ST. STEPHEN, N.B. (April 28, 2005) — An ad-hoc Baileyville, Me. group of citizens and environmentalists is stepping up its fight against a proposed bridge and border crossing between St. Stephen, N.B., and Calais, Me.

The group — called Friends of Maguerrewock — is mainly concerned about protecting wildlife in the region, the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal reports. Founder Lily Desjardins has voiced her opposition to the proposed international crossing since the site was chosen almost three years ago.

There are currently two bridges linking the two border towns: the main crossing, the 69-year-old Ferry Point Bridge, which is located downtown; and a smaller bridge located just north in Milltown.

The new crossing is expected to be built further north of the Milltown bridge, but Desjardins is fighting for it to be moved to Baileyville, about 20 km from St. Stephen.

The group will discuss their concerns with officials from the town of Baileyville next week. If nothing comes of that, then the group will consider retaining an environmental lawyer.

While, the group vows to keep fighting, it doesn’t seem to be getting a sympathetic ear from the province. New Brunswick Transportation Department spokeswoman Tracey Burkhardt told the Telegraph Journal that the government plans to continue dealing with its Maine counterparts and not with the Friends of Maguerrewock, adding that it took 30 years for St. Stephen and Calais officials to settle on a site for a new bridge.

— from the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal