Each hut will be off-the grid and feature state-of-the-art utility systems that generate and store their own power through a combination of hydro-, solar - and wind power.  Our sustainable systems include:

Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets - The Clivus units have become a fixture at highway rest stops and remote lodges over the past decade. Considered the premier composting toilet, our Clivus unit uses little to no water, requires very little electricity and eliminates the need for a traditional septic tank.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels - sized to handle all of the electrical needs of Poplar Stream Falls Hut when the hydro unit is shut down during low-flow periods. Consists of 15, 190 Watt solar panels, producing DC power that goes unconverted, no interaction with the inverters, into 12, 24 volt, deep cell batteries, which are DC storage devices. Fully charged, these batteries will provide power to the hut for up to 3 days without recharging. Engineering and install provided by Blair "Tump" May of SolarWinds NorthernLights, Inc.

Mini-hydro power - Poplar Stream Falls Hut, which opened in February 2008, is powered by a mini hydropower turbine and generator, permitted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and located in the south branch of Poplar Stream. The system was engineered to operate approximately 10 months of the year, depending on stream flows and was sized to produce approximately 5kWh. Engineering, construction and installation of the mini hydro unit provided by Jim Sysko of Bethel, Maine and Jordan Excavation of Kingfield, ME.

Residential scale wind power - Flagstaff Lake Hut, now under construction and planned to open in early 2009, will eventually be powered by a small wind turbine, generating between 5 and 10kWh. The turbine will be installed on a tower up to 90' tall and strategically positioned to harness the strong winds coming out of the Boundary Mountains and across Flagstaff Lake.

TarmUSA Solo Plus-MKII Wood Gasification Boiler - Significantly more efficient than a traditional wood boiler, these units will reduce the amount of wood needed to heat the hut and hot water throughout the year. The TARM supplies domestic hot water and hot water for radiant floor heat. Poplar Stream Falls Hut stores 850 gallons of 160degree water for backup+120 gallons of active domestic hot water. We estimate using +/- 12 cords of wood per year.  Install of the Tarm and install and engineering of all hot water and heating system components generously provided by Bob Luce and his staff at Valley Gas, based in Kingfield.