during the height of Maine’s wilderness tourism era. After the railroad was abandoned in the 1930s, the former rail line was converted into a road, which became known as Bemis Track.
Rebuilding this essential route involved the installation of a new bridge, 29 new culverts, and 4,492 yards of gravel, equivalent to approximately 340 dump truck loads, to improve drainage and enhance flood resilience.
This restoration was made possible by an $88,625 grant from the Maine Business Recovery and Resilience Fund, a matching contribution from Wagner Forest Management, and support from the Oquossoc ATV Club.
Voices from the Restoration
“The disaster declaration storms from the winter of 2023-2024 impacted organizations and operations throughout the State of Maine. Projects with a resilience focus, like restoring Bemis Track, ensures long-term access to important infrastructure for years to come,” stated Jake Daniele, Small Business Development Manager at Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development. “Bemis Track reopening is vital for forestry and outdoor recreation-related activities and underscores the economic impact of the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund.”
“The storms in December of 2023 wreaked havoc in the region. The trails were damaged like nothing we had seen before. The Bemis Track was no different; the estimates came in very high. I was thinking three or more years to put funding together for the huge undertaking,” offered Wes Jackson, President of the Oquossoc ATV Club. “Enter High Peaks Alliance. Brent and the folks from HPA got to work building a team of partners, securing the grant to make it all possible.”
Brent West, Executive Director of High Peaks Alliance, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project: “This success reflects the work of many local partners who united to restore access to a handful of the region’s favorite trails and outdoor spaces. We are deeply grateful to Wagner Forest Management and all our partners and funders whose dedication made this restoration possible. We extend special thanks to Irish Logging for their excellent work on the ground, bringing the Bemis Track back to life.”
Local hiking enthusiast, Amy Niemczura-Sowa, was one of the first to document the damage after the storms. Of the restoration, she says, “Not only does this improve access to the popular Appalachian Trail and Angel Falls, it allows access to the quiet and magical Bemis Stream trail. Cannot wait to get back there!”
