By combining conservation easements on working timberland with public land acquisition, the State protected 22,370 acres of contiguous forest with 30 miles of undeveloped shoreline on two lakes and five ponds. The centerpiece of this property is 5,100-acre Nicatous Lake, widely considered to be one of Maine’s most beautiful water bodies with its pristine sand beaches, intricate coves and 98 islands. It lies along an historic Penobscot River Indian canoe trail (now the Eastern Maine Canoe Trail) and is the hub for paddling routes down the Union, Narraguagus, and West Machias rivers.
Nicatous is one of the top five loon-nesting lakes in Maine, and has three Bald Eagle nesting sites. There are six deer-wintering areas in the area and ample range for species such a bobcat and black bear. Nearby West Lake supports trophy-sized land-locked salmon that grow up to seven pounds.
The innovative plan to protect this ecological and recreational haven began when the largest landowner in the vicinity, Robbins Lumber, expressed interest in keeping its land undeveloped. By purchasing an easement on the Robbins land and additional acreage owned by International Paper, the State helped to foster sustainable forest management while extinguishing all development rights on the land, protecting shoreline buffers, and conserving wildlife habitat and opportunities for traditional recreation. In addition to the easement, the State acquired 76 of the 98 islands in Nicatous Lake and a 243-acre parcel connecting the 25,200-acre Duck Lake Public Reserve Unit to Nicatous Lake.
Closest Town
Burlington
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, backcountry camping, fishing, snowmobiling, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking
Region
Downeast Maine – Hancock & Washington
Acres
22,370
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 34, C-4/5 and D-4/5. Vehicle access is via the Nicataous Road from Burlington to a gravel boat launch on the north end of Nicatous Lake or a hard-surface ramp on the north end of West Lake.
