The Conservation Fund and the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation first secured 14,900 acres of Chadbourne Tree Farm in 2020, giving partners a window to lock down permanent protections before developers could parcel the land.
The initiative broadened to include Mahoosuc Land Trust, Greater Lovell Land Trust, Western Foothills Land Trust, Inland Woods + Trails and the US Forest Service, and the combined effort now covers more than 27,000 acres across western Maine.
The headwaters of the Sebago Lake watershed, a vital drinking‑water source for over 200,000 residents of the Portland area, lie within the protected zone, safeguarding water quality by filtering runoff and stabilizing soil.
Timber operations will continue under conservation easements, with local logger Rajeev Patel saying his family’s 12‑year‑old son, Arjun, will keep cutting responsibly while the forest remains productive.
A new trail corridor stitches Sunday River Resort to Mt. Abram, opening year‑round hiking, skiing and biking for residents and tourists alike.
The state will oversee the easements, conduct annual inspections, and seek additional acreage through the Land for Maine’s Future program, aiming to expand the trail network by 2027.