The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Cranberries in Number 5 Bog. © David McClain

The Moosehead Forest Conservation Project is a package of conservation actions that will permanently protect more than 400,000 acres. The project comprises the following accomplishments:

• The Moose River Reserve represents 15,000 acres of natural and recreational treasures that will be acquired by The Nature Conservancy and managed as an ecological reserve. As a result of the purchase, the last unprotected portions of Number 5 Bog (one of the largest, most diverse and least disturbed peatlands in the Eastern U.S.) and the famous Moose River Bow Trip (among the best-known remote paddling routes in the state) will be completely conserved.
   
• The Roach Ponds Parcel includes more than 29,500 acres straddling the headwaters of the Kennebec, Penobscot and Pleasant Rivers. With 10 remote ponds and stunning natural scenery, this land completes a corridor of protection along the 100-Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Mountain Club will purchase this parcel to protect special ecological areas and provide access for year-round recreation and sustainable forestry.
   
• The 363,000-acre Moosehead Region Conservation Easement, one of the largest easements in the U.S., anchors the project. It comprises 97,000 acres contributed by Plum Creek Timber Co. plus 266,000 acres being purchased by the partners at the remarkable bargain price of $37 per acre. Strong ecological protections, sustainable forestry practices and public access for traditional recreation are guaranteed. The Forest Society of Maine will be the easement holder. 

Project Timeline
May 2012 – Conservation easements finalized.
April 2012 – Maine Law Court confirms LURC plan.
September 2009 - Final LURC decision.
January 2009 - Plum Creek presents revised, final proposal based on LURC amendments.
October 2008 - Plum Creek declares acceptance of LURC amendments.
September 2008 - LURC requests final plan amendments.
March 2006 - The Framework Partners reached agreement with Plum Creek on the Moosehead Conservation Framework.
October 2006 - The Nature Conservancy, on behalf of the partners, signed a purchase and sale agreement with Plum Creek setting the terms for implementing the Framework for a total price of $35 million.