AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative recognized with Governor’s Conference on Tourism Award

    AUGUSTA — The 2015  Maine Governor’s Conference on Tourism Award for “Leadership & Growth” was presented March 18 to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative, at the annual conference held.
    “With their Maine Woods Initiative, the AMC has expanded on some of the best of Maine’s sporting lodge traditions, and been an important partner in developing new opportunities for visitors to enjoy the great Maine outdoors,” said Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Tourism.

    The “Leadership & Growth” Award recognizes a company, organization, or person that not only strives to grow its own business, but also works with others within the industry to grow tourism in Maine.
    In its 139-year history, AMC has made its most significant conservation and recreation investment in the 100-Mile Wilderness region near Greenville. Through its Maine Woods Initiative, AMC is protecting and improving public access for outdoor recreation, helping to preserve the Maine sporting camp tradition, attracting new nature-based tourism to the region, and partnering with local organizations to help address the region’s ecological and economic needs.
    “We’re honored to receive the Tourism Award for Leadership & Growth for AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, and also want to thank our many partners with whom we’ve been fortunate to work,” said AMC Senior Vice President Walter Graff. “This award is another significant milestone in support of our efforts to protect the region’s most scenic and ecologically important places while creating new multi-day recreational experiences.”
    As part of the awards nomination process, AMC received letters of support from  CEI,  Northern Outdoors and the  Piscataquis County Economic Development Council.
    Since 2003, AMC has permanently protected about 70,000 acres in the 100-Mile Wilderness Region, most recently purchasing and conserving 4,311 acres on and around  Baker Mountain, the second highest peak in Maine between Bigelow Mountain and Katahdin. AMC’s conservation and recreation land in the region spans more than 100 square miles and also abuts land already protected around some of Maine’s most iconic natural treasures: Gulf Hagas, the Appalachian Trail, and The Hermitage.
    AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges, two 19th-century traditional Maine sporting camps restored by AMC (with a third under renovation), are a central part of the initiative and bringing new visitors to the region. Renovated cabins with wood stoves and gas lamps recall the long history of these camps, while modern day amenities include energy-efficient central lodges at Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins and Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins.
    Overall, AMC has invested $57 million to support the goals of the Maine Woods Initiative.
    The Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that have distinguished themselves through their work and contributed to the growth of tourism in Maine. A total of six awards were announced for 2015.