Jon Kachmar, Executive Director of Portland Trails Started on July 10, 2023.

Portland Trails has launched a fundraising campaign to repair its trail network following severe winter storms in 2023 and 2024 causing serious damage on over half the trails.

The non-profit hopes to raise $100,000 ths summer to cover the costs of repairs, which will include replacing broken and displaced bridges, removing fallen trees, rerouting sections of trails and mitigating erosion caused by storm flooding.

“The estimated costs of these repairs are 3 times more than what we were expecting to spend on trail maintenance for the entire year,” said Jon Kachmar, Executive Director.  “We’re asking those who love our trails to help us fill this gap in funding.  Everyone who donates is ensuring the trails stay open, safe and welcoming for all our community members”

The winter storms left an unprecedented amount of damage in their wake.  Trails near rivers, including the Fore River Sanctuary, Presumpscot River Preserve and Stroudwater Trail, fared the worst due to extreme flooding on top of heavy winds.

“I’ve been working with Portland Trails for almost 20 years,” said Jamie Parker, Trail Manager.  “and I’ve seen firsthand the effects of storms on the trail network.  The recent storms have caused more damage to the trails then I’ve ever witnessed before.”

Contact Portland Trails to learn how to donate to this important com.

Please read post herein dated June 28, 2023 for more background information on Jon Kachmar.