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Hacker’s Hill — For All Time
Loon Echo Land Trust’s goal is to protect Hacker’s Hill in order to continue the traditional public access for the scenic viewing and recreational opportunities, as well as for the cultural, historical and economic purposes.
The $800,000 capital campaign to protect Hacker’s Hill is underway. Loon Echo Land Trust has until June of 2012 to raise the funds to purchase the beloved hill. A total of $507,000 has been donated, leaving a balance of $293,000. Contributions (pledges or gifts) have been made by the Land for Maine’s Future Program, Town of Casco, Carol and David Hancock Charitable Trust, Davis Conservation Foundation, and over 200 families and foundations within the community.
Please offer your support today by making a tax-deductible donation or a multi-year pledge.
You can give by:
- Sending a check made out to “LELT” to 8 Depot St., Suite 4, Bridgton ME 04009 with Hacker’s Hill in the memo line.
- Making a donation on-line via Paypal using a credit card.
- Pledging a gift over a two-year time period. Download and mail the pledge/gift form.
- Calling us at (207) 647-4352 to offer your pledge of support or gift by credit card.
Hacker’s Hill in Casco is located amid a scenic and historic area high in the central part of town and known for two centuries as Quaker Ridge. The hill offers scenic views that are unparalleled in the region and all of Maine. This cherished hilltop has a long history of public use, and its accessibility is as important as the views that the hill offers. 
For nearly a decade, Loon Echo has been working towards crafting a viable conservation project at Hacker’s Hill. We were moved to take action when a groundswell of community support emerged after the owners listed the property for sale on the open market in 2009. With support from the Trust for Public Land, Loon has negotiated an option agreement with the Halls for the purchase of 27 acres at Hacker’s Hill.
Since 1855, the Hall family has lived on Quaker Ridge, and they have owned the hill for more than a century. The late Hacker Hall made the hill what it is today – an inviting, accessible, open, grassy hilltop with stunning panoramic views and a peaceful recreational area for the public to enjoy. The 270-degree views looking out to the White Mountains, Sebago Lake, Portland, and the rolling Maine country-side is the dominant reason why thousands of visitors from near and far have made their way to the top of the hill.
There is a gate at the bottom of the hill that is open from dawn to dusk, five days a week from May to October. A paved roadway leads to the top of the hill that sits at 753 feet above sea level. There, you’ll find more than 20 acres of open fields and amenities for activities like walking, kite flying, nature observation, picnicking, geo-cashing, sunset watching, photography and more.
The economic importance of Hacker’s Hill is captured by Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director, Jim Mains: “The full panoramic view of mountains, lakes and greenery (or fall foliage) is a prime tourist attraction that draws many visitors and serves to underscore our unique identity as a “The Lake Region” of Maine” Hacker’s Hill should be protected for public use not only because of its immense beauty, but also because it helps to define Western Maine to all of us: visitors and residents alike.” 
Regional news featuring the Hacker’s Hill Project:
Bridgton News, December 22, 2011
Portland Press Herald, December 13, 2011
Lakes Region Weekly, December 9, 2011
Lakes Region Weekly, December 1, 2011
The Bridgton News, October 13, 2011
Portland Press Herald, September 28. 2011
The Bridgton News, September 22, 2011
Portland Press Herald, August 31, 2011
The Bridgton News, August 18, 2011
The Bridgton News, July 21, 2011
Portland Press Herald, July 19, 2011
Lake Region Weekly, July 14, 2011
LMF Grant Announcement, July 13, 2011
Portland Press Herald, June 13, 2011
Lake Region Weekly, May 27, 2011
The Bridgton News, May 26, 2011
Hacker’s Hill Steering Committee: Dick Anderson (Portland), Connie Cross (Casco), Eric Dibner (Casco), Dave Dyer (Casco), David Hursty (Bridgton), Grant Plummer (Casco), Tim Porta (Windham), Mark Van Winkle (Raymond) and Bill Wales (Casco).
Photographs:
Top: View of sunset under the pine trees at Hacker’s Hill, by Vicki Lund Photography. 
Second from top: View of the picnic area at Hacker’s Hill overlooking Sebago Lake and the western mountains, by Beth Shorey.
Third from top: : Dick Anderson, former commissioner of the Department of Conservation and former head of Maine Audubon (second from left), Don Hudson, President Elect of the Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail and President Emeritus of the Chewonki Foundation (third from left), and Walter Anderson, Chief Geologist of the International Appalachian Trail and former Maine State Geologist (right), visit with Carrie Walia, Executive Director of Loon Echo Land Trust at Hacker’s Hill to develop ideas for the launch of the public outreach effort to protect the hill. The group will be instrumental in studying the hill’s geology, identifying mountain ranges viewed from the hill, and hosting a public event to view hawk migrations, and more.
Bottom: Members of the Hacker’s Hill Steering Committee kick off the capital campaign at Migis Lodge. Pictured from left to right: Mark Van Winkle, Connie Cross, Carrie Walia, Tim Porta, Grant Plummer, Eric Dibner and Dave Dyer.
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