ANSON & EMBDEN

It may be small, but this acquisition packs a mighty biodiversity punch! Offering habitat for a remarkable 4 at-risk species, the Carrabassett Islands project provides the opportunity to conserve one of the Carrabassett’s most biodiverse river segments.

With multiple parcels totaling more than 85 acres, the Carrabassett Islands project conserves nearly 3000’ of Carrabassett River shoreline.

Conservation of the first parcel, 16 acres in Embden, was completed via donation in February 2024 by the Estate of Nancy McLean.

A second donation will secure a primitive take-out on the Carrabassett in Anson for spring paddling and the traditional winter snowmobile crossing.

Finally, Somerset Woods will purchase 67 acres, including 2 islands.

What are we conserving? Habitat for imperiled species including:

• Cobblestone Tiger Beetle, a globally imperiled species of Tiger Beetle known from just a handful of rivers throughout its range. Read more about Cobblestone Tiger Beetles in Northern Woodlands magazine.

• White Mountain Tiger Beetle, an uncommon beetle found in only a few sites in Maine.

• Brook Floater, one of the rarest species of freshwater mussel in the Northeast. Across the Northeast, Brook Floater is listed as Endangered or Threatened in nearly every state. In the state’s most recent survey of the Carrabassett, the project location was the only site where live Brook Floaters were found.