327 Acres permanently protected as forever-wild in Montville and Freedom

Midcoast Conservancy is pleased to announce the permanent protection of 327 acres of ecologically vital forestland and wetlands in the northern headwaters of the Sheepscot River, a crucial river system for many species, including the endangered Atlantic salmon which can only be found in eight U.S. rivers. 

The addition of these 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 two newly protected parcels, located in Montville and Freedom, 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. These 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. “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. “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 their steadfast commitment to the Sheepscot River, one of their five priority rivers across the state. 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. Their involvement underscores the strategic importance of the Sheepscot watershed and its role in regional biodiversity conservation.

Adam Pereira, MCHT’s project manager in the Midcoast region shared, “MCHT is committed to the Sheepscot watershed, and we are excited to celebrate this moment with our partners. 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. 

This project represents an important step in protecting one of Maine’s most ecologically significant river systems. Through strong partnerships, strategic funding, and a shared commitment to conservation, Midcoast Conservancy and its partners have worked to safeguard clean and cold water, biodiversity, and climate resilience in the region, strengthening a growing network of conserved lands and reinforcing the Sheepscot River's role as a refuge for the endangered Atlantic salmon and other native species.

The stunning images below are all taken by Rooted in Light Media.