Tiger Hill, Sebago,  Maine
Fall foliage and the Northwest River near Tiger Hill in Sebago, Maine. Photo by Jerry and Marcy Monkman

The Sebago Clean Waters Partnership (SCW), along with several local partners, announced the permanent protection of 1,400 acres of forest in Sebago, ME. The land, now known as the Tiger Hill Community Forest, will provide space for outdoor recreation, support the local economy, and protect the water of Sebago Lake, which supplies water for more than one-sixth of Maine residents. 

This Sebago Clean Waters project, led by Highstead’s partners The Trust for Public Land and Loon Echo Land Trust, is a milestone achievement bringing SCW closer to its goal of protecting 25 percent of the lake’s watershed in the next 15 years. SCW is a collaborative partnership of nine conservation organizations that work to protect water quality, community well-being, a vibrant economy, and fish and wildlife habitat in the Sebago region through voluntary forestland conservation.

The protection of this land comes at a crucial time as population growth and tourism pose an increasing challenge to maintaining the area’s natural beauty and sense of community. Partner organizations involved in the project hope the community forest will serve as places of inspiration, community gatherings, experiential learning, active stewardship, and creative economic endeavors.

This project was made possible by several organizations, including the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program, Portland Water District, the Open Space Institute’s Resilient Landscape Fund and Community Forest Fund, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, and many generous foundations and individuals. The project was also supported directly by Allagash Brewing and Norway Savings Bank.