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Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, formerly called Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, preserves 7,400 acres of habitats, including 47 islands and three coastal parcels.
The refuge complex spans more than 150 miles of Maine coastline and includes five national wildlife refuges, including Petit Manan, Cross Island, Franklin Island, Seal Island, and Pond Island.
The refuge's three mainland divisions are located in Steuben, Milbridge and Gouldsboro. Primary recreational activities include birdwatching, wildlife watching, hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.
Most of the islands are open to day use by visitors except during nesting season (April 1-Aug. 31) and are accessible only by private boat. Seal Island is closed to the public at all times.
Mammals on the mainland include porcupines, raccoons, deer and an occasional moose.
Birds in the area include nesting bald eagles, migrating waterfowl, sea ducks, black ducks, shore birds, and migrating and nesting songbirds. Colonial seabirds including guillemots, puffins, razorbills, storm petrels, terns and laughing gulls nest on the offshore islands.
Bois Bubert Island and Halifax Island at the eastern end of the Roque archipelago are two remote islands in Down East Maine.
Hiking is permitted on a limited basis on both islands. However, wildlife refuge officials ask prospective island visitors to contact them before visiting these fragile islands.
Outdoor Activities |
An osprey's sharp eyes scan the waters for fish.
The view from Petit Manan's coast.
A bench offers hikers a rest on the Hollingsworth Trail.
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