Protected Park
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Bald Mountain, ME
If you’ve seen the pristine waters and lush terrain at Maine’s Bald Mountain Pond, you’d understand why we worked with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), National Park Foundation, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Conservation Alliance, and Elliotsville Foundation to raise $1.75 million to acquire 1,495-acres of old-growth woodland to benefit the National Park Service’s Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT).
Project Details:
Project Years: 2017 – 2019
Parcel Size: 1,495 acres
Project Years: $1,750,000
Park Trust Role: Provided 27% of funds to acquire the land
Project Years: Donor bequest
Overview
The Appalachian Trail is the most biologically diverse unit in the National Park System, with more threatened and endangered plants and animals than any other park. Thanks to our unique partnership with conservation organizations including the National Park Foundation, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), The Conservation Alliance and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 1494 acres of 150-year-old forest land in Somerset, ME were purchased for transfer to the National Park Service.
The acquired lands and nearby Bald Mountain Pond are an essential part of the area between the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Moosehead Lake. Their protection helps maintain the ecological integrity of this broader region, a long-term focus of several local, state, and national conservation partners. It is a magnificent addition to the area’s growing network of protected land spanning several hundred thousand acres.
The federally listed threatened Canada lynx, along with robust populations of North Woods mammals like moose, fisher, and black bear, have been confirmed on the property. Brook trout in the ponds and streams are genetically native to the area. Numerous wetlands have extensive inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat, a priority habitat in the Maine Wildlife Action Plan.
After a successful fundraising campaign by the partner organizations, The TPL bought the land and officially transferred ownership to the National Park Service in June 2019. Our contribution to the purchase price was made possible through a generous bequest from John Kauffmann.
Why This Place Matters:
The remoteness and scenic views make the property an iconic destination for backcountry adventures. You can paddle Bald Mountain Pond and hike the AT in a single day’s outing. Also, the acquisition of this land protects the nearby Bald Mountain Pond, one of the few bodies of water that holds landlocked arctic char in the lower 48 states.
On September 20, 2019, we and our partners dedicated a plaque at the Monson Maine Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Monson, ME. It honors the contributions of NPS employees, John Kauffmann and Ben Thompson to the NPS science program.
Significance of the Acquisition:
- • Surrounds 5 miles of the AT, protecting a unique and threatened natural resource
- • Preserves intact habitat, including Bald Mountain Pond, for many of Maine’s rarest and most iconic species, like the landlocked arctic char and genetically native brook trout.
- • Adds acreage to a 2.7 million-acre expanse of connected, climate-resilient forest and waters stretching from northern New Hampshire to western Maine
- • Preserves a “wild” camping, hiking, fishing, and paddling outdoor experience
- • Maintains dramatic and wild views of the pond from a traditional log trail shelter along the AT
- • Preserves access to the streams and pond as a popular angling destination for wild eastern brook trout.
