The state of Maine is fortunate to have a variety of habitat, everything from rocky coastline to acres of forests dotted with ponds, and a great deal in between. One could argue the whole state is special, yet there are several areas in Maine that really stand out from an ecological perspective. The Attean Pond region in western Maine is one such place.
This region has been identified by experts as a focus area because the landscape supports many habitat types in a concentrated area: mountains, wetlands, streams, rivers, ponds, and woodlands. This diversity is a boon for wildlife who can find different habitats in close proximity. The land in this region remains largely undeveloped, thanks to conservation easements and fee purchases by FSM, other conservation groups, and the state.
In 1984 FSM was created to hold an easement around Attean Pond. This year FSM hopes to add a missing piece to the 50,000 acres already conserved in this region through its Little Big Wood Pond project. We have an opportunity to conserve 4,000 feet of shoreline that, under current zoning, could be developed into 16 residences. Conserving this missing piece will protect the south shore of the pond from development and also help to maintain the wetland complex adjacent to Little Big Wood Pond, preserving water quality and fisheries habitat for species such as brook trout.
This article was originally published in Forest View, Spring 2018.
