North Peak of Pleasant Mountain Under Contract

The last major peak on Pleasant Mountain’s ridgeline is now under contract for permanent protection. Loon Echo Land Trust signed an agreement in January with Chet Homer of Shawnee Peak Ski Area for the purchase of 160 acres, including the North Peak, and additional forested parcels to the west. The North Peak is unique in that it hosts a rare Red Pine Woodland designated by the State of Maine’s Natural Areas Program. The woodland environment includes carpets of fresh blueberries, low shrubs and stark granite outcroppings under a healthy stand of red pine trees; and with it all, a fabulous view of the White Mountains. Large sections of the Sue’s Way Trail and North Ridge Trail (7/10th of a mile in total) will be protected as a result of this purchase; AMC Maine Chapter maintains some of the trails on Pleasant Mountain. These two trails offer an interesting loop hike from the Bald Peak Trail to the top of the North Peak. For additional information, check out the story on page 8 of the Winter/Spring 2015 newsletter, or contact Loon Echo if you are interested in making a tax decudtable contribution to support this project.