One of the first conservation easements in the United States was established in the early 1970s along the western shore of the Androscoggin River. This stretch of protected waterway, which is now managed by the Hancock Timber Resource Group, comprises New Hampshire's famous 13-Mile Woods Scenic River Corridor. In August of 1997, Hancock sold an easement to the U.S. Forest Service on 2,700 acres of its land along the Androscoggin's eastern shore. The easement, which was funded by the Forest Legacy Program, completes the protection of the 13-Mile Woods River Corridor, preserving its scenic quality, restricting future development, regulating timber operations, protecting important fish and wildlife habitat and ensuring recreational access to the area in perpetuity. A variety of groups and individuals in the public, private and non-profit sectors supported and encouraged this effort, demonstrating that diverse groups are working together to ensure the future strength and stability of New Hampshire's environmental and economic assets.