Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain and Wetland – Lovell, Maine

To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) intends to fund the following Proposed Action under the 2023 Catalyst Program. NBRC will prepare an 8-Step Decision-Making Process review in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management) to ensure federally funded projects consider floodplain impacts and avoid unnecessary risks. NBRC will also adhere to EO 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), which established a more protective standard to avoid, where practicable, adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands.

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to improve access, amenities, and opportunities for trail-based recreation at three Greater Lovell Land Trust properties in Lovell, Maine. The project will include general trail improvements at Heald and Bradley Pond Reserve and Kezar Corridor Lands and expanding the parking area of Five Kezar Pond Reserve. The project will provide equitable access to the outdoors to the residents of Oxford County while also contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of the region.

The floodplain status of the Proposed Action was determined using the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels. Based on the FIRM mapping data, portions of the Heald and Bradley Pond Reserve and Kezar Corridor Lands projects are located within the 100-year floodplain (Zone A). Wetlands were identified at Heald and Bradley Pond Reserve, Kezar Corridor Lands, and Five Kezar Pond Reserve for the proposed action using the United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) database. Accordingly, NBRC has determined that the Proposed Action requires an analysis under the 8-Step Decision-Making Process to evaluate potential impacts to floodplains and wetlands within the project area.

This notice provides people who may be affected by the proposed action and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment with an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts.

Comments should be submitted by email to nepa@nbrc.gov. NBRC is accepting comments on this notice for 15 days, from 5/14/2026 through the end of the day on 5/29/2026.

Date of Publication: 5/14/2026

Events and Activities

We have a year-round program of guided walks on our properties and in the area; talks on the wildlife that inhabits our region; and special events for families, friends and visitors.

Take A Walk

Many of our properties are open to the public and offer a variety of developed trails for all abilities and interests—easy ambles, challenging hikes, beautiful vistas and fascinating and unusual plants and animals.

Lands in conservation easement are private property, as is much of the abutting land to the GLLT properties. Owners have the right to restrict use.

PLEASE RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS.

Our properties are open to hunting!

Nearly all of our reserves and preserves are open to hunting, subject to Maine state regulations. While there are hunting seasons throughout the year, the fall is particularly active.

For more information check out Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/index.html

NOTE: CELL SERVICE IS LIMITED THROUGH THE GREATER LOVELL AREA. BE SURE TO LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, HOW FAR YOU PLAN TO GO, AND WHEN YOU EXPECT TO RETURN.

Posts From the Field

For more information about the natural world in western Maine and beyond, check out:

Wonder My Way

The blog of former GLLT Education Director, Leigh MacMillen Hayes

Eyes on the Wild

The blog of former GLLT board member, Moira Yip