ORONO, Maine — Alan Hutchinson, a Maine conservationist who worked to protect waterfronts in the state’s forests, has died at age 70.
Hutchinson died Sunday at his home in Orono. The Portland Press Herald reports that during his 20 years as executive director of the Forest Society of Maine, Hutchinson played a major role in conserving more than 1 million acres in Maine at a time when the state’s timber industry, land ownership and outdoor recreation trends were changing dramatically.
He also worked to protect famous areas like Big Spencer Mountain and the northern shore of Moosehead Lake.
Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said in a statement that Hutchinson will be "deeply missed, but he will long be remembered for his leadership and vision."