Keep the North Woods Extraordinary
Maine boasts the largest undeveloped areas in the northeastern U.S. — incredible landscapes and natural resources that could vanish within our lifetime if we don’t act now.
The Backbone of Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy
The Unorganized Territories includes some of Maine’s most beloved and characteristic landscapes, encompassing more than 10 million acres of relatively unfragmented forest, the largest in the eastern United States.
The region is the backbone of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy, and hosts globally significant habitat for wildlife like birds, moose, lynx, and brook trout.
For generations, people have built memories, traditions, and livelihoods here thanks to broad public access. But without stronger protections, scattered development and climate change could forever alter this special place.
Join us in safeguarding the globally significant ecology, boundless outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant local communities that define the character of the Unorganized Territories or outdoor recreation, or centering economic development in existing communities.
What’s Next for the Future of the North Woods? You Can Help Decide
Maine is in the process of creating a new land use plan for the Unorganized Territories (UT), a region that covers nearly half of the state. This document, called the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), will guide decision-making across the UT and North Woods for the next decade or more. Input from the public is an important part of the process.
Consistency with the CLUP is one of three review criteria that all planning and zoning decisions before the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) — the state agency that is responsible for managing development in the region — must meet.
The CLUP is the single most important tool in promoting environmentally responsible land use practices that support healthy communities and robust local economies.
How You Can Help Shape the Future of the North Woods
The LUPC needs to hear from people in the region about what matters most to them — whether it’s protecting woods and wildlife, maintaining public access for outdoor recreation, or centering economic development in existing communities.
Environmental Priorities That Should Guide Decision Making
As the Unorganized Territories face growing pressures, the development of a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan is an opportunity for people who care about this special place to help protect it for generations to come.
NRCM is partnering with local leaders and conservation allies to advocate for a strong land use plan for the North Woods and UT that:
- Supports Maine’s growing outdoor recreation economy and our forestry, farming, and fishing heritage industries.
- Focuses development around existing communities to reduce burden on taxpayers and county services.
- Promotes the ecological health of this globally significant resource.
- Maintains broad public access amid growing pressures.
The LUPC needs to hear from people in the region about what matters most to them — whether it’s protecting woods and wildlife, maintaining public access for outdoor recreation, or centering economic development in existing communities.
