Hamlin/Grand Falls Border Crossing, Maine

In the middle of the water, a few yards north of this border crossing, the international border with Canada transitions from a straight north/south line to the middle of the St. John River channel. This is the north end of the North Line, a 78 mile line running through the woods along the eastern edge of Maine. To maintain visibility along the border as it travels over land, a swath is cut through the trees and brush, for a distance of ten feet on either side of the boundary. This results in a 20-foot wide clearing known as the cut line, and vista line. Its function is to make the boundary visible, so people don’t accidentally cross it, and to make a clear view through the woods for security cameras.