Gathering Strength in Maine’s Mountains
The High Peaks Alliance joined partners from across Maine’s mountain region for the third annual Maine Mountain Gathering, held October 20–21 at Maine Huts & Trails’ Flagstaff Lake Hut.
Hosted by the Maine Mountain Collaborative, the event drew 32 participants representing 23 organizations, all working to advance the shared goals of land conservation, outdoor recreation, and community well-being throughout Maine’s mountain landscapes.
After meeting at the Long Falls Dam Road trailhead on Monday morning, attendees hiked the scenic two-mile route into the hut along the shores of Flagstaff Lake. Monday afternoon focused on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping conservation and recreation work across the mountain region; from maintaining trail access to building climate resilience, strengthening local economies, and deepening community engagement. The open and collaborative discussions continued into the evening with a networking happy hour and a shared meal.
Day two began with a round of short updates and small-group conversations before participants packed up and made their way back to the trailhead. Between formal sessions and informal conversations, the gathering’s balance, 60% structured and 40% unstructured, proved a meaningful formula for relationship building and cross-organizational collaboration.
Representatives at the gathering included partners from The Nature Conservancy, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Appalachian Mountain Club, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, The Conservation Fund, The Wilderness Society, New England Forestry Foundation, and Maine Audubon, among others. Together, these groups form a broad and coordinated coalition working to advance conservation and outdoor access across Maine’s mountains.
For Alliance team members Brent West and Amanda Laliberte, the gathering was an opportunity to connect local stewardship work in the High Peaks region with statewide and regional efforts to protect Maine’s mountain heritage. “Events like this renew our sense of collective purpose,” said Brent. “They remind us that the projects and partnerships we nurture locally are part of something much larger; maintaining access, ecological integrity, and a shared outdoor culture across Maine’s mountain landscapes.”
Better Together
MCC Bryan Wentzell offered, “Through gatherings like this, the Maine Mountain Collaborative fosters innovation in conservation across the region. We were pleased to bring together such an incredible group of leaders from conservation, research, and outdoor recreation.”
The Maine Mountain Collaborative created an inspiring space to learn, reflect, and plan together. The Alliance is proud to contribute to these conversations and to continue building partnerships that help Maine’s mountains remain wild, connected, and accessible for generations to come.
