About The Newly Formed Moosehead Regional Land Trust

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in the state of Maine and the largest lake entirely within the boundaries of New England. Its expansive 75,000 acres of water is not only the headwaters for the Kennebec River, but it also serves as a nucleus for many other rivers, ponds, small streams, mountains, and undeveloped forest. The Moosehead Lake region itself serves as the gateway to the North Maine woods. 

Up until recently, there has not been a land trust or similar organization focused specifically on this region. Due not only to its size and undeveloped nature, but also increasing potential development and public use, the Moosehead Lake region stands as a prime area to conserve and manage for public benefit. Here is where the newly formed Moosehead Regional Land Trust comes in. 

(Wild landlocked salmon from the Moosehead region)

MRLT's mission to "conserve and protect the headwaters of the Kennebec and Penobscot watersheds and sustain the tradition of public access to land in the Moosehead region" is the foundation of their work and began as a conversation in 2024 between President Carla Ritchie and Vice President Bill Baker. Along with Kay Johnson, shortly thereafter, they worked on the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. By October of 2024 MRLT became a Maine business and in August of 2025 received their IRS 501(c)3 status and also held their first annual meeting.

According to Carla Ritchie there are two main "why's" to the formation of the MRLT:

• "Ownership of land has changed over the years. Access to land or the protection of land may be at risk"
• "Cultural shifts and generational changes have occurred: recent generations are more mobile/nomadic, advent of AirBnB properties, new businesses, etc."

After spending many years in the Moosehead region both guiding and also for personal pleasure, I have many times wondered about the lack of a land trust in this region. The importance of conserving this area is critical to not only two major watersheds of the Kennebec and Penobscot, which are the two main watersheds in the state, but also to the expansive land that surrounds Moosehead Lake in the form of vast, mountainous, undeveloped terrain which is paramount to Maine both environmentally and economically. 

(Big Spencer and Little Spencer Mountain)

(a soggy moose in the early spring)

Moosehead Lake itself is a stronghold of native eastern brook trout, our state fish. Additionally populations of lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass populate the lake and other surrounding rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds providing world class fishing. Wildlife in this region continues with prime habitat for everything from moose, white-tailed deer, and black bear, to Canada lynx, peregrine falcons, ruffed grouse, and bald eagles. 

(Native brook trout from the Moosehead region)

(Cornelia "Fly Rod" Crosby fishing beneath Mt. Kineo on Moosehead Lake in the early 1900's)

The historic traditional sporting connection to the Moosehead region has deep roots. Even further back, the native people of the Wabanaki made their home in the mountains and valleys of this region with the rhyolite of the towering Mt. Kineo having sacred spiritual significance.

The effort of the MRLT to connect this land to the people for public benefit, in addition to conservation, is an important aspect of their work. Recreational use, in a sustainable manner, is a key component to ensuring that what exists now, or in an even better condition, does so in the future. From anglers to hunters, snowmobilers, hikers and boaters, land use is at the top of the priority list for the MRLT. 

(snowmobiles on Moosehead Lake)

(Autumn in the Moosehead region. Trees lit up along the banks of a river)

The newly formed Moosehead Regional Land Trust hopes to get the public involved. With optimistic new acquisitions of land via public fundraisers, conservation easements of private land, and/or through bequeath. 

For more information on the Moosehead Regional Land Trust, you can visit their website HERE

Look for them also being involved with local events including the upcoming Wilderness Dog Sled Race

Written by: Josh Thelin