Trust for Public Land

John,

I'm excited to share a remarkable development. The Penobscot Nation and Trust for Public Land have launched a multi-year effort for Penobscot Nation to reclaim roughly 30,000 acres of ancestral land in Maine. When the multi-year effort is completed, it will mark the largest tribal land return of its kind in U.S. history.

Known as Wáhsehtəkʷ (pronounced “WAH-seh-teg”), these acres are in the heart of the present and traditional homeland of the Penobscot Nation and are adjacent to land the tribe owns. Due to its location within the Penobscot River watershed and proximity to Katahdin or Ktaaden (which translates to The Greatest Mountain in Penobscot language), the land is vitally linked to the health and well-being of Penobscot community and culture.

Today, members of the Wabanaki Nations — including Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Abenaki communities — legally steward only 1 percent of their ancestral lands in Maine. This historic effort is a significant stride toward reinforcing Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination over land stewardship and care.

The project also aims to create new access points to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, providing much-needed southern public access to the monument from nearby communities.

We are ecstatic for the opportunity to explore and improve the aquatic and wildlife habitat within this parcel to conserve more land in the Katahdin region for our future generations. - Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis

This initiative represents a unique opportunity to rectify historical dispossessions while continuing TPL’s mission to connect, or reconnect, communities to the outdoors. Take a minute to explore the plan for this ambitious undertaking and stay tuned for ways you can get involved.

Together, we can work to ensure the protection of Wáhsehtəkʷ and the reunification of the Penobscot people with an integral piece of their past, present, and future, while also expanding access to a treasured national monument.

Warm regards,

Betsy Cook

Associate Vice President, Maine State Director

Trust for Public Land

In 2023, we reflect on and celebrate our first 50 years of impact, and we look ahead at the work still to be done. From protecting unspoiled lands, building parks and trails, and transforming schoolyards, we strive to create healthy, equitable communities for everyone.

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