Introducing Tannery Shores: A Historic Landing with a New Future

A historic landing. A conserved landscape. A new creative future.

On the shores of Spednic Lake, a property with deep ties to Forest City’s history is entering a new chapter.

Tannery Shores is Woodie Wheaton Land Trust’s vision for carefully restoring a historic lakeside property as a place for access, learning, creativity, recreation, and connection. Through a phased restoration, the Trust plans to preserve the character and history of the property while creating new opportunities for people to experience this remarkable landscape.

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A Landing Shaped by the Tannery Era

In the mid-1800s, Forest City was home to a thriving tannery industry. Hemlock bark harvested from the surrounding forests was transported by lake and river to local tanneries, where hides were processed into sole leather for markets in Boston and beyond.

The property now known as Tannery Shores served as a busy shoreline landing, connecting the tannery and nearby settlements with the workers, goods, and supplies moving through the St. Croix watershed.

As the tannery era declined in the late 19th century, the property entered a quieter period shaped by woods work and seasonal logging. By the early 20th century, Spednic Lake was drawing people back for a different reason: its exceptional fisheries, undeveloped shoreline, and natural beauty.

By the 1950s and 1960s, the landing again served as an important gateway to Spednic Lake, where generations of visitors launched boats, began fishing trips, and formed lasting connections to the water.

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Why the Trust purchased it

WWLT purchased the parcel in 2022 in order to ensure that the boating landing on the site would continue to be available to the public. The acquisition permanently protected 17 acres of shoreline and forest, the historic landing site, interior roads, and the camp area. Just as importantly, it gave the Trust a rare opportunity to preserve a piece of Forest City history while creating a place where people can experience the conservation story of Spednic Lake firsthand.

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Protecting Tannery Shores

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust purchased the parcel in 2022 to ensure the boating landing would continue to be available to the public.

The acquisition permanently protected 17 acres of shoreline and forest, the historic landing site, interior roads, and the camp area. It also created a rare opportunity to preserve an important piece of Forest City history while giving people a place to experience the conservation story of Spednic Lake firsthand.

Today, the Trust is working toward a larger vision for the property.

Honoring the Past by Giving the Property a Future

Tannery Shores is envisioned as a place where conservation, recreation, education, creativity, and community can come together.

Future uses could include paddling and lake-based programs, conservation education, gatherings, seasonal stays, and partnerships that bring new people into the landscape while supporting the Trust’s mission and the local economy.

A central part of that future is an annual artist residency. The program will offer filmmakers, writers, dancers, musicians, and other artists uninterrupted time within a remote, conserved landscape.

A pilot residency planned for 2027 will bring artists to Forest City for two focused weeks of site-specific creative work, collaboration, and community connection.

Phase 1: The Canoe House

The first phase of Tannery Shores focuses on restoring the property’s boathouse and improving the surrounding grounds.

Once complete, the Canoe House will become a hub for guided paddling trips, lake tours, conservation workshops, youth activities, educational programs, volunteer events, and community celebrations.

WWLT’s classic canoe collection will also be relocated to the property, making it easier to offer regular on-the-water programming and introduce visitors and residents to the natural resources and incredible vistas of Spednic Lake and the surrounding conserved lands.

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Phase 2: Restore the Heart of Tannery Shores

The second phase focuses on restoring two historic cabins while preserving the property’s sporting camp heritage.

The Cottage is envisioned as an intimate retreat for artists, families, or conservation professionals looking for a quiet place to connect with nature. Plans include a welcoming living area, compact kitchen, and wood stove while maintaining the warmth and simplicity of a traditional Maine camp.

The Bunkhouse will provide a larger, flexible space for creatives, families, small groups, conservation partners, board retreats, and visiting organizations. A reconfigured floor plan will create room for a full kitchen, large dining table, gathering space, and wood stove—encouraging conversation and community while maintaining the character of a classic sporting camp.

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Phase 3: Looking Ahead

The current vision for the final phase is to replace the property’s structurally unsafe third cabin with a flexible creative and community space.

A large gathering area and bunk room could support artist residencies, dance and music programs, workshops, and creative collaboration. At other times of the year, the space could welcome youth groups, conservation partners, and community organizations for overnight programs, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.

Together, these improvements would make Tannery Shores a place where nature, community, creativity, and conservation come together.

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Our vision is a place where nature, community, and conservation come together.

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A Sustainable Investment in the Future

The estimated investment required to complete all three phases is approximately $800,000, including renovations, furnishings, infrastructure improvements, staff time, and the establishment of a long-term stewardship endowment.

That endowment is an important part of the project’s future. Investment earnings will help fund routine maintenance and operating expenses, allowing income and program revenue to be reinvested into conservation, stewardship, educational programming, and future improvements.

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Help Bring Tannery Shores to Life

Tannery Shores is only possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners who believe in preserving this special place for future generations.

Your support can help restore these historic structures, expand access to Spednic Lake, create new educational and creative programs, and ensure that Tannery Shores remains protected and cared for long into the future.

Donate today and be part of Tannery Shores’ next chapter.

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

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Download the fundraising packet

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