VIDEO: What does the city's 250 feet on Little River look like?
Belfast — As part of a three-way deal between the city, Belfast Water District and Nordic Aquafarms, the city plans to buy a 250-foot-wide strip of land running along Little River.
This buffer zone, extending inland from the water to the edge of the proposed land-based salmon farm, is intended to preserve Little River Trail, a hiking path that follows its namesake river and man-made reservoirs from Route 1 to Lincolnville Avenue.
Opponents of the salmon farm have said the buffer isn't enough to separate the new business — on track to be the second-largest land-based aquaculture facility in the world — from the idyllic walking trail. City officials have argued that it is, or should be.
On June 29, this reporter took a cell phone and a tape measure and walked the southernmost segment, between Route 1 and Perkins Road, in an unscientific attempt to get a handle on it.
OK, Lawrence, here we go again OPINION: 24 hours in Denmark Nordic Aquafarms releases discharge estimates for salmon farm Public still wary of salmon farm, less at odds with city officials OPINION: This is why OPINION: The Nordic emails OPINION: Here's how we came to hire Deloitte OPINION: Salmon farm criteria Salmon farm opponents urge Planning Board to press 'reset button' OPINION: The Deloitte report OPINION: An opportunity to be a global player in aquaculture Neighbors sue city to restart process with salmon farm City-commissioned report gives thumbs up to Nordic Aquafarms proposal OPINION: Civility does start with truth, but truth is based on facts OPINION: Civility starts with truth Nordic Aquafarms to open office in downtown Belfast Salmon farm skeptics advised on plan of action OPINION: Land-based salmon farms will benefit Maine Public discussion, debate, about salmon farm continues OPINION: Nordic's credibility chasm OPINION: Nordic Aquafarms’ CEO addresses 'misinformation' City councilors clap back at fish farm critics OPINION: This stinks OPINION: The big issue Nordic Aquafarms gives a peek at proposed salmon farm Northport voters agree to let Belfast purchase riverfront land Council overrides calls to wait, approves zoning for salmon farm Council set to make final call on salmon farm zoning Fish farm critics speak as city floats zoning changes Belfast salmon farm not a done deal Belfast to cover some costs of salmon farm development Norwegian company to build one of world's largest salmon farms in Belfast
Kenneth, I don’t recall. The trail goes farther inland in some places. Probably depends on your eyesight, sightlines.
Thank you very much Ethan for making this video. The video doesn't show if can you see the pink marker tapes from the trail or the trees that are on the edge of the 250ft. Were you able to see the pink tape from the trail?
Good suggestion, Carol. Remakably, I came out tick-free, despite lots of crunching through the woods. Dressed all in taupe. Maybe that helped.
Thanks for doing this, Ethan. Note to trail users: Be sure to protect yourself and your pets against ticks!