We’re excited to announce the conservation of 26 acres of undeveloped forestland along the Muddy River in Naples. Robert “Bob” Hennick Sr. and his family donated the land to LELT to ensure the public can enjoy it for generations to come. The land will be called the Muddy River Forest.

The conservation of Muddy River Forest protects nearly 1,300 feet of frontage on the Muddy River and is an important addition to the region’s network of conserved lands. Located just north of LELT’s Sebago Cove Forest, the land is part of a large network of undeveloped forest in the vicinity of the Muddy River, the Northwest River, and Sebago Lake. In addition to protecting important undeveloped shoreline on the third-largest tributary river to Sebago Lake, the property is home to wildlife habitat, vernal pools, wetlands, and exceptional wild brook trout habitat.

“We have had many offers to sell the land and divide up and make a considerable profit, but we feel the conservation of the land for future generations is way more valuable than the money we will receive. The residents of Maine and the general public can enjoy the land, which we have had the privilege to do.”-  Robert Hennick Jr, son of Bob Hennick Sr.

Public Access Secured

Under LELT’s ownership, the land will be called “Muddy River Forest” and will allow public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities. There is currently a small trail on the property along the river, which has traditionally enabled access for anglers.

The land is located directly across Lake House Road from the Town of Naples’ Muddy River Bog Preserve, which has a small parking area, trail, interpretive signs, picnic tables, a dock platform, and a hand-carry boat launch on Sebago Cove.

“Preserving Bob Hennick’s property through Loon Echo Land Trust means protecting a place that matters to our community. By conserving this property across from Muddy River Bog Preserve, LELT is creating a larger protected natural corridor that supports wildlife, protects the river's health, and ensures the special place remains open and thriving for future generations that can experience the same natural beauty we value today.” - Kathy Keinath, co-chair of the Naples Parks and Land Use Committee

Benefits for Water Quality

In addition to protecting nearly 1,300 ft of undeveloped shoreline on the third-largest tributary river to Sebago Lake, the property is home to wildlife habitat, vernal pools, wetlands, and exceptional wild brook trout habitat.

Muddy River Forest plays an important role in safeguarding the water quality of the Muddy River and downstream Sebago Lake, which is the source of drinking water for over 200,000 Mainers and many Cumberland County businesses. The property was identified by Sebago Clean Waters (SCW) as a high priority for protection. SCW is a collaborative of nonprofit partners, including LELT, working to conserve key forestlands and wetlands in the Sebago Lake watershed to sustain clean water and thriving human and ecological communities across the region.

The property was conserved with direct financial assistance from Portland Water District. Sebago Clean Waters also contributed funds toward the long-term management and stewardship of the land through support from the Woodard & Curran Foundation and donations from business partners, including Allagash, Bissell Brothers, and Lone Pine breweries, and L.L. Bean.

“We're thrilled to bring our partners and resources together to help protect this beloved community gem. Beyond helping keep Greater Portland's drinking water supply clean, the recreational opportunities and critical wildlife habitat offered by this land make conserving it a high priority.” - Karen Young, SCW Partnership Director

Future Plans

LELT will pay property taxes for the land at at the Open Space Current Use Rate to the Town of Naples. Public access will continue on a trail along the river, that also provides access to anglers. In the short term, we look forward to welcoming the public to the property. Visitors should use the parking spots located across Lake House Road.

Additional Information

The land is within the traditional and unceded territory of the Abenaki, a member tribe of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Abenaki First Nations of Odanak and Wôlinak maintain reservations along the St. Francis and St. Lawrence Rivers in the Canadian province of Quebec, where they sought refuge following colonial warfare in the Saco, Presumpscot, and Androscoggin River watersheds during the 17th and 18th centuries.  

More information about Muddy River Forest can be found here: LELT.org/muddy-river-forest.