
High Peaks Initiative

Our Mission and Approach
Our mission is clear: to ensure the long-term conservation of this remarkable landscape while making it accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors.
We achieve this by:
- Partnering with diverse local communities and stakeholders
- Designing and implementing projects that bring immediate and lasting benefits
- Utilizing comprehensive planning and local expertise to address ecological and recreational challenges
- Building lasting relationships and fostering shared learning to strengthen community capacity

The State of the High Peaks
- Over 230,000 acres of protected land, including the state’s highest concentration of peaks over 4,000 feet
- Headwaters for major rivers, with critical wildlife and salmon habitat
- Home to iconic hiking routes like the Appalachian Trail, major ski resorts, scenic byways, and hundreds of miles of local multi-use trails
- Outdoor recreation drives 76,000 direct jobs statewide and sees over 5.5 million annual visits to the area
- Nearly 70% of Mainers participate in outdoor recreation, making access and stewardship a key priority

Strategic Priorities and Partnerships
To realize our vision, we focus on:
- Coordinated land conservation, integrating various protection tools
- Resource management that balances ecological health with public recreation
- Trail stewardship to deliver safe, memorable outdoor experiences
- Aligning conservation and recreation efforts with regional and state economic goals
We collaborate with agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups to strengthen stewardship, resource management, and sustainable access throughout the region.
