Maine Coast Heritage Trust
MCHT conserves coastal lands and islands for scenic beauty , ecological value , outdoor recreational opportunities , and contribution to community well-being . MCHT holds 300 + easements and owns 120 + preserves that are free and open to the public . MCHT also addresses food insecurity by supporting farming on conserved lands . Downeast Maine is home to 35 public-access preserves ( and growing ) with trails , picnic areas , swimming beaches , camping , water access , cabins for rent , and a community garden . Many preserves contain rare and unusual birds , habitat , and plants .
State Public Lands
Donnell Pond
14,000 acres of remote forested land containing lakes , ponds , and mountains . Hiking trails , boat launches , and numerous primitive campsites on sandy beaches , accessible both by boat and by foot .
Machias River Corridor
60,000 acres of preserved land in the Machias River Watershed , 76 miles of nearly unbroken river shoreline , 252 miles of river and lake frontage , and the country ' s largest , self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon run . Machias River is a popular backcountry canoe route . Amenities include remote campsites , boat launches , picnic areas , swimming beaches .
Great Heath
One of the largest peatland systems in Maine and an excellent example of a domed bog ecosystem . The state-owned portion is designated as an Ecological Reserve to protect Maine ’ s biological diversity . Adjacent to the Pleasant River , one of the seven rivers in Maine that support Atlantic salmon . Recreation on the land consists primarily of fishing and paddling on the Pleasant River .
Duck Lake 27,000 acres of forested land with boat launches & campsites .
Rocky Lake
Holbrook Island Sanctuary
11,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands bordering three lakes ( 1,555-acre Rocky Lake , 332-acre Second Lake and 275-acre Patrick Lake ). Boat launches , picnic areas , 11 primitive waterfront campsites accessible by land and water .
An island preserved for wildlife as a natural area . Public access is day use only , and includes a network of several short hiking trails , a boat dock , and a boat mooring .
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