Camping on Donnell Pond - Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land includes 14,000 acres of mountains , pristine lakes , and remote ponds . The Tunk Lake area includes 6,215 acres of the state ’ s Ecological Reserve System , established to protect Maine ’ s biodiversity . A small stand of old growth red spruce , inaccessible because of surrounding steep and rocky terrain , has no evidence of human disturbance with numerous trees dating previous to 1750 , including one to 1692 .
nesting islands , 54 are in Downeast Maine . The region contains thousands of acres of significant shorebird , eelgrass , eagle , wading bird , and waterfowl habitats . Downeast Maine is home to 9 significant wild Atlantic salmon watersheds . The Penobscot River is the state ’ s largest and New England ’ s second largest watershed .
Following is a partial listing of conservation lands that contribute to the preservation of unique habitats , offer outdoor recreation and education opportunities , and exemplify significant conservation efforts across Downeast Maine .
Acadia National Park was the first national park created from private lands gifted to the public through the efforts of conservation-minded citizens . These efforts led to Acadia ’ s establishment as the first National Park in the eastern United States , and one of the first in the entire system . Establishment of Acadia contributed to the national land conservation movement . The Park remains the largest conservation easement program in the National Park System and continues to be supported by generous private philanthropy .
Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land includes 14,000 acres of mountains , pristine lakes , and remote ponds . The Tunk Lake area includes 6,215 acres of the state ’ s Ecological Reserve System , established to protect Maine ’ s biodiversity . A small stand of old growth red spruce , inaccessible because of surrounding steep and rocky terrain , has no evidence of human disturbance with numerous trees dating previous to 1750 , including one to 1692 .
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