The early spring sun shines upon a vast expanse of marsh and woodlands that reveals no signs of human presence– a remarkable rarity within York. This scenic unspoiled landscape is now permanently protected as of April 5, 2024, when York Land Trust placed these 24.75-acres of forest and marshland in the upper reaches of the York River into conservation. This parcel is situated on Rogers Brook, a major tributary of the York River, and sits across from the 47.5-acres of marshland that was permanently protected at the start of the year through a collaborative effort by York Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Both parcels are high priority for several local, regional, state, and national conservation organizations. These newly protected lands are within the focus areas and advance strategic goals of York Land Trust, Mount Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Additionally, Maine’s Beginning with Habitat and York River’s designation as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River underscore the ecological significance of this landscape. This acquisition brings the total conserved land in the upper reaches of the York River to more than 400 acres.
“The success of the 47.5-acre project inspired another local landowner to sell their land for conservation,” said Doreen MacGillis, Land Protection Specialist, York Land Trust. “We are grateful for this opportunity to build on the momentum and expand the conservation holdings in this important area.”
The newly acquired property abuts existing conservation land and is significant for its forested uplands, 1,250 feet of river frontage, and eight acres of salt marsh, one of southern Maine’s most biologically productive ecosystems. The acquisition was made possible through a generous donor, in addition to support from Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Conserving this parcel helps protect the water quality of the York River and preserves its scenic views, in addition to providing potential for marsh migration as sea levels rise. The property contains high-value habitat for shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl, habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered animals, and habitat for diadromous fish, shellfish, and other marine life. This property will be dutifully stewarded for its ecological values and wildlife habitat.
“Connectivity is key and landscape-scale conservation is the overarching strategy of Mount Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative, whose focus area this property is part of,” explains Amelia Nadilo, Executive Director of York Land Trust. “By creating large, interconnected, and unfragmented landscapes, wildlife can roam freely and ecosystems remain resilient and healthy. There is a vital need to permanently protect York River’s sensitive and important habitat and we look forward to other future conservation opportunities that will benefit our local environment and community.”