VIDEO: What does the city's 250 feet on Little River look like?
Video by: Ethan Andrews
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.
Upstream Watch offers Nordic alternative plan BEP members wade through wet woods during Nordic site walk Hartley Conservation group places boundary markers in disputed intertidal zone Planning Board looks at wildlife, wetlands in Nordic application Planning Board discusses Nordic noise, odor, lights and emissions 'Friends of Hartley' invite public to meeting Oct. 19 Wells dominate talks on Nordic freshwater use Nordic's visual impacts, buffers explained Residents argue Nordic is 'too young' a company for Belfast project BEP declines to dismiss Nordic applications, rules on intervenors Planning Board begins Nordic review City to begin reviewing Nordic application Northport crowds in for Upstream Watch meeting Nordic neighbors take legal action at local, state levels BPL initial ruling: Nordic will be granted submerged lands lease Justice rules in favor of Belfast in Nordic zoning lawsuit Nordic site walk takes Planning Board through fields, trees, across Route 1 A new fish in town, The Fish are Okay! supports Nordic Planning Board hears first Nordic presentation BEP accepts jurisdiction over Nordic state applications State says Nordic has 'sufficient' title, right and interest to proceed Assistant CEO chosen for Nordic's city application New Nordic filings include release deeds from heirs for disputed property Nordic announces construction managers for salmon farm Legal sparring continues around Nordic applications A call for honest, open, civil discourse Intertidal intrigue Updated: Nordic defends title, right and interest claim Opponents accuse Nordic of misleading state, public City takes no position on Nordic pipe placement Supporters turn out for Nordic Aquafarms at public meeting Would you drink from Nordic outfall? Panelists agree: No. Continuing community dialogue Nordic announces plans for 2nd land-based aquaculture facility in California State OKs Nordic's request for alternative review process DEP backtracks on Nordic application, asks for proof of land rights Nordic offers to preserve reservoir land, if deal goes through Attorney petitions regulators to reject Nordic permit applications Editorial, Dec. 20, 2018 Nordic pipe permits paused as state reviews tidal zone crossing Supporters, critics seek answers from Nordic officials 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!