MathWorks' $10 Million Gift Secures Permanent Protection of Maine's Barnard Forest

The Appalachian Mountain Club has completed the acquisition of the nearly 29,000-acre Barnard Forest in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness, secured through a transformative $10 million gift from MathWorks. This acquisition represents the second-largest philanthropic contribution in AMC's history and accelerates conservation outcomes in one of the most ecologically important landscapes in the eastern United States.

The Barnard Forest lies within the Pleasant River watershed, home to the last naturally reproducing population of landlocked salmon in Maine. The property includes more than 70 miles of stream corridors that serve as critical spawning grounds for endangered sea-run Atlantic salmon, extensive spruce-fir flats, and associated wetlands providing cold-water habitat for native brook trout and landlocked smelt. The land protects an uninterrupted, undeveloped forest corridor connecting to over 750,000 acres of conserved land.

Nicole Zussman, President and CEO of AMC, stated that the MathWorks gift is catalytic and enables the organization to safeguard this irreplaceable landscape years ahead of schedule. The conservation milestone was made possible through AMC's strategic partnership with The Conservation Fund, which initially acquired the southern portion of the property in 2023 to provide time for fundraising. Initial funding came from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the EJK Foundation, and other lead donors.

Under AMC's stewardship, the Barnard Forest will support restoration forestry, habitat connectivity, and climate adaptation. The property will be managed to Forest Stewardship Council standards with plans to rebuild older forest conditions and expand carbon stocking as part of the organization's broader climate strategy. The forest also contributes to rural economic growth by supporting more than 50 forestry- and recreation-related jobs while maintaining the property on local tax rolls.

Steve Tatko, Vice President of Land and Conservation for AMC, emphasized that the land, which was closed to the public for nearly 20 years, will now remain open for fishing, hunting, recreation, and cultural use, including tribal access. The acquisition is part of AMC's Maine Woods Initiative, the largest multi-use conservation and recreation project in the eastern United States, which now encompasses nearly 130,000 contiguous acres.

Jeanne O'Keefe, MathWorks SVP and CFO, explained that supporting the permanent protection of Barnard Forest reflects the company's commitment to solutions that scale, endure, and benefit both people and the planet. The $10 million donation completed AMC's three-year campaign that raised nearly $24 million in total support for acquisition, perpetual stewardship, and re-establishing public access to the forest.