BRIDGTON – Loon Echo Land Trust launched its fund-raising campaign Tuesday to complete ownership of 1,288 acres on Pleasant Mountain in Denmark.

The nonprofit land preservation organization in Bridgton kicked off the Lakes Region Legacy campaign at Wyonegonic Camps on the shores of Moose Pond in Denmark.

The principal focus of the $1.5 million effort will be preserving the highest peak in southern Maine, which is just over 2,000 feet.

The trust recently assumed the outstanding loan on the land and is raising money to pay off the note.

The trust seeks to raise money from private individuals, foundations and public resources. To date, the campaign has raised almost $800,000.

Acquisition of the parcel will ensure protection of a critical wildlife habitat, continue public access to the area for recreation, and preserve open space for future generations.

“I am excited to be part of such a worthy effort,” said campaign co-chairman Matt Hancock, president of Hancock Land Co.

“As stewards of the environment in the Lakes Region, Loon Echo understands that once land is developed, it is lost forever. This campaign is a proactive effort to save a significant landmark for future generations.”

“Our plans to protect Pleasant Mountain and Sebago Lake are lofty goals for an organization started by a few like-minded individuals who recognized early on the incremental effects of urban sprawl into the Lakes Region,” said Connie Cross, president of Loon Echo and co-chairman of the campaign. “This effort will benefit our region in so many ways. It will preserve a special ecosystem, allow continued public access for recreation and avert the effects of yet more construction” she said.

Sue Telfeian, executive director of Loon Echo Land Trust, said the protection of Pleasant Mountain is an opportunity that does not come along often. “With this campaign, we have the unique opportunity to protect and preserve the Maine we love,” she said.

With more than 500 members, the Loon Echo Land Trust promotes the protection of land in the northern Sebago Lake region for recreation, education, historic, aesthetic, plant and wildlife values.