In an April 21 news release, the nonprofit Upstream Watch announced that it has entered into a contract to purchase a 54-acre parcel along the Little River in Belfast. The parcel is currently owned by Nordic Aquafarms,  the Norwegian company that backed away from a plan to build an indoor salmon aquaculture venture there.

Upstream Watch formed in 2019 and opposed the project. Now, it is planning to purchase the land and ensure it is never developed, the release said.

The asking price is currently confidential, said Peter Nichols, spokesperson for the organization.

UpStream Watch plans to initiate a fundraising campaign. 

“We all understand that as long as that parcel remains on the market, it is vulnerable to another ill conceived project,” said Amy Grant, former president of Upstream Watch, in the release. “Going forward we will be advocating for the entire Penobscot Bay Watershed as Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper, but making sure the Little River ecosystem is protected means we will have completed our commitment to our supporters, the Bay and the Little River,” she stated.

According to UpStream Watch: "Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper will protect and advocate for the health of the Bay and the rivers that feed into her through pollution investigations, demanding better enforcement of existing environmental regulations and permits, and educating the public about issues of concern and the importance of protecting these waters. This program will be guided by science, and informed by current and legacy pollution impacting the Bay, as well as concerns and needs identified by fishing people, tribal members, local governments, organizations, scientists, and members of the public throughout the watershed."

The Little River in Belfast, with its public walking trail, swimming holes, wetlands, marturing forest and meadow lands, offers an open view and access to Penobscot Bay.

“This land is deeply cared for by the community and the location and ecology of this property are very rare along the Midcoast,” said Pete Nichols, Upstream’s Interim Executive Director.

“This land along the Little River offers unique recreational opportunities and the forest and wetlands are critical to the health of the Little River, Penobscot Bay, the climate and wildlife,” said Ethan Shaw, President of Upstream Watch. “It took a team effort to prevent Nordic from irreparably destroying the Little River parcel and polluting Penobscot Bay. Preserving this land for the good of the Bay, the Little River and the community is a terrific end to a long and difficult struggle. We’re excited to help make this vision a reality.”

"Just as defeating the Nordic project was a team effort including Friends of Harriet Hartley, Upstream Watch looks forward to partnering with several local and regional conservation organizations, and all community members who are committed to protecting and preserving this special place for generations to come," the release said.

“It’s wonderful to be working to protect a parcel that meets so many ecological and community needs all at once! But, we’re going to need everyone’s help to make this happen,” Nichols said.

Upstream Watch boldly advocates for the health of Penobscot Bay Watershed through science, public actionandcommunityengagement.