Midcoast Conservancy, a regional land trust, said July 1 that 327 acres of ecologically vital forestland and wetlands in the northern headwaters of the Sheepscot River in Freedom  and Montville. The acreage includes a crucial river system for many species, including the endangered Atlantic salmon which can only be found in eight U.S. rivers, according to a July 1 news release from the Conservancy.

The addition of the parcels expands Midcoast Conservancy’s Northern Headwaters Preserve to over 1,750 contiguous acres — an area of great significance in the Sheepscot watershed, surrounded by protected lands on its northern and eastern boundaries.

"This conservation success is the result of powerful partnerships with Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT) and Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and generous support from Maine Community Foundation and The Butler Foundation," the release said.

The two newly protected parcels contain significant headwater streams, wetlands, and mature forests that provide critical habitat for wildlife and contribute directly to the health and resilience of the Sheepscot River. The lands are especially important for the recovery of the endangered Atlantic salmon, one of the last wild populations of its kind remaining in the United States, the Conservancy said.

“Protecting these cold headwaters is a win not just for the land, but for the entire Sheepscot River and the endangered Atlantic salmon that depend on it,” said Erika Presley, Land Conservation Manager at Midcoast Conservancy, in the release. “We’re honored to work with partners who share our vision for healthy, connected wildlands.”

Through its Wildlands Partnership program, Northeast Wilderness Trust provided significant financial support for the acquisition of the parcels and will hold a 663-acre forever-wild conservation easement on both the newly acquired land and four additional parcels within Midcoast Conservancy’s Northern Headwaters Preserve. This easement will ensure that the land remains wild and undeveloped in perpetuity.

“The Northern Headwaters Preserve is a terrific example of the intent and vision of the Wildlands Partnership: land trusts working together for a wilder, more resilient Northeast,” said Peter Mandych, Land Conservation Manager at Northeast Wilderness Trust. “The headwaters of the Sheepscot River are an ecological treasure, and Atlantic salmon and countless other species will benefit from their permanent protection. Northeast Wilderness Trust was delighted to collaborate with Midcoast Conservancy to make this acquisition possible. We are grateful to their ongoing efforts to protect more of Maine as forever-wild.”

A key conservation ally, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) also played a vital role in making this project possible through a generous financial contribution and steadfast commitment to the Sheepscot River, one of their five priority rivers across the state, the release said.

"MCHT’s support of this project reflects the organization’s broader mission to advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities," the Conservancy said. "Their involvement underscores the strategic importance of the Sheepscot watershed and its role in regional biodiversity conservation."

“MCHT is committed to the Sheepscot watershed, and we are excited to celebrate this moment with our partners," 
said Adam Pereira, MCHT’s project manager in the Midcoast. "Two of the reasons we selected the Sheepscot as a priority river were because of its ecological significance and the strong partners working in the watershed; this project demonstrates both and complements aquatic restoration by Midcoast Conservancy and others in recent years.”  

Protecting headwater lands helps maintain the water quality and ecological conditions required by this federally endangered species and supports broader efforts to restore the Sheepscot as an area of great significance for conservation. 

To learn more about the Northern Headwaters Preserve, visit midcoastconservancy.org.

About Midcoast Conservancy

Midcoast Conservancy is a regional land trust that works to protect vital lands and waters. The organization works throughout the Sheepscot River, Medomak River, and Damariscotta Lake watersheds. Midcoast Conservancy manages over 16,000 acres, including 55 preserves and over 90 miles of trails. For more information, visit to midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) advances the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. Since 1970, we have worked to guide the conservation movement and support a network of more than 80 land trusts. Together with partners we’ve protected over 190,000 acres, supporting the needs of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems across the coast. We’re dedicated to ensuring our natural areas can mitigate the effects of climate change and support all people and life for generations to come. Learn more about our work and get involved at www.mcht.org.

--