Frenchman Bay Conservancy: Protecting the land you love in Downeast Maine, Hancock County

Frenchman Bay Conservancy conserves distinctive ecosystems, lands, and waters for the benefit of all, from the Union River and Frenchman Bay watersheds east to the Hancock County line.

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FBC Conserves 3,223 Acres in Aurora

Frenchman Bay Conservancy closed on two conservation easements in Aurora, permanently protecting 3,223 forever-wild acres of forest and wetlands.

The Whalesback easements protect an extensive habitat block that includes a portion of the Union River’s headwaters, and provides exceptional wildlife habitat for inland waterfowl, wading birds, brook trout, endangered Atlantic salmon, and many other wide-ranging species. The Whalesback project is part of FBC’s mission to conserve large, undeveloped landscapes along the Union River and its major tributaries.

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Featured Preserves

Jordan Homestead One-mile trail offers views of Whittaker Brook and the Union River on a 31 acre property.

Frances B. Wood Natural streams and bogs with easy walks up old woods roads.

Taft Point Explore woodlands and coastal beach, while taking in vistas of the Acadia Mountains, Stave Island, Calf Island, Schieffelen Point and Schoodic Mountain.

Ellsworth Riverwalk The Ellsworth Riverwalk, located behind the Ellsworth Public Library on State Street, travels along the Union River to an ADA-accessible overlook.

Mariaville Falls A trail on over 123 acres with wild river views.

Voices of Frenchman Bay, Part One

In 2020, the Norwegian company American Aquafarms proposed the construction of a large-scale salmon farming operation utilizing experimental technology in Frenchman Bay. Frenchman Bay Conservancy opposes this project. Through the Voices of Frenchman Bay short docu-series, we will hear what’s at stake in Frenchman Bay from those whose livelihood depends on its clean, unspoiled waters.

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