Protecting land and water in Maine’s coastal region

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Land Trust Alliance, its staff, its board of directors or any other individuals associated with the organization.

Midcoast Conservancy recently reached a milestone in conservation. With new acquisitions and easements, the land trust now protects more than 16,000 acres in mid-coastal Maine. Working within three watersheds — the Sheepscot and Medomak rivers and Damariscotta Lake — the organization focuses on climate resilience through its scale of land conservation projects, as well as river restoration and water protection activities.

In July 2025, a 327-acre acquisition in the northern headwaters of the Sheepscot River permanently protected ecologically vital forestland and wetlands in what is recognized as a crucial river system for many species, including endangered Atlantic salmon. Through two parcels located in Montville and Freedom, this critical habitat for wildlife contributes directly to the river’s health and resilience, containing significant headwater streams, wetlands and mature forests. These lands are especially important for Atlantic salmon recovery — one of the last wild populations of its kind remaining in the United States.

The parcel additions add to Midcoast Conservancy’s Northern Headwaters Preserve, totaling 1,750 contiguous acres. The area is significant to the Sheepscot watershed and is surrounded by protected lands on the northern and eastern boundaries. This conservation success was the result of a powerful partnership with Northeast Wilderness Trust through its Wildlands Partnership program, which provided significant financial support and now holds a 663-acre forever-wild easement on both the newly acquired land and four additional parcels within Midcoast Conservancy’s Northern Headwaters Preserve.

Crucial support also came from Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a key conservation ally that helped make the project possible through a generous financial contribution and a steadfast commitment to the Sheepscot River — one of the land trust’s five priority rivers across the state. Additional financial support was provided by Maine Community Foundation and The Butler Foundation.

In December, Midcoast Conservancy closed on 280 acres in the northern headwaters of the Medomak River. The property, now called Watersong, features an unpatterned fen ecosystem, a rare wetland ecosystem that supports a suite of sensitive and unique plant and animal species. Watersong includes a mile of frontage along both sides of Pettengill Stream, a first-order stream that flows into the Medomak River, plus more than 100 acres of mapped wetlands, and critical habitat for inland waterfowl and wading birds.

The property plays an important role as part of the Pettengill Stream/Whitney Bog complex, one of the largest and most ecologically diverse wetland systems in the region. It also connects to The Nature Conservancy’s Appleton Bog Preserve and other conserved lands held by Georges River Land Trust and Maine Farmland Trust, sitting at the intersection of a critical conservation mosaic that ranks among the highest that Midcoast Conservancy has ever evaluated in terms of aquatic quality, terrestrial quality and terrestrial connectivity.

This long-anticipated conservation achievement is the result of sustained, thoughtful conversations with landowners and their families, aligning with their vision to ensure permanent protection. It is also thanks to the commitment of many generous supporters, including lead financial backers Smoky and Stephanie Payson, as well as Maine Community Foundation and the William P. Wharton Trust.

Finally, this March, Midcoast Conservancy closed on a 108-acre easement in the Medomak Headwaters that includes a mix of forestland, wetlands and open space that supports wildlife and helps protect the health of Pettengill Stream. The easement protects approximately 1,100 feet of stream frontage, helping to maintain water quality, aquatic habitat and the natural functions of this important tributary. The land includes approximately 10 acres of wetlands, 80% of which are classified as significant wetlands. The property also supports roughly 17 acres of inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat.

“These lands are remarkable for their ecological richness and natural beauty, but protecting both has been a milestone achievement in safeguarding headwaters, ensuring critical habitats remain intact,” said Erika Presley, Midcoast Conservancy’s land conservation manager, who worked on each project. “We have been fortunate and honored to work with landowners and partners who share our vision for healthy, connected wildlands.”