The Western Mountains Wildland stretches from Boundary Bald Mountain at the Canadian border south to Saddleback and Sugarloaf Mountains abutting the Appalachian Trail. The combination of exceptional lakes, rivers and mountains makes this Wildland diverse and ecologically significant.

Bigelow Preserve

Outstanding fisheries, the Appalachian Trail, and whitewater on the Dead River are a few examples of the outstanding recreation opportunities this Wildland offers. It also contains Number 5 Bog, which is recognized as one of the most important peatlands in the northeast, and the Moose River, which is home to extensive wetlands and alder swamp forests.

Approximate Acreage: 730,000

Location: From the Canadian border and Boundary Bald Mountain in the north to the Saddleback and Sugarloaf Mountain region in the south.

Lakes:
• Numerous Class 1A
(Maine Lakes Study):
• Flagstaff Lake
• Spencer Lake
• Pierce, Attean, Wood, and Holeb Ponds

Rivers and Watersheds:
• Upper Moose River watershed and part of the Dead River watershed, both rated Class A by the Maine Rivers Study
• 10-mile stretch of the Kennebec River

Mountains:
• 8 of Maine’s 12 highest mountains: Bigelow, Abraham, Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Crocker, Redington, Spaulding, and the Horn
• Kibby Mountain
• Kibby Range
• Boundary Bald

Plant Communities:
• Many rare species and communities on Bigelow Mountain, which provide a unique model for the interpretation of regional natural history
• Several rare plants on Boundary Bald Mountain normally found on much higher mountains
• Six old-growth forest stands, and 17 rare or endangered plant species, including mountain sandwort, Boott’s rattlesnake root, alpine clubmoss, and Lapland diapensia

Habitat & Animal Life:
• Outstanding habitat for wildlife, including bald and golden eagles, and loons on lakes and rivers

Outstanding Recreation:
• The Moose River Bow Trip is one of the state’s most popular canoe expeditions
• Outstanding fisheries and scenic values on most of the area’s lakes
• 69 miles of the Appalachian Trail, including one of the most popular stretches from Saddleback to Bigelow Mountain
• The Dead River contains the longest stretch of canoeable whitewater in the state

Protected Lands:
• Mid-sized public ownerships at Bigelow Mountain and Holeb Pond
• Conservation easement on part of Moose • River Bow and on Pierce Pond

Existing Development:
• Little permanent population outside of Routes 16, 201 and 27
• Moderate development on some lakes
• Very low road density from Moose River to Tumbledown Mountain

Tamarack and Forest

• Subdivision
• Second home development
• Posted lands and loss of public access
• Intensive forest management