In late October, the Casco Open Space Commission and Hancock Lumber hosted a Jugtown Forest Community Walk, inviting residents to experience one of the area’s largest parcels of land for public use.
The event welcomed people from surrounding towns for a guided fall walk through Jugtown Forest, offering a firsthand look at how this local trail system is managed for both timber production and recreation. Attendees enjoyed beautiful day while learning about forest stewardship and sustainable land use. Hancock Lumber’s origins began on the shores of Pleasant Lake, adjacent to Jugtown Forest in 1848, and today the 5,000 acre parcel remains open to the public for recreation.
District Forester Shane Duigan led a talk on forest management, discussing how working forests like Jugtown balance multiple uses—from hiking and hunting to snowmobiling and ATV access. Participants then had the option to choose from shorter or longer walking routes, making the experience accessible for everyone.
By connecting the community with the land, Jugtown Forest continues to highlight the importance of responsible forest management, recreation, and conservation in Casco.