PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE • December 16, 2023
A national land trust has purchased 44,000 acres of forest in Northwestern Maine to keep it wild and free for generations to come. The Hilton Family Forest near Jackman contains mountain peaks, waterfalls and vital habitats for rare plant and animal species like the golden eagle. It is also a popular recreational area for hiking, biking and fishing. Tom Duffus, vice president and northeast representative for The Conservation Fund, said the land will remain open to the public. "We want to just keep things the same," Duffus explained. "What we've learned from this community so far is how important the stability of these landscapes is to them."