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The Cluff Preserve Dream
An excavator by trade, Wilbur C. "Wib" Cluff gifted 40 beautiful acres of Arundel forest and pasture bordered by Goff Mill Brook. The next step in fulfilling Mr. Cluff's dream is to rehabilitate the existing bridge to allow safe access to quiet walking trails. ACT is ready to take on this challenge in 2023, but we can't do it without your help!
At the time of his passing, Wilbur C. "Wib" Cluff gifted 40 plus beautiful acres of Arundel forest and meadow, bordered by Goff Mill Brook to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Mr. Cluff, was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and harness racing. As an excavator by trade, Mr. Cluff stated:
"I've spent my life tearing up the earth, I'd like to leave a beautiful place for folks to enjoy forever."
Mr. Cluff's generous donation outlined several provisions that would forever protect and keep the land's natural beauty. Perhaps the most unique provision of the property transfer was Mr. Cluff's requirement that his beloved horse "Woody" be laid to rest on the Cluff Preserve, with an appropriate marker at the time of his death.
In 2018, the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust turned over the land to the Arundel Conservation Trust to steward. The next step in fulfilling Mr. Cluff's dream, is to rehabilitate the existing bridge that crosses Goff Mill Brook, into a safe crossing for access to quiet walking trails along the Goff Mill Brook, meadow and forest. The bridge rehabilitation is the most significant bridge project that ACT has ever tackled! The 8-foot-wide bridge must span 30 feet across and 10 feet above the Goff Mill Brook. Once the bridge is rehabilitated, the path leading into the property must also be improved to create a safe trail into the property.
The Bridge Challenge
The existing bridge that leads to Cluff Preserve is old and unsafe for hikers. ACT's big goal for 2023 is to rehabilitate the bridge to make it safe, providing hikers access to the beautiful Cluff Preserve. The bridge rehabilitation will be the largest project that ACT has ever taken on. The intended structure is estimated at 30 feet long, by 8 feet wide and 10 feet above the brook.