Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is the oldest outdoor conservation and recreation organization in the U.S. Rooted in a legacy of thoughtful conservation, AMC’s second carbon project focuses on protecting 38,000 forested acres within Maine’s 100-mile wilderness region. This initiative sustains the property as a working forest, providing financial support beyond traditional timber revenues while raising awareness about the role of carbon markets in conservation.
Nestled within a landscape of dense spruce-fir forests, riparian areas, and significant wildlife corridors, the project offers ecological benefits and a multitude of recreational opportunities. Historically, the project site experienced intensive timber harvesting, including large-scale clearcutting in response to a widespread spruce budworm infestation during the 1970s, leaving many areas with younger tree stands. Today, AMC’s sustainable management practices are focused on enhancing forest carbon stocks and promoting long-term ecological health.
The project sequesters carbon through deferred harvesting, extended rotations, and the retention of standing dead wood and promoting forest maturity. This approach supports habitats for a variety of wildlife species while protecting soil and water quality, aligning with Maine’s best management practices. Beyond carbon sequestration, the Maine Woods Initiative integrates sustainable timber harvesting with outdoor recreation, demonstrating a model where conservation and working landscapes coexist.
By preserving the integrity of this vast wilderness, AMC’s project underscores that conservation doesn’t need to be a trade-off between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. This initiative embodies a vision where sustainable forestry and climate resilience go hand in hand, creating lasting impacts for Maine’s forests and communities.
PROJECT TYPE: Improved forest management
ONLINE DATE: 2020
LOCATION: Piscataquis County, Maine
VERIFICATION: American Carbon Registry
RELATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): This project contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by countries in global partnership to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Co-benefits
The project maintains and enhances vital habitats for wildlife, including diverse species of mammals, birds, and aquatic life, ensuring ecological resilience in Maine’s 100-mile wilderness. By implementing sustainable forest management practices the project safeguards water quality and prevents soil erosion, contributing to the long-term health of the region’s waterways.
The project supports outdoor recreation in Maine’s 100-mile wilderness, attracting visitors for activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. This helps stimulate the local economy by driving demand for tourism services and contributing to community development.
By maintaining and increasing forest cover, the project helps absorb pollutants and sequester carbon, which can lead to cleaner air and healthier breathing conditions for nearby communities.
Photos courtesy of AMC
