7 Reasons to Vote NO on Article 4
Long term budget and cost projections have not been ascertained
Though the requested budget amount won’t even cover a footbridge
Environmental Impact Study has not been done
Wetlands have not been mapped; severe shoreline erosion exists, and the property provides habitat for multiple species of greatest conservation needs (SGCN)
Development of the State Land feeds traffic into a pedestrian-active neighborhood
Safety concerns for children and locals have been ignored
In direct opposition to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan
to maintain our rural character and preserve scenic views.
State seeks a lopsided Management Agreement
Town assumes all financial responsibility; State has none
Adequate public access already exists nearby
Harpswell already has 16 public trails and 11 public water landings, with two water access points within two miles of Clark Cove.
Select Board does not recommend passage
On 1/15/26, by a vote of 2 to 1, the Select Board voted against recommending this item
Voters are being asked to approve:
A project without a budget
An agreement that puts all the financial burden on the Town
A site without environmental review
That is why a NO vote is the responsible choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Article 4?
Article 4 asks Harpswell voters to approve funding and participation in a State plan to develop Clark Cove for expanded public use.
Is anyone against public access?
Harpswell already supports public access and maintains many trails and water landings. This is about how and where access is added—and whether it’s done responsibly.
Unrestricted public access to Clark Cove exists right now. Implementing official management means visitors will be restricted to specific hours, with restricted access (stay on the trail only), and perhaps even restricted seasons. Passage of Article #4 will actually reduce public access.
Why are people concerned?
Because the Town is being asked to commit before knowing:
- The full cost
- The environmental impact
- The long-term obligations
Once approved, the leverage to negotiate better terms disappears.
What environmental work has been done?
An Environmental Impact Study has not been conducted by the State or the Town. Wetlands, erosion, and wildlife habitat have not been adequately evaluated. The State admits this is “critical habitat” for numerous species from endangered Bobolinks to other protected ground-nesting bird species, including waterfowl and wading birds along the shoreline. Yet they refuse to address the migratory bird staging and feeding grounds, or the year-round wetlands, and apparently have no problem with people and dogs traversing this critical habitat in unlimited numbers.
What is wrong with the Management Agreement?
The Management Agreement proposed by the State is only in draft form and has not been put forth to the voters. As currently drafted, it puts all financial and operational responsibility on the Town while the State keeps ownership and control. The term of the agreement is 10 years. What happens after that… after the Town has spent money to build trails, a parking lot and maintain it all?
Where can I read the documents?
Visit the Documents & Sources page to see the draft agreement, petitions, maps, and town materials.
Is traffic a concern?
Yes, there is only one way in and one way out. Anyone looking for a shortcut can only do so by trespassing on private land. Cars parked along Allen Point Rd will create a clear traffic hazard. Anyone who parks across the road will be trespassing on private property. Clark Cove is surrounded by homes; residents will have to contend with strangers walking across their property or parking in their yards.