Acres: 20,000
Year Conserved: 1984, 1994
About the Properties: In 1984 the Coburn family, who had owned much of Attean Township since 1916, faced the need to sell their land, but wanted to find a way to protect the stunning natural beauty, outstanding forest resources, and longstanding tradition of public recreational access. As a result, FSM was created and 18,067 acres in Attean Township, including important ecological areas, 15 miles of Attean Pond and Moose River shorefront, scenic islands, mountain slopes, and productive forestland were conserved in a way that met the landowner’s needs while also maintaining the many attributes of the land.
At the time, the Attean easement was the largest conservation easement in the country and the first easement in Maine to include the multiple values—recreational, ecological, and economic—inherent to Maine’s forests.
Since that first effort to conserve the majority of the township, several other projects have occurred to further ensure these ecological and recreational aspects will be enjoyed by future generations. In 1994 additional lands were permanently conserved on the shoreline of Attean Pond, Big Wood Pond, and Little Big Wood Pond as well as within the Benjamin Pond Valley.
Recreational Opportunities: The most notable recreational opportunity is the start of the Moose River Bow Trip on Attean Pond. Additional opportunities include hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, paddling, and boating. For more information about visiting the area go to http://www.jackmanmaine.org
