The Local Voice In Land Conservation
The High Peaks Alliance is a volunteer, non-profit organization made up of local hunters, hikers, birders, loggers, fishermen, snowmobile and ATV riders, Maine Guides, x-country skiers, mountain bikers, and others working together since 2007 to ensure continuing public access to Maine’s High Peaks Region for residents as well as visitors.
We welcome those who would set aside differences to work together to ensure public access for present and future generations in the High Peaks region.
Our Mission
To ensure and enhance public access and opportunities for recreation in Maine’s High Peaks.
The High Peaks Alliance (HPA) recognizes that the region, which encompasses some 200,000 acres – much of it remote back-country in western Maine, is a special place that deserves active community stewardship in order to ensure and enhance public recreational access for present and future generations.
Toward that end, HPA works with the region’s diverse communities to
- Assist in the planning, promotion, maintenance and enhancement of the region’s backcountry trails, motorized and non-motorized, existing and new,
- The Alliance has created the 45-mile Fly Rod Crosby Hiking Trail, facilitated the creation of the 138-mile Mooseloop ATV System and supported the creation of the West Saddleback Connector, which provides a multiple-use trail crossing of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on Saddleback Mountain.
- The Alliance and partners created planning maps for the use of the region’s emergency responders to ensure the efficiency of responders, and safety for those accessing the remote backcountry of the region.
- Support land conservation initiatives that protect the region’s valuable working forests and rich natural habitats to ensure and promote the economic and recreational heritage of the region,
- HPA supports public access to privately owned land by landowner permission; continuing a cooperative way of life which has existed in this region since its settlement.
- HPA supports the establishment of Working Forest Conservation Easements to protect the region’s thousands of acres of working forests.
- HPA is investigating new Conservation Alternatives, including the establishment of a National Wildlife Refuge.
- Support local economic initiatives in the heritage-rich region.
Community-Based Conservation
The Maine High Peaks Alliance currently explores various avenues to conserve working forests and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in the High Peaks Region of Western Maine. Through active engagement with local and regional organizations, the alliance fosters community-based conservation initiatives and ensures access to precious lands. Community forums serve as platforms for open dialogue, where local interests are represented in vital conservation projects.
The HPA’s dedication to community-based conservation is bolstered by the unwavering support of local communities and businesses. Partnerships and donations from these stakeholders have played a crucial role in advancing the alliance’s efforts. Back in 2016, the Sandy River Business Association expressed their support through a letter highlighting the positive impact the High Peaks Alliance has on local businesses and communities. This strong support underscores the importance of community involvement in Maine conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for land access and outdoor enjoyment in the region.
