The Phillips Area Community Center in Phillips, Maine was the scene of a great celebration on Saturday for the completion of the Orbeton Stream Project.  There were a number of national conservation and political figures were in attendance, including U.S. Senator Susan Collins, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Arthur “Butch” Blazer, and Ben Tucker, the Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Angus S. King.  A number of state and local representatives were in attendance (Senator Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, and Rep. Russell Black, R-Wilton, among them) as were many representatives of the many conservation groups who were involved with the Orbeton Stream project.

The Trust for Public Land did a wonderful job of hosting the event and provided refreshments for the estimated 150 attendees.  Thanks to Diano Circo and Wolfe Tone, who put on a great show, and the food was excellent.

This project could not have been completed without the local communities being on board and as you can see they really wanted to get out and celebrate this special achievement.  Public access to snowmobile trails like ITS-84-86 and trails like the Fly Rod Crosby Trail are guaranteed.  An important section of the Appalachian Trail has been buffered from incompatible development.  There was a whole lot to be thankful for.

You can read more about this event here and find more photos here.