With the passage of the Federal Budget for 2015, the Gulf Hagas – Whitecap project has received an additional $1.7 million in funding through the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy program.  The program encourages the use of conservation easements to conserve working forests, wildlife habitat, soil and watershed protection, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities.  This project, on which Maine A.T. Land Trust is partnering with The Forest Society of Maine, will encompasses sustainably managed forest, high elevation lands adjacent to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the watersheds of three major tributaries that flow into the West Branch of the Pleasant River.

 

While this is a huge step towards the eventual completion of this project, additional funding still needs to be secured and we’re not there yet.  For now, we wanted to thank all of our members who reached out to Maine’s congressional delegation to voice their support for the draft budget that ensured funding!