A national conservation group has purchased a vast area of forest in northern Somerset and Franklin counties in Maine for $44.4 million. The Conservation Fund closed the deal on the 44,639-acre property, known as the Hilton Family Forest, on Oct. 15. The organization plans to preserve the land for recreation and business use, ensuring that it continues to provide jobs, economic vitality, and stability for the region.
The land includes four mountains, maple sugar operations, hiking trails, snowmobile and ATV trails, and working forest areas, as well as rare plant and animal species. The Conservation Fund aims to maintain the land’s current uses and bring stability to the communities that rely on it.
The purchase is part of the organization’s efforts to conserve land in Maine and across the country. The Conservation Fund has conserved about 500,000 acres in Maine and a total of 9 million acres nationwide. The group plans to manage the Hilton Family Forest for a few years before turning it over to a private partner for continued conservation.
While some local officials expressed concerns about potential tax revenue loss, The Conservation Fund ensures that it pays property taxes on the land it acquires. The organization has a history of partnering with various groups to conserve land in Maine, including the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods Initiative and the Forest Society of Maine.
Overall, The Conservation Fund’s acquisition of the Hilton Family Forest represents their commitment to preserving valuable natural resources and ensuring their long-term protection for future generations.
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Photo credit www.centralmaine.com