Safeguarding Shelter for Wildlife and People

TNC is using science to identify and conserve habitats that can withstand climate impacts.

July 21, 2022

A vast green forest leads to tree-covered mountains in the distance. — © ©Jerry and Marcy Monkman/EcoPhotography

Maine is 89% forest—the most forested state in the nation. That means we offer critical habitat for wildlife, including the many plant and animal species whose populations are moving in response to climate change. Each decade, species are shifting their ranges an average of 11 miles north and 36 feet in elevation; this trend is expected to accelerate, with dire consequences. Many plant and animal species will have difficulty moving away from growing climate threats to find new places to call home.

TNC is leveraging groundbreaking science to respond. We’re identifying a network of unique locations that can withstand climate impacts, including vitally important Maine forests. This scientific learning drives our conservation planning and is a key strategy in our work to address climate change.

Working in Maine's north woods, I'm reminded every day what an incredible resource our forests are. By capturing more than three million metric tons of carbon each year, as a natural climate solution, they’re hard to match.

Chris Stone

Conservation Forester

What We’re Doing in Maine's Forests

Our forests are an incredible natural climate solution. In addition to providing our clean water, hosting our recreation and powering our economy with wood products, they capture more than three million metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year. TNC’s Maine chapter is working to keep our forests as forests.

Establishing the Boundary Mountains Preserve

This new preserve includes headwater streams of the Kennebec River and runs along 12 miles of the border with Quebec, Canada. It will extend a corridor of permanently conserved lands northward to a total of more than 260,000 acres—representing a key link in a major pathway of ecological connection from the White Mountains through western Maine, the Quebec borderlands and beyond.

Partnering to Protect the High Peaks

TNC and the Trust for Public Land are working to protect the 13,557-acre Quill Hill to Perham Stream properties in the High Peaks of Western Maine. Protection of these parcels will expand an assemblage of connected, conserved lands to nearly 100,000 acres including lands adjacent to the Appalachian Trail that will provide essential wildlife habitat in a warming climate.

Forest Carbon on the Upper St. John River

The landmark 1998 Upper St. John River project has demonstrated how nature, economics and sustainable forestry can come together for the benefit of all. This project is now evolving as we implement a forest carbon offset project on 124,000 acres along the river that will improve forest stocking and health while generating new revenue to support forest conservation and climate change initiatives.

Securing Drinking Water at Sebago Lake

Forests that shade and filter water sources can improve and sustain drinking water quality. We’re working with partners to protect forested land within the Crooked River watershed, the primary feeder into Sebago Lake—the source of drinking water for one-sixth of Maine’s people. This approach maintains valuable wildlife habitat and eliminates the need for expensive water-treatment facilities.

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Establishing the Boundary Mountains Preserve Partnering to Protect the High Peaks Forest Carbon on the Upper St. John River Securing Drinking Water at Sebago Lake

What Forest Success Looks Like

TNC is identifying a network of unique locations that can withstand climate impacts, including vitally important Maine forests. This is a key strategy in our work to address climate change. As part of our Join Maine campaign, we are working to ensure these critical successes by 2024:

More than 350,000

acres of resilient and connected forest lands are permanently conserved.

At Least 2

additional ecological priority forest areas are conserved at an effective scale—at least 25,000 acres.

A booklet with a prescribed fire fighter on the cover sits in a blue background. — **Join Maine** The Nature Conservancy in Maine © TNC

To achieve these goals, we are working to raise $52 million specifically for our work in this area, including $25.1 million in support from people like you, $9 million in public and partner funding, $15.4 million in market-based funds and $2.5 million in conservation asset donations. Learn more about our conservation goals and Join Maine.

Young green trees crowd out the sky on a hillside. — Making Room Large forest reserves like the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area offer species places to move in the face of climate change. © Phoebe Parker / TNC