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The Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area is truly unique among Maine's natural gems.
One reason is its location. The Powell area occupies Swan and Little Swan islands at the upper end of Merrymeeting Bay, where the Kennebec, Androscoggin and three other rivers meet. This vast tidal bay supports bald eagles, wild turkeys, ospreys and waterfowl.
Powell is Maine's only management area that is also a wildlife sanctuary. Swan Island is managed to support eagles, wood ducks, Canada geese, deer and other species.
Swan Island was once the site of Perkins, a shipbuilding and ice-cutting town with a lively history. Among the remaining structures is the 1758 Gardiner-Dumaresq House.
The island has one half-hour hiking trail and one three-hour trail, and 10 Adirondack shelters that are the only spots in any Maine wildlife management area where camping is allowed. Stayovers are limited to two nights and are available by reservation only.
The number of visitors to the island at any one time is limited to 60.
A ferry service, run by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife staff, transports visitors to Swan from the town of Richmond. Also included are island tours by flat-bed truck when trails are closed due to nesting season.
Outdoor Activities |
The campground on Swan Island, shown here with Little Swan Island in the background, is equipped with 10 Adirondack shelters that sleep six people apiece.
A flatbed truck is used to give school groups tours of the historic sites on Swan Island.
A visit to the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area on Swan Island starts with a boat ride from the town of Richmond.
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