AMHERST, ME—Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) announces the purchase of 5793 acres in Amherst to be known as Headwater Bluffs.

Frenchman Bay Conservancy has conserved nearly 6000 acres of land crucial to the health of the woods and waters of eastern Hancock County. “Headwater Bluffs is a key piece to a larger conservation puzzle in Downeast Maine. Conserving this unique property brings the total of contiguous conserved lands to over 43,000 acres that protects woods, waters, wildlife and the character of our region.” – Austin Schuver, Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Director of Land Protection

The 5793-acre Headwater Bluffs in Amherst is the land trust’s largest acquisition to date, and offers the greatest conservation impact of any single project in FBC’s history. The drinking water supplies, commercial fishing grounds, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that our special corner of Maine is known for all begin in the headwaters of the Union River. Headwater Bluffs’ forests and wetlands will keep local drinking water clean and help our communities become more resilient to climate change. Its dense woods, glistening waters, and rugged bluffs will give residents and visitors increased access to more of what we love about our region: more space to hike, climb, hunt, fish, and connect with nature. 

Frenchman Bay Conservancy is thankful to sellers of this special property for their willingness to permanently protect their land. FBC raised nearly $4,000,000 for the purchase and future care of Headwater Bluffs in Amherst with support from generous individuals and private foundations.