Volunteer Kevin Levesque sets stepping stones in a wet area of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. The stones were set to prevent erosion by the volunteers during a work day. Photo courtesy of High Peaks Alliance

The Alliance for Recreation Ranger Corps was recently awarded a $7,500 grant from the Sugarloaf Region Charitable Trust to establish a Recreational Ranger Corps for the Fly Rod Crosby Trail and greater area.

This funding aims to significantly enhance the organization’s efforts to maintain and improve the trail, which celebrates the legacy of Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, Maine’s first registered guide.

Volunteer Kevin Levesque sets stepping stones in a wet area of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. The stones were set to prevent erosion by the volunteers during a work day. Photo courtesy of High Peaks Alliance

The multi-modal recreational path supports hiking, biking, ATV riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, canoeing and kayaking. It traverses through diverse landscapes, including existing motorized trails, woods roads and streets, with sections offering traditional Maine hiking experiences featuring rocks, roots and views.

The trail includes a spur to Saddleback Mountain and terminates at the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail in Rangeley, connecting multiple communities and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The grant will support providing volunteer stewardship capacity for staff, purchasing tools and equipment for volunteers, hosting volunteer trainings, hosting community forums, and improving trail signage and infrastructure.

For more information about volunteering or adopting a section of the trail, contact Matt Kusper at matt@highpeaksalliance.org or 704-877-5567.

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