news and announcements
LUPC Short-Term Rental Study
UPDATE AUGUST 2, 2023 - Check this link for the latest information regarding the Short Term Rental Study.
POSTED MAY 31, 2023
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) is studying short-term rentals and seeking input on short-term rental activity and potential regulatory options. The press release below contains more information as well as a link to the LUPC’s short-term rental webpage. In-person community meetings are planned for June and July in the Millinocket, Moosehead, and Rangeley regions. At least one virtual meeting and a public comment period will also be held. The webpage will be updated with meeting dates, times, and venues once those are finalized, likely later this week. The webpage also contains links to Commission memos and presentations on short-term rentals and an option to sign up for email updates on this short-term rental study.
The LUPC’s service area includes all townships, many plantations, and a few towns. The attached document may help in determining if a particular plantation or town is within the LUPC’s service area.
We hope that you may provide information and considerations that help the Commission understand short-term rental activity in its service area and potentially decide on a regulatory option moving forward. Please reach out to me with any questions or to submit written comments.
Thank you,
Tim Carr
Tim Carr
Senior Planner
Land Use Planning Commission
(207) 592 - 4129
Land Use Planning Commission Studies Short-Term Rentals
Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) is studying short-term rental activity in the Commission’s service area and seeking public input on potential regulatory options.
Short-term rentals have a deep history in rural Maine. The rise of user-friendly online reservation platforms and evolving traveler preferences have contributed to the growing popularity of short-term rentals in the Commission's service area. While short-term rental activity can bring positive economic effects, it can also create nuisances for neighbors and have environmental impacts.
Throughout June and July 2023, the Commission will facilitate in-person community meetings in the Millinocket, Moosehead, and Rangeley regions. Additionally, at least one virtual meeting and a written public comment period will be held. These events aim to gather feedback from community members regarding the positive and negative aspects of this type of rental activity and potential regulatory options.
"We are particularly interested in hearing from community members in these three regions as they have a significant number of short-term rental listings in the Commission’s service area. Their insights will help us evaluate, refine, and potentially establish a regulatory approach," stated Stacie Beyer, Executive Director of the Land Use Planning Commission.
The LUPC's short-term rental webpage contains materials related to this project. As meeting dates, locations, and times are finalized and informational materials become available, the webpage will be updated. Individuals may sign up for project updates by email, including meeting announcements and reminders, using the blue box located in the upper right-hand corner of the webpage.
About the LUPC
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) was established by the Maine Legislature to extend the principles of sound planning, zoning, and development to the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State, including townships and plantations. These areas either lack local government or have chosen not to administer land use controls at the local level. For more information, please visit the LUPC webpage.
POSTED MAY 31, 2023
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) is studying short-term rentals and seeking input on short-term rental activity and potential regulatory options. The press release below contains more information as well as a link to the LUPC’s short-term rental webpage. In-person community meetings are planned for June and July in the Millinocket, Moosehead, and Rangeley regions. At least one virtual meeting and a public comment period will also be held. The webpage will be updated with meeting dates, times, and venues once those are finalized, likely later this week. The webpage also contains links to Commission memos and presentations on short-term rentals and an option to sign up for email updates on this short-term rental study.
The LUPC’s service area includes all townships, many plantations, and a few towns. The attached document may help in determining if a particular plantation or town is within the LUPC’s service area.
We hope that you may provide information and considerations that help the Commission understand short-term rental activity in its service area and potentially decide on a regulatory option moving forward. Please reach out to me with any questions or to submit written comments.
Thank you,
Tim Carr
Tim Carr
Senior Planner
Land Use Planning Commission
(207) 592 - 4129
Land Use Planning Commission Studies Short-Term Rentals
Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) is studying short-term rental activity in the Commission’s service area and seeking public input on potential regulatory options.
Short-term rentals have a deep history in rural Maine. The rise of user-friendly online reservation platforms and evolving traveler preferences have contributed to the growing popularity of short-term rentals in the Commission's service area. While short-term rental activity can bring positive economic effects, it can also create nuisances for neighbors and have environmental impacts.
Throughout June and July 2023, the Commission will facilitate in-person community meetings in the Millinocket, Moosehead, and Rangeley regions. Additionally, at least one virtual meeting and a written public comment period will be held. These events aim to gather feedback from community members regarding the positive and negative aspects of this type of rental activity and potential regulatory options.
"We are particularly interested in hearing from community members in these three regions as they have a significant number of short-term rental listings in the Commission’s service area. Their insights will help us evaluate, refine, and potentially establish a regulatory approach," stated Stacie Beyer, Executive Director of the Land Use Planning Commission.
The LUPC's short-term rental webpage contains materials related to this project. As meeting dates, locations, and times are finalized and informational materials become available, the webpage will be updated. Individuals may sign up for project updates by email, including meeting announcements and reminders, using the blue box located in the upper right-hand corner of the webpage.
About the LUPC
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) was established by the Maine Legislature to extend the principles of sound planning, zoning, and development to the unorganized and deorganized areas of the State, including townships and plantations. These areas either lack local government or have chosen not to administer land use controls at the local level. For more information, please visit the LUPC webpage.
Update on Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) plan for the Moosehead Region
Posted December 15, 2022
Here are links to current information about the planning process:
- Portland Press Herald story 12/15/22
- LUPC Moosehead Regional Planning Package - The area adjacent to Harfords Point is Parcel E which is proposed to be designated D-GN (General Development). This rezoning is subject to a site evaluation with regard to wetland, vernal pools, etc.
Annual Meeting and Picnic - Saturday, July 30, 2022
Posted May 4, 2022
2022 Chipping Day - Friday, July 22
Posted May 4, 2022
Dry Hydrant Update
Posted - April 25, 2022
From the Dry Hydrant Commmittee:
Thanks to the generosity of our members, along with the monies the Harford Point Association committed to the project, $16,088 has been raised for the Dry Hydrant project.
This would have been sufficient to cover the proposed costs given to us by Danny Daigle. Unfortunately due to losing employees, Danny is unable to complete the project.
Jerry Nutt has contacted multiple contractors in the area in an attempt to find someone willing to complete the project. LoConte Properties, LLC, has agreed to take on the project and has given us a firm bid. Unfortunately the bid is significantly higher than Danny’s. The bid is $29,900, leaving a shortfall of $13,812. We will ultimately be reimbursed $3500 by the grant we were awarded by the Forest Service so that would bring the total needed down to $10,312.
While this process has been challenging and this final bid is significantly higher than we had originally hoped, our community is very fortunate that Tony Loconte has agreed to work with us to complete our dry hydrant project. Tony and Jerry have spoken at great length. The increased cost is due to the fact that Tony has redesigned the project utilizing materials that should address every concern for performance and duration. Jerry and the rest of the Dry Hydrant Committee are confident that Tony has the depth of knowledge, experience, and thoroughness to complete the project successfully.
Tony needs 8-10 weeks lead time to order the materials. We can’t start the project until we are confident that we can cover the $10,312 shortfall. As much as we hate to ask again, we need to ask you to contribute what you can so we can finally bring the Dry Hydrant to reality.
Contributions will be tax-deductible and should be made out and sent to Greenville Firefighters Association, Box 1109, Greenville, ME 04441, with the designation Harfords Point Dry Hydrant Fund on the memo line of your check.
Posted May 4, 2022
2022 Chipping Day - Friday, July 22
Posted May 4, 2022
Dry Hydrant Update
Posted - April 25, 2022
From the Dry Hydrant Commmittee:
Thanks to the generosity of our members, along with the monies the Harford Point Association committed to the project, $16,088 has been raised for the Dry Hydrant project.
This would have been sufficient to cover the proposed costs given to us by Danny Daigle. Unfortunately due to losing employees, Danny is unable to complete the project.
Jerry Nutt has contacted multiple contractors in the area in an attempt to find someone willing to complete the project. LoConte Properties, LLC, has agreed to take on the project and has given us a firm bid. Unfortunately the bid is significantly higher than Danny’s. The bid is $29,900, leaving a shortfall of $13,812. We will ultimately be reimbursed $3500 by the grant we were awarded by the Forest Service so that would bring the total needed down to $10,312.
While this process has been challenging and this final bid is significantly higher than we had originally hoped, our community is very fortunate that Tony Loconte has agreed to work with us to complete our dry hydrant project. Tony and Jerry have spoken at great length. The increased cost is due to the fact that Tony has redesigned the project utilizing materials that should address every concern for performance and duration. Jerry and the rest of the Dry Hydrant Committee are confident that Tony has the depth of knowledge, experience, and thoroughness to complete the project successfully.
Tony needs 8-10 weeks lead time to order the materials. We can’t start the project until we are confident that we can cover the $10,312 shortfall. As much as we hate to ask again, we need to ask you to contribute what you can so we can finally bring the Dry Hydrant to reality.
Contributions will be tax-deductible and should be made out and sent to Greenville Firefighters Association, Box 1109, Greenville, ME 04441, with the designation Harfords Point Dry Hydrant Fund on the memo line of your check.
Membership Email
Posted - February 20, 2022
Spring finally seems like a possibility after a wicked cold January. It’s time to renew your membership for 2022 and to catch up on the news from Harfords Point:
You can find information about the HPA including meeting minutes at harfordspoint.org. We no longer post members’ contact information on the website but we can help you locate a neighbor through this email.
We also have a Harfords Point facebook page. Members can request access from Sophie Sevey on the fb page.
Here’s to a speedy and healthy spring!
Posted - February 20, 2022
Spring finally seems like a possibility after a wicked cold January. It’s time to renew your membership for 2022 and to catch up on the news from Harfords Point:
- Membership - Dues remain $30 and can be sent to PO Box 669, Greenville, ME, 04441. We had 100 members in 2021 and would like to welcome everyone back as well as sign up some new members. If your contact information has changed or you are joining for the first time, please go to the membership page on our website and provide your contact information.
- Dry Hydrant - At the 2018 annual meeting, Herb Olsen introduced the idea of installing a dry hydrant on the Point and the HPA membership voted to pursue the idea. Four years later it will become a reality this spring. The website has some information about the purpose of dry hydrants if you haven’t been following along. There are a lot of people to thank for making this happen:
- The Kliem family for agreeing to allow the HPA to construct the dry hydrant on their property near the railroad crossing.
- Dave Sinclair and friends for conducting the initial site analysis and clearing.
- Jerry Nutt for chairing the fundraising committee with members Sophie Sevey, Charmi Sperling, and Marjorie Foss Frazer.
- The Maine Forest Service for providing a $3500 grant.
- The Greenville Fire Department for sponsoring the project and the Greenville Firefighters Association for providing the nonprofit status for collecting the donations.
- Moosehead Septic Services for agreeing to contract for this project.
- HPA members for contributing so generously to the project.
- Firewise Certification - In a related project, Kent Nelson of the Maine Forest Service encouraged the HPA to apply for Firewise Certification which provides national recognition for organizations which proactively protect their property from the threat of wildfires. Our efforts have included annual brush clearing during the August chipping day, having presentations at our annual meeting, and developing the dry hydrant.
- Annual Meeting - Please plan to attend the annual meeting on July 31. There is always something interesting happening! We also elect new board members so please consider joining. It’s a great way to be involved in the HPA and meet your neighbors.
You can find information about the HPA including meeting minutes at harfordspoint.org. We no longer post members’ contact information on the website but we can help you locate a neighbor through this email.
We also have a Harfords Point facebook page. Members can request access from Sophie Sevey on the fb page.
Here’s to a speedy and healthy spring!
Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) Seeking Public Input
Posted 10-2-21
Bill Baker of Chipmunk Lane West provided the two documents below which comment on the LUPC scenarios. Bill is on the committee involved in this planning process and invites you to contact him at [email protected] if you would like more information.
Comments by the Appalachian Mountain Club (page 4)
Comments by the Natural Resources Council of Maine. (page 3)
These documents are posted via Adobe and appear to ask for feedback, however comments will not be recorded or forwarded.
Posted 9-15-21
The Moosehead Region is a very special place. Its stunning natural beauty, working forests, and vibrant recreation-based tourism economy create a unique and valuable regional identity. With the termination of the Moosehead Lake Concept Plan, the development areas associated with that Plan have been removed and the community can now help determine what land uses should be allowed in those areas. The FSM Conservation Easements put in place as part of the Concept Plan are permanent and are not affected by the termination.
The LUPC has prepared four Discussion Scenarios, capturing a broad range of community and stakeholder views. The Commission does not support any one of these scenarios over the others, rather they offer a jumping-off point for further community discussion. LUPC Staff want to know what community members like or dislike about the various Discussion Scenarios, and how they could be changed, combined, re-imagined, or implemented.
There is also a virtual meeting planned for September (date and time to be announced) to allow for community and stakeholder participation for those who need or prefer to attend remotely. Sign up to stay informed!
If you would like to discuss this project or offer comments you can contact Naomi Kirk-Lawlor by e-mail: [email protected], at 207-287-4936, or by sending your comments to:
Land Use Planning Commission
18 Elkins Lane
22 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Update on LUPC Moosehead Regional Planning Project
Posted June 4, 2022
After a two-year process of review and public comment this project now has a draft document with proposed zoning and regulatory changes for our region. You will want to take a look at the regional planning package which contains detail of proposed changes adjacent to Harfords Point as well as other areas in the Moosehead region. The website also provides information on an upcoming opportunity for public comment on June 15.
Bill Baker of Chipmunk Lane West requested that we provide the letter below from the Natural Resources Council of Maine:
Last weekend marked the unofficial start to summer, with warmer weather and longer days to enjoy Maine's outdoors. The Moosehead Lake region is particularly special this time of year, providing endless hiking, boating, fishing, ATVing, and wildlife sighting opportunities throughout the largest undeveloped area of forestland east of the Mississippi River.
We’ve been tracking the Moosehead Region Planning Process that will rezone nearly 17,000 acres in the area. Now we need your help to ensure that the proposed plan is strengthened, not weakened, to best protect the character of the region.
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) staff are gathering input on their proposal, and they need support as well as encouragement to make a few key improvements. Will you send a message to the LUPC? Sign up here, and I’ll send you talking points and instructions. I can also guide you in the process of writing and submitting a message.
Sign up here
If this planning process achieves a good outcome—and we believe it will—together we will have helped protect the environment and communities of the Moosehead Lake region. As I shared last month, the current proposal from LUPC staff has a number of positive changes that are in line with what NRCM believes is necessary to conserve the unique character of the region, but there is room for improvement. Sign up here to send a message to the LUPC to weigh in on the proposal.
The LUPC will also be holding community meetings for input on June 15th (in person in Greenville) and June 29th (virtual). You can find more information on the project website. If you plan to attend, feel free to reach out to me for talking points to share with the staff.
This has been a long process, and I appreciate your engagement every step of the way.
Posted June 4, 2022
After a two-year process of review and public comment this project now has a draft document with proposed zoning and regulatory changes for our region. You will want to take a look at the regional planning package which contains detail of proposed changes adjacent to Harfords Point as well as other areas in the Moosehead region. The website also provides information on an upcoming opportunity for public comment on June 15.
Bill Baker of Chipmunk Lane West requested that we provide the letter below from the Natural Resources Council of Maine:
Last weekend marked the unofficial start to summer, with warmer weather and longer days to enjoy Maine's outdoors. The Moosehead Lake region is particularly special this time of year, providing endless hiking, boating, fishing, ATVing, and wildlife sighting opportunities throughout the largest undeveloped area of forestland east of the Mississippi River.
We’ve been tracking the Moosehead Region Planning Process that will rezone nearly 17,000 acres in the area. Now we need your help to ensure that the proposed plan is strengthened, not weakened, to best protect the character of the region.
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) staff are gathering input on their proposal, and they need support as well as encouragement to make a few key improvements. Will you send a message to the LUPC? Sign up here, and I’ll send you talking points and instructions. I can also guide you in the process of writing and submitting a message.
Sign up here
If this planning process achieves a good outcome—and we believe it will—together we will have helped protect the environment and communities of the Moosehead Lake region. As I shared last month, the current proposal from LUPC staff has a number of positive changes that are in line with what NRCM believes is necessary to conserve the unique character of the region, but there is room for improvement. Sign up here to send a message to the LUPC to weigh in on the proposal.
The LUPC will also be holding community meetings for input on June 15th (in person in Greenville) and June 29th (virtual). You can find more information on the project website. If you plan to attend, feel free to reach out to me for talking points to share with the staff.
This has been a long process, and I appreciate your engagement every step of the way.
Is your driveway clearly marked with reflective numbers in case of emergency?
The HPA has been working with Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency to make sure that Harfords Point properties are accurately represented in the 911 system. They recommend several steps property owners can take to make sure that emergency vehicles can locate you:
The HPA has been working with Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency to make sure that Harfords Point properties are accurately represented in the 911 system. They recommend several steps property owners can take to make sure that emergency vehicles can locate you:
- clearly mark your driveway with reflective numbers.
- make sure that you know the correct road number that corresponds with your lot number. In some cases property owners are not using the correct road number that corresponds with the lot number on their tax bill. You can contact Deb Hamlin at the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency and she will identify and confirm your correct street address - [email protected], (207) 564-8660
LUPC Development Plan
When the Moosehead Region Concept Plan (the Plum Creek Plan) was terminated in July of 2020, the Plan's development areas were re-zoned as general management zones and protection zones. Now the LUPC is interested in the community's wishes for future land uses in these areas. Where is future development appropriate and at what intensity? Where are additional protections from development appropriate? Right now, we are in the early stages of this planning project and have not yet created any proposed maps; there will be more opportunities for public comments later in the process as well.
We are looking for input on future land uses from those who know the area best. Please fill out our survey, find out more information, and sign up to stay informed!
Information on the regional planning project now underway can be found here:
https://moosehead-lake-region-cgpz-maine.hub.arcgis.com/
There is an online survey available at this website as well if you or the other members of the Harfords Point Association would like to leave comments that way.
Here is the person at LUPC coordinating this process and her contact information:
Naomi Kirk-Lawlor
Senior Planner
Land Use Planning Commission
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
18 Elkins Lane/ Harlow Building, 4th Floor
22 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0022
Tel: (207)-287-4936
FAX: (207)-287-7439
Email: [email protected]
Dry Hydrant
The Harfords Point Association has received a permit (GP-3602) from the Land Use Planning Commission to construct a dry hydrant on the Harfords Point Rd. across from the railroad crossing. This will enable the fire department to refill their tanks in the winter without returning to town.
Update
1-12-20
The contractor we began working with in the fall stopped work on the project. One of the challenges is that the pipe has to reach 130 feet into the lake to be positioned two feet below the ice. It's difficult for a machine to dig the necessary trench from the shore.
You will notice that there is some new winter activity at the dry hydrant site. An ice ramp is being constructed with logs retrieved from blowdown sites around the point. This is a traditional construction technique which has been used in the Maine woods for many years. Volunteers are constructing the ramp with a plan to allow a machine to be able to dig a trench from the ramp and lay the hydrant pipe beside it after cutting through the ice. The pipe would stop at the shore this winter and the project would continue after ice-out at low water.
The Harfords Point Association has received a permit (GP-3602) from the Land Use Planning Commission to construct a dry hydrant on the Harfords Point Rd. across from the railroad crossing. This will enable the fire department to refill their tanks in the winter without returning to town.
Update
1-12-20
The contractor we began working with in the fall stopped work on the project. One of the challenges is that the pipe has to reach 130 feet into the lake to be positioned two feet below the ice. It's difficult for a machine to dig the necessary trench from the shore.
You will notice that there is some new winter activity at the dry hydrant site. An ice ramp is being constructed with logs retrieved from blowdown sites around the point. This is a traditional construction technique which has been used in the Maine woods for many years. Volunteers are constructing the ramp with a plan to allow a machine to be able to dig a trench from the ramp and lay the hydrant pipe beside it after cutting through the ice. The pipe would stop at the shore this winter and the project would continue after ice-out at low water.
Railroad Crossing Repair
October 16, 2020 - Deferred until 2021 Originally scheduled for this Fall, the railroad crossing repair has been postponed until 2021. Canadian Pacific does not have the funds for the project this year.. |
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Internet Service on Harfords Point
October 6, 2020
Deb Hughes contacted Premium for an update and reported that they are waiting for licensing and pole work which would be done by CMP and Consolidated. Right now they are looking at the first quarter of 2021. Hopefully CMP and Consolidated get moving on this project soon. Once they do their part Premium can run their fiber up to Harfords Point.
July 2020
Internet service has been an issue for Point residents for several years. At the annual meeting last August Russ Hewett of South Shore Road spoke about the possibility of bringing Premium Choice service to Harfords Point and encouraged owners to complete a form expressing their interest (see below). Another resident, Deb Hughes of Oak Ridge Road, now provides an update on her recent attempt to access internet service:
"We called Consolidated Communications to see if we could get internet to our house. They informed us as of yesterday July 8th that there are no lines available for internet on Harford's Point at this time . We asked to be put on a waiting list and they said they do not maintain a waiting list. We had called them originally on June 2nd. At that time they told us it would be 3 weeks before we could get service. After 3 subsequent phone calls, the last being a call to the executive office we had the information that I stated above. So basically it is luck of the draw. Just have to call periodically to see if a line opens up. I wanted to pass this information on to the board just in case any other residents have this issue. So we basically have to wait for someone to disconnect from the Internet and it could take months.
We also stopped and talked to Premium Choice Broadband contractors who were working at Squaw condos.They said they have no orders to come up on Harford's Point at this time . I called Premium Broadband and spoke to a representative who said that although they have had a lot of interest on Harford's Point they do not feel it is cost effective to run it up here at this time.
My husband Kevin worked for Verizon for 37 years and used to install and turn up these systems. He doesn't feel the cost is too high for Consolidated to add lines for expansion. I would have expected more customer service from Consolidated. But at this time they are our only shot at getting internet on the point. I hope Premium comes up to give them some competition."
October 6, 2020
Deb Hughes contacted Premium for an update and reported that they are waiting for licensing and pole work which would be done by CMP and Consolidated. Right now they are looking at the first quarter of 2021. Hopefully CMP and Consolidated get moving on this project soon. Once they do their part Premium can run their fiber up to Harfords Point.
July 2020
Internet service has been an issue for Point residents for several years. At the annual meeting last August Russ Hewett of South Shore Road spoke about the possibility of bringing Premium Choice service to Harfords Point and encouraged owners to complete a form expressing their interest (see below). Another resident, Deb Hughes of Oak Ridge Road, now provides an update on her recent attempt to access internet service:
"We called Consolidated Communications to see if we could get internet to our house. They informed us as of yesterday July 8th that there are no lines available for internet on Harford's Point at this time . We asked to be put on a waiting list and they said they do not maintain a waiting list. We had called them originally on June 2nd. At that time they told us it would be 3 weeks before we could get service. After 3 subsequent phone calls, the last being a call to the executive office we had the information that I stated above. So basically it is luck of the draw. Just have to call periodically to see if a line opens up. I wanted to pass this information on to the board just in case any other residents have this issue. So we basically have to wait for someone to disconnect from the Internet and it could take months.
We also stopped and talked to Premium Choice Broadband contractors who were working at Squaw condos.They said they have no orders to come up on Harford's Point at this time . I called Premium Broadband and spoke to a representative who said that although they have had a lot of interest on Harford's Point they do not feel it is cost effective to run it up here at this time.
My husband Kevin worked for Verizon for 37 years and used to install and turn up these systems. He doesn't feel the cost is too high for Consolidated to add lines for expansion. I would have expected more customer service from Consolidated. But at this time they are our only shot at getting internet on the point. I hope Premium comes up to give them some competition."
Summer 2020 News and Activities (June 2020)
- Due to Covid-19 the annual meeting and picnic have been cancelled. You will receive an email and/or postcard with more information later this month.
- The Maine Forest Service will be conducting their third annual Chipping day on August 20 this year. (Check out photos of previous chipping days.)They can accommodate up to 20 residences. The purpose of this project is to reduce wildfire risk by controlling the vegetation around camps. If you want more information and to sign up for the program download this form and return it to the Harfords Point Association, PO Box 669, Greenville, ME 04441. The form for 2020 has changed to accommodate social distancing requirements. (If you have difficulty downloading the form try a different browser or email [email protected] and we will email it to you.)
- We are moving forward with planning for the installation of a dry hydrant in the lake on the Harfords Point Road just after the railroad tracks. The Greenville fire department was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Maine Forest Service which we will match with funds from our savings account. Dry hydrants allow the fire department to draw water from the lake year-round. They can refill their trucks without having to return to town which could be critical to containing a fire.
- You can find information about the plan to re-open the State of Maine and Piscataquis County on the Governor's webpage.
Bringing Premium Choice Broadband to Harfords Point (February 2020)
If you are frustrated by the internet service through Consolidated Communication and interested in bringing faster fiber service to the Point, Premium Choice has an ONLINE FORM people can fill out expressing their interest in this service. Russ and Vandy Hewett on South Shore Rd. ( Harfords Point residents at 31 South Shore Rd) are interested in making this happen. You can contact them at [email protected] if you'd like to be involved in this effort.
Russ Hewett checked in with Premium Choice in February and here's the response:
“We have a good amount of interest. The next part will be looking to see what the construction will entail and if it will make financial sense for us to expand there.
Unfortunately, that will have to wait til spring as there are some roads that are not plowed."
Thanks,
Sadie”
Russ said he will check in with them again in the spring.
Harfords Point Wildfire Protection Plan (September 2019)
On Friday, September 20, the Maine Forest Service, joined by the Greenville Fire Department, presented a wildfire prevention plan to the residents of Harfords Point. This plan is the outcome of a wildfire risk assessment conducted by the Forest Service in the Fall of 2017 in which Harfords Point was identified as bearing higher risk for wildfire because of its remote location and heavy forest fuel building up around residences. Click here for the full plan.
As a result of this report, several projects have been undertaken or are planned to address this risk:
- The Forest Service has conducted two work days on Harfords Point during which they chipped and removed several tons of primarily softwood debris that landowners had cleared from around their residences.
- The Forest Service has alerted the Harfords Point Association of a grant program which would pay up to half the cost of installing a dry hydrant on the Point. This hydrant would enable the Greenville Fire Department to draw water from the lake at any time of year allowing them to replenish their water supply without returning to town. The Fire Department and the HPA Board are currently working on this application due 11/15/19.
For more information about our wildfire prevention program, please contact: Forest Ranger Specialist Kent Nelson at 207-287-4989 or [email protected]
Maine Forest Service Chipping Day (August 2019)
Thanks to the Maine Forest Service for removing 2 tons of debris from Harfords Point!
Thanks to the Maine Forest Service for removing 2 tons of debris from Harfords Point!
RR Crossing Repair (August 2019)
The repair of our railroad crossing proceeded as scheduled and we now have a safer and more comfortable journey over the tracks.
Thank you to Peter Kliem for negotiating this project with the Canadian/Maine RR.