Suites of High Value Nature Tourism Experiences:  The Futures Committee has circled areas of exceptional outdoor experiences that are necessary to sustain and grow the region’s nature based economy. These areas contain much of our “green infrastructure” and create the unique “Moosehead Brand” of North Woods experiences that will attract travelers and enrich residents’ lives. Inappropriate development in these areas could degrade essential experiences, reduce the wild-feeling appeal of outdoor recreation, and threaten the region’s nature based economy.

Suite E: Kennebec Headwaters

Traditional Native American and early settler water routes between Kennebec and Penobscot watersheds. Area provides high value winter shelter for deer. West Outlet of the Kennebec River: public lands easement on most shorelines, fishing for trout, salmon, bass; remote Class I (beginner) river canoeing & kayaking. East Outlet of the Kennebec (most intensively used river segment in project area): hand carry boat launches, Class II & III whitewater paddling; sporting camps, popular fly fishing river (trout, salmon); drift boat & guiding services; commercially outfitted trips and experiential outdoor programs. Indian Pond: boating and wind protected canoeing & kayaking, bass fishing, campsites (road and water sites), swimming, high value, diverse wildlife watching/breeding area (eagles, loons, osprey, deer, moose, herons, otters, wading shore birds, etc). Eagle Rock hiking trail. Area connects trails (snowmobile, ATV) between Rockwood and Greenville. Hiking/ski trail (northwest shore of East Outlet) from Moosehead Lake to Indian Pond. Wildlife watching trails, viewing blinds. Western Mountains Foundation state-wide trail system with hut accommodations on Indian Pond.

[Italics indicate enhanced or future nature tourism experiences.]

What Does A Sustainable Future Look Like?

Use the comment box to communicate resource information, experiences, suggestions to be shared with Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission and “decision makers.”

The “Economic Sectors” and “Planning Guidelines” info (to the left) may assist your ideas!  Point to one of the links and a brief tip will appear.  Click any of the links to go to the full, printable list.

Some examples of comments you might make:

• Undeveloped shoreline in this area is important for remote-feeling canoeing and camping experiences.
• Snowmobile trails in this area are important to Greenville’s winter economy.
• Deer yards in this area need protection.
• Bear hunting opportunities in this area provide income for local guides.