Nearly 1,000 acres of forest preserved in western Maine

BETHEL, Maine (AP) - A group of conservation organizations is working together to protect nearly 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of forest in a small town in western Maine.

The Trust for Public Land, Northern Forest Center, Mahoosuc Pathways and representatives from Bethel, Maine, say the Bethel Community Forest will consist of 980 acres (397 hectares) of forestland. Trust for Public Land project manager Betsy Cook says the project “is truly a milestone for the western Maine community.”

Trust for Public Land says it facilitated the $2.25 million purchase from STAG Properties and immediately transferred the land to Mahoosuc, which is a local nonprofit. Mahoosuc’s executive director, Gabe Perkins, says the conservation of the forestland creates a 3,500-acre (1,416-hectare) block of preserved land adjacent to the Sunday River ski resort.

The land will be available for outdoor education and recreation.