A former selectman was fond of saying that "Rumford was once a mill town but now it's a town with a mill."

It's also a town with a 450-acre community forest.

State and local officials joined conservation groups and outdoor enthusiasts on Saturday to mark the official opening of the Rumford Community Forest.

"After decades of doubt over the future of mill towns like this area, it's only fitting that we're here today to celebrate another symbol of Rumford's resurgence," said Gov. Janet Mills.

The land, which includes woods, wetlands and brook trout habitat, was once slated for more than 250 housing and condominium lots. It's now permanently protected from development and open to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobiling.

Gabe Perkins, executive director of

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