Mattawamkeag Lake
May 2003

Land that President and pioneering conservationist Teddy Roosevelt visited regularly for hunting and fishing over a century ago has been protected forever with the help of the Forest Legacy Program. On April 30, 2003, 3,338 acres surrounding the southern end of Mattawamkeag Lake was protected by a combination of a conservation easement and fee purchase of lands owned by Wayne and Maxine Farrar of Tavares, Florida.

The three part acquisition valued at $894,700—a 3,148-acre conservation easement, the 126-acre fee purchase of Big Island, and the 64-acre fee purchase of Long Point—was acquired by the State of Maine with a Forest Legacy grant of $500,000 and a Land for Maine’s Future Program grant of $256,200. The remaining value was covered through a bargain sale by the landowners. Over 7 miles of undeveloped lakeshore is included in the purchase, along with 3 miles of frontage on the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River.

“Through this purchase, we have ensured that Lower Mattawamkeag Lake will forever retain its wild character and guaranteed future public access to these lands for fishing, hunting, boating, and camping,” stated Maine Department of Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan. “It is only fitting that the State has taken action to protect these lands that were an inspiration to one of our Nation’s foremost conservationists.”

Big Island includes an extensive stand of old forest timber; Long Point includes a popular water-access campsite. Mattawamkeag Lake is ranked by the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission as a lake of statewide significance—its highest ranking—due to its significant scenic, wildlife, fishery, and cultural values. The area is popular with anglers, campers, boaters, snowmobilers, and hunters. It includes the initial section of an extended backcountry canoe route down the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River.

The conservation easement lands of lakeshore, forest land, and wetlands will prohibit development and ensure that the land will be managed sustainably for timber production. The land will remain open to the public for traditional recreation uses such as fishing, hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, camping, and boating. As part of the agreement, the Bureau of Parks and Lands has the right to develop and maintain campsites, boat launches, and trails on the easement property.

The landowners have long-time roots in the Houlton, Maine, area. Wayne Farrar owned and managed his own logging operation, and later in his career began to acquire timberland interests in the Haynesville-Mattawamkeag Lake area. According to Farrar, these lands have been especially meaningful because many family members, both past and present, have derived a livelihood from these woods. “We are thankful to have had a long history associated with the State of Maine and are now especially proud to be protecting a part of our heritage. We hope our efforts at Mattawamkeag Lake will serve as a catalyst for the protection of much more of this special part of the State of Maine,” stated Farrar.