On the Road to Recovery
Rangeley Plantation – The High Peaks Alliance is thrilled to share that funding has been secured to repair and improve the Bemis Track, a valuable recreational and economic resource in the High Peaks Region. A $88,625 grant from the Maine Business Recovery and Resilience Funding will help address the damage caused by the severe storms in December 2023.
The road provides access to destinations like Angel Falls, the Ten Degree Rock Climbing area, and a section of the Appalachian Trail. It has been closed since the December 2023 floods, impacting local recreation, tourism, and the forest products industry.
“The Bemis Track is a critical trail for our ATV club, serving as a vital connector from Roxbury and offering a popular riding experience,” Wesley Jackson, of the Oquossoc ATV club. “It attracts riders from all over, boosting our regional economy by supporting businesses like restaurants and lodging. This project helps ensure the long-term sustainability of our trails and our region.”
📸 Washout along Bemis Track
Storm Damage to Sustainable Future
Bemis Track also connects ATV trails, supporting the ATV tourism industry. In addition, repairing the road will help the forest products industry by restoring access to commercial forests.
“The Bemis Track is more than just a road; it’s key to our outdoor recreation economy and access,” Brent West, Executive Director of the Alliance, who led the grant application, said. “Whether it was the ATV club, the AT hikers, or the people who like to take the back road to Rangeley. We heard an outcry from the community. That’s why we reached out to Wagner to ensure this backroad is open for people.”
The project includes several repairs to the Bemis Track: rebuilding washed-out sections, installing new culverts and a bridge, improving drainage for better flood resilience, and regrading and resurfacing the 8-mile stretch. This comprehensive approach will not only repair the storm damage but also make the road more resilient to future weather events.
📸 Washout on Bemis Track
Partners in Progress
“Since the 2023 storms, we have devoted significant resources to conducting projects on our private road system to restore and improve access for forest management purposes,” Dan Hudnut, Wagner Forest Management. “With no operational imperative to restore Bemis Track access, we were planning a prolonged period of road closure. We appreciate the High Peaks Alliance’s initiative in securing these funds and coordinating the work to restore and improve this important access.”
The Alliance worked with Wagner Forest Management, local ATV clubs, and other stakeholders to develop this repair plan. Work is scheduled for the summer of 2025 and the road will reopen when complete. This project is a significant step in repairing and improving outdoor recreation infrastructure in the High Peaks after the 2023 storms.
For more information, please connect with Brent via our Contact form, link below.
📸 Washout on Bemis Track
