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Besse historic conservation area

Location and Description:

Location: Wayne, Maine

Property Description: This 55-acre red oak-northern hardwoods- white pine forest preserve includes a 0.40 acre vernal pool. This land was farmed for five generations from 1788 to 1913, and then was left to return to its natural state.

Directions: Directions: From Route 133 in Wayne Village, turn south on the Old Winthrop Road (0.7 mi.); Look for the KLT sign and parking will be on the left shortly after passing the sign. From Winthrop: Travel north on 41 (0.5 mi.) then keep left onto Route 133 (3.7 mi.). Turn left onto Fairbanks Road and follow to a three-way intersection. Turn right onto Old Winthrop Road. Parking is about halfway down the road on the right shoulder before you get to the sign.
 

Usage and Trails:

Allowable uses: Nature observation. No designated hiking trails. No motorized vehicles. Dogs are allowed on leash or under voice command.

Parking: KLT sign and parking on the shoulder of Old Winthrop Road. Please respect our neighbors and KLT property. Parking lot is not plowed in the winter.

History:

In 1798, the Jabez Besse Jr Family purchased this land as Kennebec Purchase Proprietor Lot #170. Over the years the Besse property became a quaint but sufficient family farm for agricultural and livestock production. The wetland on the farm provided an ideal food source for livestock at the time of settlement, which allowed family members the time necessary to clear land for farming. In 1850, descendants Woodin Besse and his son William were raising 80 bushels of corn, 30 bushels of wheat, 20 bushels of barley, 275 bushels of potatoes, 17 bushels of peas and beans, and 52 tons of hay. Additionally, they made 600 lbs of butter and 150 lbs of cheese.

The land remained in the Besse family for nearly two centuries. In 1998 Albion Besse donated the preserve to Kennebec Land Trust with the condition that the forest be allowed to “return to the way it was when my ancestors first settled”. Property Brochure

Map:

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