ROCKLAND — A project is being considered that will ensure public access to the harbor and waterfront in Rockland’s North End for generations to come. The project is a collaborative effort of the City of Rockland, the Apprenticeshop, Elysa Rose and Paul Coster, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a statewide land conservation organization.

The first phase of the project involves purchase of a property overlooking the harbor by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, transfer of the Apprenticeshop boat launch to the City, and recreational easements to allow physical and visual access to the harbor, preservation of one of the City’s few remaining industrial lime kilns, and expansion of the Harbor Trail.

Rockland City Council will consider an order on June 28, 2021 authorizing the City Manager to move forward with related property agreements. If approved, the agreements are a first step in achieving a shared vision for public access to the Harbor in Rockland’s North end, and enhanced visibility of Apprenticeshop programming.

“This shared vision is a collaboration in the best possible sense and demonstrates what is possible when people of good will put their heads together,” said Julie Hashem, Rockland’s Community Development Direby ctor, in a joint press release by the City of Rockland, Apprenticeshop, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

The shared vision includes:

 Permanent pedestrian access to nearly 500 feet of waterfront and a 600-foot pier as an enhancement to Rockland’s Harbor Trail.

 Preservation of one of Rockland’s few remaining industrial lime kilns from the mid-1800s that prepared product for shipping to Boston, New York and beyond.

 Establishing an overlook of the historic lime kiln with harbor views and an enhanced view corridor from the street.

 Permanent public boat launch access.

 Educational signage about historic wooden boatbuilding and seamanship, and modern opportunities to carry traditions forward through programs at the Apprenticeshop.

“This project will be a formal welcome to our shorefront campus where the public can learn more about our educational programs or simply enjoy being close to the water. Public access to a boat ramp, pier and beach will now be preserved for future generations.” said Isabella Feracci, executive director at the Apprenticeshop.

Apprenticeshop programming offers hands-on opportunities for people of all ages to connect with Rockland’s maritime heritage through traditional wooden boatbuilding, workshops, and community sailing programs.

The project addresses harbor access issues and opportunities identified in the City’s recently-approved Harbor Management Plan. The plan flagged Rockland’s North End as an area lacking public access opportunities to the Harbor. It also noted the importance of adding to Rockland’s Harbor Trail, preserving and enhancing view corridors to the Harbor, and supporting working waterfront and diverse Harbor uses.

“Part of MCHT’s mission is to help create more public access to the land and the sea, and this project accomplishes both,” said Ciona Ulbrich, land project manager with MCHT.

Next steps include fundraising – to help Maine Coast Heritage Trust with the property purchase, and to raise funds for project improvements.

If you would like to help with the property purchase, go to https://give.mcht.org/ and note in the comment field for your donation that you are supporting the Rockland Harbor Access project.

“Extending Rockland’s Harbor Trail is an exciting vision for Rockland’s future and The Apprenticeshop is pleased to be part of this collaborative effort to add a dynamic new piece to the trail,” Feracci added.