MADISON

Somerset Woods Trustees and Lake Wesserunsett Association are pleased to announce a new collaboration to preserve the lake’s iconic Black Point.

Situated on the western shore of Lake Wesserunsett between Lakewood and Sandy Beach in Madison, Black Point has been treasured by generations of lake users for its majestic trees and solitude. Its more than 3,800 feet of undeveloped shore provide a welcome area of darkness at night. The property’s extensive wetlands are rich in biodiversity and play a role in protecting lake water quality, slowing and filtering stormwater runoff before it enters the lake.

The largest remaining undeveloped parcel on the lake, Black Point is a conservation priority identified in the Lake Wesserunsett Watershed Conservation Plan. When complete, this will be the second significant collaboration between the land trust and lake association: in 2023 they partnered to forever conserve another priority parcel, the Reid-Lahti Wetlands at the north end of the lake off East Madison Road.

“LWA is very fortunate, and it is to the lake’s great benefit, to partner with SWT, the oldest land trust in Maine, for protection of important parcels on the lake,” said Mark Doty, President of Lake Wesserunsett Association. “This conservation aids the long-term health of the lake, the watershed, and wildlife for the people of Madison and other lake users.”

“Continuing to work with the lake association towards our shared goal of protecting the Lake Wesserunsett ecosystem is a priority for Somerset Woods,” said Jennifer Brockway, Somerset Woods’ Executive Director. “Land conservation within the lake watershed is an important tool in protecting water quality, and we’re pleased to contribute our expertise to the partnership.”

Under the terms of the sales contract, Somerset Woods looks to complete the purchase in 2025 but no later than November 2026.

“We appreciate the seller’s willingness to work with us to help ensure the successful conservation of this special place,” said Brockway.

Somerset Woods and the lake association are collaborating to raise the $350,000 needed for the purchase and long-term care of the 130-acre Black Point preserve. In the first days of the effort, more than $55,000 in gifts and pledges have been made by community members in support of the acquisition. The land trust is leading the effort on grant funding, and the lake association will announce a capital campaign early next year. Donations now may be directed to Somerset Woods at PO Box 833, Skowhegan, ME 04976 or online here.

The land trust will be the owner and long-term steward of the preserve, managing its woods and wetlands for wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and non-motorized recreation including trails for walking and snowshoeing, and hunting and fishing access.