LIBERTY — Midcoast Conservancy has transfered the Haystack Mountain property to Georges River Land Trust, "a move designed to ensure the long-term protection, stewardship, and public enjoyment of a beloved midcoast Maine landmark," said Midcoast Conservancy, in a news release.

Haystack Mountain, straddling the towns of Liberty and Montville, offers a well-loved trail and panoramic views from its summit, according to the Conservancy. The 60-acre property was conserved thanks to the grassroots efforts of Friends of Haystack Mountain, with Midcoast Conservancy serving as fiscal sponsor and key conservation partner. Funding for the purchase was provided, in part, by a grant from the State of Maine’s Lands For Maine’s Future Program. The acquisition of Haystack Mountain continues the Land For Maine’s Future program’s mission of conserving land for its natural, economic, and recreational values. 

“Midcoast Conservancy’s work with local, regional, and state partners, illustrated in this transfer to Georges River Land Trust, emphasizes the power of a collective approach to land conservation that remains responsive to local values and regional goals,” said LMF Board Chair and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso.

Located half a mile from Lake St. George, Haystack Mountain lies within the St. George River watershed, which is the service area that Georges River Land Trust works within to protect and care for land.

Erika Presley, Land Conservation Manager at Midcoast Conservancy said, “This transfer represents a collaborative success story, securing the future of Haystack Mountain while honoring the community effort that made its conservation possible.” 

"With a talented team, strong local partnerships, and a mission grounded in community-centered conservation, Georges River Land Trust is well equipped to protect and steward Haystack Mountain for generations to come," said the release.

Jula Sampson, co-Director of Georges River Land Trust said, “We are so grateful for the great work that the Friends of Haystack Mountain, Midcoast Conservancy, and their partners have done to protect Haystack Mountain. We are honored and excited to care for the mountain, continue to ensure public access, and work with the community to develop engaging and educational events at Haystack.”

Friends of Haystack Mountain, the original group of community members who organized to preserve the mountain, also echoed the uniqueness of the efforts and this collaboration.

Cathy Roberts, a Montville resident and Friends of Haystack Mountain founding member said, “We are all ecstatic that our efforts paid off and we can now feel secure that Haystack Mountain, with its iconic views, will forever be maintained for public access and preserved in perpetuity.”

With the transfer, there will be no changes to the protected acreage or public access. All current conservation goals—including  preserving wildlife habitat, protecting scenic views, keeping the blueberry land productive, maintaining trails, and ensuring the community continues to enjoy this beloved landscape—will remain at the heart of Georges River Land Trust’s work moving forward.

A celebration of this collaborative project is planned for late July 2025. 

About Midcoast Conservancy

Midcoast Conservancy is a vibrant regional land trust that works to protect vital lands and waters on a scale that matters. 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 Georges River Land Trust

Georges River Land Trust conserves and cares for land in the St. George River watershed to ensure ecological and community wellbeing. For nearly 40 years, they have worked with community members throughout the 19 towns in our service area to protect 5,350 acres of land with extraordinary conservation value across 21 preserves and 55 easements, offering 73 miles of multi-use trails. Reach them at 207-594-5166 or visit georgesriver.org to learn more about their work and upcoming community events.