Shoreline access study

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

ELINE ACCESS
STU SPO/CDBG

OCT 8 1986
R V
.ECEI

Islesboro, Maine

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1986 IN PORMATION CEN
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SHORELINE ACCESS

STUDY

Steve Miller and the

Public Access Committee

Financial assistance for preparation of this document was
provided by a grant from MAINE'S COASTAL PROGRAM, through
funding provided by U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.

August 8, 1986 Islesboro, Maine

CONTENTS:

I. INTRODUCTION

A. History

B. Goals

C. Procedure

Ii. REPORT SUMMARY

III. SAMPLE INVENTORY FIELD SHEET

IV. SITE LOCATION MAP

V. INVENTORY SUMMARY

A. Key

B. Inventory Silmmary Chart

C. Summary of Recommendations

VI. INDIVIDUAL SITE MAPS AND NARRATIVES

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I . ntroduction
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I HE Report Summary
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The Town of Islesboro is undergoing significant and rapid. change
due largely to second home construction and development of former'@y
open space. Land use permit applications have increased substantialli
in the past five years. Census data for Islesboro shows.-a.steady de-
crease in population between 1880 and 1970. The period from 1970 to
1980, however, shows an increase of nearly 24 percent.
A volunteer public access research committee was formed in September
of 1983 to begin studying shoreline access., A preliminary report mad
in September of 1984 pin-pointed nearly 40 possible public access
locations. Of these, four were selected by the Board of Selectmen for
immediate further research with all eventually to be investigated ' A
progress report on findings-to date was presented to the Selectmen in
June of 1985.
In the fall of 1985 the Public Access Committee applied for and re-
ceived a State of Maine, Coastal Zone Management grant to continue
the shoreline access research in detail. Six locations for study were
added, bringing-the total to 46. This report is the major product of
that research. I
Investigation proceeded according to two primary concerns; those being
publicrights of access and potential for public development should
acquisition of shore property become feasible. The goals, then, werej
11 to clarify the legal statis of rights of access at some locations,
and, 21 to determine the potential for public conservation, recreatio
or commercial development of acquired locations. Realization of thes
goals would assist in creating a more definitive Town role in actual
shoreland use and management.
Town Clerk records; minutes of Selectmen meetings; past research into
roads, municipal facilities, and resource management; oral history;
and other existing sources of data were reviewed to determine public
rights.
Ownership data, topography,.marine geology, and other site location
factors were researched to aid in creation of a base map for each sit
Field visits to inventory further concerns were then undertaken.,-. Onl
then was development potential described in relation to acquisition
potential.
The major products of this work are the Inventory Summary and the
Individual Site Maps and Narratives.
Of the 46 sites inventoried, only two locations appear to have
significant potential for community-scale recreational development.
These two sites are at Sprague's Beach and the Alexander Aldrich
property on Grindle Point's Gilkey Harbor side.
Another' ten locations show strong potential for some form of limited
recreation development such as sw .imming or nature trails. These
include Sunset Acres, Big Tree Beach, the Moseley Dock, Billy's Shore,
Sabbathday Harbor, Baptism Beach, Sophonja's Beach, Mill-Creek,
Hewes Point, and Dark Harbor Pool.

There were only five strong candidates for development of a com-
mercial boating facility and most of these would probably be
criticised by certain segments of the community. If nothing else,
this should speak directly to continuation of current commercial
activity at the Grindle Point town dock. [see Inventory Summary
Chart]
Many, perhaps most, of the sites show conservation concerns as part
of any future. Resource management, wildlife conservation, and open
space are primary components. Of particular note regarding conser-
vation are Mill Creek, Meadow Pond, Sophonja's Beach, Hutchin's
Island, Mill Dam, Broad Cove, Hinckley's Beach, the Narrows, and
Loranus Cove. '
Many locations have very clear public rights of access associated
with them. Sprague's Beach, Billy's Shore, Sabbathday Harbor,
Hutchin's Island, Point Comfort, Pripet Wharf and Beach, the Narrows,
Hinckley's Beach, Grindle Point, Mill Creek, Choate Landing, Kissel
Point, Derby Road, Town Beach, Dark Harbor Pool, Loranus Cove,
Charlott's Cove, Hewes Point, and the old Coal Wharf site all have
verifiable rights associated with access. Many other locations have
strong cases, too, but might need quiet title action to secure those
rights.
However, only two of these 19 sites have appropriate parking, safe
access road conditions, and non-conflicting neighborhood character-
istics all combined at the.same time. They are Grindle Point and'
Town Beach; and these seem to have acheived or surpassed maximum
appropriate useage.
In short, the Battle of the Beaches is on. Be advised that shoreline
skirmishes lie ahead and, unless decisive steps are taken to provide
municipal control of selected shoreland, we may soon find ourselves
priced or pushed beyond the boundaries of our territorial heritage.

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1 111, Sample
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I Inventory Field Sheet
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I V Inventory Summary
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KEY:

OWNERSHIP Pr-Private
Tw-Town Owned

EXISTING LAND USE A-Private Residential
B-Private Open Space
C-Landing
D-Parking
E-Commercial

ACCESS CONDITIONS A-State Highway
B-Paved Town Road
C-Dirt Town Road
D-Private Road
E-Trail

RIGHTS TO SHORE A-Public Road
B-Town Right-Of-Way
C-Probable Right-Of-Way
D-Uncertain Rights
E-No Rights

SHELLFISH A-Clams
B-Quohogs
C-Mussels
D-Unknown
E-Freshwater Fish

VEGATION A-Open Field
B-Scrub Growth
C-Spruce/Fir Woods
D-Mixed Softwoods
E-Mixed Hard and Soft Woods
F-Alders
G-Lawn
H-Marsh
I-Man-Made

SLOPE A-Level (0-8%)
B-Moderate (8-15%)
C-Steep (15-25%)
D-Severe (25%- )

SHORELINE A-Sand Beach
CHARACTERISTICS B-Gravel Beach
C-Cobble Beach
D-Boulder Ramp
E-Ledge
F-Flats
G-Marsh
H-Fresh Water

NEIGHBORHOOD A-Low Density Residential
B-Medium Density Residential
C-High Density Residential
D-Commercial
E-Open Space

SPECIAL FEATURES A-Panoramic Views
B-Special Detail Views
C-Major Watershed
D-Historic Use

RECOMMENDATIONS (See Summary following Inventory
Summary Chart)

INVENTORY SUMMARY:
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Summary of Recommendations

NOTE: Numbers refer to Site Location Map. These
recommendations are long-range, general, and
subject to varying degrees of amendment or
alteration. Further investigation is necessary
prior to purchase or development.

A-Community-scale recreation potential (e.g.
beaches, picnic areas):2,6,25,26,36

B-Potential for small-scale neighborhood type
recreation: 4,10,11,12,19,20,21,27,43

C-Candidate for continued open space: 6,10,11,
18,19,24,38,39,40

D-Swimming potential: 10,11,14,19,24,26,38

E-Potential for boating facility: 6,10,12,14,
17,21,25,26,30,31,32,43,44

F-Resource conservation or protection: 6,8,10,
13,14,15,16,24,26,27,39,46

G-Limited community use potential other than
access to the shoreline: 3,8,13,15,16,18,20,
23,28,29,31,32,33,35,40,41,46

H-Possible conflicting neighborhood characteristics
(e.g. isolated and remote or surrounded by
houses): 5,7,8,9,28,34,41,42

I-Private use: 1,5,7,9,17,22,34,37,42,45

J-Potential or existing commercial use: 12,17,
21,25,26,44

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I V. S im aps -
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erosion

R. Logan

W.H. Hatch

stream

TOWN ROAD

TURTLE HEAD BEACH KEY:
SITE NUMBER 1 Df-,L,/-H I
Ell Lf P&f@-
[a] PRLlrlL6f- I
0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N = /V\,LRCJ H I

SITE NAME: Turtle Head Beach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: I

OWNERS; W.H. Hatch and R. Logan

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: None. This is part of a private
residential subdivision. The subdivision road
to the west of the access way herein described
leads eventually to the only resource protection
district in town. This, too, is private. The.
old road to the beach, shown on the accompanying
map to the east, is a driveway for R. Logan.
There is no evidence of any current public use
what-so-ever.

SITE DESCRIPTION: This level.ground covered in spruce
was agricultural in the past, as evidenced by a
stone fence visible near the Logan house and the
cellar hole, presumed-to be the Lasell farmhouse
site, further toward the shore.
The gravel"6each is extensive toward the
east, stretching along in front of large red
maples and coarse marsh grass. A wide-open spot,
views are panoramic toward Sears Island and Cape
Rosier.

RECOMMENDATION: Continued private use seems best. The
beach is quite removed from any town way and
would conflict with existing residential use.

WEST 1.00
PENOBSCOT
BAY

private @rive
fill

MARSH

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old fields

TOWN ROAD
SPRAGUE'S.. BEACH KEY:
SITE NUMBER 2

[T, 71 Lf

0 100 200 FE ET 400- 600 N -MLRcJ H

SITE NAME: Sprague's Beach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 2

OWNERS: M. Hall, P. Berry, C. Hall, formerly S. Patten
& formerly R. Hall.

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The beach borders the Town Road
right-of-way so access is accured.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Quite likely the most used beach on
Islesboro, the approximately 700 feet of sand and
gravel is gently sloping to the west. Existing uses
include swimming, picnicing, digging for the few
quohogs left, some boating, and walking. The clam
survey report prepared by Maritec in 1980 indicated
that the resource could be encouraged here. An
ecologically significant salt marsh, one of the
largest on the island, is located to the east and
attracts blue heron, deer, and a great variety of
other forms of wildlife.
The total lack 'of shoulders on either side
of the road travel surface creates a parking and
safety problem. Public use of a portion of the
privately owned P. Berry property for parking helps
somewhat but is not routine.

RECOMMENDATION: Article 5 in the warrant for a town meeting
April 10, 1948 asks, "What action the town will
take ... as regards the care and preservation of
Sprague's Beach ... as a public recreation area
We might ask the same question today. This
would seem to be a logical area to develop for
continued and perhaps great er town use. Acquisition
of an easement for, or, simple ownership of,
some parking space is i7mportant. Either the small
portion of the P. Berry property currently used or
the entire former R. Hall piece would allow for the
creation of public parking. Some improvements at
.either site would be helpful.
In addition, if acquisition of either the S. Patten
property or both the R. Hall and the M. Hall pieces
were possible, an expanded picnic capability similar
to Town Beach would be feasible.
The S. Patten property would present even-further
potential for future recreational uses due to its
size (7.25 acres) and primarily open, level terrain.

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MARSHALL POINT KEY:
SITE NUMBER 3
EoZog R06K'J
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a 100 200 FE ET 400 600

SITE NAME: Marshall Point

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 3

OWNER: P. Davis

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: A probable right-of-way exists
because of open and notorious historical public
use.

SITE DESCRIPTION: This small sand and gravel beach is
located at the end of a long, winding, and, in
at least one spot, steep dirt road, some portions
of which have been superceded by a subdivision
road. Thick spruce woods crowd the shore and,
while attractive to look at, create cool shade
on an already cool north shore.
Boulder ramps define both ends of the
approximately 200 foot long beach.
The two parcels shown on the accompanying map,
both belonging to P. Davis are part of a sub-
division. Although only tw'o houses have been
built to date, the full-term expentancy for density
represents a dramatic change in this neighborhood.

RECOMMENDATION: While it might make sense to secure the
right of the public to access the shoreline here,
development potential for community purposes does
not seem adviseable.

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SUNSET ACRES KEY:
S-ITE NUMBER 4 bfAl/-H
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0 1W 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Sunset Acres

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 4

OWNERS: P. Holmes & K. Crabtree

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: A probable right-of-way exists
because of open and notorious historical public
use. The area was used for sheep grazing during
the early part of the century_by the Trim family.
An old cemetery is located atop a promontory just
south of the cove. The waters of this cove were a
traditional fishing spot, herring weir being com-
monly stretched across the mouth. Thses early
uses created a "horse and wagon" road running
directly to the shore.
Mel Trim and Fred Sprauge were probably the
last to use the road for fishing and agriculture.
Roland Miller and his father cut timber here and
-milled on location about half way between the
town Main Road and the shoreline. They employed
slabs and sawdust to keep the trucks loaded with
lumber moving across wet areas during mud season.
Ruth Sprague remebers attending a school
picnic here in 1929.
During the sixties, Ray C. Ellis, Douglas I.
Grinnell and Yeaton D. Randlett, known as the ABC
Company, acquired most of the land abutting this
roadway'' including the shore property where the
road meets the shore.
Various deeds and survey plans refer to a
right-of-way to the shore at the traditional
location following implementation of a subdivision
plan drawn by Kolman and dated July 17, 1966 as
referred to in deed of Ernest J. Schoeck, Jr. to
Kenneth L. Crabtree dated 1971 and recorded in the-
Waldo Registry in volume 693, page 1029.
A plan by Albert C. Nelson dated September, 1978
and another by Jesse Ro.lerson dated January 21, 1985
both show the right-of-way. These are recored in the
Islesboro Board of Assessors' Office.
A deed from the ABC Company using named partners
dated Octobet 10, 1968 and recorded in volume 672,
page 26 to Ernest and Valerie Schoeck describes, in
part. "Beginning at an iron pipe at the northeast
corner of lot being conveyed, being lot-- no. 4; thence
N. 48 W 287 feet along South side of right of way
leading to shore, to an iron pipe on shore of West
Penobscot Bay
In March of 1985, Islesboro Marine Enterprises, Inc.
purchased two parcels from Ray Ellis, et. al. The
first was the Camp Road itself and the-second was the
right-of-way to the shore. This @transaction is re-
corded in the volume 845, page 100 at the Waldo
County Registry. It describes "a certain Right-of-
Way presently in existence, known and designated as the

SUNSET ACRES continued

Camp Road to be used in common with others for the
purpose of ingress, egres,9 and retrogress to and
from the West Shore (Town) Road, to the second
parcel herein conveyed; and for the purpose of
ingress, egress and retrogress to and from both
parcels herein conveyed to the Penobscot Bay ..." I
Common public usage of this way has continued
in the form of access to the Beach primarily for
recreational purposes.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Once called "Silver Sands" by youthful
users, this partially protected beach is nearly
1000 feet in length and is composed of fine sand
for much of that distance. Boulders to the north
and gravel, then boulders, to the south define the
beach ends.
Access is along an old.private dirt road of some
3000 feet in length from the Town Road to the Shore.
Slopes and site distances on this road are severe
and traffic is considerable (the way services a sub-
division and a major island business).
The cove is open to the west and northwest.

RECOMMENDATION: The access way is a safety hazard currently.
Additional use should not be encouraged until such
time as ingress and egress can be handled more
expeditiously.
Action to secure the public rights of access
might be adviseable, however.

noo

NANCY'S COVE KEY:
SITE NUMBER 5

F7,

a loo 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Nancy's Cove

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 5

OWNERS: F. Fowler Trust &,J. Willis

RIGHTS OF ACCESS:. None. This is a private way, although
there has been occasional public use of the beach
for many years.

SITE DESCRIPTION: With a southwest ex'posure, sand and gravel
beach, some anchorage potential, and views to
Northport, this is a unique little cove and beach.
A primary waterway defines the common boundary
between Willis and the Fowler Trust. The northerly
access way ends atop a very steep bank with a
dramatic view down West Penobscot Bay.

RECOMMENDATION: Remoteness, poor condition of access way,
private nature of the properties, and no basis to
suggest any public rights to use the access way all
suggest no community involvement.

cat-tails
\gra eI

old p@ar

beavers

TOWN ROAD

MEADOW POND KEY:
SITE NUMBER 6 f5f,,L@,H

10 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Meadow Pond

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 6

OWNERS: J.H. Myrick, H. Archibald Heirs, A. Coombs, R.H.
I L.P. Dowhan & L. Harrison.

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Although a former land owner apparently
allowed regular use of a path to the shore of the pond
there is little evidence to create a case for a public
right-of-way. However, as a Great Pond, so-called,
access for fishing and fowling is guaranteed by law.

SITE DESCRIPTION: As the biggest pond on the island, this site
deserves special consideration. Historical use ranged
from supplying ice and fish to small boat rowing. In
the early seventies, the Islesboro Board of Selectmen
considered the question of best use of the Pond and,
at a November 30, 1971 meeting, determined " ... that
the Wetland Wildlife habitat represents the best usage
for the area
The town road runs close to the eastern side of
the Meadow Pond and this section of highway is quite
densely populated.
The pond surface is over one thousand feet from
north to south and is about 800 feet wide at one point.
The perimeter of this eastern shore is marshy and shows
signs of having covered once-dry ground recently. This
is due, of course, to the extensive activity of the
beavers who have a dam at the southern end, not far
from abandoned stone work where a shingle mill once
drew power from the water current.

RECOMMENDATION: Public access should someday be secured.
Priority is the question. There are now still prop-
erties with opportunities for non-conflicting limited
public use. Keeping open space around the Pond might
become a planning goal.

old dam site

MEADOW POND

ROAD

o@@e
re
60

SPRAGUE'S COVE KEY:
SITE NUMBER 7

0 -100 200 400 600 N
FE ET

SITE NAME: Sprague's Cove

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 7

OWNER: R. Ellis, Jr.

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Although not commonly thought of
as a town way by many, at a meeting of the Islesboro
Board of Selectmen on August 21, 1980, the following
action on a motion is described: " ... the Board
agreed unanimously that the old town road through
the Ray Ellis property south of the Meadow Pond is
considered a "road" for fulfilling road frontage
requirements in the town ordinance."
Various public factions have used this way in
the past for ice related work, to fish, and for
swimming. A permit was granted Amariah Trim to
place a fish weir "at what is know as Sprague's
Cove and called the creek" on December 30, 1916.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Either by dredging, so boats could more
easily be loaded with ice, or created by an
unusual natural process, the,top of this cove,
where the major stream from the Meadow Pond first
meets salt water, is very quickly deep at high
water, forming a pool. Both east and west sides
of the pool have sand and gravel beaches, or
shelves. A steep bank rises to the access way at
the west. This is mostly covered with spruce and
fir-except for evidence of some form of old road
bed. The Ellis house is just south of this area.

RECOMMENDATION: Current residential use of the area, a poor
access road, and removal from major town roads makes
this an unlikely candidate from community development.

J.mlt hell

old road

c0l@

E. Sunderland

HEALD ROAD

HEALD LANDING KEY:
SITE NUMBER 8 f 5 f-4 6 H
R06KO
N Lfl?@-,f-

a 100 200 FE ET 400 600

SITE NAME: Heald Landing

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 8

OWNERS: J. Mitchell & E. Sunderland

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Article' 11 in the warrant for a
town meeting March 6, 1905 read in part: "...to
see if the Town will vote to accept the town way...
Beginning at the town way near thp School house,
in former district No. 5, thence N. Westerly ... to
the shore of West Penobscot Bay..." This road,
together with a piece over the Adams farmland
joining with the Keller Point Road, was accepted.
The section "beginning at a bridge on the northern
side of Heirs of B.F. Heald" which connected this
way to Keller Point Road was discontinued in 1960..
The remainder continues as a town road.
Various older residents call the spot where the
Heald Road meets the shore a Town Landing. These
were designated as points of departure and arrival
at a time when travel by boat was far more common
than travel over land.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The inner portion of shoreland here is
marshy and mixes witha fresh water swamp to the
south of the roadway. Further out the shore material
changes to gravel beach surrounded by ledge. New.
residential use is in close proximity to the gravel
portion of the shore.

.RECOMMENDATION: While public rights of access should probably
be noted and maintained, there seems little to
suggest any further public interest except to pro-
tect the marsh ecology.

@ra 8 e

Q 0
M. Schnu

Ros R go
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J. Roberts

7@ KELLER POINT ROAD
10 JO/ 4Z-

MAIN TOWN ROAD

LIME KILN BEACH KEY:
SITE NUMBER 9 f5fL(-H
1?0(-KO
IAD

N
0 10 200 FE ET 400 600 ML RIJ ki

SITE NAME: Lime Kiln Beach at Seal Harbor

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 9

OWNERS: M. Schnur, E. Case & J. Roberts

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Little definitive information
exists regarding.this unimproved road to the
shore except that a commercial lime operation
did utilize the site for many years. Seal
Harbor has regularly been used for various
aquacultural purposes and one might assume
that at least one of the many fish weir used
in this general locale was tended from this
launching beach.

SITE DESCRIPTION: A bold promontory slopes steeply to
a small gravel beach. The access way is very
close to existing structures and essentially
disappears into lawn at one point near the
Case residence.
The shore is open to the southwest and is
bounded by ledge and a cobble ramp.

RECOMMENDATION: This private area would likely consider
any public development quite in conflict.

.0.

C@o
00.
.0.00
e
ech .0

.0
0
0
Big
0
Tree
Beach 0

0 0
-po 0. 0
0 0
-0
-0 0
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= 0
0
-00 .0

.0
Moseley Private
Dock

MAIN TOWN WAY

0.0
.:0

0: .0.

BIG TREE BEACH K E Y.:
M08ELEY DOCK ROc-, KD
SITE NUMBER 10 Lf P&f-

0 100 200 400 600 N
FE ET

SITE NAME: Big Tree Beach and F.S. Moseley Dock

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 10

OWNERS: R. Wood and F.S. Moseley
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The Moseley dock and property are
clearly private and absolutely no public rights
exist here.
- Big Tree Beach has been used by the public
"forever" and yet legal public rights remain un-
certain. In 1973, recreational use of the beach
was high and created a parking problem which took
until enactment of a parking ordinance in September
of 1976 to remedy.
In the meantime, at a July 12, 1973 meeting
of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager "was
requested to contact Mrs..Moseley (then owner of
the property) about donating the Big Tree swimming
area to the Town." The beach was mentioned in
official minutes again in June 1978, but only
briefly. At a meeting July 13, 1978, "The manager
related Mrs. Moseley's'telephone call to the Board
and noted that no trespassing signs had been posted.
That served to retract her permission for the use
of the beach."
It would appear difficult, then, to claim pre-
scriptive public rights of access since such a'
case would require the owner's approval of use,
even if such approval remaind unspoken.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Two distinct sites are herein described:
Big Tree Beach and the Moseley dock. The Beach
area covers most of the 513feet of shore frontage
for Lot #1 of R. Wood's Big Tree Beach subdivision.
This lot is currently for. sale.
The beach is snuggled into a cove at the north-
east side of Seal Harbor. Warm water contributes to
its popularity as a swimming spot. Easy access from
the Main Road is another factor. The beach is composed
of gravel and slopes gently to low water. Surrounding
vegetation is mixed hardwood and spruce.
The Moseley dock site is located on a small piece
of land just south of Big Tree Beach. Mostly ledge,
the site is covered in mixed tree growth with the
exception of the clearing around the boat house.
Seal Harbor is a protected anchorage site with
access to West Penobscot Bay.
The Main Road inthis entire area has limited
site distances due to curves, hills, and hollows.

RECOMMENDATION: Although both locations present excellent
opportunity for community use anddevelopment, real
estate costs and/or unavailability may prove prohibitive.

BILLY'S SHORE

DRIVE

erosion

Unknown

blow-downs
@lcl well
c
TOWN OF ISLESBORO

J. Aragona*

Unknown.

BILLY'S SHORE KEY:
SITE NUMBER. 11 . = bl@L(_H

N
0 50 100 FEET 200 300 AALR'JH

SITE NAME: Billy's Shore

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 11

OWNERS: Town of Islesboro, J. Aragona, & Unknown

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Two beaches are in close proximity
here, the South Shore, so-,called, looking down toward
Hewes Point, and another usually called Uncle Billy's
Shore which looks over toward the Bluff and Castine.
At the eastern Uncle Billy's Shore is a Town right-of.-
way approximately 20 feet wideand 140 feet in length
(or about .06 acre). This way is shown on a "Plan of
Land in Islesboro, Maine Showing Lots Surveyed for
Wm. R. Coombs & Others..." dated August of 1902 and
signed by P.H. Coombs, C.E. of Bangor.. The* same way
is shown on current town tax maps.
Across. the road to the south and east is the South
Shore. The town road right-of-way borders the edge of
this shore so access is technically assured.
SITE DESCRIPTION: Easterly Uncle Billy's Shore, while having the
clearly depicted R-O-W, is surrounded by summer cottages.
Population density is quite high. The sand and gravel
beach, some 350 feet long, is solid underfoot and slopes
gently to low water. Views are toward the Bluff and
across the East Bay to Cape Rosier.
The South Shore across the road is a sand beach
approximately 500 feet in length essentially unpopiAated.
A single cottage is located 600 feet from the town road
and gains access from the west rather than from Billy's
Shore Road.
This shore has some soft clay spots underfoot and is
suffering severe erosion. Numerous blow-downs edg e th.e
beach. Orientation is to the south and southeast with
views toward Hewes Point and North Haven. Two parcels
of land, with a third in between, have no known owner-
ship registered with the tax assessors. The large piece
to the north and west of the others is approximately 1.5
acres. This is thickly covered with cedar, spruce, and
other softwood growth. Being nearly level andnotvery
high above sea level, much of the area is wet in spring.
However, one section toward the westerly boundary is
drier and the trees are of somewhat better proportions.

RECOMMENDATIONS: There would appear to be considerable possibility
for public recreational u-se of this area. In particular,
the two pieces of unknown ownership at the South Shore
are suitable for public use. The very narrow strip
bounding the town road should be kept "as is" for open
space and views across this cove. The larger piece
could be 'used for picnics, swimming, parking for this
beach and for access to the other shore, and possible
other small-scale activities.

BILLY'S SHORE

RECOMMENDATIONS CONTINUED:
Two major limiting factors include the density
and integrity of the neighborhood as aknown entity
and the access road conditions. This might make an
excellent neighborhood project. Erosion is another
important consideration.

000
;zo 00
0 C) C)
o ramp
1 1100"
10000
0

E@Batchelor
I, 0
000 00 '@ I'I @ I
R. Herbert 60.0 0
0.

RYD E R

ROAD

SABBATHDAY HARBOR KEY:
SITE NUMBER 12

N
0 so 100 200 300
FEET AALRIJ

SITE NAME: Sabbathday Harbor

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 12

OWNERS: R. Herbert & E. Batchelor

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Ryder Road, so-called, runs in an
easterly direction commencing at the Main Town Road
by Durkee's Store and terminating at East Penobscot
Bay at what is kzown as Sabbathday Harbor.
For many years a flourishing summer colony here
sustained a pier, Inn, stores, blacksmith, and the
like. History has documented extensive use of both
the road and the now lost wharf. "In 1874 the steamer
Pioneer ran to Castine and Islesborough, making a
landing at Sabbath Day Harbor ... In early years the
fishermen would come in here and remain over the
Sabbath day," according to J.P. Farrow in his History
of Islesborough, Maine. A solid beach in this locality
made launching fishing boats quite common even before
the wharf was built. The spot then became known as
one of the Town Landings.
A deed conveying land adjacent to the Ryder Road
recorded in volume 588, page 449 at the Waldo Registry
and dated July 7, 1961, refers to the road as one
boundary and, further, the parcel description indicated
that this road ends where it meets the shore.

SITE DESCRIPTION: A ledgy point of land, with what is now called
Ryder Cove to the north and Sabbathday Harbor all
around, was once the site of the local wharf. Ledge
characterizes the shore to the north of the site; boulders
and a small gravel beach to the southeast.
Aside from an abrupt bank at or near high water, the
land here is quite level. Most of the area is open and
either mowed lawn and field or thick old field growth.
Many spots appear to have a high water table and to
drain poorly.
Although somewhat distinct from the remainder of
this neighborhood because of the open space, the Ryder
Cove/Sabbathday Harbor area as a whole is densely
-populated during the summer.
Very good anchorage is available just north of
this location.

RECOMMENDATION: One of only a couple of good anchorages on the
east side of the island, neighborhood characteristics
would need to be factored heavily in any plans for
community use here. This remains, none-the-less, an
important site for potential activity

4coomb@s Heirs
wo!ds -2ad
Z, Ll@l

RYDER tlclai)\cha@nel
ROAD dam site

R. Herbert

tral

K E Y:,
MILL DAM f5f;L(-kl
SITE NUMBER .13 M RO@, Kn
N Ell LfP&V,
Fl-H]
0 100 200 FE ET 400 600

SITE NAME: Mill Dam

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 13

OWNERS: R. Herbert & Zoa Coombs Heirs (Town of Islesboro)

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: While very old Town Clerk references
are often obscure today, it would appear that a road
once followed the shore along the eastern side of
Islesboro from Sabbath Day Harbor north to Coombs
Point. This is described, we believe, in a Town
Clerk entry dated June 17, 1793. It appears that
one section of this road was discontinued in March
of 1859: "Voted to discontinue the town road from
Wm. Ryder's to No. 8 school house (Bluff) by way
of Sabbath Day Harbor." The discontinuance suggests
public rights of access to this shore area were
designated, yet J.P. Farrow tells us, on p.85, that:
"A road is in contemplation, running around the head
of the harbor to the Bluff," which reveals continued
public interest (and perhaps use?) here.
A mill was built where the wide inlet narrows
before emptying into the Harbor, using the flow of
the tidal channel; hence the surving name. Farrow
seems to suggest considerable use of the Joseph.Ryder
mill. A very old but undated map by Saml Warren,
surveyor, shows a saw mill at this location (and
describes the town as "being new and small").
Islanders of more recent date have regularly used
the access shown on the accompanying map to reach the
clam flats around the dam site. This open and notorious
use has occurred for more than 20 years with apparent
aquiescence of the property owner.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Gentle slopes, spruce and pine woods, and a
definate feeling oil seclusion orremoteness define the
land over which the woods road to Mill Dam leads. The
destination of the way is Islesboro's most significant
tidal marsh land.
The flats cover more than 33 acres and produce
clams at a relatively rapid rate. The tidal channel
which powered the saw mill is described by Dept. of
Conservation, Maine Geological Survey maps as medium.
velocity (a high rating). The marsh is apparently
listed as a significant feeding,area for water fowl by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

RECOMMENDATION: Existing use.has kept the area undeveloped and
this has ai'ded in protection of the clam resource.
Access to the flats and support of the habitat for,
wildlife would appear to be in the Town's interest.

4.0

BLUFF R A D

nnC
N\ mairsh

0 0
;., C;
0
0 0
0 C;

0.0
0.
0 0
0.0 0

RYDER NORTH KEY:
SITE NUMBER 14 5 1@,L (- H
RO@,KD

0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Ryder North

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 14

OWNER: E. Kuenzig

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Rights here are uncertain. A section
of a town road in this vacinity, described as lying
southeasterly of the private way laid out for Thomas
Decker in 1854 and now owned by G.W.C. Drexel, was
discontinued in 1904. Current use of the old way
exists but is limited. This way does provide access
to the clam flats in the area and winter use by cross-
country skiers should be noted.

SITE DESCRIPTION: A broad and sweeping expanse of sand and
gravel to the west and cobble and ledge to the east
are at the end of a dirt road which is grown over with
field grasses..
A'major swale is evident,-o-f.the west of the road.
The rest of this property is heavily wooded. The small
section of land under the same ownership and located
to the east of the road appears to have been entirely
open land not too long ago. Where the road meets the
shore is quite close to the terminus of the swale and
a water course and so is consequently wet. There are
many alders in this area.
Ryder's Cove, as mentioned,earlier, is an
excellent anchorage location, being open only to
the south.
The land mass at the shoreline is steep in some
places. Back land is level and quite wet.

RECOMMENDATION: This site could support some form of public
swimming facility and perhaps even a dock for boating
and related uses. However, development costs would be
high, adjacent residential use would need to be con-
sidered, and the town's Bluff Road could not support
much additional use without substantial improvement.

sand bar

0
0

0 0:0
o 0 0 o
.0
HUTCHINS I S L A N D. 00.0

ormerly
B. Williams

flats

000 0. 0
0000.
D. Noake 0 0 0
0000
0.
000
000000
00 0
100!
o D'o, 00

BLUFF ROAD

HUTCHINS ISLAND.. KEY:
SITE NUMBER 15 bfl.L(-kl . I

0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Hutchins Island and Coombs Cove

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 15

OWNERS: D. Noake & formerly B. Williams

LEGAL TIGHTS OF ACCESS: According' to Town Clerk records, a
road was laid out and accepted in 1835 from Sabbath
Day Harbour to the sand bar that "runs from an island
formerly known by the name of Fields Coombs Island."
We have already noted, in discussion of Ryder North,
the discontinuence of one portion,of that road. The
remainder was still town way.
Should there have remained any doubt about that
section of road from what is now called the Bluff Road
north to the sand bar by Hutchins Island, that specific
roadway was accepted by the town at a meeting on
March.1, 1909,*and was described as follows: "Beginning
at a stake and stone standing on the northeast side of
Town Road leading to G.W.C. Drexel's private way and
two rods NorthEast from said Drexel's Easterly stone
pillar, through lands of W.C. Brewer, H.L. Freman and
C.E. Williams to a stake and stone at sand bar leading
to 'Hutchins Island'
Although long ago abandoned as a maintained town
road, this way has never been discontinued. Current
law provides in such cases that the Town retains the
right to traverse the location of the old roadway.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Coombs Cove to the south and Parker Cove to
the north converge at the sand-bar leadingto Hutchins
Island and the adjacent outlet to the large saltwater
marsh area, thereby creating a unique combination of
environments.
The shore at the end of the unimproved and often
wet.access way is sand with some small deposits of clay
and peat. The sand beach gives way to mudflats at
about half-tide. To the south are a stretch of boulder
ramp and then ledge.
The flats show a moderate growth of clams' which
are carefully protected for long-term sustainable yields.
Hutchins Island has recently been purchased by a
local land trust for conservation purposes, in part
because of existing use of the area for passive recre-
ation (e.g. walking, birding) and in part because of
the ecological significance of the area.

RECOMMENDATION: Conservation of the natural resources and wild-
life are already factors influencing this area. To
whatever extent the town can assist this initiative,
this would appear to be in the public's-best interest.
Maintaining the legal right of access is important for
the clamming capability as well as for the passive
recreational uses.

Goldenberg and Ottoson

old well

POINT COMFORT ROAD

Moore

0
0
0000
R. Moore small parking area 0 cc) C) 0
0 0 01
0 0130
0 00
0
0

flats

KEY:
POINT COMFORT
SITE NUMBER 16. 5 f,,L (- H
RO(- KD

0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N MLR(J-H

SITE NAME: Point Comfort

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 16

OWNERS: R. Moore. & J. Goldenberg/S. Ottoson

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The Point Comfort Road was accepted
by the.town at a meeting October 17, 1900, and was
described as ending at the East Penobscot Bay near
the house of D.C. Warren.
Then, on March 6, 1905, the town accepted
another secton of road described as follows:
beginning at a stake and stone near the shore bank
at the town way leading past house of D.C. Warren on
Point Comfort, thence running over said bank and
ending on the beach at the head of Parker's Cove,
so-called, meaning for -said beach to be a town
landing."
This-is the way being here discussed. The road
terminus described in.the first paragraph above was
discontinued at the same March, 1905, meeting:
to discontinue so much of the town way as lies
southerly and easterly of the new well of D.C. Warren
on Point Comfort-."

SITE DESCRIPTION: The Point Comfort road, a rough dirt way,
approaches the short, steep bank at the shore over
rather level, thickly wooded ground. A major swale
follows the way to a sand and gravel beach. Located
just next to the right-of-way on land of Goldenberg/
Ottoson is a very small parking spot.
Parker Cove is sand and gravel, then flats out
to Hutchins Island and the bare ledges. Beyond is
East Penobscot Bay. The-se flats are moderately clam
productive.

RECOMMENDATION: Access for and protection of clamming and other
natural resource oriented activity is important. There
is probably some potential for recreational use but
this is of a limited nature.

TOWN ROAD

trail 30
20 old @u rry
0 wi cl@apples
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0 0 . * 0 0 00.0
0 0
0
culve t 0 0 cf. o 0
0. 0 [email protected]
'9.0
0 .000
0 00

osprey nes
Whar Site

PRIPET WHARF KEY:
SITE NUMBER 17

L
F;K

0 100 200 400 600
FEET

SITE NAME: Pripet Wharf

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 17

OWNERS: J. McLartan & M. Stanley

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: J.P. Farrow, in History of
Islesborough, Maine, claims: "Thl-e first
steamboa't-wharf was built off this (Philip
Coombs' Point and Beach) for the T.F. Secor,
which commenced running in 1846." Mail and
goods were brought to North Islesboro by way
of Castine; however, the wharf was not well
maintained.and deteriorated radically over
the years.
The State of Maine Lime Company, so-
called, owned this land as shown by deed dated
February 26, 1892 and recorded in volume 234,
page 499 at the Waldo County Registry. They
built a new wharf on the old site which was
not only used in conjunction with -the lime
kiln operation but also continued to be
used by various vessels bringing goods, pass-
engers, and mail.
The.Warren's Landing or Pripet Wharf Road
was accepted by the town on March 1, 1897.
"Voted ... to accept ... a town way beginning
at the town way near the residence of P.C. Coombs
and ending near the Lime Kiln Steamboat landing."
Town funds were used to maintain the wharf
after the Lime Company ceased doing business.
One thousand dollars was raised at the March 5,,
1945 town meeting " ... to be used as a fund for
rebuilding or repairing the wharf at Warren's
Landing." In July of the same year, another
$5,000 was appropriated and a committee formed
to oversee-activities at the site.
From 1949 to 1953, a Pripet to Belfast boat
was subsidized by the town to continue the kind,
of service that had been provided in the past.
Mail service to North Islesboro ended at this
time and with it went any real committment to
wharf maintenance. However, subsequent years
have seen continued use of the road leading to
the old wharf location.. George Durkee is leasing
space, once used for fuel storage, from current
owners of this land, Raymond and Mildred Stanley.
This agreement began in either 1960 or 1961.

SITE NAME: Pripet Wharf continued

SITE DESCRIPTION: T@e shore at the man-made old wharf
location is gravel beach to the northwest and
cobble beach for some distance to the south.
Further around the cove shore to the south is
a gravel bank, sand.and gravel beach, and a
low marsh.
The dock site is open to the north and
east. The cove to the south provides a bit
more protection, but not much.
The property in the vacinity is steeply
sloped and likely still geologically comprised
of lime. Above the former quarry location is
more gently sloping old agricultural land. The
property to the northwest is thickly wooded and
gently sloped.

RECOMMENDATION: Since the location has been used, even
recently, for commercial purposes connected
with the wharf or anchorage capability, this
would seem to be the most likely developed
public use for the future. The location is
removed from the major flow of traffic on the
island, however. This would present certain
kinds of restraints as well as benefits.
Residents-in the area would obviously
need to be considered in any'future town
deliberations.

-shell heap
00

:000

0
0 0

0 Ics

00
flats
.00-

00
0
0c) 0
C)
0 0
00
00
00
0,

MAIN TOWN ROAD

NARROWS KEY:
SITE NUMBER 18 bf@L 6 H

0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Narrows
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 18
OWNERS: P. Howe & J. Hamilton
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Portions of the town road right-of-
way abut the eastern shore in this area, providing
access. There exist no known rights to the western
shoreline.

SITE DESCRIPTION: There are really two quite different areas
comprising the Narrows, east and west, both of which
are served by a road having poor site distances. The
eastern side is characterized by ledge outcropings
with a couple of small gravel beaches in between.
Only one of two residences in the area is visible from
the road or beaches. Relativley good anchorage
is avaiable along this open stretch, improving as
one moves north toward Bounty Cove.
The western side of the Narrows slopes ever so
gently toward mudflats at low water. The greater
acreage here is covered with mixed hard and soft wood.
A high water table is assumed. The marsh portion of
this site is an important waterfowl feeding area and
marine worms have been frequently harvested here.
Portions of the intertidal zone produce marketable
clams.

RECOMMENDATION: Both east and west sides of the Narrows have
spectacular views which make this area a prime
candidate for open space. Rather frequent use of
the two small beaches shown on the map should be
noted. It would appear too expensive to develope any
of this area for use greater than that of current
levels of simple access to the shore.

flats

t rai I

40
/w o,o/ds road

W@ocls road trail

WEST SIDE ROAD

MAIN ROAD

BAPTISM BEACH& KEY:
CROW - COVE of,4 6H I
R06KD
SITE NUMBERS 19 & 20

a 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Baptism Beach
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 19
OWNERS: R. Eusner & J. Wright
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: A woods road in good condition leaves
the main town road across from the Historical Society
Building, former site of the island's early Meeting
House, runs in a generally easterly direction to
a high banking near the shore across the property of
J. Wright, and then runs in a generally northerly
direction across the abutting property of J. Maes
to the shore at the edge of a gravel beach known as
Baptism.
Although both of these properites are in a
residentioal development, the way to the shore has
had long-term historical use. There has not been
any noticeable attempt to inform the public as
to restricted use of the property so acquiescence
may be presumed. There would, none-the-less, be a
considerable negative impact on both property owners
should this way become more heavily used by the public.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The eastern side of the main town road
betweent the Historical Society Building and the
narrows is a residential subdivision of 5 lots,
three of which have already been built upon. The
two lots which have already been built upon. The
seperated by about 400 feet of road frontage and two
houses. The lot immediately across from the
Historical Society Building supports mixed tree
growth and is the site of most of the access road
described above. The land shows signs of having
had a soils test recently and is in plain view of
the new neighboring structure. This lot's shore
is steep banking with a nice view to the north and
east. The second lot is in lower elevation, probably
poorer soils, and yet actually borders teh good gravel beach.
The beach itself is gravel defined at either end
by ledge. There is scattered ledge at low water
along the strech, too, except inone spot opposite
a drainage swale. Approximately one half of the
beach is within view of a neighbor. The remainder is
not in the site line of nay near-by residences.

RECOMMENDATION: This beach has been used by small numbers of
people for picnics and swimming and might continue
in that vain should an acquisition appear appropriate.
Existing access rights may well have legal weight but
could easily created ill-will if not handled in a
diplomatic manner.

SITE NAME: Crow Cove inlet

LOCATION MAY NUMBER: 20

OWNERS: A. Fodera & Lowe Heirs

LEGAL RIGHTS CF ACCESS: A trail which actually begins at the
West Side Road on land of J. O'Hara traverses the
Fodera property to a tidal inlet long used for
clamming access at low tide and as a swimming hole

at high tide. This long term public use without
any interference from private owner might sub-
stantiate a case for prescriptive rights.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The Primary trail mentioned above leads
to a tidal mudflat which has supported clam
production in the past. The exchange point between
an incoming stream and the salt water has created
a deeply cut channel which neighborhood kids have
found to be a good swimming hole at high water.
much of tqhe steep bank bordering the flats is forested
in mixed growth. Eelgrass is evident at some spots
along the high water line.
A secondary trail follows this shoreline toward
the north but ends rather abruptly with no real
resolution.

RECOMMENDATION: While a trail system connected to those
mentioned above would be a true neighborhood
amenity, public develoment value otherwise is
probably limited to insuring continued access for
clamming purposes.

ramp

WEST Si DE ROAD

A. PENDLETON PROPERTY K E Y:
SITE NUMBER 2'1
RO(-KD

0 100 2 00 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Arlene Pendleton Property

LOCATI0N MAP NUMBER: 21

OWNERS: C.Borden & J. T. McCullough

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: None. This is private property and
is accessable only by a private driveway.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Crow Cove is known as the island's best
storm anchorage and the island's first ferry dock
site was considered not far from the Arlene

Pendleton property at Smith's Landing. Although this
site is somewhat open to the northwest, it remains
protected from the easterly storm courses and boasts
deep water.
The Arlene Pendleton property, now owned by
Christine Borden, is approximately six and a half
acres bordering on the west Side Road and Crow
Cove. The 300 feel of shoreline is mostly gravel
beach with ledge to either side.
Access to this beach and the McCullough house
is via a Private drive, the beginning of which is
at West Side Road and a portion of which is shared
by neighbors. A CMP line runs part way down this
and then cuts across the Arlene Pendleton
property, apparently heading toward Utgoff and Sard.
Although this area is not exactly noted as a
shellfish location, some clams were observed in the
gravel below mid-tide.
RECOMENDATION: Although perhaps cost-prohibitive because of
residential potential, this would make an excellent
town docking facility. The solid beach would easily

allow for small boat launching while the deep water
would make pier construction efficient. The Cove's
qualities are legend.

00
0 ot,
0 00@
woods road

""-,WEST SIDE ROAD

WEST SHORE BEACH KEY:
SITE NUMBER 22

0 IN 2N FE ET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: West Shore Beach

T
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 22

OWNER: P. Ladd

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: None. This is private property with
no known historical public rights.

SITE DESCRIPTI0N: A small sand and gravel beach lies at the
end of an unimproved woods road on this 6.5 acre
parcel along the West Side Road. The Property is
covered in a mix of soft and hard wood with a
moderate slope to the shore.

RECOMMENDATION: An excellent residential location, this site
does not appear to lend itself very well to public
use.

0 00
0 00 00
() 0
000
0
00
00 0
0
0

00 WEST SIDE ROAD

cll,@

potential parking_

FERRY ROAD

HINCKLEY & KEY.
SOPHONJA'S BEACHES
SITE NUMBERS 23 & 24 R0(-K'J I

0 100 200 400 600 N
FE ET

SITE NAME: Hinckley's Beach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 23

OWNER: Town of Islesboro or State of Maine

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: This shoreline falls within the road
right-of-way so access is consequently quaranteed.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Tthe cobble and boulder beach bordering the
West Side Road known as Hnckley's Beach offer one
of the most open and sweeping views of the ocean
available on the island from a public way.
The cobble and boulder beach essentially joins
the road at a sea wall built to accomodate traffic
along this shore. The marine characteristics are
very open and there is really no space for any
ground cover as such.

RECOMMENDATION: While this location does allow access to the
shore, medium density residential use of the
neighborhood, limited recreational potential for the
nearby water and shore, and lack of space for parking
(even lack of road shoulders) all add up to little
public development value. The spectacular views are,
however, part of the island heritage and warrant
protection of some kind.

SITE NAME: Sophonja's Beach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 24

OWNER: W. Mellencamp
.j
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: None. This is private property with
no known historical public rights.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Very wet land edged at the shore by an
outstanding gravel beach summarizes this location.
The property commands control of approximately 250
feet of the 500 foot stretch of gravel beach. Just
behind this beach is a cat-tail marsh, then alders to
the Ferry Road execpt for a triangle of higher
ground at the east with mixed hard and soft wood.
There does exist a dirt road to the beach but
this is very soft during wet times. Ther state way
which abuts the property allows good site distances
to the south and fair to the north.
Although the neighborhood is low density
residential, there are no houses in close proximity
to this beach.
The beach slopes gently toward the northwest
Good swimming is assumed in part because of a ledge
which makes off to the north from the western side
of the open gravel strand, creating a kind of
protected inner pool of water.

RECOMMENDATION: This site has the combined attributes of
being a poor house location and a fine swimming
beach.

open
field

0
0

0 0
000
0 000
0
C)
0. boat ramp
parking

lighthouse muse um 0

town floats

ferry dock

GRINDLE POINT& KEY:
A. ALDRICH PROPERTY
SITE NUMBERS 25 & 26

0 100 200 400 600 N ML Rx-j H
FE ET

SITE NAME: Grindle Point

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 25

OWNER: Town of Islesboro

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Public property and a public road
provide legal access to the shore.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The Town-owned old lighthouse station,
parking lost, and pier with floats are known to everyone
if not because this is one of only two public
pieces of shore property then because the ferry lands
here at Grindle Point. In addition to the mowed
lown area by the parking lot, the Town controls a
small boat launching ramp surrounded by boulders
and patches of gravel. The shore beyond the lawn
area is ledge.

RECOMMENDATION: This is one of the most valuable assets the
Town owns. Tremendous increases in various kinds
of uses of this property in recent years have
stressed the facilities and generated interest in
the community to search for other locations to
accomodate some of this activity. (See "Improvements
For The Town Of Islesboro, Maine Public Landing And
Boat Ramp Facilities," 1982).

SITE NAME: Alexander Aldrich West

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 26

OWNER: A. Aldrich

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: None. This private property has no
known history of public rights.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Located in one of the few low density
residential neighborhoods bounding on Gilkey
Harbor (most of Gilkey Harbor being fairly highly
populated), the gently sloping and mostly open land
which abuts Town property at Grindle Point has seen
some use through permission. There is excellent
anchorage off the sand and gravel beach.
The portion of the Aldrich-owned property under
discussion here is bounded by a cat-tail marsh to
the north. A thick stand of mixed hard and soft
wood shields the open field and shore from the Ferry
Road. An unimproved drive accessing the field has
very poor site distances due to a hill and curve in
the vacinity.
The shore itself is a lengthy stretch of fine
gravel showing some evidence of clam production.
The southerly exposed is to Gilkey Harbor which is,
in turn, quite protected.

RECOMMENDATION: This site is probably the most highly
developable property discussed in this report.
It may also be the most valuable piece of real
estate, too.
Potential exists for community-scale recreational
use, swimming, docking for recreational boating,
and/or dockage for commercial boat use. This is also
an area which needs conservation of the clam
resource.

:qn.

ta@Z

channel woods road

old 'old

FERRY ROAD

flats

/trail

GOLF COURSE ROA D
MILL CREEK KEY:
SITE NUMBER 27
MRO@-Kn
Lf P&f-

MLRCJH
a 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

S I T 0Z N A'!.-,E @'ill Creek

LOCATICI6N 7AF 27

OWNER R'. "Jam es

LEGAL FIGHTS OF ACCESS: Access to t2he '!'ill Creek clar. flats
or hip-h tide deen water is available to the nublic
because of the -road right-of-,.,;ay 14hic2h-0passes over
the Creek on the island's only bridge.,

SITE' 8DESC7.IPITI8CI8N: The @@ill Creek is an interestinz ecological
entity. This is an inte4rcl.@an2Ce area between a
major watershed and the salt water. A very good area
for clam 0nrod.ucticn, t8he medium velocit-y tidal
channel a2nd'p - imp o rt ant
12ce0nt marsh lands make for
at erfow! fe ed-f0M.ps
Land rising away from the Creek varies in slone
Jrom severe,at some places along the bank to uite
gentle back near the To,,.,n road. T-his land v,,as once
agricultural but is mostly covered i-jith alders,
spruce, and young birches now.

4PECC.'7.,!E'61.7DATI8W: Because ofit's unicue ecology, this would
seem to be an.area high on the resource protection
list. It 8might-be possible to de4velcn-e a trail
system which would allow passive a0rr0reciation of the
Creek's environmental diversity but the nrivate
nature of o,.-iners1.-,,_'n. would need to be considered.

(4@

trail

old C@ metery
former dock 0) -0
Site

OLD FARM LANDING KEY:
SITE NUMBER 28
f@0(-Kn

L- 0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

SITE 117A@r22i: Cld Farr.- T
, @andinf-

LOCATI8O.'I ",!A? 4N UII " 8B, 2E R28

OWNER: T64rratine Golf Club

S -ine C-olf Club bui-ldinF -xas
LEGAL RIGHT, S CIF AC16_1.@ -he Tarrat
once known as the '6Farroll 7arm, later as s,-rrly 4The
_ar0ml,, and occupied a conspicuous place in co=unity
affairs.- T2he main town rcad ran 4just -jn frcnt of
th4c bulldin7. A rortion of this road v. -as described
'Li878 i-,,hen- it ..!' @-ric4al town
in as accented as an of
road:

... 2Eec-innin- at the middle of the to,,@7n
Lo
road south of Charles ".as',--,Iz house at tle
corner then running south 67 de7rees ,,7est
25 -rods on land oI' Eliza 'H.atch to the old
road one rod fr-cm, tl@e southeast corner of
Said Hatch's garden fence...'"'hen on land
of heirs of Fcbert Sherman south 49
degrees %rest 6 rods then south 1-5 dec-rees
west as the old rcad runs 39 rods then
south 25 degrees east S 1@ rods to land of
John P. T-arrow then on said 87-ar-.o,.,,, land
south 10 dei7rees east ir3 rods then south
12 degrees i%,est 6 rods, one rod from the
south-;.,est ccrne-- of said 7-ar-_rc,,,i front
,7ard or 9:arden-fence, said noint to be
middle and corner of said road., then
south 86 degrees -,,:es'u- 48 rods to the
w,est.erl8y cates of t',,-,e gra0ve:7ard one rod
from the graveyard fence...."

Although not described -in this Clerlz,,.'-- entrv, the
Town had lonZ. enj'o-@,,ed-use of a landing so7.-.e 3CO feet
.Lrom. the ce0mete-,! runnirE
I _ the same course as tl-@e
road frcm the house to the rravevard p7ate. Th_-'s Inas
beenncwn in the co0r-unity as one of several To-in
Landings and, in addition to bei-f- called t)-ie Old
T"
2Par0m Landin7-, .,!as also called . sery Jett". bl, some.
The-efore, even thouc-h the tc-..:n wa-, does not in
C_
fact run to the shore ' historical use of that way
to reach a l0andin47 -v.,oil-ld 4nrobably substantiate a
@L-
L.0own cla6i4- o6f r2ir2r2ht.

SITE DES C8I8R2I8PTI36W4': The road lea8d2inr- to the r8-olf club hcuse is
a ty2p8Ical island 2Fravel .,7ar and -is maintained bv the
Llown. Tle stretch frc-n 0t24he building west to the
cemetery and shore, .,;h0ile v1si4lile., is su6b4stanti4all-y
V I-
abandoned. The co2m6mun2itv no 2icn4@:er maintains this
section o2f road and the golf club MOWS much o2f it
as i8f it ,,7ere 8n0ar0t of t32he fairway.
The shore area here is 6nr2i-a0r6il4-r l4ed-47,e. There
is a small boulder ram2n and evidence of 0t28he lci@er
once maintained nr2ivatel- cn 6t32he site.
The surround'n@- -:@ro7erty 6is, o2f course, main-
Z,
tP4ined P-s a 0zzolf course.

REC8M-I8NE2N2DATIO2N: Even though there a0rrear to be historical
reasons to argue for rublic rir-hts of access to the
C
shore in this location .17
., those ,ho m1pht promote such
a stance should certainl,,r note '.--he si2cnificant
conflict with current 'To L
. llin@z Interests. This,
couDled with the rather mediocre type of shore
cha-8racteristics here., sugo-est allowing the status
uo to prevail.

driveway/road

hoate

WEST SHORE DRIVE

00.

L Gil

Old Atterbur Landing

ater

CHOATE TOWN & KEY:
ATTERBURY LANDINGS
SITE NUMBERS 29 & 30

0 100 200 FE ET 400 600 N

1--oa@e "o, n Landing
,ST7- "A-!:'-

L2OCATT
ON 1,r, k F 14 T-7, - F 2ZE-0 -29

A. Choate

6L4EEGAL 0RI'31ETS C7 ACCESS: Richmond Pendleton had, in the latter
nart of the 19th centur,,,,, 4a.wharf and landinp, on
-now the Arthur Ch'
Gii6ke, @Yarbc.- at .%,hat is oate
residence. The ,,nI-arf and landirp- -xere used b-@7
co=unit,,,, ne0mbers in their comin7s a0nd Foings until
lPI; when the To%rn voted to discontinue F. nart of
the to,...-n @.,!a1ppn this vacini+- 0rrovided the Islesboro
'-A
Land and Trnrcvement Conn-= o-en o.- nublic use
a' new road from t I-, e T-,a in t c,,.. n ,@:ay t o t',- e ,,.,at er front
This ne,,,: rcad ,k7as lafd. out and accented in
1,
Septe0mbe:- of 19-16. It- was described in tine Cler'j@ls
records as ". ..beElen-inc- at a'sta@@e and ztcnes
standf-1,c-, on t-@e zouth-.,,estlerly side of the ',%,est,
Shoz-e Drive at and one _"od nor 41-1-westerliv,
J.ro0r. the land of t',e late jra@res Lawrence, the.nce
South 71 de,c:rees "'.'est- -nnd narallel -..Ilith said
L0a,,orence line 13 rods -ore or less to the shore of
Gil2keYs 2HarboIr...l4re bein-@ center.. .L-.,.,o rods v:ile..
.over land of 'Henry ..former.", I-ef-c- the
y
R@cI-:..cnA_.Fendle'-on 'arm ... town ea:r to a rublic
boat landInc fo0r the use of said to-.-:n..."
It ,,-as further stirulated that ".-he landinr, not
to JI-ave any ,rharf or pler but 'or boats to land at."
There are a considerable number of anecdotes
about lucc-L't and bar7e use of 'his !.and-'nF until 'he
comi n8F, o 'L the to-@-!n ferry at . the current Cr'-ndle
Point site. Conte,-,-Iorar@, use has decline 411"o a
nearl:@r non-existent level, but the righ.t,- still
stand.

SIT-2E- DEEc7r-@TPf"TC':: A c- rOV7n-in leads 'o a -ravel and
cobble -beach at the head ot a. h'E.'-ly nrotected cove
in '7iike-@, Harbor. 2The solid beach made -for F:ocd
land-4nc- b,, small boats and b4arFes in t6�.mes nast.
There is -iedLr:-e to bot"@ the north and south once
outside this small cove.
The Choate rro8--er'u*,,r is landsc0p-ned -.o,,,-0ed
lawn while the 32Laxrence nro0rert,,- to the south is
X.
foz,ested r8iEht to the shore 2w8it'7 a: mixture o8f soft-
6U C
,Tccd trees. A 2ma8lor s7.,,,ale r8i00r,'-t at t"-e boinlar,,i
line between tI-ese t-6wc 2p.r4c6nerties contains an
8i6m-cort0ant .,,,:atercourse for t@-e area. Slopes In the
7 @.
vac-in4@t2:.7 var4,,,, fr0or, 2n0oderate to cuite severe.

',er,, c'lear -ubl2ic r2ip-4h's ex2is@- 'or use of
t8i-6is l8and-4n8r.2, but it 4see0r-,.s 6i!-n00rr8a0ct6ical and 2inap0rro27r6iate
lo 4atte6m6n"u- any development o- this r4i8@-ht at th'e*
present t8i,-re.

SITE NAME: Atterbury Landing
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 30
OWNERS: L. Gillies & D. Waterman
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The strip of land leading to Atterbury
Landing, so-called, was owned by the Islesboro
Land and Improvement Company as part of Lot 107 on
"Plan of Land on Gilkey's Harbor" prepared by
Aspinwall and Lincoln, civil engineers of Boston,
Mass., early in 1891. This plan is recorded in the
Waldo County Registry of Deeds. They sold Lot 107
to David Scull. This is recorded in the Waldo
Registry in volume 229, page 458 and dated October
22, 1891.
When William Ellis Scull (we presume an heir
of David's) sold Lot 107 to J. Kearsley Mitchell and
Frances S. Mitchell on December 8, 1915, the strip
of land in question was reserved from the main
portion of the Lot and, therefore, described as a
seperate entity for the firsta time. That description
is as follows:
"Beginning in the westerly line of the West
Shore Drive, at a point at a right angle
distance of 25 feet from line of Lot No. 108
thence North, 52 30' West (Parallel to line
of Lot No. 108 and 25 feet distant therefrom),
to a point 75 feet distant from a line drawn
at a right angle from the bolt at the corner
and line of Lot No. 108; thence southwesterly
westerly and northwesterly along an arc of
90 drawn on a radius of ten feet; thence
parallel to, and 35 feet distant from, the
southerly line of said Lot No. 108 to the
shore; thence northerly by the shore, to the
line between Lots No. 107 and 108; thence by
said line, S. 52 30' E. (344 feet between
bounds), to the West Shore Drive; thence
southerly, on said Drive, to the place of
beginning."
This is recorded in the Waldo Registry in volume 323,
page 3.
It was at this time that certain rights and
privileges were described as running with the land.
While these rights were at the time granted primarily
to the Mitchells, the next transaction makes it clear
that the owner or owners of Lots 113, 114, 115, and
123 also share these same rights and privileges.

"Also conveying to the said Grantees, their
heirs and assigns, a right of way for boating
privileges, to or from the shore, over the
said reserved strip...said privilege to be
of the nature ususally attaching to the use
of summer residences (so called) and are not
to be used for commercial purposes."
William Ellis Scull sold holdings to Anna D.
Atterbury on November 11, 1920 which included this
described strip. The rights and priveleges were
here noted as being shared. See Volume 339, page
593 in the Waldo Registry.
Atterbury sold to Lillian Whitmarsh and she,
by warranty deed dated December 22, 1952 and recorded
in the Waldo Registry, essentially gave this
strip, along with rights and privileges granted to
others, to the Town of Islesboro. See volume 498,
page 249.
In June of 1954, the town sold this strip of
land to Josephine Bond Flagg Boyer. There were rights
reserved at this time, too. One paragraph notes the
town's right to maintain, repair and replace a
sewage disposal system located here. A second
paragraph says: "The above described premises being
subject to all rights and privileges granted and
extended to others as may be presently existing and
matter of record. "This is recorded in the Waldo
Registry in volume 512, page 326.
In summary, then, the original agreement
between David Scull and J.K. Mitchell established
this strip as a way to the shore for both parties.
This was further described when William Ellis Scull
conveyed the land on Warren's Mountain, including
this strip, to Anna Atterbury in 1920. This was
clearly her way to the shore. Each succeeding deed
has mentioned these rights. It would therefore appear
that some rights may well still be held by the town
provided they are "of the nature usually attached
to the use of summer residences (so called) and are
not to be used for commercial purposes."

SITE DESCRIPTION: A pier and float used and maintained by the
Isleboro Inn (formerly the J.K. Mitchell estate)
extends into Gilkey Harbor in an easterly direction
where this strip of a land abruptly meets the shore.
The shore is entirely ledge in this location and
rises perhaps 15 to 20 feet at the junction between
land and sea.

The location is on Oilkey Harbor and is, of
course, excellent anchorage.
The strip is probably not large enough to allow
-p.arking space and the West Shore Drive in too narrow
--to safely provide off-paverrent parking. Site distances
-in this spot are relatively good, however.

RECOMMENDATION: There might be some potential for.a joint
pier and float effort here between the Inn, Gillies,
and the Town. Poth the politics and the logistics
of the venture would be likely quite com-plek,
however.

KISSEL POINT
ROAD
inn Itt Parish
Bar tlett

Dillon

Collins

e) ID

ERBY ROAD

pillars
I.: Auchincloss

KISSEL POINT& KEY:
DERBY ROAD
SITE NUMBERS 31 & 32 F 7, L f, P @-, r-

0 100 200 400 Soo AU@,RcJ H
FE ET N

SITE NAME: Kissel Point
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 31
OWNERS: D. Parish & M. Bartlett
LEGAL RIGHTS TO ACCESS: A road to the shore was accepted by
the Town on March 4, 1867 which might have been an
older version of what is now the way to Kissel
Point. More research is needed to confirm this
assumption.
Again, in 1926, the Town voted "yes" to the
question of discontinuing "that section of the
highway at the junction of the roads near the
Chapin Cottage and accept the section of road
built by Mrs. Kissel."
By August of 1972 the road to Kissel Point
is clearly perceived to be a town way. This is
documented in minutes of the Selectmen at their
August 31 meeting when, under old business, "A
discussion was held regarding roads, particulary
the road leading to Mr. C. Douglas Dillion's house.
Mr. Dillon was under the impression that the road
is a town road, and not private. After some
discussion the Selectman agreed that the road
is indeed a town road and should be maintained by
the town. The town manager was asked to arrange
for the grading, filling of pot-holes and necessary
ditching of the road..."
One or more men have regulary used the cove
formed by Kissel Point jutting out into Gilkey
Harbor as a place from which to fish.
SITE DESCRIPTION: The cove mentioned above, to which the
town way runs, is well protected and apparently has
plenty of water for anchorage. The way, however,
travels so close to D. Parish residence as to appear
to actually touch one another. This makes for rather
unsafe driving conditions in the area.
In addition, neighborhood characteristics have
a very "exclusive" feeling about them.
The shore here is gravel with spines of ledge
protruding through the surface in places. A stone
retaining wall in once section keeps the mowed
lawn away from high water. At the junction of the
town way with the shore, the banking is steep with a
drop of about 6 to 10 feet.
The clam survey of 1981 indicated that shellfish
would do well if hand seeded throughout the area.

RECOMMENDATION: Existing low profile fishing and boating
activity in this area appears compatable with other
residential uses of the location. Any significant
increase or change in such use would surely impact
those owning property here. It would therefore seem
appropriate to maintain the current status of the
access rights without further development.

SITE NAME: Derby Road Town Landing

LCCATION MAP NUMBER: 32

OWNERS: C. Auchincloss & P. Collins

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Although it is difficult to determine
precisely when the Derby Road and its town landing
terminus at Gilkey Harbor were first accepted by
the town as public, it is clear that both existed in
some form in 1912 when the name "Derby Road" was
first suggested and approved. The article in the
warrant for a meeting on March 4, 1912 read "To see
if the town will vote to name the road leading from
the Dark Harbor Post Office to the town landing near
ship yard point - 'Derby Road' in memory of the late
Richard H. Derby as requested by J. Nurry Forbs."
Other activity in this area during the early
part of the century repeatedly confirmed the Town's

interest in and title to this Town landing. In
March of 1916, for example $250 was raised "for
improvement of town landing near J. M. Forbs cottage."
The landing did not receive any official
reference again until 1958 when Mr. Clarence Dillon
indicated his interest in buying the property
associated with the town landing. An artice was
placed on the warrant for a special town meeting
November 16, 1960 which read "To see if the Town will
vote to sell the old town landing property between
Dillon's and Forbes." The vote was 49 to 4 against
selling.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Located in Dark Harbor, a gravel way leads
to a gravel shore inside ledges which define this
small cove. There appears to be a cable laid under
water from here.
The presence of a considerable amount of eelgrass
raises the question of how solid the gravel bottom
may be. There is a qentle slope from the town way
right to low water, making launching small boats
easily accomplished.
The Maritec clam survey indicated that the
area could be clam productive if properly managed.
Neighborhood characteristics show medium density
residential use of a highly developed nature.

RECOMENDATION: There would not appear to be any good reason
for doin anything regarding this public way to the
shore except possibly to integrate the area into a
comprehensive clam management plan for the future of
island residents.

DERBY ROAD

TOWN MAIN ROAD

ramp flats

AMES COVE KEY:
SITE NUMBER 33

PTI 17 L 6 1@-

0 so 100 FEET 200 .300

SITE NAME: Ames Cove

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 33

OWNERS: T. Pendleton, S. Pendleton & E. Perry

LEGAL RIGHTS 0F ACCEESS: The Town owns 1.12 acres adjacent to
the Pendleton prorerty mentioned above and there are
r�ghts of access to this parcel.
Historically, there has been scme use of this
cove for landing small boats since it is very near
the village of Dark Harbor and its attendant
activities and services. This use has always been
quite limited here, however, due to the large
expanse of flat at low water. There does not appear
to be a major case for prescriptive rights of access,
then, except in the event that further research should
reveal some documented use not known.

SITE DESCRIPTION

: The S. Pendleton and E. Berry parcel is
used commercially as a boat yard and fuel depot
while the T. Pendleton property is residential.
Both kinds of use have existed here for generations.
The boat yard has a dock, and gravel ramp for
boating activities. The rim of the cove is defined
by a narrow gravel strip at high water. The
remainder of the shore is an extensive mudflat.
The area does support a clear population but
is probably more signficant
ecologically as a
feeding ground for waterfowl.

RCOMENDATION
: It might be appropriate to provide access
to the shore somewhere in Ames Cove, or to secure
any access rights which might already exist. There
would not appear to be any other public interest
in the area.

flats

JETTY ROAD

ONE WAY

MAIN ROAD

JETTY KEY:
SITE NUMBER 34 bf@&(-H
'RO6 KcO
N LfP6-@-
0 100 200 FEET 400 600 -j

SITE NAME: Jetty

L0CATION MAP NUMBER: 34

0WNER: Tarratine Yacht Club

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: There is some confusion as to the

public or private status of the Jetty Road. In
1928 the Town voted to support nine street lights
on what was then called the Western Jetty Road.
Whether or not the road was then considered public
or private is not discussed.
There is no official mention of the way again
until 1970 when the Tarratine Club, assuming the
road to be public, asked the Board of Selectmen for
permission to set up a one-way road pattern. The
minutes of that meeting reveal a different
municipal attitude, "Inasmuch as these are private

roads . the town feels that it is of no concern to
it."
But then, in April of 1976, the town manager
reported on work that was being done on town roads

and included grading of the Jetty Road. Again, in
1978. Selectmen minutes show that municipal revenue
was used on the "Yacht Club Road."
There is no question about the private nature
of the Club itself and the associated pier and docks.
however, Even if the Town does have a claim to certain
rights regarding the road, then, it may be that there

is still no access to the shore here.
Town tax maps show a right-of-way to the shore
adjacent to the Club property. It remains uncertain
as to whose right-of-way this is and who may use it.
There is no official town data to support any public
claim.

SITE DESCRIPTION: At the end of the Jetty Road is the
Tarratine Yacht C1ub, a membership organization,
with club house, pier, and floats. The spruce and
cedar vegetation gives way to steep ledge at the

waterline. After a severe drop of about 15 feet th
shore is a litter of

gravel, boulders, and more
ledge.
This portion of Gilkey Harbor, near Ames Cove,

is, as one might suspect. good enchorage in protected
water. The area is open at S 58 W to the Channel
and waters of the West Bay.

RECOMMENDATION: The Yacht Club is located at the end of a
residential road of dubiously safe construction.
Any public use of a kind not alreay associated with
this site would be in conflict with the residential
nature of the area.

ROAD

MAIN ROAD
@ip o n d,,

all woo s road
@7 old c liar hole
old
sla 60
Cam ter

BOARDMAN POINT KEY:
SITE NUMBER 35 b@@6H
'R 06 K,'D
L 4,5' P b f@
R'R/L I NL 6
0 100 200 FEET 400 600 N MLIR @D H
L---------------------- -j

SITE NAME: Ecardman Point Town Landing

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 35

OWNER: D. Thomas

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: History has long recorded a Town Landing at this site. In the Town Clerk's records of September
27, 1832 we read that "The town has accepted the alteration of the road that passes by Capt.
Thomas Boardman and Joseph Boardman house to the shore with a priviledge of a landing at any
time of tide."
Another alteration, this one requested by Mr. J.R. Prackett in 1908, still refers to the
existing landing:

"To see if the own will vote to discontinue the old town way from where the new town way
intercepts the main town way leading to the late Joseph Boardman house and thence from
the late Joseph Boardman house to where the new town way intercepts the road leading
to the town landing."

This is all very confusing in terms of actual road lay-out but the operative portion of the
article from an access-to-the-shore perspective is the ending which suggests an intact and
still-used town landing at the site.
Should there be any doubt regarding the precise location of this particular town landing
J.P. Parrow, in his History, tells us on page 84 about, "The town landing, at the southern end
of the island, on the land of Jeffrey R. Prackett, in Gilkey's Harbor. Near this landing was
the first cemetary, and here is the oldest gravestone in Islesborough."
It should be noted here, however, that the current way to the shore at this locastion is
posted private and barred. It has remained closed in this manner for a number of years. If
precriptive rights were at issue then this closing would effectively negate such claim of
rights. In this case, though, we are considering a location in which a town road once existed and,
although abondoned, has never been officially discontinued.
This may well be the most complicated, from a legal standpoint, access situation discussed
in this report. Further research of deeds and other records might shed more light on the question.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The private docking facility belonging to Mrs. Daroy Thomas is the first most conspicuous sight at
the end of the narrow dirt way to the shore. To

the south of this road is the cemetary mentioned by Farrow as the oldest on the island. Directly west, where the pier extends
into Brackett's Channel, is ledge at the shore. Job and Middle Islands are seen clearly nearby. Slightly north of the road is
a short trail over the bank to the fine gravel beach. This beach slopes gently to low water and appears to be solid underfoot,
makeing it the attactive small boatslanding described above.
The Maritec Study indicated that clam production was fairly good in this location.

RECOMMENDATION: Because of obviously conflicting interests as this site it is probably adviseable to record historical use
without acting upon it at this time.

MAIN ROAD

parking

outhouse
Ile

4@0

/i;icnic oc
0 0 0 600 0 00
area c> 0
0 0
01

she I
heap 00
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0000

TOWN BEACH KEY:
SITE NUMBER 36 5flAl(-H

F, 7 LfP&@-

0 100 200 400 600
FEET

SITE NAME: Town Beach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 36

OWNER: Town of Islesboro

lEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: This is town owned public property so access is assured.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Located at the southern terminus of the island, this classic spruce forested property has two gravel beaches
and ledge that can be climbed for shoreline. Portions of the property are accessable by vehicle over a poor
roadway. There are picnic facilities at specific sites. A parking area is also available near the entrance to
the property. An indian shell heap is observeable at the east bank.

RECOMMENDATION: A definition of purpose would aid in determining policy at this unique town property. We understand that
funds have been provided for implementation of a program of improvement to the beach area. The time may,
therefore, be good for articulating the future of this area.

7 former wharf site

MAIN ROAD

STEAMBOAT LANDING KEY:
SITE NUMBER 37 bf-A(-kl
RO(-Kn
PF 7 L

0 100 200 FEET 400 600 N AALR -C--) kl

SITE NAME: Old Steamboat Landing

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 37

OWNER: A. Choate, Jr.

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Very little evidence exists regarding any public right of access to the shore at this former
steamboat landing site other than recognition of the general public use of the area in relation
to boat landings. Not only were passengers and goods brought to and from the island at this location,
but mail was also delivered to Dark Harbor here.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Remnants of the old pier are still visible between high and low water where the way meets the shore.
The site is open to the east and was used primarily as a summer landing location.
While the ledge at the bank where the pier once stood is perhaps 15 feet high, a small gravel
beach is located a few feet to the south.
Much of this small lot (.6 acre) is open. The surrounding area is either landscaped or covered
with mixed softwood.

RECOMMENDATION: This does not appear to be a viable location for public use of any kind.

Tar-ra-tine
tennis club trail

dam

MAIN ROAD

KEY:
DARK HARBOR. POOL
SITE NUMBER 38

0 100 200 FEET 400 600 N

SITE NAME: Dark Harbor Pool

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 38

OWNERS: Tarratine Club & Town of Islesboro

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The town owns a small (.07 acre) parcel which fronts on the pool, thereby guaranteeing access.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The Dark Harbor Pool is a most unique ecological configuration from which the community at this end of
the island derives its name. When formerly surrounded by tall trees, the harbor with its very small entry
must have been very dark, indeed.
Very steep slopes and hard wood cover characterize the Tarratine property on the southeast side of the
pool. Dramatic ledge is interrupted in two places by small patches of gravel beach. The shore on the opposite
side is marshy and covered with eelgrass.

RECOMMENDATION: The channel entry was dammed and a swimming pool created somewhere around the turn of the century. In 1959
the town was asked about accepting the dam and some land. In the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting at which
this was discussed we learn, "After serious consideration it was decided that the expense involved to repair
and maintain dam, floats, etc. would be heaverier than advisable."
A period of pollution made the area unattractive for a time but in 1983 the town manager was asked
to contact the Tarratine Club "regarding ideas for future recreation activity in the Dark Harbor swimming
pool."
Further research may be warranted.

flats

vehicular turn-out

EAST SHORE DRIVE KEY
BEACH
ROCKS
LEDGE
LORANUS COVE DRAINAGE
SITE NUMBER 39 N MARSH

SITE NAME: Loranus Cove
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 39
OWNER: M. Hathaway
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: If the town right-of-way for the East
Shore Drive bounds high water mark at the head of
this cove then access is assured. If not, then
historical use of the shore at this location, so
close to the traveled way, would tend to support
a claim of prescriptive rights.

SITE DESCRIPTION: A highly protected and picturesque cove.
Loranus supports a productive clam flat below its
gravel beach. The north and south sides of the cove
are defined by ledge and boulders. The east side
is open.
So frequent have been the stops here that a
turn-out has been created by the wear of numerous
tires. Ground cover across the road is mixed, both
soft and hard.

RECOMMENDATION: Clam management is essential for this location.
This may also be a particulary important location
to maintain as open space.

150

(60 Maple Grove
Cemetery

60 EAST SHORE
DRIVE

@00

00,1

HATCH'S COVE KEY:
SITE NUMBER 40

E 7 L f, P6 f-
N [@@]

0 100 200 400 600
FEET

SITE NAME Hatch's Cove
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 40
OWNERS: P.B. Welldon & formerly A. Peck Heirs
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: If the town right-of-way for East
Shore Drive bounds this cove then access rights are
secure. If not, then there are probably no specific
rights available to the public.
SITE DESCRIPTION: This gravel beach is nearly 400 feet in
length and located on East Shore Drive. A severely
sloping bank must be overcome in order to reach
the stand of gravel which is bounded, as usual,
by ledge to the north and south.
Although called a cove, the water conditions here
are in fact quite open, especially to the south and
east. A panoramic view is available from the East
Shore Drive, however.
RECOMMENDATION: The openness of the site does not lend itself
well to community development but does make this a
prime candidate for open space and scenic
preservation.

EAST SHORE

DRIVE

490

CHARLOTTE'S COVE KEY:
SITE NUMBER 41 5f"L (- H
f@ 0 (@ KD

0 100 200 FEET 400 600

SITE NAME: Charlotte's Cove
LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 41
OWNER: J. & E. Hayden
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The town right-of-way appears to
provide access to this cove. If this were not the
case then historical public use would certainly
raise the issue of prescriptive rights.
SITE DESCRIPTION: A well protected cove with sheer cliffs
at northern and southern sides and a gravel wall at
the western head, historic uses of this spot have
included clamming and fishing.
The cove is open to the east and surrounded
by spruce growth. This site is also the catch
basin for a major drainage swale. Residential
density in the area is low as the poor condition
of the road would tend to attest.
RECOMMENDATION: Access over the East Shore Drive being what it
is, this rather removed spot receives low marks
for public potential.

IPOUNTY ROAD

trail
go 0

cel ar h le
ep
PENDLETON CEME

EAST SHORE
DRIVE

SAND BEACH KEY:
SITE NUMBER. 42 bf@@6H
R 0 (- K'O

0 100 200 400 600 N AAL,
FEET

SITE NAME: Sand Beach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 42

OWNERS: Fields Pendleton, Jr. Heirs & Roderick Pendleton Heirs

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: None. The property here is private
and there are not documented public uses of
significant enough extent to create a claim for
prescriptive rights.

SITE DESCRIPTION: A trail from County Road leads to a fine
gravel beach tucked away against the bank with a
southeasterly exposure. Around a ledgey point is
another smaller and coarser gravel beach adjacent
to Little Island.

RECOMMENDATION: A real gem; this isolated site is clearly best
left private.

HEWES POINT ROAD

HEWES POINT KEY:
SITE NUMBER 43

F27A PRLINL6f,
0 50 100 FEET 200 300 N

SITE NAME: Hewes Point

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 43

OWNERS: A. Bjork, et. al., R. Clayton III & Town of Islesboro

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: Town tax maps show a road leading
directly to the shore here. This was long the site
of a wharf.
In the Town Clerk's records dated February 20,
1883 we find the following:

"Report of Road to Proposed Wharf:
...upon application...beginning at
the town way on land of Abram Dodge
then south 73 east 5 rods then to 69
E 30 rods then N 24 E 13 rods then
north 56.6 E 9 rods then N 88 E 6
rods then N 23 E 26 rods to the shore
of Penobscot East Bay..."

This may be the road petitioned for by S.B.
Fletcher and others which was recorded in the Clerk's
records of 1881.

"Beginning at the town way at the
corner of S. B. Fletcher's land
then easterly and northerly and
ending at the steamboat wharf."

We are, at any rate, informed of a road ending at the
shore in this vacinity before the 20th century.

A sign of the times, as well as the importance
of the Hewes Point Wharf, is the article in a
warrant for a town meeting March 21, 1931 which
reads, "...to see if the town will take some action
towards the replacing of the wharf at Hughe's Point,
commonly known as the Hughe's Point Wharf." They not
only voted yes but also raised $1,000 at the same
time.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The former wharf was attached to Islesboro
at a high (perhaps 20 feet above low water) ledge.
The way to this spot is now grown in with scrub but
the roadbed is still visible.
The adjacent Bjork parcel of .12 acre is to
the west of the way to Point terminus and is, in
turn next to the Clayton parcel which completes this
westerly side of the Point.
The Clayton property (.5 acre) has, as most
of its shorefront, a gravel beach. Both properties
face a good anchorage cove.

RECOMMENDATION: There is considerable potential for a small,
neighborhood-type boating facility here. Not only
is historical precedent in favor of such a use but
the location contains all the right attributes. This
could be a good neighborhood solidarity project, as
well, bringing those in the area together for a
common cause.

0. 0 0
0
0

0. 0
000 a wood remnants
00 0 0.
0.0
7@- f 0
a

w a y
0

HEWES POINT ROAD

OLD COAL WHARF & KEY:
FLETCHER'S LANDING bf,'&6H
?\06KD
SITE NUMBERS 44 & 45 LfPGf,- I
0

0 so 100 FEET 200 300 N

SITE NAME: Old Coal Wharf and Hewes Point Peach

LOCATION MAP NUMBER: 44

0WNERS: M. Brown & formerly C. Purinton

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The town right-of-way for Hewes
Point Road bounds high water at the head of this
cove, assuring access.

SITE DESCRIPTION: Once the location of a coal wharf, this
gravel beach is located in one of the highest
residential densities on the island. The beach has
considerable cobble size stone mixed with the
gravel and a boulder ramp at the foot of a severe
cliff to the western side.
Access from the raved Hewes Point Road is
safely accomplished with relatively good site
distances.
The cove is protected from the southeast
but is open to the north. Deep water is available
for anchorage.

REC0MMEDATION: There is ample potential, especially considering
historical use of the site, for development of some
kind of public boating facility.

SITE NAME: Fletcher's Landing

Location Map Number: 45

OWNER: C. Purinton

LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: There was, at the end of, the 19th
century, a landing known as "Fletcher's Wharf."
Just where this was located remains something of a a
guess. The Purinton family currently hold title
to most of the land Fletcher owned but ecess rights
the land I
remain extremely vague.

SITE DESCRIPTION: The property across whick one traverses
in order to reach the gravel shore and probable
landingsite has an agricultual feel to it. The
beach itself would not be highly recommended for land-
ing boats qiven the extent of ledqe in the inter-
tidal zone. Severe slopes are noted to either
side of the beach.

RECOMMENDATION: Private use as currntly appears
best.

FLATS

open field

MAIN TOWN WAY

LITTLE BROAD COVE KEY:
.SITE NUMBER 46 0 (- Kn
L f P 615-

0 so 100 FEET 200 300 N

SITE NAME: Little Froad Cove

LICATION MAP NUMBER: 46
OWNERS: Tompkins & Dupray
LEGAL RIGHTS OF ACCESS: The public has found their way to
the productive calm flats of Little Broad Cove for
many years, thereby creating a case for claiming
prescriptive rights.
SITE DESCRIPTION:

Located on the east side of Islesboro and
not far from Hewes Point already described, Little

Broad Cove is mostly clam producing mud flats
bordered in some places by narrow strips of gravel
and in other places by eel grass colonies.
The water conditions are extremely shallow
and open to the northeast. The ground cover on the
property is the old field grass. This is unquestionably
one of the best clam producing areas in town.

RECOMMENDATION:
Acess ford management of the important clam
resource is the primary public interest in this
any immediate need for any further public action.

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