PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 5, 2025
Two Maine families with deep ties to Western Maine have permanently conserved nearly 800 acres of forestland in Albany Township, protecting vital wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, and public recreational access in partnership with Mahoosuc Land Trust and a coalition of conservation partners. The conserved lands include the 85-acre Ralph and Alice Kimball Songo Forest, acquired through a bargain sale from the Kimball family, and a 720-acre tract formerly owned by Penley and Mills, Inc., now held by The Conservation Fund with an eye to future transfer to the White Mountain National Forest. The properties protect 3.5 miles of wild brook trout habitat, 61.5 acres of freshwater wetlands, 125 acres of rare species habitat, 387 acres of high-priority watershed land extensive pedestrian access, including hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, and part of an important snowmobile trail linkage