Forest Society of Maine

Your land trust for Maine's North Woods.
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Want the Trail to Yourself? Try Exploring Easements

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Summer 2020 will be anything but ordinary. With some indoor activities restricted or closed, many landowners and managers across Maine are reporting a higher-than-average number of visitors to their hiking trails, parks, and preserves. Fortunately, the Moosehead Lake region has an abundance of beautiful land, waters, and trails for residents and visitors to spread out on.

The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) holds conservation easements all around Moosehead Lake, including the 359,000-acre Moosehead Region Conservation Easement (MRCE). Multiple new trails have been constructed on the MRCE since 2015, which are managed by the state of Maine. For a challenging hike with outstanding views, the new Eagle Rock Trail is an excellent alternative to the uber-popular Big Moose. At 7.4 miles (round-trip), Eagle Rock makes for a full and satisfying day, and the parking lot is never full. For a shorter day, check out the Number 4 Mountain Trail (3.4 miles round-trip), east of Moosehead Lake.

North of the lake, the Big Spencer Mountain Trail is a relatively short but steep ascent to one the region’s tallest peaks (elevation 3,230’; 4 miles round-trip). You don’t even have to get to the top to earn exceptional views: Lobster and Chesuncook lakes and Baxter State Park are visible from a small clearing just one mile from the trail head (a great picnic location). Even on a perfect summer day, it is rare to pass more than one or two other hikers on Big Spencer—perhaps because the drive is long and remote. Remember to always turn your headlights on when travelling private roads, and be sure to pull over to let logging trucks pass. Big Spencer is managed as a Maine State Ecological Reserve, and is conserved by an FSM-held easement.

All three of the above hikes, including trail maps and driving directions, can be found on MaineTrailFinder.com. The local hiking and volunteer group Moosehead Trails will also be hosting socially distant trips to Big Spencer and to the Blue Ridge Trail system in the MRCE, this summer and fall. More information can be found at Facebook.com/MooseheadTrails/.

When exploring easements, please play it safe. Emergency calls to the backcountry puts a burden on local health organizations and emergency responders. Stay within your limits, and always pack plenty of food, water, and a warm non-cotton layer, even if you are only doing a short hike. To everyone enjoying the spectacular woods and waters of the Moosehead Lake region, this summer, the Forest Society of Maine wishes you happy—and healthy—trails!

 

Originally published in the Piscataquis Observer (June 29, 2020) and Moosehead Matters (July 3, 2020).

American History in Coburn Gore

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Benedict Arnold and his men would have encountered streams like this one, and the dense forest behind it, while trekking through Coburn Gore.

The Forest Society of Maine has a unique opportunity to conserve land in western Maine that is not only scenic and ecologically valuable, but is also known for being an American Battlefield of the Revolution. Coburn Gore Forest, bordered on three sides by Quebec, is the site of the last leg of the journey of the Benedict Arnold Expedition where he led more than 1,000 men from the Kennebec and Dead Rivers into Quebec to attack the Province in 1775. His attack ultimately ended in defeat. Painstakingly blazing their way through dense wilderness, the route, trail, or march as it’s known, was rife with suffering and hardship. Arnold lost one-third of his men on the journey and finally had to abandon the heavy, cumbersome bateaux (large wooden boats) used to travel up river from the coast.

The remoteness and terrain of the Chain of Ponds area around Coburn Gore has helped to preserve the archaeological sites along this historic route. As recently as 2017, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, along with the Arnold Expedition Historical Society (AEHS), identified and assessed several more significant sites along the trail route. The Arnold Trail to Quebec was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The exact trail location is not yet known but according to Kenny Wing of the AEHS, “every year we are narrowing down the trail more and more based on archaeological information.” FSM is working with a family landowner to establish a working forest conservation easement on 8,300 acres of Coburn Gore. This easement will not only prohibit residential and commercial development, but will forever protect the lands supporting the historic Arnold Trail.

Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

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This story first appeared in the 2020 spring edition of Forest View, FSM’s biannual newsletter. 

In the summer green herons can be found in parts of Maine and New Hampshire. Photo by Pam Wells.

The Forest Society of Maine is working with a forestland owner to conserve 21,300 acres in the Grafton region. The Grafton Forest project is supported by many partners in the region:  local land trusts, ATV and snowmobile clubs, a local search and rescue group, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, and Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The latter partnership is especially exciting as the Grafton Forest project area contains lands of importance to the NWR—in particular the area encompassing the headwaters of the Swift Cambridge River which eventually flows north into Lake Umbagog.

Umbagog NWR was established in 1992 with the primary purpose of protecting wetlands, wetland-associated wildlife, and migratory birds. Umbagog Lake has an extensive complex of wetlands like Harper’s Meadow, a designated Floating Island National Natural Landmark, that are highly utilized by waterfowl. The refuge and the area around it support more than 166 wildlife species of elevated conservation concern in national, regional, and state plans.

The refuge is regionally important for a diversity of species, including Canada lynx. White-tailed deer rely on the deer wintering areas. The complex wetlands are home to common loons and wood turtles. Loons are listed as threatened in New Hampshire and wood turtles are a species of special concern in Maine. Additionally, a native brook trout population relies on the shallow Umbagog Lake and Magalloway River as crucial winter habitat.

Umbagog NWR is primarily known for its exceptional wetland values and the upland forests around it play a significant role in maintaining good habitat quality. Being able to conserve land near existing conservation lands, like the NWR, is another reason FSM found this conservation opportunity so worthwhile. Through the Grafton Forest project, FSM will be able to ensure that the future of the surrounding forest and headwaters of the Swift Cambridge River will be conserved in perpetuity under a working forest conservation easement.

Three Steps to Follow Before Heading Outdoors

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Graphic showing the three steps to take before heading outdoors to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2020

Three Steps for Mainers to Follow Before Heading Outdoors

AUGUSTA, Maine – The current “Stay Healthy at Home” mandate identifies “engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking” as essential personal activities, provided they are conducted in accordance with all public health restrictions and guidance. Maine’s conservation community, natural resource agencies, and outdoor brands want everyone to have the opportunity to get outside during this challenging time.

Most of our publicly accessible conservation lands are available for healthy outdoor recreation. Still, we all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent unnecessary stress on our Maine Warden Service, Forest Rangers, and first responders.

While some popular conservation lands have closed recently due to overuse and crowding, the vast majority remains open to the public. As spring weather arrives in Maine, it is critical that all individuals and families who head outdoors follow three simple steps:

  1. Find the Right Time and Place
  2. Be Prepared Before Heading Out
  3. Heed All COVID-19 Health Warnings

The following checklists will help us all enjoy Maine’s outdoors in ways that are safe and responsible during this difficult time.

Before you hit the trail, cast a line, or launch a canoe, please be sure to:

 Find the Right Time and Place

  • Know What’s Close to Home: Consider visiting a nearby Wildlife Management Area, or a less-trafficked state park, public land, or local land trust (Maine Trail Finder is a great resource!)
  • Check before you go: Visit websites to see the latest information on closures or conditions. Please respect all property closures, including any roads or trails that are posted for mud season.
  • Have a plan B: If the parking lot is full, the destination is too crowded. If your first destination has a busy parking lot, go to the next spot on your list!
  • Avoid peak times: Get out earlier or later in the day.
  • Recharge in your backyard and neighborhood!: Spring in Maine means there is a lot to see and explore right in our own yards.

Be Prepared Before Heading Out

  • Expect limited services: Facilities like public restrooms are likely closed, so plan accordingly.
  • Pack snacks and water: Do what you can to avoid having to make stops along the way.
  • Dress for success: It is spring in Maine, so trails are likely to be wet, muddy, slippery, or icy; bring appropriate gear to match the conditions. Local outdoor brands are open for online sales and are available to give advice on appropriate gear and equipment.
  • Don’t take risks: Stick to easier terrain to avoid injuries, which add stress for first responders and medical resources.
  • Watch out for ticks: Wear light-colored pants, closed-toe shoes, and apply EPA-approved bug repellent.

Heed All COVID-19 Health Warnings

  • Practice social distancing: Stay at least six feet away from other people who do not live in your household. If necessary, step aside when passing other people on the trail. And remember that groups of 10 or more are prohibited.
  • Don’t linger: Shorten your stay when visiting natural stopping points such as waterfalls, summits, and viewpoints so everyone can enjoy them while maintaining a safe distance.
  • Don’t touch: Avoid touching signs, kiosks, buildings, and benches to minimize the potent spread of the virus.
  • If you’re sick, stay home: It puts others at risk when you leave home while exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19, or if you have recently been exposed to the virus.

If we all follow these guidelines and put public health first, we can enjoy Maine’s natural resources in safe and responsible ways as we work through this difficult time together.

Appalachian Mountain Club
Center for Community GIS
Forest Society of Maine
Maine Audubon
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Maine Land Trust Network
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maine Outdoor Brands
Maine Trails Coalition
The Nature Conservancy in Maine

 

Read the original press release here.

Karin Tilberg joins Natural and Working Lands Committee

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Maine’s working forests store carbon

 

By FSM Executive Director Karin Tilberg

Upon taking office in 2019, Maine Governor Janet Mills determined that the issue of carbon pollution, and its impacts on Maine’s environment and people, would be one of her administration’s top priorities. Through legislation, the Maine Climate Council was created to develop plans and strategies to reduce Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate damage to Maine’s infrastructure and economy, create and sustain jobs, and more.

In my capacity as executive director for the Forest Society of Maine, I was appointed to a subcommittee of the Council called the Natural and Working Lands Working Group. This group consists of many voices and perspectives including farmers, forestland owners, scientists, and others. I’ve been honored to sit around the table with these people and learn from their expertise and experiences.

FSM, and others, in this group have highlighted an important fact: Maine’s forests are already working hard to address the problem of carbon pollution—naturally. Current research shows that at least half of Maine’s annual carbon emissions are offset by carbon stored by Maine’s forests. Even harvested timber can store carbon in long-lived wood products such as furniture, certain kinds of building materials, and musical instruments.

FSM’s mission is to conserve Maine’s forestlands for their ecological, economic, recreational, and cultural values. By helping landowners to maintain forests as forests, primarily through permanent conservation easements, FSM’s work also helps to ensure that forests will continue to store carbon, while also providing our state economy with useful products and good-paying jobs.

Maine’s forests are a key part of the solution to carbon pollution, and FSM’s work helps keep it that way.

Want to do your part to conserve forests and reduce carbon pollution in Maine? Here are three ways you can make a difference, today:

  1. Learn more about the many ways that carbon pollution is impacting our state.
  2. Share this page with a friend or family member who also loves Maine’s North Woods.
  3. Invest in forestland conservation by making a gift to the Forest Society of Maine.

Forest Society of Maine

209 State St, 2nd Floor
Bangor, Maine 04401
(207) 945-9200
info@fsmaine.org

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