Early on in our land return efforts, a Commissioner described the work as reacquiring land not returning land, a nod to the ongoing relations that Wabanaki people maintain with the land over time. One way to look at this is through the recent reacquiring of 1,327 acres to the Houlton Band of Maliseet (HBMI). This land greatly expands the Tribe’s land base and tribal citizen's ability to fully engage in their cultural heritage. In many ways, the HBMI has been managing the landscape within this region for a while., as noted in the Meduxnekeag Restoration Plan. This plan describes the Tribal Natural Resources Department’s ongoing habitat restoration efforts to support Salmonid populations and ultimately reintroduce Atlantic salmon into the Meduxnekeag, while the water resources program addresses issues of water quality throughout the Meduxnekeag watershed. Reacquiring this property greatly expands the forests managed by their forestry department, where the Tribe is already engaging in multiple efforts to increase the biodiversity of forests, protect and enhance culturally significant tree and plant species, address invasive species, and create buffers to reduce erosion into waterways. So when articles like the Tribal Business News report that this land almost doubles the HBMI’s current land holdings, it means that this isn’t just any property, but one that is adjacent to existing holdings, expands HBMI's ability to protect and enhance a critical portion of the Meduxnekeag while being  directly located within the region already being stewarded by the Tribe’s many ongoing projects. What does this mean for their community?  This land expands existing territory and recreational  opportunities around the Wilderness Pines Campground, an economic and cultural enterprise by the Tribe. Furthermore, the land itself is rich with cultural and archaeological history, medicinal plants, expanded hunting opportunities, and increased fishing opportunities for Eastern Brook Trout through 3.5 miles of river frontage along both sides of the North Branch of the Meduxnekeag. From the campground to the rich diversity of activities the land and river offers, this parcel provides a unique chance for tribal citizens to connect to the land and practice cultural activities close to home, while enhancing the camping experience to visitors to the region. Needless to say, this land reacquired by the Houlton Band of Maliseet will be well cared for and greatly expand opportunities for its citizens and the broader community.