Rumford Whitecap Mountain — Ellis River
Why Is It a Focus Area?
Few places in the northern forest rival the Ellis River to Whitecap Mountain area for the environmental richness and outdoor experiences found here. Recognized by the Maine Natural Areas Program as a major Area of Statewide Ecological Significance for its two rare natural community types: red pine woodland and mid-elevation bald. Covering 210 acres, the red pine woodland is the largest known occurrence of its kind in Maine. Hikers and skiers traversing the expansive summit and ridgeline are coexisting with sizable populations of two rare plant species–as well as abundant blueberries.
Fifteen hundred feet below Whitecap’s windswept summit slabs with stunning 360 degree views of the Mahoosuc Region, the Ellis River meanders through the valley. An unusually high number of rare and endangered species and important natural community types are also found here. This permanently protected land connects the Whitecap summit to the Ellis River, providing important connectivity between two very significant but different ecological systems, and capturing the gradient of change between them. This climate change resilient habitat will be critical as the climate warms. Forest conservation will also protect aquifers critical to the Rumford Water District and Poland Spring Rumford Protection Area.
Who Made This Happen?
A group of local Andover residents approached Mahoosuc Land Trust in 2004 and shared their goal of conserving the iconic open summit of the mountain, with its abundant blueberries and history of public access over generations. MLT seized this chance and raised over $500,000 including critical Land for Maine’s Future funding and acquired the first 750 acres of the preserve in 2007. In 2015 and 2017, MLT added to the ecological and recreational mosaic with the Ellis River Conservation Area and 140 adjacent acres. The preserve now extends from the Ellis, over the summit of Whitecap, and nearly to the summit of Black Mountain.
In 2019, Mahoosuc Land Trust, Granite Backcountry Alliance, and Black Mountain of Maine ski area created Maine’s first skiing glade network designed for human-powered access. This unique eight-mile point-to-point two-mountain traverse connects the Ellis River Valley with Black Mountain and provides public wintertime recreation along with local economic benefits. Major snowmobile and hiking trail networks, field experiences for students in Region 9 School of Applied Technology, expand the offerings to advance true community conservation.
What Is The Goal?
Our work is far from done. Currently, the 1200-acre preserve covers only half of the most critical lands in the focus area, with nearby industrial wind energy projects and other pressures looming. The large financial investment by the State of Maine, private donors, and other funders was based on the twin public benefits of ecological and recreational connectivity.
The vision for the property is to ensure that those benefits remain in perpetuity--a vision that is currently achievable but will be tested as population and user pressures inevitably increase over time.