Keep Maine's North Woods Wild
Gov. LePage wants to throw open the North Woods to development — threatening some of Maine’s most beautiful places, like the Rangeley Lakes and countless remote areas. But if enough Mainers speak out, we can convince the Legislature to reject his reckless plan.
Gov. LePage targets North Woods for development
Gov. LePage is trying to open the Woods to development — like sprawling resorts and housing subdivisions — which could be built right on top of the places we go now to hike, camp, and fish.
The governor has proposed stripping away 40 years of protections for the North Woods, including zoning a third of the North Woods for development and dismantling the agency charged with protecting the North Woods.
Imagine what developers might to do to special places in the heart of our Woods if left to their own devices.
At stake: The largest undeveloped forest east of the Rockies
If you’ve been to Maine’s North Woods, you know what’s at stake. Going for a swim in Moosehead Lake. Watching the sunrise from the summit of Mount Katahdin. Spotting a hawk overhead as you canoe down the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
The North Woods span 10 million acres, forming the largest undeveloped forest east of the Rockies. Its rich forestland and wild rivers provide a home for countless species, including endangered bald eagles and Canada lynx.
So many of us have learned to love the great outdoors in the North Woods. But our children may not get the same opportunity, if Gov. Paul LePage gets his way.
With your activism and our advocacy, we can protect the North Woods
We refuse to let Gov. LePage bulldoze our natural heritage — and we have a plan to defend our North Woods. We’re bringing together Mainers from all walks of life to protect the North Woods. All of us — hikers, anglers, hunters, tourism businesses, and Mainers across the state — have something to fight for.
Our citizen outreach staff has been knocking on doors across the state since May to educate Mainers about what’s at stake. We’re also testifying in Augusta, educating lawmakers, and shining a spotlight in the media on the need to protect the North Woods.
Thousands of you have joined the fight too. Across the state, you’re calling or emailing your legislators, signing petitions, spreading the word to your friends and family, and attending hearings in August.
Your activism and our advocacy are a powerful combination. Gov. LePage has been forced to scale back the scope of his plan. But he’s not giving up the fight — and neither can we.
We need you to get involved if we’re going to defeat the governor’s plan once and for all. If enough of us speak out, we can ensure the North Woods stay protected. Join our campaign by sending your legislators a message today.
Urge your legislator to reject Gov. LePage’s reckless plan.
Key Facts
- Gov. LePage has proposed eliminating the agency responsible for protecting the North Woods and zoning one-third of the North Woods — more than 3 million acres — for development.
- The North Woods make up the largest undeveloped forest east of the Mississippi.
- Environment Maine activists have signed 6,000 petitions, made 200 phone calls and sent 1,000 emails to their legislators in support of the North Woods.