Conservation Group Purchases Maine Timberland Tract

15,408 acres of Maine woodlands, from the Chadbourne Tree Farms LLC in Oxford County, has been purchased by the Conservation Fund. The tract which is primarily white pine, was assembled by the Chadbourne family over the past 150 years and includes the site of what is believed to be the first sawmill in America at South Berwick. According to Conservation and public officials, the acquisition is intended to protect the forest from development, expand drinking water protection for the Portland area and improve recreational access, while continuing sustainable forestry operations and related jobs. In a prepared statement, Bob Chadbourne said, “This forestland and its exceptional white pine timber resources reflect decades of long-term stewardship administered by my father, as well as generations of the Chadbourne family with the help of many skilled and hardworking employees, associates and contractors.” The goal is to ensure the land remains forested and continues to provide timber resources and other benefits.