Witherle Woods Fire Fuel Cleanup Effort

IN RESPONSE to growing concerns about wildfire risks in Maine, Maine Maritime Academy partnered with Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) in September to organize a fire fuel cleanup event in Witherle Woods.

Nearly 200 members of the incoming Regimental class took part in the half-day wildfire risk mitigation effort, which focused on reducing fuel loads and improving the firebreak in the southeastern section of the preserve. The event promoted public safety and environmental stewardship while also serving as a leadership and team-building opportunity for the students who worked in crews led by cadet captains.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Maine Coast Heritage Trust, an institution that does so much important conservation work in our region, on this worthwhile initiative,” said Academy President Craig Johnson. “The Witherle Woods fire fuel reduction effort is valuable not only to protect the Castine community, but also as an education and awareness exercise for our students. We are proud of the prominent role our students play as volunteers for the Castine Fire Rescue Department and happy to get more students involved in safeguarding the community from wildfire.”

Witherle Woods, a 193-acre preserve owned and managed by MCHT, abuts the town of Castine and the Academy’s campus. The preserve features a coastal forest ecosystem, historic landmarks, and over four miles of trails. The cleanup effort offered first-year students a meaningful opportunity to support natural resource stewardship in Castine by practicing fire-resilient forest management that benefits both the land and the broader community.

Aerial photo of Witherle Woods

“With the increasing threat of wildfires in Maine, especially in beloved community preserves like Witherle Woods, this collaboration comes at a crucial time,” said Mike Kersula, MCHT’s regional stewardship manager. “The risk from a potential wildfire in Witherle Woods has been top of mind for many folks in the Castine community as we have witnessed changes in the forest and increasingly long and deep droughts.”

Kersula added, “This is an exciting model of proactive stewardship, education, and service, and we are very grateful for the chance to collaborate with MMA, the Castine Fire Department, and Maine Forest Service.”

The Witherle Woods fire fuel cleanup event received extensive media coverage. Click here to listen to Maine Public’s story or scan the QR code.

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