Moosehead Lake is more than just a beautiful body of water. It is a living testament to the rich and diverse history of the forests that surround it. For centuries, these forests have been home to different people who have used and valued the land in different ways.
The Native American tribes who first inhabited the area relied on the forest for food, water, and shelter. They also treasured Mount Kineo, a towering peak that rises from the lake, for its rare rhyolite rock that was perfect for making tools. Later, the region drew the attention of lumbermen who recognized the wealth of timber in the forest. They used steamboats to transport logs from the lake to the Kennebec River, where they were shipped to faraway markets. Mount Kineo also became a magnet for tourists who flocked to enjoy the scenic views, hunting, and fishing.
Through the years, the many users of the forest learned to co-exist and respect the land and each other. Forest Heritage Days is an annual community event in Greenville, Maine that celebrates the forest and its people. It honors the multiple uses of the forest, but especially the state's most historic industry - the forest products industry. Forestry has been a staple in Maine’s 17.6 million acres of forestland for generations and provides an annual economic impact of $8-$10 billion. It is also woven in the fabric of our heritage.
The Moosehead Lake region is a scenic area in Maine, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. The working forest is a term that refers to the land that is used for both timber production and conservation. The working forest also provides public access to trails, campsites, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. The working forest is an important part of the region’s economy, culture, and environment.
The land is owned by different entities, such as corporations, private landowners, the state, and conservation groups. Most of the land is protected forever by deed restrictions that limit development, ensure public access, and allow for sustainable timber harvesting. This includes organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Forest Society of Maine, Weyerhaeuser, and The National Park Service. These organizations have different goals and methods, but they all share a common interest in conserving the land.
Each year since 1991, families and community members gather to celebrate our unique forest heritage with three days of forestry, fun, and education. Events include old-time woodsmen demonstrations from the Colby College woodsman team, guided working forest bus tour, guest presenters and entertainers, craft fair, Lumberman’s Museum, Children’s Miracle Network raffle, children's activities, and forestry exhibits.
This year’s Forest Heritage Days is being sponsored by the Moosehead Historical Society in collaboration with the Moosehead Marine Museum, Moosehead Economic Development Corporation, private landowners, conservationists, recreationalists and passionate individuals.
We hope you can join us!
The Native American tribes who first inhabited the area relied on the forest for food, water, and shelter. They also treasured Mount Kineo, a towering peak that rises from the lake, for its rare rhyolite rock that was perfect for making tools. Later, the region drew the attention of lumbermen who recognized the wealth of timber in the forest. They used steamboats to transport logs from the lake to the Kennebec River, where they were shipped to faraway markets. Mount Kineo also became a magnet for tourists who flocked to enjoy the scenic views, hunting, and fishing.
Through the years, the many users of the forest learned to co-exist and respect the land and each other. Forest Heritage Days is an annual community event in Greenville, Maine that celebrates the forest and its people. It honors the multiple uses of the forest, but especially the state's most historic industry - the forest products industry. Forestry has been a staple in Maine’s 17.6 million acres of forestland for generations and provides an annual economic impact of $8-$10 billion. It is also woven in the fabric of our heritage.
The Moosehead Lake region is a scenic area in Maine, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. The working forest is a term that refers to the land that is used for both timber production and conservation. The working forest also provides public access to trails, campsites, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. The working forest is an important part of the region’s economy, culture, and environment.
The land is owned by different entities, such as corporations, private landowners, the state, and conservation groups. Most of the land is protected forever by deed restrictions that limit development, ensure public access, and allow for sustainable timber harvesting. This includes organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Forest Society of Maine, Weyerhaeuser, and The National Park Service. These organizations have different goals and methods, but they all share a common interest in conserving the land.
Each year since 1991, families and community members gather to celebrate our unique forest heritage with three days of forestry, fun, and education. Events include old-time woodsmen demonstrations from the Colby College woodsman team, guided working forest bus tour, guest presenters and entertainers, craft fair, Lumberman’s Museum, Children’s Miracle Network raffle, children's activities, and forestry exhibits.
This year’s Forest Heritage Days is being sponsored by the Moosehead Historical Society in collaboration with the Moosehead Marine Museum, Moosehead Economic Development Corporation, private landowners, conservationists, recreationalists and passionate individuals.
We hope you can join us!