The recent conservation of nearly 6,000 acres of land near Bangor, Maine could mean more access to hiking and climbing opportunities in the area.
Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) recently announced the purchase of 5,793 acres in Amherst , Maine. FBC officials said the land will be known as Headwater Bluffs.
FBC officials said the land is crucial to the health of the woods and waters of eastern Hancock County. Amherst is home to the headwaters of the Upper Union River, which runs south through Ellsworth into the Union River Bay, and on to Frenchman Bay.
“Headwater Bluffs is a key piece to a larger conservation puzzle in Downeast Maine,” said Austin Schuver, Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Director of Land Protection. “Conserving this unique property brings the total of contiguous conserved lands to over 43,000 acres that protects woods, waters, wildlife and the character of our region.”
Headwater Bluffs is the land trust’s largest acquisition to date, and FBC officials said it offers the greatest conservation impact of any single project in their history. They said Headwater Bluffs’ forests and wetlands will keep local drinking water clean and help local communities become more resilient to climate change.
Officials said the property features dense woods, glistening waters, and rugged bluffs that will give residents and visitors increased access to more space to hike, climb, hunt, fish, and connect with nature.
FBC raised nearly $4,000,000 for the purchase and future care of Headwater Bluffs with support from individuals and private foundations.
