Wealthy Newcomers Disrupt Maine's Outdoor Tradition

In the remote wilderness of northern Maine, a long-standing tradition of public access to private lands has been upended by the arrival of wealthy newcomers. As COVID-19 pandemic transplants and other affluent individuals have put down roots in the Moosehead Lake region, the once-open forests and trails have started to close off.

The most recent flashpoint is Burnt Jacket Mountain, where new "No Trespassing" signs, surveillance cameras, and locked gates have sparked outrage among the locals. The 1,400-acre property was recently purchased for $8 million by an anonymous buyer, who has begun constructing a massive 3,750 square foot home with garages, patios, and a mile-long driveway.

Residents of the tiny town of Beaver Cove and the wider Moosehead area feel a deep sense of loss over the closure of the mountain's hiking trails, which had long been open to the public. "When we first came here, you could go anywhere, land your kayak anywhere, and you never gave it a thought," said one longtime summer resident. "Now, there's hardly a place you can land."

The influx of wealthy outsiders has also driven up housing costs and real estate taxes, putting a strain on the local community. "It's the contrast between haves and have-nots -- especially when the have-nots can't find a place to live," said one tourism center manager.

While the new owner's identity remains a mystery, with some speculating it could be Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, the impact of these changes is clear. The once-open wilderness of northern Maine is slowly being fenced off, leaving locals to grapple with the loss of a cherished way of life.