See what this land return means—and what comes next.
Friend, in what is now known as Maine, the East Branch of the Penobscot River winds through a vast stretch of forests and waterways, near the base of Mount Katahdin.
This is Wáhsehtəkʷ—land that has been profoundly important to the Penobscot Nation for generations. But much of it was taken from the Tribe in the nineteenth century.
In 2022, when the land went up for sale, Trust for Public Land moved quickly to secure loans to buy the property as a temporary owner. Since then, we've been working with the Penobscot Nation on a long-term plan for the land—including returning nearly 30,000 acres to the Tribe.
Now, the first major piece of that vision is real: 11,297 acres of the Wáhsehtəkʷ land have been returned to the Penobscot Nation. |
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Returning the land is a major milestone that will help ensure Wáhsehtəkʷ is cared for long into the future.
For Chuck Loring Jr., director of natural resources for the Penobscot Nation, that means protecting the land and water:
"As a Tribal Nation, we're interested in protecting and preserving water quality, protecting and enhancing and preserving wildlife habitats."
That work includes helping forests heal from industrial use, improving fish habitat, and caring for the land so it can support people and wildlife long into the future.
And 11,297 acres is only the beginning.
The Penobscot Nation and TPL are partnering to return nearly 30,000 acres in all—one of the largest land return efforts of its kind.
As that work continues, the effort will also lay the groundwork for new southern public access for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, while supporting outdoor recreation and economic opportunity for surrounding communities.
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, there is much to celebrate: More than 11,000 acres are back with the Penobscot Nation, with more still to come.
Big goals can take years to achieve—and strong partnerships to get there. TPL is proud to work alongside the Penobscot Nation to help bring this vision to life.
And we’re not done yet. |
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Your friends at Trust for Public Land |
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How important is it to you that lands like Wáhsehtəkʷ are protected for future generations?
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