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V O L . X X V N O. X I M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 9 14 G abe Perkins is looking forward to the imminent creation of a 978-acre community forest in Bethel that will expand an already-substantial system of outdoor recreational opportunities. Perkins is director of Mahoosuc Pathways Inc., which oversees an extensive network of multi-use, year- round trails in Bethel. e nonprofit's pending deal to buy the woodlands parcel from a private landowner will provide a connector between the town and the neighboring Sunday River ski resort, seven miles to the northwest, in Newry. And there's potential to connect through a simi- larly evolving trail network with Mt. Abrams, about the same distance to the southeast, in Greenwood. "We're a ski town by and large," say Perkins. "But trail-based recreation is the present and also the future of the year-round economy." Destination reputation e town of Bethel and neighboring ski areas are in the midst of expanding and diversifying their economies. Various interests aim to leverage assets that have long made the area a desirable destina- tion to outdoor enthusiasts. at includes proximity to New England population centers, location at the nexus of impor- tant corridors, Bethel's reputation as an "authentic" New England town, and a longstanding vacation vibe for the region's mountains, lakes and preserved lands. "We can take advantage of the fact that Maine in general is a huge destina- tion," says Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessie Perkins, who is also Gabe Perkins' wife. "We embrace that. We're at the nexus of Route 2, which is the only major east- west road across northern New England and a convenient halfway point between Burlington [Vt.] and Bar Harbor. And we're a waypoint between Montréal and the southern beaches along Route 26." Summer tourism has been part of Bethel's economy for a century, she points out. "We're close to the White Mountains and Grafton Notch State Park," she says. "People have always wanted to escape to the mountains. It's not some- thing we've had to invent out of thin air. We have hotels and we fill them." Additionally, visitors at Sunday River often venture down to Bethel. "ere are many vacation homes and other places to stay around the area, so people aren't necessarily locked into the mountain," she says. "We have this quaint little New England town to offer. You can walk around, go to the restaurants and stores. ere's definitely spillover into the town." Blazing trails Bethel has always had a steady year- round economy, thanks in large part to a strong lumber sector. "When I was growing in up in the late '70s and early '80s, there were half a dozen sawmills here," recalls Gabe Perkins, a fifth-generation resident. "ey slowly closed. Now we have one. At the same time, Sunday River started to expand and build trails and lifts and condos. So those mill jobs got replaced quickly. We went from working at the mills to building second homes and working at Sunday River." In recent years, various interests have sought to expand and diversify rec- reation assets through multi-use trail development. at includes infrastruc- ture development plus collaborations to P H O T O / F R E D F I E L D F O C U S C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 6 » Downtown Bethel has become more active in the summer months. DiCocoa's Bakery & Cafe on Main Street opened its doors in 1995. Community forest Mahoosuc Pathways, Trust for Public Land and Northern Forest Center, town of Bethel and area residents collaborated to create the 978-acre Bethel Community Forest, owned by Mahoosuc Pathways on behalf of the community. It's part of 3,600 acres of conserved land between Bethel and Sunday River. The forest is viewed as having great potential for trail connectivity, healthy lifestyles, local economies and natural resource protection. Goals include: Collaborate with mountain bike, road bike, Nordic ski, motorized and other trail users Coordinate development of in-town sidewalks, paths, backcountry trails, bike lanes and connections Integrate retail, lodging, schools and other public infrastructure into the trail network. Work with local businesses and chambers of commerce to raise awareness of recreational trails. S O U R C E : Mahoosuc Pathways Inc. The Mount Will Trail was substantially rebuilt in 2013–14 with help from Mahoosuc Pathways and the Oxford County Conservation Corps. A western Maine region looks to diversify its economy Betting on Bethel B y L a u r i e S c h r e i B e r

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