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We Can Protect Maine's Natural Wonders Leading conservation biologists have concluded that, in order to protect native biodiversity, we must preserve large blocks of strategically linked wildlands. Securing key forestland pieces as wilderness would connect the legendary Allagash Wilderness Waterway to "forever wild" Baxter State Park, and enhance protection along the 100 Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail. This would result in a large-scale wilderness that could support the full range of native species and function as a keystone for restoration of Eastern wilderness as a whole.In addition to unrivaled environmental benefits, protecting the Maine Woods could help to diversify the struggling economy of northern Maine by reducing reliance on the timber industry. This wilderness would add enormously to the economic potential of tourism, which already employs more people in Maine than any other business, including forestry. 100 Miles Wild The spectacular 100 Mile Wilderness -- the longest stretch of uninterrupted wilderness on the entire Appalachian Trail -- is at great risk. Despite its name, this ecologically rich area is by no means a preserved wilderness. Numerous clearcuts and heavy roadbuilding have recently occurred at dangerous proximity to the area, seriously fragmenting and jeopardizing its fragile ecosystems. The width of the protected Appalachian Trail corridor is in some places a mere 500 feet.The Maine Woods Campaign is currently focusing its efforts on protecting the 100 Mile Wilderness. This narrow protected corridor winds through deep wild forests, over jagged peaks with spectacular views, and around pristine lakes and remote ponds. It hosts some of the highest concentrations of rare plants and animals, outstanding wild fisheries, old-growth and mature forest stands, and undeveloped ponds in Maine. We must link existing public lands with unprotected areas to expand habitat, guarantee public access, create new opportunities for wilderness recreation, and allow forests to return to a mature and natural state. Our Campaign Goal We have an unprecedented opportunity to achieve our vision of large-scale protection of Maine's North Woods. These vast lands are cheap, mostly unpopulated, and may be readily available for purchase. While it is critical to continue pressing for better forestry practices as a method of conservation in Maine and elsewhere, the most effective and permanent way to safeguard and restore the Maine Woods is through public acquisition of wild lands.The goal of the Maine Woods Campaign is to secure wilderness protection of a large area of ecologically significant forestland within the famed 100 Mile Wilderness region of the Appalachian Trail. To accomplish this we will build new partnerships with the conservation community, sporting interests, political leaders, local supporters, VIPs, women's voices and businesses. We will promote land conservation funding mechanisms including a Land for Maine's Future bond, Land and Water Conservation Funds, Forest Legacy and other federal vehicles that would benefit the region. We will also participate in active land deal discussions that promote conservation in the 100 Mile Wilderness region. Join the Sierra Club in its efforts
to safeguard the 100 Mile Wilderness region.
For more information, contact the
Maine Woods Campaign staff at (207) 791-2821
or email:
Photo: Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Maine |
The Maine Woods comprise 10 million acres
of forestland that contain thousands of
miles of clear-running rivers and streams,
provide habitat for endangered and sensitive
wildlife, and include some of New England's
last old growth forests. In addition, the
Maine Woods provide endless recreational
opportunities -- more than 1,250 miles of
hiking trails, countless lakes, and the
famed 100 Mile Wilderness section of the
Appalachian Trail.