Threats from Over Development

Large-scale residential and commercial development on or near shoreland property can create significant risk to Androscoggin Lake’s water quality and environmental balance. One example of such large-scale development and intensive use is the proposed campground expansion on the southern end of the lake.

Since acquiring Beaver Brook Campground approximately two years ago, and rebranding as Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake, the new corporate owner has made a series of proposals for a significantly expanded commercial development on its property abutting Androscoggin Lake’s shoreline.

Experts in Maine state government have determined that part of Jellystone’s property includes a “Focus Area of Statewide Ecological Significance” that is home to rare plants, wildlife habitats, and wetlands crucial to Androscoggin Lake’s water quality.

Consistent with its mission to preserve and protect the water quality, wildlife, and natural beauty of Androscoggin Lake, ALIC has played a leading role in raising environmental concerns and questions related to Jellystone’s master plan. This plan seeks to increase occupancy to more than 4,000 people a day, to build a new multi-level slide and play structure that includes a new 20,000 square foot splashpad pool, and to add in excess of 150 “park model” living units that resemble mobile homes.

At numerous Wayne Planning Board hearings, ALIC representatives have presented information and data concerning water quality, wastewater pollution, strain on groundwater resources, and threats from invasive species from increased boat traffic at Jellystone.

With the help of a group of generous donors, ALIC retained Pierce Atwood LLP, one of Maine’s leading law firms, to draft a Campground/RV Park Moratorium Ordinance. Through volunteer efforts in submitting a Citizen’s Petition, the Moratorium Ordinance was scheduled for a town-wide vote on April 16, 2024. Voters approved, and as a result, the Moratorium Ordinance places a six-month pause on future development/expansion proposals for Campground/RV Park uses. This will give stakeholders time to revamp Wayne’s zoning regulations to ensure greater protection for Androscoggin Lake.

ALIC is committed to continuing the effort to protect our lake from environmentally-unsound commercial development. Your support is crucial.