The Maine Mountain Division Trail (MDT) currently runs 6 miles along abandoned rail lines in the town of Fryeburg. The trail was built by Maine DOT, and is intended to be part of a larger trail system that extends all the way to Portland. Join Dave Kinsman, President of the Mountain Division Alliance, for a brief history of the MDT and associated rail line as well as the future plans from the trail. Dave will be presenting at Tin Mountain’s EcoForum Series at noon on April 11 at the Nature Learning Center in Albany.
In 2003, Dave Kinsman took over as chair of the Mountain Division Alliance and in 2005, filed for and received 501c3 status becoming the first President of the MDA. Dave has worked with the towns of Fryeburg, Brownfield, Standish, Gorham, Windham and most recently the city of Westbrook in applying for funding for Mountain Division Trail construction. He is a former board member of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Chair of the 2007 and 2008 Maine Bike Rallies in Fryeburg and served on the Steering Committee for the Fryeburg Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Dave is currently a member of the Maine Bicycle Council and the Sebago to the Sea Coalition. Prior to being involved in bicycle advocacy projects, Dave was involved in the bicycle industry for 24 years as founder/owner of Downeast Bicycle Specialists and Downeast Sports Marketing.
The Mountain Division Trail is a long term project with the objective to connect Portland and Fryeburg. When completed, it will connect nine communities along the way with a recreational path as well as an alternative transportation corridor. Other trails that have been built in similar areas have had significant impact on communities in regards to health, community spirit and economic benefits. The MDT has a ways to go, but it is already making a difference. Dave will discuss both the current and future status of the MDT.
The EcoForum lunchtime lecture series is sponsored by The Flatbread Company of North Conway, the Rock House Mountain Baker, and Frontside Grind Coffee. EcoForums are free and open to the public and are presented at noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Tin Mountain Nature Learning Center in Albany. The community is urged to attend to learn more about salient issues facing our natural environment and to hear the views of thought-provoking speakers.