WCSH-TV5 • August 19, 2020
Cathy Houston stands on the edge of Shiloh Pond in Kingfield, looking at the water, the woods and the mountain beyond. “I like the wildness of it,” she says. Shiloh Pond feels wild, even though it's only a few miles from the center of town. And assuming residents vote next month to accept the gift, the pond and 215 acres will soon belong to Kingfield for guaranteed public access to fish, hike and enjoy the outdoors. The High Peaks Alliance, a western Maine land conservation group, has been working to raise money to buy the land and pond ever since they became aware the family that has owned it for years decided to sell. Like many parts of the Maine woods, the private owners have always allowed public access. Brent West, executive director of the High Peaks Alliance, says they wanted to make sure local people continue to have that access.