FREEDOM, Maine (AP) — Heather Donahue, best known for starring in the acclaimed low-budget horror film “The Blair Witch Project,” is now finding herself immersed in a conflict within her small, 700-resident town in rural Maine. In a twist reminiscent of her film career, Donahue has been at the center of a controversy regarding her marking of trees with orange blazes along a disputed road in the area.

The road in question, Beaver Ridge Road, is a narrow, partially hilly path that transitions from paved to gravel and eventually to dirt. Local residents and property owners have differing opinions on its status—some contend that the unimproved section is private and consider using it for activities like all-terrain vehicle riding as trespassing. Conversely, Donahue and the town argue that the entire road is public.

Donahue’s involvement in the town’s government as a member of the Select Board came to an abrupt halt after she lost a recall election. This recall stemmed from the controversy surrounding her decision to paint orange blazes along the road, based on historical maps that she believed demonstrated the existence of a public easement. This action sparked local anger, leading to the first successful recall petition in Freedom's 212-year history. She was removed from office in April, and an election to select her successor is set for next month.

Tyler Hadyniak, one of the property owners affected by the blazes, expressed his relief at the recall's success, citing Donahue's behavior during her time in office as unsuitable for a town official. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among some long-time residents with Donahue's approach to local issues since taking office a year prior.

Donahue's journey to Maine was marked by personal trials, including struggles with alcoholism and a shift away from acting. After spending considerable time in California and abroad, she settled in Maine about eight years ago, overcoming her addiction and becoming a medical marijuana farmer. In 2020, she purchased land in Freedom and pursued a career as a life coach while advocating for gardening and medicinal plants.

Though she acknowledges her identity as “a lady from away,” Donahue is keen to distance herself from the fame associated with “The Blair Witch Project,” which premiered in 1999 and helped popularize the found footage horror genre. Reflecting on her past, she admitted that it can feel as if her life has been overshadowed by the film, saying, “I had this really difficult moment of realizing my obituary was written for me when I was 25.”

In the sleepy town of Freedom, gossip typically revolves around mundane subjects like local fishing conditions or the nuisance of blackflies. However, the ongoing dispute regarding Beaver Ridge Road has become a hot topic of conversation among residents, drawing attention far beyond ordinary village affairs. Despite the tensions sparked by her actions, Donahue has found a sense of tranquility in Maine and remains steadfast in her commitment to her new life.

Supporters such as Bob Kanzler, a former member of the local roads committee, back Donahue’s assertion that the path is indeed public and commend her research into the town’s historical roadways. “Heather has done a wonderful job in researching these discontinued roads in town,” he stated, reinforcing the arguments for public access.

Despite the community strife and ongoing legal battles regarding the road, Donahue has expressed gratitude for her life in the Maine woods, emphasizing that she feels she has discovered a way to thrive with minimal resources, grounded in the natural beauty of her surroundings. “I mean, this is where humans flourish,” she concluded, marking her intent to continue her life in Freedom.