FAIRFIELD, Maine - The Plum Creek Foundation recently awarded a $4,000 grant to the Somerset Economic Development Corporation to help fund the completion of the Forks Area Scenic Trail (FAST), a 6.3-mile multi-purpose trail that follows the old Route 201 along the Kennebec River north to The Forks. 

According to Jim Batey, executive director, more than 65,000 visitors raft and kayak along the Dead and Kennebec Rivers each summer. The FAST trail will accommodate visitors who enjoy biking, hiking and running will help attract even more outdoor recreation enthusiasts to the area. The trail will also feature wildlife viewing areas and will be entirely ADA compliant.

"The completion of the Forks Area Scenic Trail will allow local residents and visitors alike to enjoy a great outdoor experience and will create additional tourism job opportunities," said Batey. "Thanks to the help of the Plum Creek Foundation, we can welcome even more people to enjoy our diverse outdoor recreation opportunities."

In addition to the Plum Creek Foundation grant, the project has received funding from the Federal Highway Administration and various local groups. Construction is underway and the trail is scheduled to be completed by fall of 2015.

The mission of the Somerset Economic Development Corp. is to implement a comprehensive economic development strategy for Somerset County and improve the quality of life for all residents of the county. The organization works together with businesses, communities, educational institutions and local residents to achieve its goals.

The mission of the Plum Creek Foundation is to provide philanthropic contributions to support and improve the general welfare of life in the communities that Plum Creek serves. The Foundation board meets quarterly to review applications submitted from organizations in the company's operating communities. Visit the Community Involvement page on Plum Creek's website at www.plumcreek.com to download an application.


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Plum Creek is among the largest and most geographically diverse private landowners in the nation with approximately 6.8 million acres of timberlands in forest ecosystems across the northern and southeastern United States.  We also operate wood products mills in the Northwest. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary as a publicly traded corporation, we continue to manage our working forests and lands using sustainable practices to benefit Plum Creek's many stakeholders. Our talented employees work together to create shareholder value, serve as stewards of the environment, make wood products for everyday use, and build strong communities.www.plumcreek.com for the latest information about Plum Creek.
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