The Northern Forest Center worked with partners across Maine’s Moosehead Lake region to produce the Moosehead Outdoor Recreation Investment Strategy (MORIS).

The project engaged business, non-profit, municipal, and state-level stakeholders in a recreation inventory and planning process designed to guide and support investment in the region’s outdoor recreation amenities over the next three to five years.

“The Moosehead Lake region is already a compelling outdoor recreation destination,” said Mike Wilson, senior program director for the Northern Forest Center. “We hope this new Moosehead Outdoor Recreation Investment Strategy will help groups in the Moosehead region expand and sustain resources by working together to attract funding, diversify year-round offerings, connect people to great recreation opportunities, and support natural resource stewardship.”

The project was made possible through financial support from the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance Program, which was funded through the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation State Grant. The RK Mellon Foundation provided additional funding.

The Center’s Moosehead Outdoor Recreation Investment Strategy is built on an interactive website featuring:

• GIS-based inventory and map of the Moosehead Lake region’s existing outdoor recreation assets including trails, campsites, boat launches, parks, businesses, scenic viewpoints, and more.
• Results of a recreational user survey conducted in partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club.
• Working inventory of active and potential recreation projects and investment opportunities.
• Strategic investment framework to guide priority-setting and project development for the next 3-5 years.

The framework developed through the MORIS process focuses on four categories of recreational investments:

• Community Connections– Improve and expand close-to town recreational access and opportunities.
• Resource Stewardship – Advance long-term stewardship of recreational infrastructure and stabilization of overused assets.
• Diversified Attractions – Invest in infrastructure and amenities that attract visitors and contribute to a year-round recreation economy.
• Information Services – Deliver up-to-date online, print, and on-site information to help people safely and responsibly enjoy the Moosehead Lake region.

In addition to the Northern Forest Center and the Appalachian Mountain Club, project partners included the Moosehead Outdoor Alliance, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, the Town of Greenville, Destination Moosehead Lake, Elliotsville Foundation, Community Geographics, and CRO Planning and Design.

With the strategy complete, the Center is now working with local partners, and funding provided by the RK Mellon Foundation, to activate specific projects identified through the process. Recently committed project funding includes support for a new trial signage system at A Fierce Chase Cross County Ski Center in Monson, and support for a Maine Conservation Corps trail crew to conduct a four-week trail stewardship program in summer 2026.