When you think of forests, you might not think of fish. Yet endangered Atlantic salmon and native eastern brook trout are among the signature species of Maine’s North Woods, a region that features some of the largest areas of undeveloped forests, lakes and ponds in the nation.

Maine is the only state with wild populations of Atlantic salmon. Yet these sea-run fish face significant threats as they attempt to migrate thousands of miles from the ocean to their natal waters to spawn. Barriers such as dams and inadequate culverts that block their safe passage have impeded the recovery of this ecologically and culturally important species. Historic salmon populations in the Penobscot River and its tributaries once reached over 100,000 fish. Today, that number is closer to 1,000.

In 2003, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) launched the Maine Woods Initiative to promote multiuse conservation and recreation in the famed 100-Mile Wilderness. This initiative included one of the largest fisheries restoration projects in the country, helping protect and enhance the habitat that salmon, brook trout, alewives and many other species rely on.

In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), AMC has primarily focused its conservation efforts on the West Branch of the Pleasant River. This area has been described by wildlife biologists as an “ecological treasure trove” and is home to one of Maine’s most valuable native brook trout fisheries.

Part of the restoration work has involved replacing undersized road stream culverts, which were blocking the passage of fish, with larger open-bottomed bridges. Since the project began, AMC and its partners have removed every barrier to fish passage across the 114,000 acres that AMC owns, installed 152 road bridges and reopened 146 miles of upstream habitat. These landmark achievements have helped reconnect the mountains of Maine to the sea. It’s one of the largest watershed projects in the country, right here in Maine.

The watershed is made up of more than just streams. Holistic land management requires good forestry. AMC’s forest management promotes growing older trees, which not only increases carbon sequestration but also keeps rivers cold and oxygenated, supporting a healthy habitat for brook trout and sea-run fish.

These restoration efforts have already demonstrated early signs of success. In 2016, DMR began planting Atlantic salmon eggs in the West Branch of the Pleasant River. Four years later, in 2020, adult female Atlantic salmon were observed in the river for the first time in nearly two centuries. These fish had likely hatched from the planted eggs, spent years in the ocean off the coast of Greenland, and returned to spawn. It was a conservation victory and a tangible example of ecological restoration at scale in the Maine woods.

The projects have also generated positive ripple effects across local communities by creating jobs for skilled professionals and supporting Maine businesses, helping to inject economic vitality into the region. At the same time, upgrading fish passage has also improved road infrastructure, providing Maine residents and visitors alike with outdoor recreation access to pristine headwater streams.

I’m a lifelong resident of this watershed, and the work AMC is leading was not possible — or even thinkable — 20 years ago. In an age when the environment faces mounting threats, this work in the woods of Maine brings people, forests and watersheds back into balance.

And it doesn’t end here. AMC is now working to acquire the Barnard Forest, a nearly 29,000-acre property adjacent to the Pleasant River Headwaters Forest. The acquisition would complete the protection of the southern portion of the watershed and ensure the survival of the species that rely on this critical ecosystem.

“AMC’s land protection combined with its commitment to removing all barriers to fish passage puts state-of-the-art conservation at the heart of the most accessible high-quality habitat for Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot watershed,” said Jeff Reardon of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.

The close collaboration and partnerships between conservation groups and Maine communities have made these restoration efforts possible, preserving the natural resources that future generations deserve.

To learn more about AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative and its holistic approach to conservation and recreation, visit outdoors.org/mwi.

“Nature Connects” is a monthly column showcasing conservation stories from people and organizations across Maine. To learn more or suggest story ideas, email [email protected].