featured-image

The Presumpscot River Preserve is a special part of Portland. It is one of the only conservation areas and trail networks within Portland city limits, an untouched nature preserve that provides essential habitats to hundreds of species. The Presumpscot is also the largest freshwater input into Casco Bay, flowing from Sebago Lake.

The pristine woods, wetlands and waterfall in the Presumpscot River Preserve make it an environmental and recreational gem. Right now, it is in danger of being damaged and infringed upon by out-of-state developers with a track record of incidents in Maine. Hundreds of local people and families are worried about the future of this treasured nature preserve that is supposed to be protected.



Robert Benak is a member of Protect Presumpscot and a Portland resident. The Miami-based real estate developer pursuing a permit to build a major condo development abutting the Presumpscot River Preserve, proposes to demolish 14 acres of forested habitat and wetlands. Another part of the development proposal shows stormwater retention ponds that will likely overflow during severe flooding events like those we experienced earlier this year, and spill down a steep embankment that is part of the preserve.

The threat to Portland’s conserved lands is a concern, but even more troubling is the disregard the developers have shown for this land. In February, this entity brought in heavy machinery for a soil sample and caused significant environmental damage to city propert.

Back to Beauty Page