Partnership Launches Campaign for Black Point Preservation

MADISON - Somerset Woods Trustees and Lake Wesserunsett Association announce the launch of the $350K Campaign for Black Point.

Black Point, situated on the western shore of Lake Wesserunsett between Lakewood and Sandy Beach in Madison, is a treasured place. For generations it has been a favorite destination for swimming, fishing, and solitude. The community has enjoyed open access to the property for at least 50 years. Now, the landowners have decided to sell. 

Somerset Woods Trustees, working in collaboration with Lake Wesserunsett Association, has secured a purchase and sale agreement to forever preserve this iconic property. Now the partnership must raise the needed funds - $350K - to make this landmark purchase a reality.

The 130-acre property features more than 3800’ of lake frontage. Its woods and wetlands provide wildlife and waterfowl habitat – including a loon nesting site, recreational opportunities, and critical protection for the lake’s water quality by slowing and filtering stormwater runoff before it enters the lake.  

“This is our moment to preserve Black Point,” said Lake Wesserunsett Association President Mark Doty. “Together, we can protect the woods and wetlands that protect 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.

“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 with Lake Wesserunsett Association,” said Jennifer Brockway, Somerset Woods’ Executive Director. “Good water quality supports the lake ecosystem and the local economy, and the Black Point project has the added benefit of increasing community access to the lake.” 

Under the terms of the sales contract, Somerset Woods looks to complete the purchase in 2025 but no later than November 2026. Somerset Woods will be the owner and long-term steward of the preserve, managing its woods and wetlands for wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and  recreation including trails for walking and snowshoeing, and hunting and fishing access. The property will be accessible from a planned trailhead parking area on Route 201, as well as from the water. Two public boat launches on the lake facilitate community access. 

To date, more than $135,000 in gifts and pledges have been received in support of the acquisition, including more than $70K in gifts from community members and a major grant the Ram Island Conservation Fund. Donations may be directed to Somerset Woods at PO Box 833, Skowhegan, ME 04976 or online at SomersetWoodsTrustees.org/campaign4blackpoint 

For more information about the preservation of Black Point and how to help this landmark effort, contact Somerset Woods Executive Director Jennifer Brockway at jennifer@somersetwoodstrustees.org or 207-612-1606 or Lake Wesserunsett Association President Mark Doty at mark.doty@icloud.com.