KITTERY LAND TRUST PROPERTIES

Over the last few months, KLT has been reviewing the management plans for the properties we own, updating them where necessary. The first property for which a new management plan has been developed is Seapoint. High points of the plan are outlined below.

The goal of the Seapoint Management Plan is to provide pleasant public access and to maintain Seapoint's view for perpetuity. The deed to the Seapoint property prohibits structures of any kind on the property and requires that the property be maintained in its natural state.

To achieve our goals, KLT will do the following:

• Observe and manage invasive species. Seapoint has significant quantities of several particularly invasive species, including phragmites, artemesia, and oriental bittersweet, as well as smaller quantities of other invasives.
  
  These species of concern have been photographed, and the photographs will be used during each annual monitoring visit to assess whether the invasives are spreading. If possible, new photographs will also be taken for use the following year. Should invasives begin to threaten the natural state of the property, measures will be taken to remove them.
  
  
• Monitor beach grass and associated erosion. Since Seapoint is available for public use, the condition of the grasses in and around trails will be monitored yearly to ensure that erosion is not threatening the natural state of the property.
  
  
• Allow trees to grow. In the very long term, it is possible that Seapoint will return to forest. KLT will not destroy current tree growth and will allow for the move toward forested land.
  
  
• Continue public use restrictions and requirements. KLT will continue to restrict certain uses at Seapoint as listed below. Signs articulating these restrictions have been posted, and compliance will be monitored.
  
  
(a)   KLT does not allow fires or overnight camping at Seapoint.

(b)   KLT requires that dogs be on leashes and that dog manure be picked up and taken out.

(c)   KLT does not allow the taking of plants or other natural features from Seapoint.

(d)   KLT does not allow users to leave trash or other personal items at Seapoint.

Annual monitoring may lead to changes to the plan. Changes may include additional activities to manage invasive species, changes in location of trails, or changes in public use restrictions and requirements.

Thanks to both signs and public cooperation, overnight camping and fires have stopped being a problem at Seapoint. If you see problems with the use of this property, please contact Bill Paarlberg (207-439-6087), chair of KLT's Stewardship Committee.