Conservation and Recreation Come Together to Create Maine's Vacationland | US Forest Service - USDA Forest Service
As the most rural state in the United States, Maine is one of the best destinations to reconnect with nature. "Vacationland" has been the slogan on Maine license plates since 1936 and serves to promote the state's reputation as the premier vacation destination. Visitors to Maine discover a unique natural setting with seemingly endless outdoor recreation opportunities.
Maine's outdoor economy is estimated to add more than $3 billion annually to the state economy as well as 41,000 jobs. Between 2005 and 2021, total visitation to Maine State Parks increased from just over 2 million to 3.2 million visitors.
Also named "The Pine Tree State," Maine's extensive forests are transformed into a winter recreation paradise once the snow begins to fall. Maine's heavily forested landscape supports these outdoor recreation activities.
With 92 percent of Maine's forestland held under private ownership, it is a natural partner for USDA Forest Service programs that enhance conservation and strengthen outdoor recreation opportunities at a landscape-scale.
Tucked within the western Maine mountains, Mount Blue and Grafton Notch State Parks, are two popular winter destinations that have benefitted from the strong partnership between the USDA Forest Service and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands through the Forest Legacy Program.
Mount Blue State Park offers ice-skating, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and many other winter activities, all within view of the magnificent mountain vistas. The area also hosts many family events and programs, strengthening the tie between the park and land to the local community.
In 2002, Maine's Bureau of Parks and Lands, which manages the park, partnered with the Forest Legacy Program to nearly double the size of this park to expand the conservation efforts and enhance the recreation opportunities for the visitors.
West of Mount Blue State Park is Grafton Notch State Park and Mahoosuc Public Lands. These lands offer remote, rugged and backcountry activities, along with snowmobile and ATV access on designated trails. Their proximity to the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway and the Appalachian Trail offers picturesque hiking and snowmobiling trails, including the most rugged mile of the Appalachian Trail – the Mahoosuc Notch.
With 14,500 miles of scenic snowmobile trails, Grafton Notch provides an important connection to other snowmobile destinations. A suite of conservation land and easements, including over 7,000 acres conserved through the Forest Legacy Program, allow for the landscape-scale protection of this amazing natural area, demonstrating the importance of strong partnerships in conserving land and providing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Rugged terrain isn't the only option, however, and visitors can also enjoy short walks to enjoy the incredible waterfalls and gorges. The abundant wildlife also attracts many birdwatchers and hunters, further expanding on the endless recreation opportunities.
These are just two of more than 20 investments both the Forest Service and the State have made over the last several decades in Maine but are certainly not the last ones. With the passage in 2020 of the Great American Outdoors Act, which permanently and fully funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the funding source for several Federal conservation programs, including the Forest Legacy Program. Work is already underway to add 4,300 acres to Maine's conservation portfolio through the East Grand Weston Forest Legacy project, funded in 2021.
In terms of acres protected under the program and the outdoor recreation opportunities supported through this important Federal-State partnership, Maine lives up to its state motto, "Dirigo" – "I Lead."
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