The combination of high-value lakes, rivers, and mountains in the greater Baxter State Park Wildland is unparalleled in the Northern Forest outside of the Adirondacks. The area’s diverse landforms and undeveloped character make it one of the most ecologically important areas in Maine.

Katahdin in Fall

In the Northern Forest, only the White Mountains and portions of the Adirondacks equal the recreational use of this area. The East Branch of the Penobscot is one of the least developed watersheds in the northeastern United States.

Approximate Acreage: 1.3 million acres

Location: The area surrounding Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, from Churchill Lake in the north to Katahdin Iron Works in the south

Lakes:
• Debsconeag/Nahmakanta Lakes Region
• 13 of Maine’s 1,000-plus acre Class 1A lakes, including Nahmakanta, Matagamon, Eagle, Millinocket, Telos, Chamberlain, and Allagash.
• Pristine small lakes and remote ponds unequaled in the state

Rivers and Watersheds:
• East Branch of the Penobscot River
• Lower West Branch of the Penobscot River, including Ripogenous Gorge
• West Branch of the Pleasant River
• Headwaters of the Allagash and Aroostook rivers

Plant Communities:
• Highest concentration of important natural communities and old growth stands in the state
• One of the two highest known concentrations of rare plants in the Northern Forest region of Maine, along with the upper St. John River Valley

Habitat & Animal Life:
• Atlantic Salmon habitat in the East Branch of the Penobscot River
• Blueback char in Rainbow and Wassataquoik Lakes and Big Reed Pond
• Outstanding river and upland wildlife habitat for eagles, loons, herons, and other birds on northern lakes and rivers
• Habitat for a wide variety of animals including, such marten and lynx
• Potential wolf habitat

Outstanding Recreation:
• Baxter State Park
• Appalachian Trail
• Allagash Wilderness Waterway
• Multi-day canoe tripping on Chamberlain and Debsconeag Lakes, and the Penobscot’s East Branch
• Fisheries rated as outstanding that support populations of many native species

Protected Lands:
• Baxter State Park
• Public ownerships on Nahmakanta, Telos, and Scraggly Lakes
• Corridor protection along the Appalachian Trail, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and the West Branch of the Penobscot River

Existing Development:
• Highest concentration of land without permanently maintained roads in Maine

Pemadumcook Lake

Current Threats:
• Road construction- especially recent road building in the Debsconeag Lakes region
• Heavy cutting
• Second home development