Forest Society of Maine

Your land trust for Maine's North Woods
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Gulf Hagas – Pleasant River project

Silver Lake

Through the efforts of the many project partners approximately 18,000 acres will be permanently protected.

The first part of the project has conserved more than 4,300 acres of forest surrounding Silver Lake and 12 miles of the Pleasant River.

The second part will conserve the remainder, including high elevation lands abutting Gulf Hagas and 11 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

 

The project is focused around the West Branch of the Pleasant River and Whitecap Mountain. Once fully completed the project will provide permanent protection for 17 miles of the West Branch of the Pleasant River, a significant wetland complex, miles of undeveloped stream and lake shore, high elevation lands including four mountain peaks bordering 11 miles of the Appalachian Trail corridor, and thousands of acres of productive forestland.

The lands provide important habitat for multiple species of birds and wildlife and significant fisheries habitat for Eastern brook trout and Atlantic salmon restoration. The project lands also provide camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, and other similar recreational uses for more than 10,000 people every year. The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) has been working with two landowners, the state of Maine, other conservation groups, and local communities to conserve these lands.

Paddling the W. Branch of the Pleasant River, 2014The lands in the Gulf Hagas – Pleasant River project are important to conserve because of the unique concentration of North Woods and Appalachian Trail related recreational infrastructure and opportunities. Their permanent conservation is integral to ensuring the future of this nationally and regionally significant recreational area, which includes: the Appalachian Trail, Gulf Hagas, the Hermitage, the 100-Mile Wilderness, the Katahdin Iron Works/Jo Mary Forest, and Moosehead Lake. The project lands contain the trailhead and parking area for Gulf Hagas—a highly popular recreational destination—and they provide scenic views for people from all over the U.S. and the world who hike this portion of the Appalachian Trail each year.Gulf Hagas - Pleasant River Project MapClick map to enlarge

 

 

Committed to Diversity

The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) recognizes the importance and urgency of increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all elements of our mission and work. Please read FSM’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Statement here: FSM’s DEIJ Statement.

KIW-Silver Lake Drone Footage

The Forest Society of Maine is pleased to share with the public drone footage highlighting the unique values of the KIW-Silver Lake property. The drone footage can be accessed using the following link to a Google Drive folder: KIW Drone Footage. The footage was sponsored by Conservation Forestry, LLC and filmed by North Woods Aerial. The videos shared here also include subtitles for accessibility.

Maine Won’t Wait

The Maine Climate Council published a four-year plan for climate action in Maine in December 2020. The Council made two proposals that directly impact Maine’s forests. Firstly, an increase of 30% in total acreage of conserved lands in Maine by 2030 (30 by 30) through purchases of land and conservation easements. Secondly, the development of new programs and incentives to increase carbon storage.

For the full document, visit: Maine Won’t Wait.

Background Photo Credit: James Wheeler

FSM’s Latest Blog Posts

  • From the President/CEO Spring 2021 July 22, 2021
  • Meet the 2021 Swan Intern June 22, 2021
  • Fish River Lakes Conservation Easement Completed June 18, 2021

Maine Forests & Carbon

Maine’s Forests Reduce Carbon Pollution Most of us can point to tangible ways in which our … Read More...

Your land trust for Maine’s North Woods

Forest Society of Maine conserves Maine's forestlands in a manner that sustains their ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational values.

Contact Information

 
Main Office
115 Franklin St., 3rd Floor,
Bangor, Maine 04401
(207) 945-9200
info@fsmaine.org

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