Film by Jerry Monkman.

Maine Woods Initiative

A groundbreaking approach to conservation in the 100-Mile Wilderness.

The Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) is AMC’s multi-use recreation and land conservation project in the famed 100-Mile Wilderness. It’s an area at the heart of the largest contiguous expanse of undeveloped forest in the eastern United States. Since 2003, we’ve permanently protected more than 114,000 acres of this critical environment, with more on the way.

This video was prepared by AMC using Federal funds under award 01-79-15159/URI:11815 from the US EDA, of U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EDA, or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

AMC's Largest Conservation Project Yet

MWI uses an innovative and thoughtful approach to conservation that combines outdoor recreation, resource protection, responsible forestry, education, research, climate change mitigation, and community partnerships to permanently protect this incredible landscape for future generations. AMC has:

  • Created 130 miles of recreational trails and three off-grid lodges
  • Established a Forest Stewardship Council® FSC® - C008922 certified responsible forestry operation
  • Received certification as an International Dark Sky Park, the first in New England
  • Restored watersheds for native brook trout and endangered Atlantic salmon
  • Developed partnerships with local Piscataquis County schools and the greater business community.
  • Collected climate and ecosystem data from lake, stream, and forest sites

And we’re just getting started. Visit our lodges, hike, ski, or bike miles of trails, and support our land preservation efforts.

Corey Mcmullen Via Nina Paus Weiler

What We Do

Cait Bourgault

Recreation

The Maine Woods Initiative is a breathtaking destination for backcountry outdoor recreation.
Recreation

Photo by Garrett English.

Responsible Forestry

A new model for forest management.
Learn More

Paula Champagne

Carbon Sequestration

AMC has developed three offset projects on our Maine forest lands.
Learn More

Photo by J Walter.

Education

Engaging Piscataquis County students in meaningful environmental education and youth development.
Get In Touch

Mwiresearch Resize

Research

AMC scientists and partners collect climate and ecosystem data around the region.
Read More
Support Community Science

Isaac Crabtree

Land Conservation

AMC protects more than 114,000 acres of land in Maine, including forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains.
Pleasant River Headwaters Forest
Help Protect the Barnard Forest

Cait Bourgault

Dark Skies

The AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park is the first International Dark Sky Park in New England.
Dark Sky Park
See the Dark

Photo by Garrett English.

Habitat Restoration

Returning Atlantic Salmon and Eastern Brook Trout to their historic spawning grounds.
Read More

Paula Champagne

Economic Development

Creating jobs in Piscataquis County.
See Opportunities

Learn More About the Maine Woods Initiative

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