KINGFIELD - A Kingfield woman wants to protect 46 acres of prime farmland along the Carrabassett River from development and has started a grassroots effort to purchase the $225,000 parcel on Route 27.

Stacy Cuppernell has signed a 90-day option on the property but the option runs out at the end of September.

"We have a small window of opportunity to purchase this farmland that also serves as an important source of recreation in all seasons," said Cuppernell, a teacher at Carrabec High School.

On the CSM Real Estate Web site, the parcel is described as being on the outskirts of town with 1,000 feet of riverfront, over 700-feet of road frontage and marked by rolling fields and views.

Cuppernell has sent out more than 200 letters to area residents inviting them to a meeting at Webster Hall in Kingfield at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 28. She said the goal of the meeting will be to provide information, answer questions and assess public interest to purchasing the property. She is getting assistance from Maine Farmland Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting agricutural land through conservation land trusts and easements, and linking farmers who want to sell their property with people who want to farm.

If enough people at next week's meeting indicate they want to move forward, two committees would be formed -- one to oversee fund raising and the other to identify a non-profit organization to be a steward for the property and plan for its future use.

For information, contact Cuppernell at 265-2075.