News Blip:
Fortland Campground Proposed In Southern Maine
The Forecaster Reports On Fortland, A 21-Site Campground That Would Feature Yurts, Canvas Tents And Timber Structures If Approved To Be Built On The Southern End of House Island in Casco Bay.
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved through The Forecaster's website via Google.
An envisioned “immersive” experience is behind plans for a new campground in one of the city’s oldest forts. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the city Historic Preservation Board had its third review of plans by Stefan Scarks and Travis Bullard on “Fortland,” a 21-site campground on and around the grounds of Fort Scammel, which sits at the southern end of House Island in Casco Bay. Fortland would feature yurts, canvas tents and timber and canvas structures, and “has been designed to avoid and minimize impacts to the existing historical resources,” according to the application. Scarks and Bullard said Monday they hoped the campground would be open from early May through October for camping in Maine. “We had a vision of an accessible site we could really share, we are finding a use to preserve and the protect this amazing space,” Scarks said.
Writer David Harry from the Forecaster relays in his article: "The plans will need certification as appropriate by the Historic Preservation Board since the island was designated a city historic zone in January 2015." It is not yet clear whether a site plan review by the Planning Board will also be required. In May 2014, the island, owned by Harold Cushing and his family for almost 60 years, was sold to the late developer Michael Scarks. “In going through the site, we immediately fell in love with such a unique space, and we took very seriously the stewardship of the resource,” Stefan Scarks said. He grew up in a family that enjoyed camping, and said a campground is a natural fit for the fort. “Our goal is to have it be as accessible as possible to as many groups as possible as well,” Scarks said. “We are looking for folks wanting an immersive experience — transformative travelers.” A fort is a unique location for a campground, and in Maine, the history is rich. Fort Scammel was first built as part of the city defenses during the War of 1812. The northern half of the island, which Michael Scarks sold to Vincent and Christina Mona shortly after the sale by the Cushing family, was used to process and quarantine European immigrants during the four-decade wave of immigration that ended in the mid-1920s, when a quota system was enacted by the federal government.
For the full article visit right here at The Forecaster.
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