More than 1.5 miles of access trails were created as part of the project, as was a 43,000-square-foot pond.Photo: Bobcat
Glenn and Judy Stevens of Unity, Maine, saw their property transformed after they were named the 2016 “Create & Conserve Habitat Event” contest winners.
Bobcat Co., along with partners Rick and Julie Kreuter – co-hosts of the television show “Beyond the Hunt” on the Outdoor Channel – selected the Stevens family as this year’s winners and visited their property to help re-establish native plant species, encourage healthy new growth and develop the land for a sustainable future.
In only four days, the Stevens’ property was transformed with the help of Bobcat machines and attachments, a team of operators from Bobcat, the Kreuters.
Three compact track loaders, including a T595, a skid-steer loader, a compact excavator, an MT85 mini track loader, four utility vehicles, a telescopic tool carrier, as well as 25 different attachments, were operated to create a 43,000-square-foot pond, establish a mile-and-a-half of access trails, install an erosion control fence, create conservation plots and construct a fire pit for the family to enjoy.
Contest winner Glenn Stevens, noting that the land has been in his family since the 1960s, said he and his wife, Judy, were ‘so thankful and amazed’ by the extent of the work that was done.Photo: Bobcat
The conservation plot and pond portions of the project will provide another food and water source for wildlife, including moose, black bears, deer, foxes, lynx, hares and (appropriately) bobcats.
“The property has been in my family since the 1960s so it was important to continue this legacy by taking proper care of the land,” said Glenn Stevens. “My wife and I were shocked to find out that we won the contest. We are so thankful and amazed at all the work that has been done to our property.”
Chris Girodat, marketing manager for Bobcat, said the reason the Stevens family was chosen as this year’s winner was the story behind the property.
“The property is not just a hunting establishment; it is a place dedicated to wildlife viewing and a way for Glenn Stevens and his family to unplug for a while,” said Girodat. “It is an ideal conservation location, and we were able to come in and ensure it could be enjoyed by the Stevens, their children and grandchildren for years to come.”
The Bobcat Create & Conserve Habitat Event contest was created in 2013. Entrants are asked to describe their ideal land transformation project that supports conservation. They also provide images of their property showing how Bobcat compact equipment can help them with their conservation efforts.
Bobcat selects the winning entry and, with help from the Kreuters along with partnering sponsors, supplies equipment and other prizes, and manpower to complete the project.
Partnering sponsors included Arrow Seed, Burris, Browning, Hornady, Mossy Oak, Redneck blinds, Stealth Cam, Walker’s, and Yeti.
