The segment that crosses the ridge of Saddleback Mountain is the largest of 200 unprotected parcels along the 2,167-mile path from Georgia s Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is also considered one of the most beautiful. From there, hikers can follow the rocky ridge for nearly two miles with stunning, 360-degree views. Saddleback s owners wanted to maintain the right to further develop the mountain and to let skiers cross the trail to reach the undeveloped backside of the mountain. Conservationists wanted to keep ski lifts and other equipment from interfering with the views enjoyed by hikers.
Critics say it was a lot of money.
Some say there was no way around a paying premium price for the Saddleback property after years of fruitless discussions. We talk about the priceless natures of these lands that we want to conserve, but we really want to pay rock bottom for it, Field said. This had to be compromised, I didn t see any way it was going to be resolved if it wasn t compromised. When negotiations broke down last year, the Park Service warned it could go to court to acquire the property through eminent domain, as allowed under an amendment to the National Trails Act of 1968. But it was an option many, including Sen. Olympia Snowe, loathed.