Historic deal permanently protects 78K acres in western Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 27, 2026

A landmark conservation project in western Maine has officially closed, permanently protecting more than 78,000 acres in the Magalloway River region while preserving public access for hunting, fishing, paddling, snowmobiling and other outdoor recreation. The project, first announced in March 2025 after conservation groups reached an agreement with Bayroot LLC and Wagner Forest Management, was contingent on raising $62 million before it could close. The completed effort connects more than 500,000 acres of contiguous conserved land across western Maine and neighboring New Hampshire through a partnership among Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Forest Society of Maine, Northeast Wilderness Trust and The Nature Conservancy. The conservation deal protects wildlife habitat while maintaining the region’s working forest. More than 62,500 acres will remain privately owned