fundraising Archives – The Magalloway Conservation Collaborative Maine

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Community Gathers at Saddleback to Celebrate Conservation Progress

March 11, 2026

The Magalloway Collaborative Partners Host Happy Hour for Nature

On February 28, community members, partners, and supporters gathered at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine, for “A Happy Hour for Nature: Conserving the Magalloway.” Held in the Fireplace Room of the main ski lodge, the event brought together people who care deeply about the future of the Magalloway region and the remarkable conservation effort underway there.

Hosted by members of The Magalloway Collaborative, the evening offered an opportunity to connect with neighbors, learn more about the project, and celebrate the significant progress made toward protecting one of Maine’s most iconic landscapes.

David Miller of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, addresses attendees at Saddleback Mountain. February 28, 2026.

During the event, speakers shared exciting news about the campaign’s fundraising progress. To date, the collaborative has raised 84% of the $62 million needed to complete this historic conservation project in the heart of Maine’s western mountains. The update energized the room and underscored the widespread support behind conserving forests, rivers, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities for future generations.

One attendee summed up the feeling of the evening with a powerful remark:

“If I had $10 million, I would give it to this project. That was inspiring.”

Abby King, TNC Maine (left), Becky Clough, Northeast Wilderness Trust (right)

Beyond the presentations, the event was filled with meaningful conversations among people connected to the region in many different ways. Attendees included neighbors from the Saddleback area, longtime Rangeley residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and supporters of local conservation organizations. Conversations ranged from memories of the Magalloway River to stories about camping and paddling trips downstream of the project area. Moments like these reflected exactly what the project aims to protect: a place where future generations can continue to explore, learn, and connect with the outdoors.
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Sun Journal: Conservation groups near $62M goal for 78,000 acres in western Maine

February 5, 2026

The Magalloway Collaborative has raised over $49 million to permanently conserve forest and wetlands for a variety of public uses

By Joe Charpentier, staff writer

The 78,000-acre parcel, about a 30-minute drive west of Rangeley, contains 170 miles of rivers and streams and 2,400 acres of wetlands and lakes. The parcel will connect about 500,000 acres of conserved land stretching from New Hampshire into Maine’s Franklin County, including along portions of the Canadian border.

The collaborative, which launched fundraising for the conservation project in March 2025, has a remaining goal of $12.4 million toward the purchase before its May deadline to close on the property.

“We are currently just over 80% of our fundraising goal,” said Molly Shaw, communications director for the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. “If the potential donors we are now reaching out to respond as favorably as our early donors have, we should be on track to close that 20% gap in time to execute the option at the end of May.”

Read the full article.

With just four months remaining to secure the final funds, we are truly within reach of a once-in-a-generation conservation achievement. 🎉Here’s how you can help us cross the finish line:

👉 Share this news with friends and family who care about land conservation.

👉 Learn more and educate: watch this webinar about the project.

👉 Join us in person. Connect with fellow supporters at an upcoming Magalloway happy hour at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine. Learn more and RSVP.

Community Gathers at Saddleback to Celebrate Conservation Progress

Sun Journal: Conservation groups near $62M goal for 78,000 acres in western Maine