WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT PROJECT

Campton, NH September 7, 2022 —Deer Hill Road, located in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) in Stow and Stoneham, Maine, connects communities, economies, and public lands. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the reconstruction of approximately five miles of Deer Hill Road was recently completed.

A drive home at the end of the day, a shortcut through the mountains, traveling to a day hike, or snowmobiling during the winter are just some of the many reasons people travel on Deer Hill Road in western Maine. This popular local road connecting ME-5 and NH/ME-113 is also used for multiple-use management, including wildlife habitat improvement, vegetation management, and recreation access.

Decades of use, compounded with highly acidic soils, had resulted in deteriorated metal culverts, standing water, and erosion issues within the roadbed and drainage features. “The Great American Outdoors Act provided funding to address the issues and improve the condition and sustainability of the road,” said WMNF Saco District Ranger Jim Innes. “These needed repairs increase access to public lands for all.”

The WMNF construction and maintenance crew, based out of Bartlett, NH, started work on the project, reshaping and cleaning ditches last summer. US Forest Service staff worked with numerous businesses throughout NH and Maine to procure gravel, over 30 culverts, and heavy equipment needed to support the project. The replacement culverts are made of materials more able to withstand the environment. The roadbed was reshaped to shed water better, and surfacing with gravel improves drainage and provides a more sustainable surface.

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