The projected cost of the fee lands, easement and stewardship endowment approaches $35 million. The state and Forest Society of Maine (FSM) worked with the Congressional delegation who secured $17.2 million from the federal Forest Legacy Program and who are seeking an additional $2.8 million from the Forest Legacy Program in the '03 fiscal year budget. Another $1 million is from the Land for Maine's Future Program to support the fee purchase by the state. FSM will undertake a capital campaign to raise the balance to meet an anticipated closing in 2003.

Included in this agreement are the upper reaches of the North and West Branch of the Penobscot River and the headwaters of the St. John River. "This is a stunning opportunity coming in the midst of the most significant period of land conservation in Maine's history," said Governor King. "We must spare no effort to ensure its success," he added.

The 329,000 acres that will be protected from development by the easement and state acquisition attract tens of thousands of campers, anglers, hunters, canoeists, snowmobilers and vacationers each year. Continued public use will be assured along with timber production that has sustained the region's economy for 150 years. "This project will maintain the unique character and traditions of the Northern Forest- economic, recreational and ecological", said Alan Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Forest Society of Maine. "Special thanks are due the four members of Maine's congressional delegation, who worked incredibly hard to secure the Forest Legacy funds," he noted. "Without their coordinated and effective efforts, this project would not be possible," added Governor King.

West Branch Project lands are an important component of the vision for future economic vitality held by businesses, civic leaders and landowners from the Moosehead Lake region. With over 85% of the project area remaining in private hands subject to a conservation easement, the working forest will continue to support the region's economy. "Forest products and recreation are essential components of Maine's economy and provide the financial underpinnings for Maine's North Woods communities, making the Forest Legacy Program a good fit for the West Branch project." said Karen Mollander, USDA Forest Service official.

The easement includes the North Branch of the Penobscot River and Penobscot Lake with its population of the rare blueback trout, and Big Bog, home to an array of species of statewide significance. The easement together with the additional state lands will ensure that these lands will continue to provide habitat for populations of bear, fisher, moose, and deer, and of great significance, lynx and martin - two critical species that require very large expanses of undeveloped forest - such as the lands of the West Branch Project.

As part of the conservation package, the State Department of Conservation will acquire approximately 41,500 acres of productive forestland that will continue to supply a flow of wood to area mills while also protecting almost 70 miles of lakeshore and 16 miles of river frontage on the West Branch and North Branch of the Penobscot River. These lands include exceptional recreational and ecological resources stretching from the northwest tip of Moosehead Lake, all around Seboomook Lake and extending to Canada Falls Lake. Two pairs of bald eagles nest in the Seboomook area and it provides some of the region's most important deer wintering habitat. "The West Branch Project ensures that forest land will remain productive while safeguarding from development some of the state's most treasured natural resources. It is an outstanding investment in our future," said Maine's senior Senator, Olympia Snowe.

An additional 5,500 acres will be acquired around the headwaters of the St. John River, including Baker Lake, the famed jumping-off point for canoeing the St John. "The outright purchase of the lands surrounding the headwater ponds of the St. John River and around Baker Lake make sense for resources of such significant ecological value," said Kent Wommack, Executive Director of the Maine Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

"The West Branch Project protects forestry-related jobs while removing the threat of development from some of the finest and most popular recreation lands in Maine. It is an outstanding package for the people of Maine," said Maine Senator Susan Collins. The deal announced today, when completed, will extinguish the development rights on an area one-and-a-half times as large as Baxter State Park, the largest state park in the country. It connects to The Nature Conservancy's 185,000-acre acquisition along the St. John River and builds upon the success of the New England Forestry Foundation's conservation easement on 762,192 acres of Pingree lands. "Sportsmen should rejoice that these valuable recreational resources can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come," said George Smith, President of the Sportsmen's Alliance of Maine.

"The West Branch Project will safeguard natural resources and ensure public access to pristine areas of our state. This important effort confirms Maine's place at the forefront of sensible land conservation," said Congressman John Baldacci. "It balances private ownership, which we want to maintain, with just enough state acquisition to protect exceptional resources, such as the headwaters of the St. John River," added Congressman Tom Allen.