Appearing before the Westport Island board of selectmen Monday, Dec. 12, Dennis Dunbar of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust gave an update on its efforts to acquire the Squam Creek Preserve.

Dunbar, who is a KELT board member, said the fundraising effort is now $63,000 from achieving its goal to acquire the 144-acre parcel.  In June, residents approved a contribution of $50,000 toward the acquisition. Contributors have included “private foundations, private individuals, the property owner, a federal grant and the town of Westport Island,” according to Carrie Kinne, executive director.

The acreage is currently owned by the Segerstrom Realty Trust. A purchase and sale agreement was executed earlier this year which gave KELT until Dec. 31 to purchase the property at a reduced price of $440,000.

Two federal grants have been approved which total $141,000 and a challenge gift from an anonymous donor provided $100,000 when the project reached an additional $100,000.  

Other contributions have been generated through house parties, tours of the property and phoning and sending letters to likely contributors. After Christmas, KELT is going to test the use of crowd funding with a video produced by board member Archie Bonyun.

Overall, the project costs are $536,000 which include purchase of the property and surveys, closing costs and stewardship funds.

 “We have received a half dozen donations in the past week,” Dunbar said. He indicated that the current owner is amenable to extending the current agreement for 90 days or so but added, “Our plan is to close on the property in mid- to late-February. We are making good progress with fundraising.”

“We are now entering the final stretch and will be launching a crowdfunding campaign the last week of December that will last through January,” added Kinne. “The campaign page can be accessed through the KELT website starting Dec. 27. We want to introduce this incredible property to as many people as possible so it will be available to Westport Island residents and visitors to enjoy forever."  

Those supporting the acquisition are enthusiastic because of the historical significance of the land, which includes the original lots #1 and #2 settled by early island residents in the Dunton and Hodgdon families. 

The site has 3,300 feet of frontage on Squam Creek and is the largest deer wintering area on Westport Island. The preserve area includes significant wetlands and is home to two commercial oyster farms.

In other news, there will be a holiday potluck open house at the Town Office on Tuesday, Dec. 20, beginning at 4:30 p.m. as a gesture of appreciation for the community. Light refreshments and beverages will be served.