This article explores the impact of borders on Acadian territorial development. More precisely, we analyze the influence of the American and Quebec borders on the forest sector in the Madawaska and Restigouche counties. The analysis shows contradictory consequences of the border in these counties. On the one hand, the permeability of the border between Madawaska and Maine consolidates the staples dynamics of the regional industry traditionally dominated by exports to the American market. On the other hand, the proximity to Quebec has allowed the circulation of new forest governance models inspired by practices on the other side of the Restigouche River. We can therefore observe a paradoxical relation with borders that strengthens the very centralized forest development model at the same time as they promote alternative governance.