![Mwiheader Gif Film by Jerry Monkman.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MWIheader-gif.gif)
![Mwiheader Gif Film by Jerry Monkman.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MWIheader-gif.gif)
Maine Woods Initiative
A groundbreaking approach to conservation in the 100-Mile Wilderness.
The Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) is AMC’s multi-use recreation and land conservation project in the famed 100-Mile Wilderness. It’s an area at the heart of the largest contiguous expanse of undeveloped forest in the eastern United States. Since 2003, we’ve permanently protected more than 114,000 acres of this critical environment, with more on the way.
MWI uses an innovative and thoughtful approach to conservation that combines outdoor recreation, resource protection, responsible forestry, education, research, climate change mitigation, and community partnerships to permanently protect this incredible landscape for future generations. AMC has:
- Created 130 miles of recreational trails and three off-grid lodges
- Established a Forest Stewardship Council® FSC® - C008922 certified responsible forestry operation
- Received certification as an International Dark Sky Park, the first in New England
- Restored watersheds for native brook trout and endangered Atlantic salmon
- Developed partnerships with local Piscataquis County schools and the greater business community.
- Collected climate and ecosystem data from lake, stream, and forest sites
It’s the largest conservation project AMC has ever undertaken. And we’re just getting started. Visit our lodges, hike, ski, or bike miles of trails, and support our land preservation efforts.
What We Do
![Feb. 14, 2023. AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- Photo by Cait Bourgault. Cait Bourgault](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwirecreation-thumbnail-scaled.jpg)
![Feb. 14, 2023. AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- Photo by Cait Bourgault. Cait Bourgault](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwirecreation-thumbnail-scaled.jpg)
Recreation
The Maine Woods Initiative is a breathtaking destination for backcountry outdoor recreation.
Recreation
![July 18, 2016. Maine Woods, Maine-- Steve Tatko (Director of Maine Conservation and Land Management) determines the age of a tree harvested during sustainable forestry operations. Photo by Garrett English. Photo by Garrett English.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwiforestry-thumbnail-GarrettEnglish-scaled.jpg)
![July 18, 2016. Maine Woods, Maine-- Steve Tatko (Director of Maine Conservation and Land Management) determines the age of a tree harvested during sustainable forestry operations. Photo by Garrett English. Photo by Garrett English.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwiforestry-thumbnail-GarrettEnglish-scaled.jpg)
Responsible Forestry
A new model for forest management.
Learn More
![Paula Champagne Paula Champagne](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwicarbonsequestration-thumbnail-scaled.jpg)
![Paula Champagne Paula Champagne](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwicarbonsequestration-thumbnail-scaled.jpg)
Carbon Sequestration
AMC has developed three offset projects on our Maine forest lands.
Learn More
![Oct. 27, 2022. AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- AMC's inaugural See the Dark Festival. Photo by J Walter.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwieducation-thumbnail-JWalter-scaled.jpg)
![Oct. 27, 2022. AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- AMC's inaugural See the Dark Festival. Photo by J Walter.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwieducation-thumbnail-JWalter-scaled.jpg)
Education
Engaging Piscataquis County students in meaningful environmental education and youth development.
Email Stephany Perkins
![Mwiresearch Resize Mwiresearch Resize](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwiresearch-resize-scaled.jpg)
![Mwiresearch Resize Mwiresearch Resize](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwiresearch-resize-scaled.jpg)
Research
AMC scientists and partners collect climate and ecosystem data around the region.
Read More
Support Community Science
![Aug. 6, 2021. Maine Woods, Maine-- Photo by Isaac Crabtree. Isaac Crabtree](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwilandconservation-resize-scaled.jpg)
![Aug. 6, 2021. Maine Woods, Maine-- Photo by Isaac Crabtree. Isaac Crabtree](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwilandconservation-resize-scaled.jpg)
Land Conservation
AMC protects more than 114,000 acres of land in Maine, including forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains.
Pleasant River Headwaters Forest
Help Protect the Barnard Forest
![Feb. 14, 2023. AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- Photo by Cait Bourgault. Cait Bourgault](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/darkskies-resize-scaled.jpg)
![Feb. 14, 2023. AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- Photo by Cait Bourgault. Cait Bourgault](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/darkskies-resize-scaled.jpg)
Dark Skies
The AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park is the first International Dark Sky Park in New England.
Dark Sky Park
See the Dark
![Aug. 1, 2016. Maine Woods, Maine-- Ecological restoration involving fish release. Steve Tatko (Director of Maine Conservation and Land Management). Photo by Garrett English. Photo by Garrett English.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwihabitat-restoration-GarrettEnglish-scaled.jpg)
![Aug. 1, 2016. Maine Woods, Maine-- Ecological restoration involving fish release. Steve Tatko (Director of Maine Conservation and Land Management). Photo by Garrett English. Photo by Garrett English.](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwihabitat-restoration-GarrettEnglish-scaled.jpg)
Habitat Restoration
Returning Atlantic Salmon and Eastern Brook Trout to their historic spawning grounds.
Read More
![May 5, 2019. AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- Fire and chainsaw training. Photo by Paula Champagne. Paula Champagne](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwieconomic-thumbnail-scaled.jpg)
![May 5, 2019. AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine-- Fire and chainsaw training. Photo by Paula Champagne. Paula Champagne](https://www.outdoors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mwieconomic-thumbnail-scaled.jpg)
Economic Development
Creating jobs in Piscataquis County.
See Opportunities
Learn More About the Maine Woods Initiative
Four Family-Friendly Hikes in the Maine Woods
There is nothing better than seeing nature’s most magical places through the eyes of a child. For many lifelong outdoor enthusiasts, the chance to climb, hike, and explore with...
ExploreHow Much Land is Conserved in New England? Ask AMC’s Research Scientists.
When you walk in a Northeast forest, it can feel like the woods go on forever. But we all know they don’t. Hike far enough, and you’ll cross a...
ExploreCoexistence is Key: Responsible Forestry in the Maine Woods
It’s a warm, sunny late September day. The leaves on the trees are golden yellow, with splashes of red and orange. Further down a gravel road, Steve Tatko, AMC’s...
Explore