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SRLT is currently in the process of developing a conservation plan using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). When complete the analysis will address interests such as open space, wildlife habitat, landscape connectivity, landscape aesthetics, water quality protection, etc. (caution when downloading maps, some files are up to 5 megs)
Sandy River Watershed: A map depicting the extent of the Sandy River's watershed. A watershed is the area of land which is drained by a hydrologic system of lakes, brooks, and rivers, and wetlands. The Sandy River's watershed begins from the summits of it's highest peaks such as Saddleback Mountain, Mt. Abraham, and Mt. Blue. Overland runoff, springs, groundwater, and brooks all contribute to form the Sandy River which then empties into the Kennebec River which later empties into the Gulf of Maine. The Sandy River's watershed ranges in elevation from 4200 feet to less than 400 feet. download the Watershed Map
Geomorphic Risk: Geomorphic risk is an analysis of the potential for erosion. Erosion occurs in the form of soil detachment and mass wasting. The analysis presented here accounts for surficial geology, soil type, and slope. download the Geomorphic Risk map
Summit Viewshed Analysis: A viewshed map portrays the lands that are visible from any given point. In this analysis we mapped the lands that are visible from five prominent summits in the watershed. These peaks included Mt. Blue, Saddleback Mountain, The Horn, Saddleback Junior, and Mt. Abraham. The map as well notes the co-occurrence of viewsheds, for example those lands visible from only one summit or all five. download the Summit Viewshed Map
Distance to Roads: Western Maine and the High Peaks Region in particular has been consistently noted for it's remoteness, sweeping landscapes, and open space. By mapping the distance to roads we are able to ascertain and visualize one aspect of the back-country quality that makes this region and the Sandy River's headwaters unique. This distance to roads map is based upon highways and major two lane roads and does not include logging roads or skid tracks. download the Distance to Roads Map
Road Density: Road density is a value useful in the assessment of habitat connectivity/fragmentation and the perceived sense of open space to people. Conservation biologists repeatedly note the value of road density as a dependent variable in the success of large carnivorous mammals. This analysis does not include logging roads or skidder tracks. Road density is measured in miles per square mile. download the Road Density Map
Prime Farmlands: The Sandy River watershed which includes the Town of Farmington has a long and successful association with agriculture. Historically it's sandy loam soils were utilized to grow grains and vegetable produce as well as pasture for dairy and wool industries. This map derived from the Natural Resource Conservations Service (NRCS) Franklin County Area Soil Survey depicts soils determined as prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance. download the Prime Farmlands Map
Priority Species Habitat Value: In developing a habitat analysis of the Gulf of Maine Watershed (which the Sandy River is a part), the US Fish & Wildlife Service determined 91 Priority Species that regularly inhabit the watershed. These species include migratory birds, diadromous fish, estuarine fish, endangered, threatened, and other species of concern. Individual habitat models were developed for each species based upon occurrence data, land cover type, and other themes as needed. The map presented here is an overall value for all Priority Species. One will notice that the headwater peaks offer the most contiguous 'high value habitat' in the basin. As well, downstream of Farmington, there are less contiguous habitat patches with moderate to high value. download the Habitat Value map
Canada Lynx Habitat: In 2000 the Canada Lynx was designated a threatened species and given protection under the Endangered Species Act. Of the 91 trust species considered in the Gulf of Maine Habitat Analysis by the USFWS, Canada Lynx was the only mammal included. Notice the contiguous habitat in the High Peaks and headwaters of the Sandy River watershed. Conserving Canada Lynx habitat will safeguard this species, the last large cat in the northeast. download the Canada Lynx Habitat Map
Land Cover: Land cover offers a generalized description of the environment in the Sandy River Watershed identifying forest types, lands in cultivation, developed areas, etc. SRLT is interested in preserving land cover types that preserve open space in the forms of natural ecosystems and important agrarian landscapes. download the Land Cover Map
