The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust is pleased to announce that we will be partnering with The Trust for Public Land and the United States Navy on the Redington Forest project.  This 10,000-acre forest has outstanding wildlife habitat, landscape-scale connectivity potential and as a working, sustainably-managed forest it will continue to provide jobs for Franklin County.  This area has long been used for hiking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ATV riding and cross country skiing by individuals from the local area and those who visit the High Peaks region.  These uses will continue under a conservation easement which will be held by Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust and the U.S. Navy.  There will be opportunities for new recreational trails as well.

At this time the land trust is examining the possibility of an ecological reserve component and certain high-elevation areas will be under habitat management for rare species like Bicknell’s thrush.  Development rights on the parcel will be extinguished, ensuring that these lands will remain forested in perpetuity and the Appalachian Trail will be buffered from incompatible uses.  Once the easement is acquired, Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust plans to use the protected property for recreational/youth group outings, stewardship and trail maintenance opportunities, and healthy lifestyle programs.

This project is a major breakthrough for Maine A.T. Land Trust and we’re going to need every bit of support we can get.  In the coming months, we will be posting more photos and maps of this very special property so you can see for yourself why these Appalachian Trail lands need to be protected.

We welcome any ideas for what you would like to see for Redington Forest and encourage you to get in touch with us.  This is a very exciting project and these lands will be open for public use, so it’s important to have your input.