MATLT Visits Latest Conservation Project: Moxie Pond Wilderness Preserve

Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust staff recently had its first visit to Moxie Pond Wilderness Preserve - a remote and spectacular area just north of the middle section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Moxie Pond lies in an area that doesn't contain higher elevation peaks but has rugged terrain, sweeping views, and many ponds and lakes that provide great recreation opportunities. It's also an area that is not as frequented as places like the Mahoosucs or the Hundred Mile Wilderness to the east - solitude and pristine lake shores are easy to come by from Moxie Pond to Bald Mountain Pond (a MATLT project nearby). It's also an area with great ecological and recreational value for the Appalachian Trail landscape; MATLT's extensive data system indicates that Moxie Pond is one of the most visible areas from the Appalachian Trail and protection will ensure that the views from nearby peaks is protected. Moxie Pond also contains over 1,000 acres of high climate resilient land and will secure more of a large forest block; and the ATV/snowmobile corridor running directly through the property will ensure that the local motorized trail network remains open for public use. MATLT will be partnering with the Northeast Wilderness Trust on a conservation easement on the Moxie Pond property. This easement will ensure that the landscape is forever wild - forests will grow back, natural processes will be allowed to take their course - but public access for recreation will be guaranteed in a time when land is being privatized. Stay tuned for more news on this exciting project - we'd love to have your support in this work as it moves forward.