Building the Narraguagus Conservation Corridor
In November, DSF’s Preserves expanded with the acquisition of two parcels in Cherryfield: 26 acres of riverfront land on the West Branch of the Narraguagus River and 43 acres on Mahanon Branch. As with all DSF Preserves, these parcels are open to the public for outdoor recreation.
These acquisitions help connect a corridor of conserved lands along the Narraguagus River and beyond including properties owned by DSF (660 ac), Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (1,776 ac), Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (14,000 ac), and The Nature Conservancy (23,000 ac). The undeveloped forests along the Narraguagus River protect critical habitat for the endangered Atlantic salmon and support other sea-run fish species, such as alewives, shad, brook trout, and American eel.
Narraguagus Conservation Corridor
DSF has been fortunate to receive support for these acquisitions from Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Ram Island Foundation, which has prioritized land conservation in the Narraguagus River watershed and several other watersheds in Downeast Maine.
We are also grateful to work with landowners like Patrick Ahern, who acquired the 26 riverfront acres from his uncle, who chose to sell to DSF to carry on the legacy of fishing and hunting forever. The Mahanon Brook property was purchased by a DSF supporter who assumed the role of a “conservation buyer”. The conservation buyer quickly purchased the land when it was listed on the open market, which allowed time for DSF to acquire an appraisal and funding. DSF then purchased the property from the conservation buyer at fair market value.
With these additions, DSF Preserves now comprise 3,800 acres of land, and 76 miles of stream and river frontage in Washington County, Maine. For more information about how you can become involved in land conservation as a partner with DSF, whether as a landowner willing to provide an easement, a seller of land within our riparian corridors, or as a “conservation buyer”, please contact Sara Williams, Land Trust Coordinator, at .