December 16, 2025

RRCT Receives $78,234.55 Maine Trails Program Grant for Intervale Preserve Improvements

Image of the Warbler Trail, soon to be upgraded to Universal Access standards with 85 ft of boardwalk and a 4-ft-wide gravel trail

Royal River Conservation Trust (RRCT) has received a $78,234.55 grant from the Maine Trails Program to support trail and water access improvements RRCT’s Intervale Preserve in New Gloucester!

The Maine Trails Program is a statewide initiative administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands. The program provides funding to design, build, and improve trails that support outdoor recreation, accessibility, and community connections. Thanks to the passage of the Maine Trails Bond in November 2024, the state has $30 million in funding available through 2034. Thank you to everyone who voted YES on Question 4 last fall to help make this important investment possible.

RRCT’s grant will fund three improvement projects at Intervale Preserve:

  • Interurban Multi-Use Trail: The trail will be upgraded to address long-standing erosion and stormwater issues along the former railroad corridor that connects New Gloucester’s Lower Village to surrounding trail networks. Planned work includes resurfacing the trail, improving drainage, and stabilizing areas affected by runoff to ensure safe, year-round use for walkers, snowmobilers, and other trail users.‍
  • Warbler Trail Universal Access Upgrade: The 0.5-mile Warbler Trail on Route 231 will be upgraded to meet Universal Access standards, expanding opportunities for people using mobility devices. Improvements will include construction of an accessible gravel trail and boardwalk, along with parking area upgrades to improve drainage and accommodate accessible parking.‍
  • Royal River Water Access Improvements: Improvements will also be made to a hand-carry boat launch on the Royal River on Route 231. This work will improve erosion control, traction, and overall usability at an important access point on the Royal River Water Trail for paddlers.

Completing the grant application was a true team effort, spearheaded by RRCT’s Stewardship Director, Hanae Garrison, and supported by RRCT staff and volunteers. The application also received strong backing from community partners, including the Royal River Riders Snowmobile Club, the New Gloucester Recreation Department, Building Livability in New Gloucester, Maine Adaptive, Portland Wheelers, The Iris Network, and the Rotary Club of Yarmouth.

Royal River Conservation Trust is deeply grateful for all the community support, and we can’t wait to get started on trail improvements this spring!