Wildlands as a Conservation Tool: Why they Matter, How to Protect Them, and Common Challenges and Solutions

Wildlands are permanently protected areas where priority is placed on ecological integrity and natural processes with minimal human intervention. Sometimes called wilderness or forever-wild lands, wildlands can complement other types of conservation objectives—such as working lands and outdoor recreation—on land trust properties and conservation easements of all different sizes and locations across Maine.

Join us for a virtual workshop that will explore in more depth what wildlands offer, why they matter within the broader conservation landscape, and how they are established and managed. We will also discuss common challenges — including funding and public perception — and propose practical approaches for addressing them.

Presenters:
• Scott Kunkler, Conservation Director at Scarborough Land Trust
• Caitlin Mather, Vice President of Conservation Programs at Northeast Wilderness Trust
• Shelby Perry, Director of Wildlands Ecology at Northeast Wilderness Trust