NFCT-Waterway Work Trip
Moose River Bow Trip, ME
Attean to Holeb Portage Bog Bridge
August 4-6, 2017
Introduction:
The Moose River Bow Trip is a 3 to 4 day paddle that can be completed in a loop by connecting
Attean and Holeb Ponds via a 1.2 mile portage. The Moose River near Jackman, Maine is a
generally slow flowing river with a few easily navigable rips along its course. The accessibility
of this trip lends itself to be very popular among school groups and families during the summer
months. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is working closely with the Maine Bureau of Parks
and Lands to measure and manage the impacts of users on this paddling resource.
This project focuses on trail-building and bog bridging on the portage trail between Attean Pond
and Holeb Pond. This project builds on work completed in 2015 by the Stewardship Intern Crew
which constructed a significant amount of bog bridging along the portage. Our goal this year
will be to add 500 more feet of bog bridging in wet and sensitive areas identified by our interns
last season. This is a remote area of Maine known for its wildlife. For this work trip we will
paddle Attean Pond to access the site!
Driving Directions and Meeting Location:
From the South: Head North on Hwy 201 for 1.5 hours from Skowhegan. As you begin to enter
Jackman keep an eye out for Attean Rd on your left; shortly after passing the Mountainview
Resort. Follow this road approximately 3 miles to its end at ‘Attean Landing.’ The last mile is a
well graded, but narrow gravel road.
Follow this link for a Google Map of the Project:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gfHH9pADjfrIKuELVQWWwNCBPmY&usp=sharing
Camping and Facilities:
This site is primitive and will require paddling to access the camping. Campsites on Attean Pond
are equipped with an outhouse, fire ring, and picnic table. We will camp at a site near to the
portage trail. The Stewardship crew will establish a kitchen and facilitate meals with the group.
There will be a privy available on site a short walk from camp. It is recommended that you bring
camping gear with you. If you have any camping gear needs please contact NFCT Trail Director,
Walter Opuszynski at [email protected] or by dialing (802) 496-2285 x2, we
may be able to lend you what you need.
We will provide soap and toilet paper, please bring all other sanitary items you may need.
Food:
This year we will have corporate sponsorship to cover food expenses associated with WWTs.
NFCT interns will prepare meals. Meals will range from burritos to apple-walnut pancakes. We
will have drinking water, tea and coffee available. You are welcome to bring “extras” to
contribute. Please notify us of any food preferences/allergies by sending an email to
[email protected].
What to Bring:
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Camping gear (including, rain gear, a tent, eating utensils, dishes, cup, flashlight, etc.)
Work gloves
Water bottle
Paddling gear
Personal carpentry tools, if you have your own favorites
We will provide:
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Tools
Food
Group cooking gear
Paddling:
Paddling opportunities abound in the region! During the work trip, we will paddle 5 miles across
Attean Pond to access the work site. Time will be provided in the afternoon on Saturday to
explore the pond as well. Sunday morning we will take a detour on our return paddle to visit
Attean Falls. Attean Falls is the last drop of the Moose River shortly before flowing into Attean
Pond. Great swimming and fishing opportunities are available in the pools at Attean Falls. Our
group paddle Sunday morning will finish at Attean Landing, where we can prepare a lunch
before saying our final goodbyes.
WWT Project Description:
Along the portage, volunteers will be able to help transport materials, construct bog bridging,
clear corridor of vegetation, and install directional signage. Bog Bridging will be constructed
using milled cedar provided by the Bureau of Parks and Lands to match the portions built in
2015. Canoe rests may also be incorporated into this project. Project materials and tools will be
available on site, although may need to be moved from place to place. The NFCT Intern Crew
will be fully equipped with any tools needed throughout the construction process.
Bog bridging under construction along the Rapid River in Maine. The
bridging we will be building on the Bow Loop will most likely be
dimensional lumber.
NFCT Volunteers building bog bridging on a previous project
Bow Loop – Attean Pond to Holeb Pond Portage
Waterway Work Trip Schedule
Friday
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4:00 pm: Rendezvous with NFCT interns at Attean Landing on Attean Pond
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4:00-6:00: Paddle to our campsite at the west end of Attean Pond
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6:00: Campsite orientation
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6:30: Dinner and group introduction
Saturday
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7:00-8:00 am: Breakfast
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8:30-12:00 pm: Project orientation and staging materials
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12:00-1 pm: Lunch
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1:00-4:00: Bog bridge constructions
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4:00-6:30: Break! Relax in camp or join the group for a
walk to Holeb Pond.
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6:30 pm: Dinner and campfire
Sunday
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7am-8am: Breakfast
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8:00-9:00 am: Break Camp
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9-1 pm: Group paddle to Attean Falls (will include snack break and the opportunity to grab some
white water if conditions are good) and returning to the landing
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1-1:30 pm: Lunch and depart!
**Schedule and project descriptions may change. You will be notified as we
get closer to the WWT if this happens**
Please fill out and return all Waterway Work Trip
Forms by June 2nd.
Figure 1. Overview Map of project area