MORNING SENTINEL • November 29, 2024
Conservation Fund closed on its purchase of 44,639 acres near the Canadian border for about $44.4 million on Oct. 15. “For generations, the Hilton Family Forest has been important to people on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border as a source of jobs, economic vitality, recreation and stability,” the nonprofit said. “The Conservation Fund purchased this property…to ensure it continues to provide for the region and avoid possible conversion, subdivision and development of the forest.” The area includes four mountains, 10 commercial maple sugar operations, hiking trails, snowmobile and ATV trails and many acres of working forest, Duffus said. It also is home to multiple rare plant and animal species, including the golden eagle and peregrine falcon, and the headwaters of the South Branch of the Penobscot River.