Big Benson-Sebec
The Big Benson-Sebec Sanctuary comprises more than 29,000 acres in multiple townships in north-central Maine, adjacent to the Appalachian Mountain Club preserve and Katahdin Iron Works. The towns in this area, also known as the Maine Highlands, include Barnard, Williamsburg, and Bowerbank. Access to the property is possible off of the Dexter Mill Road in Sebec, Maine.
The expanse of this sanctuary contains habitat for white-tailed deer, black bear, coyote, bobcat, showshoe hare, beaver, and numerous other native wildlife. The Canada lynx (listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act of 1973) is present in Maine, and the sanctuary is along the southern limit of the known range of the lynx. Good habitat for lynx include young, dense stands of balsam fir and northern hardwoods, and the sanctuary provides this type of habitat, along with a rich assortment of wetland and aquatic habitat. Several deer yards are protected on the property from logging pressure, providing shelter and browse for white-tailed deer.
Water bodies include three ponds over 10 acres in size, including Big Benson and Little Benson ponds, and over 30 miles of brooks and streams. Big Benson, a 320-acre pond with a depth of 83 feet, is excellent fishing, providing anglers the opportunity to catch togue (lake trout) and brook trout among other fish. The pond is open to both freshwater and ice fishing. The numerous small streams and flowage areas make excellent habitat for numerous beaver in the area. A section of the West Branch of the Pleasant River is accessible from the property also. This stream is a tributary of the Piscataquis River and is well known for its white water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. The property has some spectacular views of the mountains and hills to the north, such as Chairback Mountain, providing a variety of hiking opportunities.
Other evidence of biodiversity in this sanctuary is the occurrence of Vasey's rush, a critically imperiled perennial grass in Maine.
Big Benson-Sebec Sanctuary map
Directions to Big Benson-Sebec Sanctuary (from the South)
- Take I-95 exit 197
- Turn right on Route 43 east
- Turn left on Route 16 north (Route 16 and Route 11 will merge in Milo)
- Stay on Route 11 to Brownville
- Turn left on High Street in Brownville
- Turn left on Barnard Road
- Take I-95 exit 197
- Turn right on Route 43 east
- Turn left on Route 16 north
- Turn left on Route 16 north (Route 16 and Route 11 will merge in Milo)
- Turn left onto Katahdin Iron Works Road
- Take I-95 exit 197
- Turn right on Route 43 east
- Turn left on Route 16 north
- Stay on Route 16 through Milo
- Turn right at Sebec Corner on Sebec Village Road
- Continue straight and cross Sebec River onto Barnard Road
- Continue straight onto Dexter Mills Road
- Turn left on North West Ridge Road