TOWN OF PATTEN

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain and Wetland – Patten, Maine 

To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals 

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The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) intends to fund the following Proposed Action under the 2025 Catalyst Program. NBRC will prepare an 8-Step Decision-Making Process review in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management) to ensure federally funded projects consider floodplain impacts and avoid unnecessary risks. NBRC will also adhere to EO 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), which establishes standards to avoid, where practicable, adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands and to avoid supporting new construction in wetlands when a practicable alternative exists. 

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The purpose of the Proposed Action is to improve access, amenities, and opportunities for trail-based recreation at the Peavey Brook Outdoor Center in Patten, Maine [68°29'28"W, 46°2'3"N]. The project will include the development of approximately 3.2 miles of new trails that connect to the existing trail system on the property. The proposed trails would be 2–4 feet wide, to be used for hiking, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. The proposed trails avoid wetlands wherever possible and minimize impacts where crossings are necessary. Boardwalks will span all unavoidable wetland areas. All streams that cannot be avoided will be crossed with bridges that span 1.2x the bankfull width. The project will provide equitable access to the outdoors to the residents of Patten and surrounding communities while also contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of the Katahdin region. 

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The floodplain status of the Proposed Action was determined using the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel 230115 0010 C, dated September 18, 1985. Based on the FIRM mapping data, portions of the area of potential effects are located within the 100-year floodplain (Zone A). Wetlands were identified within the area of potential effects during a wetland delineation conducted by FB Environmental Associates in June 2026. Accordingly, NBRC has determined that the Proposed Action requires an analysis under the 8-Step Decision-Making Process to evaluate potential impacts to floodplains and wetlands within the project area. 

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This notice provides people who may be affected by the proposed action and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment with an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts.   

Comments should be submitted by email to nepa@nbrc.gov. NBRC is accepting comments on this notice for 15 days, from September 23, 2026 through the end of the day on October 7, 2026. 

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Date of Publication: September 22, 2026