Blair Witch Project Star Heather Donahue has returned to the woods, but it’s not a witch she’s running from this time, it’s the townsfolk.
Donahue lives in Freedom Maine, on Beaver Ridge Road. Like in her found footage movie, it’s a wooded area she likes to hike and snowshoe through from time to time. The problem is, residents who live on the land say it’s private property, and say she should stay off of it, especially Beaver Ridge Road itself.
Here’s the problem, Donahue was also on Freedom’s governing board. Taking matters, and an old map into her hands she surveyed the land leaving bright orange spray painted marks on trees, apparently to mark the parts that are public and/or private.
The townspeople also think that the gravel road is public; the abutters, or property owners who share the land disagree. In fact, they were so displeased they issued a recall to have Donahue removed from the board. They were successful and the former actress’ final day was on April 23.
Some contend that it wasn’t just the spray paint, or the road itself that got her fired, but her attitude.
Tyler Hadyniak, a property owner that shares the land said she wasn’t pleasant to be around.
“I was relieved that the recall was successful. I thought Heather’s demeanor and behavior toward others was just unbecoming of a town official.”
Shortly after The Blair Witch Project, Donahue, originally from Pennsylvania, left acting. She fought an alcohol addiction, and got into marijuana farming. Freedom seems like a peaceful place with a population of only 700.
Further investigations into the Beaver Ridge Road will have to be put on hold. After Donahue’s exit along with another board member stepping down, the board is short-handed and are working on other things.
But Donahue, unlike in her famous film, loves the woods.
“I mean, this is where humans flourish,” she said about Freedom woods. “I’ve figured out a way to do a lot with very little. That was all kind of centered around being able to walk in the woods.”
Not everyone is despondent of her work. Bob Kanzler a former Freedom roads committee member said her investigation was important.
“Heather has done a wonderful job in researching these discontinued roads in town,” he said. “I know the road is public.”
