Staff Writer
ASHLAND — What began as a discussion on expanding the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Ashland branch some three years ago recently became a reality, with the official opening of the facility’s much-awaited addition.
“Three years ago, during my annual visit to our Ashland regional headquarters, I informed the regional staff that I would seek legislation and funding to build or renovate this facility,” said DIFW Commissioner Roland “Dan” Martin at the Aug. 14 open house.
Martin said with the assistance of then Sen. John Martin, Rep. Troy Jackson and the entire Aroostook County legislative delegation, funding was secured and the project was given the green light.
“Today, it is my honor to be a part of this open house and ribbon-cutting for our new regional headquarters in Ashland,” Martin said.
About 40 guests, including various law enforcement officials and local dignitaries, were on hand for the event.
Before moving on to the ribbon-cutting portion of the ceremony, Martin took the time to express his gratitude for those who made the expansion possible.
“Before we do the ribbon-cutting and showcase our newly-renovated building, I’d like to recognize and thank certain individuals that made this all possible. As I mentioned, the entire Aroostook County legislative delegation was very supportive on my request for the necessary funding, especially John Martin, who at the time served as a Senate member to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, and then Rep. Jackson, who was House chair of our Committee of Jurisdiction,” Martin said.
He also thanked local officials for their part in bringing his vision to fruition.
“I also want to thank the local Planning Committee, including Rich Hoppe, Dereck Coty and Dan Menard, who worked with Ron Taylor, our engineer in Augusta, for all of their work,” he said.
“This was really a team effort,” said Hoppe, a wildlife biologist with the department.
Martin also thanked Traci Bushey, secretary at the Ashland branch, for her contributions to the project and the open house.
“Today’s event would not have been possible without Traci’s help. She is not only our regional secretary, but she, with the help of other staff members, took the lead in organizing our open house,” said Martin.
The facility more than doubled in size, with the addition of several new offices, a kitchen, conference area and more.
“The renovated portion of our building is 4,000 square feet, joining the existing 2,100 square feet. The conceptual design was started in the spring of 2008 and was done by Jeff Armstrong of Armstrong Engineering, of Fort Fairfield,” Martin explained.
The original office space will now be used more for sleeping quarters for visiting DIFW officials.
“We plan to put some beds in there, to give officials a place to stay when visiting our area,” said Hoppe.
“We really needed more space. It was a tight fit the way we were situated before,” said Sgt. Tom Ward, Maine Warden Service, one of several staff members who were already enjoying their new offices.
The main entrance is now located to the west of the building and is handicap-accessible.
Carla Haskell from DGC architects of Ellsworth was the architect for the final design, according to Martin.
“She worked closely with Valerie Chiang, the lead architect from the Bureau of General Services, and, of course, Ron Taylor, our agency engineer,” said Martin.
The site work and foundation were done in the fall of 2008 by Building Etcetera, Inc., of Houlton. Patrick Ballard, of Niccait Construction, of Presque Isle, was awarded the contract for the building in December 2008, said the commissioner.
The total cost of the project came in at approximately $670,000, including incidentals.
For more information on the facility or topics related to the department, contact 435-3231.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HISTORY ON DISPLAY — A piece of recreational history is on display, in the form of an antique canoe and accessories, in the conference room in the new addition at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Ashland headquarters, donated by Ben LeBlanc, of Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle. Here, Sgt. Brian Gray, Maine Warden Service, mounts the plaque beneath the Old Town Canoe recognizing LeBlanc’s generosity during an Aug. 14 open house.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
AN OPEN HOUSE was held Aug. 14 at the DIFW’s Ashland headquarters, marking the official opening of the division’s new addition. About 40 guests, including law enforcement officials and dignitaries, were on hand for the event.
