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Where we are

Northwestern Hancock County – including the towns of Bucksport, Orland, Verona Island, Dedham, Lucerne and beyond – is blessed with dozens of clear lakes and ponds, rocky coastline, deep forests, rich wetlands, bald mountain summits and cascading brooks. Despite the rapid development of Maine’s coast, this area still harbors abundant wildlife, from black bears to native brook trout, as well as some of Hancock County’s best farmland. Incredible views and four-season recreational opportunities abound. The Wildlands, our 5000-acre preserve, is in Orland, and our offices are at 77 Main Street, Bucksport.

What we do

GPMCT was founded in 1993 to conserve land, water and wildlife habitat for the communities of northwestern Hancock County. Our goal is to protect:

  • Wildlife habitat and biodiversity
  • Rural character and scenic beauty
  • Working forests and farms
  • Opportunities for outdoor recreation and education

The vision of the founders was to conserve the large, undeveloped area on and around Orland’s Great Pond Mountain. Our acquisition of the original 4200 acres of the Wildlands in 2005 has since grown to over 5000 acres.

GPMCT also owns the Joost Family Preserve on Verona Island and the Old Chapman Farm in Bucksport, and holds conservation easements on significant properties in Orland and Dedham (Lucerne).

Besides conserving land via purchase and conservation easement, GPMCT works with local partners to sponsor year-round educational and recreational events in the Wildlands and at other area locations. Events range from lectures to hikes, trail work days, Forestry for the Birds workshops, our annual trail races and more.    

Who we are

GPMCT is governed by a volunteer board of directors, and has a staff including an executive director, land steward, and membership coordinator. GPMCT has 100+ active volunteers and ~500 members from nearby towns, including many summer residents, who care about quality of life, special places and recreational traditions in this special part of Maine.