Maine Conserves 27,000 Acres of Western Forestland

The permanent protection initiative safeguards vital water supplies and links regional ski destinations in western Maine.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration showing a rolling forest landscape with a river valley in warm autumn tones, representing Maine forest conservation. — Conservationists have secured 27,000 acres of western Maine forestland to protect vital drinking water supplies and establish permanent wildlife corridors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support prioritizing permanent forest land protection over potential new development in your community?

Conservationists have secured permanent protection for 27,000 acres of forestland in western Maine to prevent future development. This initiative includes the 15,000-acre Chadbourne Tree Farm and serves to preserve essential water quality for thousands of residents.

Why it matters

The project protects the headwaters of the Crooked River, which is the primary source of drinking water for 250,000 people in the Greater Portland area. By establishing permanent land protections, the effort also ensures wildlife corridors and consistent year-round recreational access.

The protected zone includes the 15,000-acre Chadbourne Tree Farm and shields the Crooked River, the largest tributary to Sebago Lake. The state's outdoor recreation industry generated $4 billion in 2024, supporting more than 32,000 regional jobs.

The players

Chadbourne Tree Farm

This 15,000-acre site serves as the anchor for the conservation project and is located at the head of the Crooked River.

Sunday River

This popular ski destination in western Maine is now linked to Mt. Abram through the newly protected corridor.

Mt. Abram

This ski area is now connected to the Sunday River resort as part of the unified outdoor destination.

The details

Multiple land trusts and public and private funders collaborated on this project, which began in 2020 with the initial purchase of the Chadbourne Tree Farm. The land will continue to function as a working forest for timber and pulp production while physically connecting the Sunday River and Mt. Abram ski areas.

The conservation effort began with the land purchase in 2020.
Outdoor recreation contributed nearly $4 billion to the state economy in 2024.
The project officially reached its permanent protection status in October 2026.

Travel Outlook

This project follows the pattern of long-term land preservation established by the Maine Land for Maine's Future program. By securing these acres, the state continues a trend of prioritizing vast, multi-use wilderness corridors over fragmented private development.

Outdoor enthusiasts can expect enhanced access to a unified trail network connecting the Sunday River and Mt. Abram areas. The protection of the watershed also ensures the long-term viability of water resources for Greater Portland residents.

The takeaway

This large-scale conservation effort demonstrates how public-private partnerships can balance regional economic interests like timber production with essential environmental safeguards. Residents benefit from both the preservation of their drinking water supply and the expansion of accessible public recreation lands.