Maine’s North Woods is one of the most iconic and wild landscapes left in the eastern United States. It’s a place of deep forests, cold rivers, and irreplaceable wildlife habitat. But unchecked development, a changing climate, and disappearing public access threaten the future of this region.
To help you understand and appreciate just how special this region is, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) created a short film we hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy. We also have just released an interactive North Woods StoryMap to help you explore what makes this incredible place—and to see and hear for yourself what’s at stake if we don’t protect it.
Why Maine’s North Woods Matter
Moose in northern Maine, by Gerard Monteux
Maine’s North Woods includes some of the most ecologically important and remote areas in the eastern U.S. It offers:
- Older-growth and late-successional forests, which sequester carbon and support exceptional biodiversity
- Globally important bird habitat, supporting millions of birds of hundreds of species
- Essential wildlife habitat for endangered species like Canada lynx and northern long-eared bats, and iconic species like moose and black bear
- High-value lakes and ponds, many that are still undeveloped, providing cold, clean water for species like native brook trout and Arctic charr.
These natural resources don’t just benefit the wildlife that call them home—they’re a foundation for Maine’s outdoor recreation economy, forestry industry, and rural communities.
A Region Under Threat
A pair of fishermen on Big Reed Pond, by Nathaniel Child
Today, the North Woods faces growing pressure from:
- Sprawling development: As Maine’s year-round and seasonal populations continue to grow, more and more people are looking to the Unorganized Territories for new development.
- Climate change: Warming temperatures are disrupting delicate ecosystems and the rich biodiversity that thrives in Maine’s North Woods.
- Loss of public access and conservation funding: putting outdoor traditions, clean water, and wildlife at risk.
Without stronger protections and smarter planning, the North Woods we know and love could be lost forever.
See It for Yourself: Explore the StoryMap
This new interactive StoryMap lets you explore the North Woods through:
- Interactive maps of old-growth forest locations, remote and high-value ponds, and development pressure
- A 10-minute short film about Maine’s long-standing tradition of land conservation and public access
- Photos and sounds of iconic wildlife that call the North Woods home
Take Action to Protect the North Woods
Together, we can protect this globally significant region—for wildlife, for Maine communities, and for future generations. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Sign the petition to protect the North Woods
- View and share the StoryMap
- Become a member of NRCM and support our work to protect Maine’s outdoors
—Luke Frankel, NRCM Woods, Waters, & Wildlife Director
Banner photo: Big Reed Pond, by Nathaniel Child
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