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Land Trust Alliance: Historic Land Conservation Effort Seeks to Conserve 78,000 Acres in Western Maine

June 13, 2025

As Featured in Gaining Ground, a publication of the Land Trust Alliance

By Land Trust Alliance Staff

Four conservation organizations have announced a partnership aimed at permanently conserving 78,000 acres in the Magalloway region of western Maine. The multifaceted land conservation project will maintain existing recreational access to the property’s lands and waters, while establishing forested buffers around rivers, lakes, and streams. Core to the purpose, the project will help sustain the regional economy by continuing opportunities for active forest management on 62,500 acres, and in addition, designate an 11,200-acre wilderness preserve that will enhance forest and biological diversity within its boundaries.

The Nature Conservancy in Maine (TNC);  Forest Society of Maine (FSM); Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT); and Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT), have come together as the Magalloway Collaborative and are seeking to raise $62 million to fund the project by May 2026.

David Miller, Executive Director of RLHT, emphasized the project’s importance:

“We have an incredible opportunity before us with the Magalloway project to conserve 78,000 acres and effectively connect more than 500,000 acres of conserved lands to the east and west. With the support of a community who loves the Rangeley Region, we can take action and protect these globally significant lands and waters for future generations. But we must act now.”

The Magalloway project’s balanced conservation approach was negotiated in partnership with Wagner Forest Management, representing Bayroot, LLC, the property owner. Most of the property — 62,500 acres — will continue to be owned by Bayroot and support the regional forest and recreational economy.

A new permanent conservation easement held by Forest Society of Maine will restrict future development, secure substantial forested buffers around streams and lakes, allow the lands to be managed for forest products, and continue allowing public access for hunting, fishing, boating, and other recreational and cultural uses.

Northeast Wilderness Trust will acquire more than 11,000 acres of the property to establish a new wilderness preserve within the headwaters of the Magalloway River and upland forests of Ledge Ridge and Rump Mountain. This area expands upon adjacent ecological reserves in New Hampshire’s Connecticut Lakes Region.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust will own and manage more than 4,000 acres for recreation and wildlife habitat, including corridors along the Little Magalloway and Magalloway rivers and a forest tract southeast Cupsuptic Lake.

Read the full article on the Land Trust Alliance blog.

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578

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From The Ground Up: Magalloway Conservation Initiative Aims to Protect 78,000 Acres in Western Maine

June 9, 2025

As Featured in From The Ground Up, a digital publication of Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities Written By Marissa Latshaw

A Collaborative Conservation Effort

The Magalloway Collaborative comprises The Nature Conservancy in Maine (TNC);  Forest Society of Maine (FSM); Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT); and Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT), a Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities partner. Together, these organizations are working to raise $62 million by May 2026 to fund the project, which represents one of the most significant land conservation efforts in the region.

David Miller, Executive Director of RLHT, emphasized the project’s importance:

“We have an incredible opportunity before us with the Magalloway project to conserve 78,000 acres and effectively connect more than 500,000 acres of conserved lands to the east and west. This effort supports our region’s climate resiliency, helps prevent the loss of biodiversity, and preserves public access.”

Balancing Preservation and Sustainable Use

The project area, currently owned by Bayroot LLC and managed by Wagner Forest Management, will see a multifaceted approach to conservation:

• Managed Timberland: Approximately 62,500 acres will remain under Bayroot’s ownership, with a conservation easement held by Forest Society of Maine. This easement restricts future development while allowing intensive forestry practices to continue, ensuring the land’s economic viability.
• Wilderness Preserve: NEWT is playing a leading role to permanently protect 11,200 acres of this land as a wilderness preserve, giving the landscape a chance to rest and heal through rewilding. The northern section of the parcel, encompassing the headwaters of the Magalloway River and upland forests of Ledge Ridge and Rump Mountain, will be protected to enhance forest and biological diversity.
• Recreation and Habitat Restoration: RLHT will own and apply ecological forestry practices to manage over 4,000 acres for public access and wildlife habitat restoration, including corridors along the Little Magalloway and Magalloway Rivers.

Read the full article on From The Ground Up, which features conversations about conservation, climate and communities in New England, a digital publication of Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities.

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578

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Inside Climate News: Lakes Region Restoration Project Aims to Link Conservation Lands From Maine to New Hampshire

April 15, 2025

Magalloway featured in Inside Climate News

By Olivia Gieger, climate contributor

The Rangeley Lakes region can often feel like a forgotten corner of Maine, far from the state’s famed coasts or cities. This western stretch is remote, rugged woodland. Forests become impassable in spring’s muddy months and cool mountain streams teem with a trout population that draws legions of recreational fishers. It’s also a part of the state where logging and timber hauls have indelibly shaped the land and livelihoods of those who live there.

Now about 78,000 acres surrounding the Rangeley Lakes may soon be linked to 500,000 acres of protected land reaching across central Maine to New Hampshire. A project announced March 18 and agreed to by four leading conservation groups and a 70-year-old timber company aims to bolster a priority spawning ground for brook trout, broaden a migration corridor for wildlife and restrict future development in the woodlands.

The plan to permanently protect lands around Maine’s Magalloway River is the brainchild of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust,  Forest Society of Maine, Northeast Wilderness Trust, and The Nature Conservancy.

The conservation groups and Wagner Forest Management, a timber company that manages the property on behalf of its owner, Bayroot LLC, have been discussing the project since 2023. Logging will continue on the majority of the protected land, about 62,000 acres, with no-cut areas established around critical brook trout habitat. The Forest Society of Maine will hold a conservation easement on the land owned by Bayroot as part of the agreement, which is contingent on funding.

The conservation groups plan to raise $62 million, largely from private donors, by May 2026. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage and the Northeast Wilderness trusts will buy smaller parcels within the protected area as part of the deal.

“This is a project that is significant at the scale of the entire Appalachian corridor. It’s a really key gap in the Appalachian landscape in terms of lands that are conserved,” said Mark Berry, forest conservation manager for The Nature Conservancy in Maine.

Read the full article on the Inside Climate News website.

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578

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Maine Public Radio: Conservation Groups Pursue Massive Western Maine Land Deal

March 27, 2025

Magalloway featured on Maine Public Radio

By Peter McGuire, climate desk reporter

A quartet of environmental organizations plan to permanently conserve 78,000 acres in the Magalloway region of western Maine.

Organizers said they have secured an option agreement from landowner Bayroot LLC to preserve the land. Under the plan, Bayroot, would keep more than 62,000 acres but an easement on the land would prohibit development. Yale University is a majority owner of the land company and the property is logged by Wagner Forest Management.

But another 11,000 acres near the headwaters of the Magalloway River would be acquired by the Northeast Wilderness Trust to create a new wilderness preserve. Meanwhile the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust would own another 4,000 acres conserved for wildlife habitat and recreation including corridors along the Magalloway and Little Magalloway rivers.

The groups, including The Nature Conservancy and Forest Society of Maine aim to raise $62 million for the land deal.

“This effort supports our region’s climate resiliency, helps prevent the loss of biodiversity, and preserves public access,” said Rangely Lakes Heritage Trust David Miller in a press release.

Read the full article online at Maine Public

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578

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Portland Press Herald: Groups Launch $62M Conservation Project in Western Maine

Magalloway featured in Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal

By Penelope Overton, climate reporter

Four environmental groups are kicking off a one-year $62 million fundraising campaign to conserve 72,000 acres of forests, lakes and rivers in the Magalloway region of western Maine, including 11,000 acres of prime brook trout habitat set aside as a wilderness preserve. The groups – Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Forest Society of Maine, Northeast Wilderness Trust and The Nature Conservancy – have already collected millions in donations, and has millions more promised, but still have a long way to go, said Northeast Wilderness Trust spokesman Richard Knox.

The deal would preserve 4,000 acres for recreational use and wildlife habitat, turn 11,200 acres into a wilderness preserve and establish a permanent conservation easement on the rest of the parcel, prohibiting development but allowing it to remain a working forest under Bayroot’s ownership.

Keeping the entire 72,000-acre parcel forested and allowing the growth of old forest in a wilderness preserve would support Maine’s big-picture climate goals of sequestering and storing carbon in its forests and conserving 30% of its lands by 2030.

Project organizers have not calculated how much carbon is stored or sequestered in this parcel, but Maine’s forests as a whole store about 2 billion metric tons of carbon, which is 400 times the amount of heat-trapping emissions released to the atmosphere each year in Maine. Any large conservation project – the last one of this size was the 87,500-acre Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument established in 2016 – will help Maine’s flagging effort achieve its goal of conserving 5.9 million acres by 2030.

Read the full article online at Portland Press Herald

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578

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Bangor Daily News: $62M deal connects 500K acres of Maine conservation land

March 21, 2025

Magalloway featured in Bangor Daily News 

By Julie Harris, outdoors editor

A 78,000-acre tract of land will be in permanent conservation in the Magalloway River region of western Maine, if a deal agreed to by four Maine conservation groups and the logging company that owns most of the property makes it to fruition.

“One of the most important things to come out of the project is to preserve a way of life that Mainers have enjoyed traditionally and that faces serious threats,” said David Miller, Executive Director of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust.

Read the full article online at Bangor Daily News.

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578

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Historic Magalloway Land Conservation Effort Seeks to Conserve 78,000 Acres in Western Maine

March 18, 2025

Project Will Provide Hunting, Fishing, and Other Recreational Uses, While Protecting Wildlife Habitat and Supporting the Regional Timber Economy

Four conservation organizations today announced a partnership aimed at permanently conserving 78,000 acres in the Magalloway region of western Maine. The multifaceted land conservation project will maintain existing recreational access to the property’s lands and waters, while establishing forested buffers around rivers, lakes, and streams. Core to the purpose, the project will help sustain the regional economy by continuing opportunities for active forest management on 62,500 acres, and in addition, designate a 11,200-acre wilderness preserve that will enhance forest and biological diversity within its boundaries.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Forest Society of Maine, Northeast Wilderness Trust, and The Nature Conservancy have come together as the Magalloway Collaborative, and they are seeking to raise $62 million to fund the project by May 2026.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust Executive Director David Miller commented: “We have an incredible opportunity before us with the Magalloway project to conserve 78,000 acres and effectively connect more than 500,000 acres of conserved lands to the east and west. This effort supports our region’s climate resiliency, helps prevent the loss of biodiversity, and preserves public access. With the support of a community who loves the Rangeley Region, we can take action and protect these globally significant lands and waters for future generations. But we must act now.”

The Magalloway project’s balanced conservation approach was negotiated in partnership with Wagner Forest Management, representing Bayroot, LLC, the property owner. Most of the property (62,500 acres) will continue to be owned by Bayroot and support the regional forest and recreational economy. A new permanent conservation easement held by the Forest Society of Maine will restrict future development, secure substantial forested buffers around streams and lakes, allow the lands to be managed for forest products, and continue allowing public access for hunting, fishing, boating, and other recreational and cultural uses.

Northeast Wilderness Trust will acquire more than 11,000 acres of the property to establish a new wilderness preserve within the headwaters of the Magalloway River and upland forests of Ledge Ridge and Rump Mountain. This area expands upon adjacent ecological reserves in New Hampshire’s Connecticut Lakes Region. Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust will own and manage over 4,000 acres for recreation and wildlife habitat, including corridors along the Little Magalloway and Magalloway Rivers and a forest tract southeast of Route 16 near Cupsuptic Lake.

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

The Magalloway region is home to world-renowned brook trout fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. When successful, this conservation project will allow these uses to continue. This potential outcome has been universally appreciated by local hunting and fishing advocates.
“Our members care deeply about the lands, waters, fish, and wildlife of the region. We fully endorse the Magalloway Project and are excited about its contribution to the future of the region, its people, and the natural world,” said David S. Kretzing, president of the Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association.

The area hosts excellent habitat for wildlife including Canada lynx, black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, Ruffed Grouse, and more than 20 species of warbler.

Biologists and fisheries scientists have identified the Magalloway River as one of the last strongholds in the country for self-sustaining native brook trout populations. The proposed conservation easement offers additional habitat protections with 100-foot, no-cut buffers along high-priority brook trout streams. This will enhance habitat, add critical nutrients, regulate stream temperatures, and maintain and improve water quality.

“The Magalloway region possesses prime wildlife habitat. Conserving these lands will safeguard wildlife from increasing environmental threats, connect them to other conserved lands, and allow for sustainable recreation, such as hunting and fishing, to continue,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Public Access

The project includes a wide variety of types of recreational access to the land. The land is accessible from Route 16 and a network of privately-owned forest roads. Vehicular access is limited by gates on the northern third of the project area to enhance remote recreational opportunities and protect key wildlife habitat.

Boating access to the majority of the lakes and streams across the property will continue, including a put-in on Aziscohos Lake and many opportunities for hand-carry access, including the Magalloway River. Snowmobiling is a very popular winter activity on the property and a series of established trails—including the ITS-84, connecting Maine and New Hampshire—will remain open to use. Recreational users will still be able to hire Registered Maine Guides for activities including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Recreational visitation and guiding activities make important contributions to the regional economy.

Local businesses, camp owners, and visitors to the region have long appreciated the ability to access such a unique landscape for multiple recreational purposes and are expressing strong support for a conservation outcome that ensures continuation of this access.

“The Magalloway project will be extremely beneficial to the lands and waters of the area and its wildlife, as well as to guides like myself who bring hundreds of clients to Maine’s beautiful world-class rivers, like the Magalloway,” said Vic Medina, Registered Maine Guide.

Cultural Significance

The partners acknowledge the Magalloway Lands and Waters are part of the homeland of the Wabanaki Tribal Nations, the People of the Dawnland, and hope the Magalloway project will create opportunities for Wabanaki Peoples to strengthen and re-establish their cultural and spiritual caretaking of this place.

Building Climate Resilience

Keeping these 78,000 acres forested and allowing the growth of old forest in a wilderness preserve and in corridors along rivers and streams, will provide opportunity for increased carbon sequestration and storage.

As our climate warms, resilient regions like the Magalloway provide a unique haven for certain species. The Magalloway watershed is one of the few remaining in the country capable of supporting self-sustaining native brook trout populations in the face of severe warming.

Connecting a 500,000-Acre Mosaic of Conservation Lands

When completed, the Magalloway Project will connect a total of a half-million acres of contiguous conserved lands (see attached map), a historic accomplishment.

Conservation of the Magalloway lands will help secure connectivity of wildlife habitat in the Appalachians–a major pathway for movement of species in eastern North America in response to climate change.

Project Cost and Fundraising

With a $62 million project cost, the Magalloway Collaborative is seeking a wide range of funding sources. A campaign committee has begun outreach to support the funding need.

For more details on the Magalloway Collaborative and to learn how to support the effort, please visit magalloway.org.

###

Partner Details

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Since its inception in 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has conserved over 125,000 acres in western Maine. RLHT’s mission is to sustain the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region by conserving, restoring, and stewarding its lands and waters for present and future generations. RLHT works on the ground to restore habitats, build climate resiliency in the region, and conserve biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in North America. RLHT also supports and practices sustainable forestry and connects the community to conservation through a broad network of public-access trails. Learn more at rlht.org.

Forest Society of Maine

Forest Society of Maine, a statewide land trust established in 1984, assists landowners, families, and communities to conserve forestland across the state for sustainable forest management, recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic and cultural values. Over the past 40 years, FSM has helped conserve more than one million acres, making it the seventh largest land trust in the country by conserved acres. More information about the Forest Society of Maine can be found at www.fsmaine.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust

Northeast Wilderness Trust is a regional land trust that focuses exclusively on protecting wilderness areas—lands permanently protected as forever wild, where natural processes direct the ebb and flow of life. With its headquarters in Vermont, staff in multiple states, and board members across the Northeast, the Wilderness Trust (www.newildernesstrust.org) protects more than 93,000 acres in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is working to make a lasting difference in 81 countries and territories and uses a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, tribes, the private sector, and other partners. The Appalachians are one of four current global focal areas for TNC. Co-founded in 1956 by Rachel Carson, TNC Maine has helped protect almost 2.5 million acres and currently owns and manages around 300,000 acres in the state. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/maine or follow @TNCMaine on social media.

Media contacts:

Molly Shaw
Director of Communications, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
mshaw@rlht.org | 207-615-6659

Richard Knox
Director of Communications, Northeast Wilderness Trust
richard@newildernesstrust.org | 207-242-5578