Description of the

Affected Environment

■ Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

■ Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

■ Part Three: Refuge Complex Mainland Resources

Lighthouse on Petit Manan Island

USFWS photo

Chapter 3
Chapter 3

3-2 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Since our project area spans the entire Maine coast, our description of the

Refuge Complex landscape focuses on the coastline, its resources and

influences.

This ecosystem is defined by the Gulf of Maine watershed; that is, the

geographic area from which all water drains into the Gulf. It is an immense area, extending from eastern Quebec to Cape Cod, Massachusetts,

with a land base of 69,115 square miles and a water surface of 33,054

miles. Maine is the only state located entirely within the boundary.

The Gulf of Maine is considered one of the world’s most biologically

productive environments. Its marine waters and shoreline habitats host

about 2,000 species of plants and animals. The strategic location of underwater geologic features, such as Brown’s Bank, allow nutrient- rich water

from the deep ocean to flow upward over their edges, capturing phytoplankton in sunlit, shallow waters. Phytoplankton flourish here and are

the basis of the gulf’s food web. The riverine and upland habitats in the

ecosystem also play an important role in the health and quality of the

water flowing in the gulf. Many northern species (e.g. Atlantic puffin and

razorbills) find their southern limit in the Gulf of Maine, while the gulf

represents the northern extreme for several southern species such as

laughing gulls and roseate terns (Conkling 1995).

Physical Characteristics of Coastal Maine

Maine has more miles of coastline than any other state in the continental

United States. A straight line measures the Maine coast as being less than

250 miles from border to border. Actually, there are 7,039 miles of coastline when the shores of its many bays and headlands are considered

(Conkling 1999). Elevations range up to 178 feet above mean sea level.

Topography along the Coast of Maine is a mix of gradual slopes to rocky

shorelines and abrupt cliffs as high as 100 feet to the oceans below. Approximately 4,617 islands and major ledges lie along the coast (Conkling

1999).

Geology

The Maine coast has a long and complicated geologic history. The bedrock of the region was formed largely through igneous, volcanic and

metamorphic processes during Paleozoic times. It has been affected by a

variety of geologic events, including mountain building, erosion, sedimentation and glaciation (Griffith 1976).

The indented character of the Maine coast is typical of shorelines of recent

submergence. Before Pleistocene glaciation, the Maine shoreline was

Part One: The Refuge

Complex Landscape

Landscape-level

Features

Gulf of Maine Ecosystem
Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-3

several hundred miles further south. The mile-high sheet of ice (7 million

tons/acre) that subsequently formed across the state warped the crust

downward along a tectonically weak zone running northeast-southwest

that corresponds with the present configuration of the coastline. Later,

enormous volumes of water released by glacial meltwaters contributed to

a worldwide rise in sea level that inundated what had been coastal lowlands.

Geologically, the Maine coast can be divided into five distinct sections

(Conkling 1995). The section from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth represents

the northern end of the crystalline rocks characteristic of the Atlantic coast

north of Cape Cod. Topographic relief is characteristically slight, and the

shoreline straight. Maine’s most famous beaches and thousands of acres of

salt marsh are characteristic, but relatively few islands are located in this

section of the coast.

The coast from Cape Elizabeth to the Penobscot River, including Casco,

Sheepscot, Boothbay, John’s, Muscongus, and Western Penobscot bays, is

characterized by long, narrow arms of the sea which extend far into the

coastal lowlands. Islands in this section of the coast are also generally

long and narrow, trending just east of north, corresponding to the general

trend of the bedrock: quartzites, slates, schists, and granite. The deep,

elongated bays in this section represent old stream and river drainage

systems that were carved out in the folds of the strata, then scoured by

glaciers and later filled by rising seas.

The coast fom Vinalhaven to Jonesport is primarily the realm of white and

pink granites. This section includes the broad and wide East Penobscot,

Jericho, Blue Hill, Frenchman’s, Pleasant, and Eastern and Western Bays.

There are more islands in this section than in any other; most are forested

with spruce. In contrast to the long, narrow islands to the west, islands in

this section, whether large or small, are mostly rounded and dome-like,

owing to the manner in which the once liquid granite was emplaced and

cooled amid overlying rocks. This section also includes the highest coastal

mountains, and the only fjord-like feature (Somes Sound) on the U.S.

Atlantic coast. To many, this section is the most spectacular scenic area on

the coast.

East of the Roque Island archipelago, the bays broaden and shorten as

more ancient volcanic rocks and volcanic breccia (consolidated debris

from volcanic eruptions) dominate the landscape. East of Cape Wash, bays

and islands disappear altogether until Cobscook Bay. Huge tides (20 feet

at West Quoddy Head), increased fog, and rugged gray and dark-green

cliffs, sea stacks, fewer people, and rare seabirds at the southern end of

their breeding range characterize this section “way Downeast.”

Soils and Hydrology

Soils were mainly deposited as the last glacier retreated some 13 to 15,000

years ago, leaving a soil cover mixture of sand, gravel, silt, and clay
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3-4 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

(Conkling 1995). Hydrology consists of bedrock aquifers underlying the

mainland portion of the state. “Sole source aquifer” is a designation given

for every island off the coast and both tidal and non-tidal surface waters

(Conkling 1995). Tidal waters include ponds, salt marshes, creeks, coves,

and mud flats. The mean tidal range within the region tends to increase as

one moves northeast along the coast. It ranges from 8.8 feet in Muscongus

Bay to 10.2 feet at Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island (TRIGOM -

PARC, 1974).

The non-tidal waters include marshes, bogs, ponds, creeks, artificial

impoundments, and seasonally flooded forests. Non-tidal waters are

mainly fed from annual precipitation or natural springs.

Climate

Maine’s weather is highly variable, and may vary on any given day from

place to place. Large ranges in temperature are common, both daily and

annually. In general, summers are cool and relatively dry, and winters are

cold and wet. Maine has four distinct seasons. The climate of coastal

Maine is strongly affected by maritime influences. In general, average

coastal temperatures are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter

than in the interior of the state. The average annual temperature varies

along the coast. For example, in southern Maine, the average temperature

is 45 degrees, along the mid-coast, it is 44 degrees, and in the north, the

average temperature is 40 degrees. The coastal region has the longest

growing season in the state, averaging from 140 to 160 days per year.

The average annual precipitation in Maine is 42 inches. Along the coast,

summer thunderstorm activity is suppressed somewhat by the cooling

effect of the ocean, while winter precipitation is increased by the occurrence of coastal storms blowing from the northeast, or “nor’easters.” They often bring with them

strong winds and heavy precipitation occurring

either as snow, rain, or freezing rain. The result is

greater precipitation in winter than in summer.

Winter precipitation falls mainly as rain or wet

snow along the coast, which is also subject to

occasional ice storms that cover every exposed

surface with a sheet of ice. At times, nor’easters

produce unusually high wind-driven tides that

can seriously affect coastal beaches and settlements. Fog is particularly frequent in downeast

Maine, generally diminishing in frequency and

duration in an inland direction and to the south.

On a yearly basis, the wind direction is generally from the west. In winter, winds typically

The Gulf of Maine is the southern limit of the Atlantic

puffin’s range

USFWS photo
Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-5

originate from the northwest or north, and in summer, from the southwest

or south. In spring and summer, the sea breeze is an important factor along

the coast. Cool breezes off the ocean tend to retard spring plant growth

and moderate summer temperatures. In winter, sea breezes moderate

temperatures on land.

Air Quality

Both State and Federal agencies monitor air quality in response to State

and Federal requirements to determine whether the air we breathe is

maintaining ambient air quality standards designed to protect the health

and welfare of the public. In addition to human health, good air quality is

essential to sustaining healthy ecosystems. Healthy and productive vegetation, wildlife, water, and soils, and the protection of visibility, and geological, archeological, historical, and cultural resources are all values associated with clean air.

According to the State of Maine DEP, the state exceeds acceptable levels

for particulates, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide (ME DEP;

www.state.me.us/DEP/pubs/environment 2002). The primary concern is

ground ozone levels in southern counties. A particular health hazard with

ozone is the fact it aggravates asthma and other chronic lung diseases. The

precursors to ozone are emitted in automobile exhaust, gasoline, and oil

storage and transfer, and from common use of paint solvents, degreasing

agents, cleaning fluids and similar materials. Unfortunately, some of these

compounds are generated in western regions of the country and are carried

to Maine by prevailing wind patterns, so efforts to reduce levels are

challenging.

Ozone formation is temperature dependent and is more likely to form in

the warmer summer temperatures. In 1989, there were 12 days when

Maine exceeded the Federal standards for acceptable 8-hour ozone level

days. This has been declining, and in 2001, there were 7 days in which the

8-hour levels were exceeded.

Air toxics are another serious concern in Maine. Benzene concentrations

are used as an indicator for other hazardous air pollutants. One of the

primary sources for these chemicals is car exhaust and evaporation of

gasoline during refueling. Over the past 8 years, benzene concentrations

were highest in 1994 at 0.9 ppb, decreased to 0.4 ppb in 2000, but then

increased to 0.7 in 2001 (ME DEP; www.state.me.us/DEP/pubs/environment 2002).

We do not have air quality monitoring stations on the Refuge Complex, so

we have limited local information. Instead, we look to air quality monitoring conducted on Moosehorn Refuge, located in Baring Maine. In 1978,

Congress designated the 7,000 acre Moosehorn Refuge Wilderness Area a

Class 1 air quality area. Class 1 areas receive the highest levels of protection
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3-6 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

under the Clean Air Act. Our National Air Quality Program has an established air quality monitoring station to measure compliance with Federal

standards.

Most of the air pollutants affecting Moosehorn Refuge would likely also

occur at the Petit Manan Refuge Complex (Porter, pers com, 2002).

Pollution sources include power plants, industry (such as pulp mills), and

automobiles. Pollutant haze often reduces visibility in the wilderness area.

Occasionally, smoke plumes from nearby industry drift into the area. The

area receives acid rain (and acid snow, fog, and dryfall), with a pH of

about 4.6. Acid rain is the broad term used to describe several ways that a

weak solution of inorganic acids, such as nitric and sulfuric acid falls out

of the atmosphere as rain, snow, mist or fog. Sulfur dioxide and oxides of

nitrogen are the primary causes of acid rain. Most of this comes from

electic-power generation that relies on burning fossil fuels, such as coal.

Acidification in surface water is an increasing concern.

In addition, it is likely that mercury deposition from the atmosphere and

bioaccumulation is occurring in the area at a rate similar to that demonstrated

in Acadia National Park and the Penobscot River valley. Mercury becomes

airborne through burning coal, oil, wood, or natural gas, incinerating

Short-billed dowitchers

Photo by Craig Snapp
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-7

mercury-containing garbage, and through industrial processes that use

mercury. Contaminant research has documented increasing concentrations

of mercury in various species of wildlife as you move eastward across the

country, with highest documented levels recorded in Maine (Evers pers.

comm.). Mercury bioaccumulation in fish has prompted the State of

Maine to advise certain at-risk persons not to eat fish from lakes and

ponds in the state.

The monitoring at Moosehorn Refuge includes documenting the cumulative effects of these air pollutants and their injury to vegetation, wildlife,

soils, water quality, visibility, odor, and cultural and archeological resources. Surveys in the wilderness area in 1998 to 2001 documented

symptoms of ozone injury, such as stippling and chlorosis, on several

plant species. Vegetation such as black cherry, milkweed, and wild grape

are all readily subject to such injury.

Acadia National Park also has two air quality monitoring sites at McFarland

Hill and Cadillac Mountain. Pollutants monitored include: ozone, nitrogen

oxides, fine particulates, visibility, mercury, acid deposition, UV-b radiation, precipitation and other meteorological parameters. In 2001, the park

recorded 10 days when the air was unhealthy to breathe due to groundlevel ozone levels. Park studies have shown numerous plant species

harmed by ozone exposure including black cherry, quaking aspen, and

decreased growth rates in eastern white pine.

The estimated annual average visibility at the park is 110 miles. Air

pollution reduces visibility during the summer months to approximately

33 miles, dropping to only a few miles on the haziest summer days. Sulfur

dioxide and nitrogen oxide are affecting surface waters of the park. Its

rocky soils give streams and lakes little protection from acid rain. The

average pH of precipitation measured has ranged from 4.4 to 4.6. This

value is ten times the acidity of natural rainfall. Park staff have measured

acid fog with a pH of 3.0, comparable to grapefruit juice. Fish with high

levels of mercury have been documented in its lakes since the early

1990’s. Mercury concentrations in some species of warm water fish(such

as bass, perch, and pickerel) are among the highest ever recorded in the

U.S. (www.npca.org)

Water Quality

Assessments of estuarine, riverine, lakes, and coastal water quality is done

primarily by two state agencies: the Department of Marine Resources

(DMR) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The

DMR conducts an extensive program to monitor pathogen indicators and

phytotoxins. The purpose of this program is to manage the risk of human

illness due to consumption of contaminated fish or shellfish. The DEP’s

Marine Environmental Monitoring Program monitors and researches other

water quality issues within the 7, 039 miles of shoreline and near-coastal
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3-8 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

waters. Three other coastal projects also collect water quality information

on a site-specific or project-specific basis. The Casco Bay Estuary Project

has supported several monitoring projects within Casco Bay. Maine’s

Shore Stewards Program supports a diverse array of volunteer monitoring

groups that operate in specific embayments and estuaries. The Gulf of

Maine Council’s Gulfwatch Project surveys toxic contamination in coastal

waters from Cape Cod to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Both point and nonpoint source pollution affect the quality of Maine’s

waters. Point source pollution occurs from a single discharge point;

nonpoint pollution sources are those that can come from numerous sources

in the watershed, typically as runoff from the land. Point source pollution

include sewer overflows, sewage pipes leading directly to the water, and

industrial discharges from paper mills and other manufacturers. Nonpoint

source pollution includes nutrients, bacteria, sediment, oil, and heavy

metals that are transported to water bodies from different sources by

runoff from storms. This threat is much harder to manage and control, and

is exacerbated by development and increased impervious and polluted

surfaces.

No water quality monitoring is occurring on the Refuge Complex, so we

are unsure as to how directly our waters are affected by these pollutants.

Estuaries

An indicator of the water quality in Maine’s estuaries used by ME DEP is

the amount of area closed to shellfish harvesting in a given year. As of

June 2001, 156,758 acres of flats and waters were closed to shellfishing, a

slight decrease from the 166,555 acres closed in October 2000 (ME

Development Foundation, January 2002; www.smart growth.org). Sewage

discharges from malfunctioning septic systems, straight discharge pipes,

and non-point source pollution are responsible for closing the shellfishing

areas (ME DEP; www.state.me.us/DEP/pubs/environment (2002.pdf).

Rivers, Streams and Brooks

An indicator of the water quality in Maine’s rivers, streams and brooks

used by ME DEP is the number of miles that were not able to support one

or more of their designated uses, including fishing, aquatic life, and

swimming, and were not in attainment of water quality standards in

sections 305(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. In 2000, 749

miles of the estimated 31,752 total miles of rivers, stream, and brooks,

were estimated to not fully support one or more of their designated uses.

Of those, 427 miles of river did not support fishing, 331 miles were unfit

to support aquatic life, and 176 miles could not support swimming. Several rivers were unable to support more than one type of use (ME Development Foundation, January 2002; www.smartgrowth.org). Fortunately,

since 1994, sewage effluent discharged into Maine rivers has decreased by 20%.
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-9

Lakes

There are 5,788 lakes in Maine, and 2,314 are deemed significant by ME

DEP. Using suitability for swimming as an indicator, only 3.8% of the

significant lakes were deemed unsuitable for swimming in 2000, according to ME DEP. This is an improvement over 1998 figures, when 5.3% of

significant lakes were not swimmable. More detailed water quality monitoring has occurred in 224 Maine lakes for the last eight years. Data shows

that 67% of those lakes have a stable water quality; an additional 25% are

improving; and 8% are declining.

Groundwater

Groundwater is Maine’s primary source of drinking water and protecting

its quality is critically important to the health of Maine’s citizens. Groundwater is defined as water contained in open spaces in the soil, sand, and

gravel within rock fractures. The water comes from rain or melting snow

that seeps into the ground and is stored in geologic structures. In most

cases, groundwater is polluted through non-point sources, namely contaminated snowmelt or rain. While these waters are filtered through the

soils before reaching the aquifer, it is often not enough to remove contaminants such as salt, oil, gas, and lead from roads, pesticides and fertilizers

from home gardens and landscaping, effluent from septic systems, and

substances disposed of on the ground by homeowners. Point sources, such

as those from development near primary aquifers, or petroleum leaks at

gas stations and homes, are also important threats. In 1994, 54 public and

private wells were replaced due to petroleum contamination of their water

source. Since that peak, the number has declined, with only 35 wells

needing replacement in 1999 due to contamination (ME Development

Foundation, January 2002; www.smartgrowth.org)

It is said that Maine’s seacoast is the backbone of the State’s economy. This

is not surprising as coastal Maine’s southern and mid-coast regions are

growing at almost twice the rate than the state as a whole during 1990-1996.

The majority of the State’s residents live in coastal counties. It is the natural

beauty and rich resources of the shore and ocean that draw people to the coast.

Demographics

The population of Maine is estimated at 1,274,923 with an average

density of 41.3 persons/ square mile (U.S. Census, 2000; http://quickfacts.census.gov/

qfd/states/23000.html). The top three counties with highest population

densities are: Cumberland (318 persons/square mile), Androscoggin (221

persons/square mile), and York (188 persons/square mile). All are located

in southern and mid-coast Maine. The eight coastal Maine counties and

their populations are depicted in Table 3-1.

Socio-economic

Characteristics of

Coastal Maine
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3-10 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-1 Populations of Eight Coastal Maine Counties

(U.S.Census 2000)

Coastal Maine Counties Population

Cumberland County 265,612

Hancock County 51,791

Knox County 39,618

Lincoln County 33,616

Waldo County 36,280

Washington County 33,941

Sagadahoc County 35,214

York County 186,742

A Brookings Institution report in July 2001 listed Portland as the 9th fastest

growing metropolitan area in the nation. Between 1982 and 1997, its

population increased by 17%. Between 1990 and 2000 the state population

increased by only 3.8%. Other populated cities and towns along the coast

are Kittery, York, Wells, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Saco, Yarmouth,

Freeport, Brunswick, Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Rockland,

Camden, Belfast, Bucksport, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Machias, and Calais.

The State Planning Office estimates that between 1970 and 1990, land

development in Maine occurred at four times the rate that the population

increased. People are moving away from villages and city centers into the

countryside. This situation creates sprawl, which is characterized by lowdensity development that is center-less and sporadic, strip malls, and

traffic congestion. If unchecked and unplanned, sprawl impacts our health,

our environment, our communities, and our productive agricultural and

natural areas. The city of Portland serves as a prime example. During 1982

and 1997, when Portland’s population increased by 17%, the amount of

farmland and forestland converted to urban uses increased by 108%.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the majority of people are employed

in the fields of “management/professional/and related occupations,”

followed by “sales and office occupations.” The mean household income,

including benefits, in the state is approximately $47,000. Approximately

95% of the population is white and retirees are disproportionately concentrated in the southern coastal towns.

Industries of Coastal Maine: An Overview

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the top three industries in Maine are,

in order: 1) “education/health/and social services;” 2) “retail;” and

3) “manufacturing.” Many of the State’s top three industries are dependent

on natural resources. A comprehensive bibliography on how natural

resources contribute to Maine’s economy is provided in Maine Audubon

Society’s publication: Valuing the Nature of Maine, May 1996.
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-11

In northern and eastern Maine, industry output is dominated by the pulp

and paper industry. Along with wood products, it represents the major

industry exporting products outside the area. After pulp and paper, the

primary industries in eastern Maine are retail trade, construction, and

health services (www.emdc.org.CEDS2000). Unfortunately, only the pulp,

paper and wood industries consistently pay the state’s “livable wage,” and

these industries are in a difficult investment climate.

A few prominent natural resource-based industries with ties to the Refuge

Complex are presented below.

Aquaculture and other commercial fisheries

The Maine aquaculture industry is very diverse and has grown significantly over the past decade. It consists of businesses involved in raising

and selling salmon, trout, oysters, mussels, and baitfish. According to a

recent report by Planning Decisions Inc., all Maine aquaculture activities

account for $130 million in total, annual economic activity in Maine

(O’Hara et. al., 2003). Two major subsectors exist in the industry: finfish,

primarily salmon, is generally undertaken east of Penobscot Bay, while

shellfish culture, is generally located in or near the Damariscotta River. In

2000, the salmon aquaculture industry produced a total of 36 million

pounds of salmon, with a total landed value of $78.9 million (Colgan

2002). This was the peak year for the decade. In 2002, there was a slight

decline, when 15 million whole pounds of salmon were produced. In

addition to direct salmon production, there is additional value added and

higher than state-average paid employment in processing facilities, hatcheries for salmon smolt at various inland lake locations around the state,

grow-out operations, fish health companies.

Aquaculture operations require a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and a lease from the State of Maine. As of June 2002, a total of 126

sites were under lease. Table 3-2 shows the distribution of these sites

(source: ME DMR, 2002)

Table 3-2 Aquaculture operations in Maine under lease as of June 2002

Product Number of leases Acres under lease

salmon 44 745.0

shellfish 40 428.0

seaweed 1 7.3

experimental 41 53.8

State records do not indicate which of these leases are currently active. As

such, some of this leased acreage may be in active production, while other

acreage is not. The amount of inactive acreage is expected to increase in

the near term because of the effect of Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA), a
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3-12 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

highly contagious disease which resulted in the destruction of over 1.1

million pounds of salmon in order to control the spread of the disease,

primarily in the Cobscook Bay area (Colgan 2002).

Despite the recent growth of the salmon industry, the future is uncertain.

The decline in production from 2000 to 2002 was due to health and environmental problems (O’Hara et. al, 2003). In addition to the ISA crisis,

concerns with mercury loading, and the listing of the wild Atlantic salmon

as an endangered species in the rivers of eastern Maine may have effects

on the cultured salmon industry that result in restricted production or

increased costs. Salmon aquaculture is a highly competitive industry in

which foreign producers play a major role. Competition from Chile and

Norway has been found by the U.S. International Trade Commission to

have materially harmed the U.S. industry, including producers from Maine

(Colgan 2002). Finally, aquaculture leases are difficult to obtain from the

State of Maine, in part because of frequent local opposition to the issuance

of new leases, and in part, because of a lengthy lease application process.

A bill to place a moratorium on aquaculture leases for two years was

considered by the Maine Legislature in 2002.

Lobstering is the principle fishing activity associated in the vicinity of

coastal islands. Lobsters are caught year-round in Maine, but during the

summer, lobsters migrate inshore to molt and are caught near shore,

including around islands. Depending on water depth and bottom type,

lobster traps may be placed quite close to shore, but this varies. Lobsters

are the single most valuable fish species caught in Maine. Both total

landings and the landed value of lobsters have grown significantly over

the past 15 years. In 2001, over 48 million pounds of lobster were harvested with a market value of $151.9 million.

The remaining top 10 economically important fisheries in the state include

Atlantic salmon, sea urchin, soft clam, cod, flounder, sea scallop, bluefin

tuna, shrimp, and witch flounder. All fishery species harvested in Maine

in 2001 totaled $241,287,429 in value and 236,268,682 pounds

(www.st.nmfs.gov).

Tourism

Tourism is significant to the Maine economy. In 2000, nonresident visitors

to Maine directly and indirectly generated: $8.8 billion in sales of goods

and services; over 116,000 jobs; and, $2.5 billion in total payroll (Maine

Office of Tourism, www.visitmaine.com). This represents 44.0 million

trips to Maine, predominantly to coastal areas and mostly during the

summer months. Reportedly, overnight visitors come to tour the state

(41%), enjoy the outdoors (20%), attend a special event (10%), and for a

beach vacation (9%).

Many people come to the state or travel within the state to engage in

wildlife watching. This would include activities such as observing,
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-13

identifying, photographing, or feeding wildlife. The total number of

wildlife watching participants nationally was 66,105,000 in 2001, a 13%

decrease from 1991 figures (USFWS 2002). Maine ranks fourth among U.S.

states for having the highest percentage of its population engage in wildlife

watching; 52% participates. Wildlife watching trip related expenditures in

Maine amounted to $64,202,000 in 2001. The national average for wildlife

watching expenditures per trip was $448 (USFWS 2002).

Commercial wildlife watching tour boat

USFWS photo

Seabird Viewing

Commercial seabird viewing is one wildlife watching activity that warrants a detailed discussion because of its connection with the Refuge

Complex. Petit Manan and Machias Seal islands serve as premier seabird

viewing destinations for several commercial tour boat operators.

The abundance of seabirds along the Maine coast, coupled with the large

number of summer visitors has created a substantial opportunity for firms

to provide a variety of services to view seabirds. In order for us to assess

the extent of commercial seabird viewing in Maine, and understand the

importance of the Refuge Complex to this opportunity, we enlisted the

University of Southern Maine for help. Dr. Colgan and students conducted

a series of interviews with seabird viewing firms in Maine during the

summer of 2001. The results of his work follows.

One hundred and thirty eight companies were identified as providing

services potentially involving seabird viewing as a recreational activity.
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3-14 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The companies were identified from tourism reference sources, chambers

of commerce, and other sources, and were contacted by phone to inquire

about the number of customers, average prices, and extent to which

seabird viewing was considered a part of the recreational experience. Of

these, 120 provided services in coastal waters. The firms are located

throughout the coast (Table 3.3), with about two thirds located in the

Penobscot Bay area or to the east.

Table 3-3 Distribution of coastal excursion companies. Source: USM Survey

Maine Coastal Counties Percent Distribution

Cumberland 4.3%

Hancock 21.5%

Knox 36.6%

Lincoln 21.5%

Sagadabhoc 1.1%

Washington 6.5%

Waldo 1.1%

York 7.5%

The companies provide a wide variety of services, from multi-day trips on

schooners to 2-6 hour guided sea kayak tours. There are also various types

of nature watching services. The most common are whale-watching tours,

which often include seabird viewing. There are also dedicated seabird

viewing excursions. Prices average about $60 for a full day excursion,

$36.00 for an excursion that last one to four hours, and $425 for multi-day

excursions.

Firms that were willing to provide figures on total number of visitors

taking their excursions reported a total of 156,000 trips per year. Of these,

2,700 trips were on excursions where the primary purpose was seabird

viewing, while 127,000 took trips whose secondary purpose was seabird

viewing. Adjusting from the sample to the total population implies 5,000

to 7,500 trips primarily for seabird viewing and 350,000 to 450,000 trips

with seabird viewing as a secondary purpose.

Based on information provided by the companies, 10-15% of the companies offer services that are predominantly focused on seabirds, 25-30%

indicate that seabird viewing is an important part of their services, and the

remainder indicate that seabird viewing is incidental to other experiences.

More than 95% of the trips taken are of less than one day’s duration.

Total spending by visitors on coastal excursions in which seabird viewing

plays some role is estimated at $6.24 million in 1990 among survey

respondents. The response rate for the surveys was about 33%, which

imply total spending of $15-25 million a year taking into account sample

size. However, as noted seabird viewing is only part of the recreational
Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-15

experience, so these figures need to be adjusted downward to reflect the

proportion of activity related to seabirds as reported by survey respondents.

When this is done, the sample estimated $2.3 million in spending, resulting in a total estimate of $5-10 million in seabird related spending in 2001.

The economic values associated with recreational seabird viewing not tied

to commercial trips is also very significant. People who regularly view

seabirds as either part of their coastal recreation or as a primary element in

their personal recreation activity constitute a significant population. Since

this group does not pay a per-trip fee to enjoy seabirds, other means are

employed to assess the economic value associated with this recreation. A

means employed to assess values from recreational seabird viewing for

our project is described below, with a detailed description of the overall

economic impact presented in Chapter 4.

In 1996, Dr. Colgan was enlisted by the Service to conduct a mail survey

to develop information about the scope of this recreational activity. The

survey was sent to members of the MITA and Maine Audubon Society

who had actively participated in bird watching activities or who had

indicated particular interest in bird watching as a recreation activity. The

survey results showed that those engaged directly and indirectly in coastal

seabird viewing come from a wide geographic area. Forty-five percent of

respondents were from outside Maine, with more than 30 states and one

Canadian province represented. Appendix H provides a summary of the

data collected.

A total of more than 10,500 annual trips for seabird viewing was reported

in the survey, although this number is somewhat difficult to estimate since

many of the respondents live on the Maine coast and report that bird

watching is part of their daily routine as

opposed to a specific recreational activity.1

However, it is important to note that, while

Maine residents were naturally the most

frequent visitors to the coast for bird-watching,

non-residents also reported frequent visits.

The Maine Audubon Society portion of the

survey was addressed to members who had a

specific interest in bird watching, so their

reported visits were directly related to recreation involving coastal birds. Members of the

MITA, on the other hand, engage in a variety

of recreation activities along the coast, including kayaking, sailing, and, camping. A specific question was addressed to MITA members about the extent to which bird-watching

1 Year-round residents were counted as 200 visits for purposes of the analysis.

Pied-billed grebe

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-16 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

was part of their island-related recreation activities. Over 90% of the

respondents from MITA considered bird-watching either a regular or an

occasional part of their recreation activity.

The survey also asked respondents which of six areas along the coast they

most frequently visited for bird-watching. The responses indicated that

the area between Portland and Penobscot Bay is the most popular area,

although activity is spread throughout the coast.

Forestry

Timber is an important economic crop along coastal Maine and is also

important to the state’s cultural identity. While acres in timberland across

the state have remained fairly stable, the amount that can be used for timber

harvesting has declined due to sprawl. The forest and paper industry’s

existence depends on maintaining both ownership and access to timberland; both of which are compromised with sprawl. The biggest loss of

timberlands is occurring in southern counties such as Cumberland and York.

Between 1989 and 1995, the amount of timberland in these counties had

declined by over 13% (Maine Development Foundation; www.smartgrowth.org).

While the vast majority of timber activities occurs on the mainland, some

also takes place on the coastal islands. On islands, trees are harvested for

firewood or other small woodlot management needs, or to open small

fields for agriculture.

Blueberry Production

Similar to timber, blueberries are an important economic crop in Maine

with deep cultural roots; in fact, blueberries are one of Maine’s chief

export products. Sixty thousand acres in Maine

are covered by wild blueberry production.

Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the world, and accounts for 25% of all

blueberry production in North America.

Maine’s 2001 wild blueberry crop totaled 75.2

million pounds with a value of $22.9 million

(www.nass.usda.gov/nh/agiul02.htm). Management of blueberry fields often includes

burning to enhance production, and pesticide

and herbicide application to control pest

species. In Washington County, where the

Refuge Complex Headquarters is located,

approximately 10,000 acres are burned each

spring.

Blueberry field on Petit Manan Point

USFWS photo
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-17

Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and fishing activities generate a sizeable income to the economy

of Maine. A study by the University of Maine describes a $329.9 million

and $196.2 million economic output for hunting and inland fishing,

respectively, in Maine in 1996 (Teisl and Boyle 1998). Both of these

activities provide wage and employment benefits across many sectors of

Maine’s economy. While fishing is significant elsewhere in the state, the

Refuge Complex has very limited opportunities for this activity, and

therefore, we do not further describe this activity below.

Maine ranks third in the U.S. in having the highest percentage of in-state,

big game hunters (USFWS 2002). In 2001, there were 164,000 total

hunters in Maine; 95% were hunting big game, 39% were hunting small

game, and the number for migratory birds was negligible. Trip-related

expenditures for Maine hunters amounted to $53,779,000; a 17% increase

in expenditures compared to 1991. These expenditures include food,

lodging, transportation, and other trip costs such as equipment rentals,

land use fees, etc. The 2001 national averages for expenditures by a hunter

per trip were $327 for big game, $167 for small game, and $222 for

migratory birds.

Environmental Education

Environmental education is virtually an industry unto itself in coastal

Maine. Programs are sponsored through a variety of Federal and State

agencies, private businesses, media outlets, and non-profit organizations.

These groups provide a range of opportunities to learn about coastal

Maine’s environmental resources through written materials, educational

programs in classrooms and in the field, and public forums. Target audiences for environmental educational are as varied as the environmental

organizations themselves. Land-use decision-makers, lawmakers, land

trusts, other conservation groups, outdoor users, instructors, schoolchildren, college students, state residents, and vacationing visitors are all

potential audiences for Maine’s environmental education initiatives.

According to a comprehensive survey completed in The Wild Gulf Almanac in 1995, Maine hosts the following range of organizations and land

bases that support or engage directly in environmental education:

■ 29 educational organizations and programs

■ 29 governmental organizations involved in environmental

protection

■ 10 museums and aquariums

■ 21 non-profit conservation groups

■ 1 National Park
Chapter 3

3-18 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

■ 1 National Estuarine Research Reserve

■ 2 National Fish Hatcheries

■ 1 International Park

■ 1 Wilderness Waterway

■ 9 National Wildlife Refuges

■ 28 state parks and 12 state historic sites

■ many nature preserves managed by non-profit conservation groups

In addition, there are 70 land trusts, approximately 20 water quality

monitoring groups, and numerous environmentally-based tourism industries.

Environmental education is incorporated, to varying degrees, in the curriculums of Maine’s public and private schools. Some school programs are

self-managed while others rely on the assistance of the entities noted

above. Interestingly, the many environmental organizations vary widely in

their offering of educational opportunities. Some, like The Chewonki

Foundation and Maine Audubon Society, have a broad diversity of environmental education programs, accommodating many subject areas.

Others, like Acadia National Park, are focused on coastal resource protection and recreational opportunities. Some, like the Natural Resources

Council of Maine, Conservation Law Foundation, and RESTORE, focus

on environmental advocacy, but support environmental education as a

critical component of successful advocacy. Groups like Maine Island Trail

Association and some private ecotourism businesses, promote educational

programs that encourage appropriate use, enjoyment, and stewardship of

coastal environments. Finally, groups like The Nature Conservancy and

Maine Coast Heritage Trust direct their energies to land protection, but

support education that leads to public understanding, appreciation, and

ultimately, long-term protection of coastal resources.

Real Estate and Land Development

As discussed above, land development has increased in many areas,

especially along Maine’s coastal areas. Historically, when the economy in

nearby urban areas, such as Boston and New York is doing well, there is

tremendous pressure for second home development on both the mainland

and islands in Maine. The economic boom of the 1990’s has resulted in

healthy real estate sales in coastal areas. While environmental issues with

sprawl are noted above, a healthy real estate market also results in increased property values and increased property tax revenues to towns.

Average property tax values per acre along coastal Maine range between a

low of $122 and a high of $28,400, with a mean value of $4,300 per acre.

In general, property values are higher in southern coastal areas than in

downeast coastal areas.
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-19

On coastal islands, several factors influence opportunities for development. The major factor is cost, including the current market value for

islands, the location of and access to the island, the topography of the

island for building, protection of the island from storm events, access to

water, availability of sewage disposal facilities, and other costs such as taxes.

Recreational Uses on Coastal Islands

Most of what is described above relates to the mainland. However, it is

important to recognize there is a large seasonal demand for access to

Maine coastal islands because they offer a unique experience. There are

many ways for the public to access islands in Maine, depending on the

ownership. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains the

Maine Island Trail, a 325 mile waterway extending from Casco Bay on the

west to Machias Bay on the east. This trail includes 104 public and private

islands open to visitors; some are day use only, others are open to day use

and camping. Two Refuge Complex islands are part of the MITA trail and

open to overnight camping: Bois Bubert and Halifax islands. Other details

on access to specific Refuge Complex islands are described in Part 2 of

this chapter.

Other public and private islands are also open to the general public.

Acadia National Park allows access to several of the park’s islands; access

is primarily by private boat. All of the islands owned by the State of

Maine are open to the public, accessed by private boat. Some of these

islands are State parks; others were acquired to protect habitat for nesting

seabirds. The nesting islands are closed to the public during the nesting

season. The coastal islands owned by The Nature Conservancy are open to

the public. They may offer occasional trips and tours, but generally visitors access these islands using private boats.

There are many commercial companies offering trips to visit coastal islands in Maine.

These include bird viewing tours, kayak tours,

windjammer cruises, lobster tours, and others.

People also use mail boats and ferries to access

islands.

Maine islands have historically been used for

such non-consumptive recreational uses as

picnicking, hiking, wildlife observation,

photography, and camping. Consumptive

uses include berry picking, fishing and

shellfishing, and sport hunting for waterfowl

(including eiders), upland game birds, and

deer.

Aerial view of Halifax Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-20 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Administrative Organization

As described in Chapter 1, the Refuge Complex includes five refuges and

four mainland divisions. A sixth refuge, Sunkhaze Meadows, is administratively grouped with the Refuge Complex, but will not be evaluated in

this document. A separate CCP effort is planned for approximately 2010

for this refuge. Resources shared with Sunkhaze Meadows Refuge include

supervision, administrative support services, and field biological staff. A

brief description of the resources on Sunkhaze Meadows Refuge is provided below.

Sunkhaze Meadows Refuge

Sunkhaze Meadows Refuge is approximately 10,300 acres, located in the

Town of Milford, Penobscot County, Maine, approximately fourteen miles

north of Bangor. The refuge is the second-largest and most unique peatland

in Maine, and also contains a portion of Sunkhaze stream and extensive

streamside wetlands. The refuge is open to big game hunting, upland game

hunting, and waterfowl hunting. Sunkhaze stream is a very popular trout

fishing stream. Nonconsumptive uses occurring on the refuge include

canoeing, cross-country skiing, environmental education and interpretation, wildlife observation and photography, research, and snowmobiling.

Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area is also managed by the refuge. It

is a 1,068-acre marsh located in the town of Troy in Waldo County. In the

early 1990’s, the Benton and Sandy Stream Divisions were added to the

Refuge under the auspices of the 1990 Farm Bill. Located in the towns of

Benton and Unity, both are managed for grassland nesting birds.

Refuge Complex Offices

We have two Government Services Administration-leased office buildings

in the Towns of Milbridge and Rockport. Our Milbridge office, established

in 1997, is considered the Refuge Complex Headquarters and consists of

5,250 square feet of space, 50% of which is dedicated to boat storage and

maintenance operations. The office portion provides adequate space for

the current five permanent employees, but lacks storage and filing space,

and does not provide office space for additional staff. The Refuge Complex staff rents commercial storage space to meet these needs.

Our Rockport office was opened in 1999 and consists of 2,250 square feet

of space; approximately 50% is administrative office and 50% is boat and

other equipment storage. The office currently meets the needs of two

permanent employees and an office for the Refuge Complex Friends

Group, Friends of Maine Seabird Islands.

We have been evaluating moving the Refuge Complex Headquarters to

mid-coast Maine in conjunction with a proposal to develop a mid-coast

environmental education center. The Milbridge office would then become

Refuge Complex

Administration
Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-21

the downeast satellite office. In May 2001, we

convened a team of people representing the

Service, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands,

Maine Audubon Society, Maine Island Trail

Association, Coastal Mountains Land Trust,

Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and Tanglewood

4H Camp to discuss a proposal for a new

facility. The team developed three purposes for

the facility: 1) to provide interpretive and

educational programming and exhibits; 2) to

facilitate administration of the Refuge Complex;

and, 3) to support Refuge Complex operations.

We held a public meeting in May 2001 in

Rockport to present the proposal, and Congressional representatives were briefed at this time.

There was unanimous support for the concept.

A mid-coast location, between Brunswick and Belfast, is recommended

because it would provide a central location for management of the Refuge

Complex’s offshore islands in this region. In addition, this location would

be more accessible to the millions of seasonal visitors to Maine’s coast,

closer to resident Maine population centers, in proximity to major ferry

and seabird-viewing tour boat ports, and closer to offices of key partner

organizations such as Maine Coast Heritage Trust, National Audubon

Society, and the Service’s Gulf of Maine Program. Criteria for a site

include, but are not limited to, the following:

■ within 1⁄2 mile of coastal U.S. Route 1 between Brunswick and Belfast;

■ on the waterfront, or with an unobstructed view of the water, and/or

with foot access to the water;

■ no changes in zoning are required, or changes would not result in a

protracted conflict with the local authority;

■ is consistent with the neighborhood, e.g. would have limited impact on

neighbors;

■ has good accessability to utilities which do not require costly upgrades;

■ has good access to emergency services;

■ has minimal to no hazardous materials or contaminants;

■ has safe ingress and egress, or development of such is reasonable;

■ can accommodate a handicapped-accessible building(s) for Service

staff, Friends Group, and partners, as well as an educational and

interpretive facility, storage space for boats and maintenance

equipment, and parking for cars and buses;

■ can accommodate anticipated visitation with minimal adverse impact;

Rockport Office

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-22 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

■ is readily accessible to an outdoor environment

for educational and interpretive programs;

■ is already Service-owned, or a willing seller is

available and property is available at fair

market value or less;

■ facility and site construction environmental

impacts would be minimal;

■ costs of developing site are reasonable; and,

■ can support construction of a facility modeled

on the principles of sustainable design,

including such things as active and passive

solar, and a state-of-the-art septic system and

well.

Once there are specific sites to evaluate, a separate review and NEPA compliance document will

be necessary prior to a final decision for a new

facility. The criteria would be reviewed and

refined during that process. The Refuge is currently exploring partnership opportunities to

develop and occupy the future education center/

office complex.

Staffing and Budgets

The current staff consists of six permanent employees: a Refuge Complex

Manager, a Deputy Refuge Complex Manager, two Wildlife Biologists, a

Small Watercraft Operator, and an Administrative Assistant.

Permanent staff, operations and maintenance budgets over the last five

years are included in Table 3-4. Operations funding (1261) includes those

funds used for such things as salaries, new purchases, contracts, and new

construction. Maintenance funding (1262) is used for maintaining the

existing infrastructure.

The specific maintenance funding related to the lighthouses is worthy of

mention. Due to the complicated logistics of maintaining offshore island

lighthouses and the national historic preservation standards required for

Petit Manan, Matinicus Rock, Libby and Egg Rock lighthouses, the costs

are very high. Repairs to the towers, former keeper’s houses, sheds and

other outbuildings, boat ramps, generators, and debris removal have all

been part of these projects. The following costs have been incurred over

the last five years:

Petit Manan Light Station: $742,000

Matinicus Rock Light Station: $198,250

Egg Rock Light: $286,500

Decommissioned lighthouse on Matinicus Rock

USFWS photo
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-23

Table 3-4 Refuge Complex budgets from 1998 to 2002

Funding

Year Permanent StaffA 1261 Funds 1262 Funds

1998 6 $398,000 $50,000

1999 6.6 $519,800 $646,700B

2000 8.7 $647,800 $208,000C

2001 8.9 $632,500 $29,000

2002 7.7 $598,700 $16,800

A

 Decimal reflects personnel who worked less than one full year

B

 Structural repairs to Matinicus Rock light station totaled $250,000. Structural repairs to Egg

Rock light station totaled $350,000.

C Structural repairs to historic light house keepers home on Petit Manan Island totaled $127,000.

An additional $35,000 was utilized to purchase a new vehicle for the Refuge Complex.

Refuge Revenue Sharing Payments to Towns

The Refuge Complex contributes directly to the economies of several

towns in coastal Maine. Since 1935, the Service has made Refuge Revenue Sharing payments to counties or towns for refuge land under its

administration. Lands acquired by the Service are removed from the tax

rolls; however, under provisions of the Revenue Sharing Act, as amended,

the county or other local unit of government receives an annual revenue

sharing payment which often equals or exceeds the amount that would

have been collected from property taxes if in private ownership. Table 3-5

below portrays payments made to towns during our fiscal year 2002.

Table 3-5 Petit Manan Refuge Complex Revenue Sharing Payments in

Fiscal Year 2002.

Town/County Amount of Payment

Addison $895.00

Boothbay $2,958.00

Camden $86.00

Cutler $8,505.00

Friendship $545.00

Gouldsboro $3,219.00

Jonesport $1,409.00

Knox County $2,511.00

Land Use Regulatory Com. $966.00

Machiasport $619.00

Milbridge $14,505.00

Phippsburg $292.00

South Bristol $350.00

Steuben $20,964.00

Swan Island $1,041.00

Tremont $1,047.00

Roque Bluffs $646.00

Vinalhaven $234.00

Winter Harbor $413.00

Total $61,205.00
Chapter 3

3-24 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Refuge Complex Step-Down Plans

Over 25 step-down plans are required by the Service’s Refuge Manual,

although not all are relevant to every refuge. The following is a summary

of the status of step-down plans relevant to this Refuge Complex:

These plans are current and up-to-date:

■ Fire Management Plan, 2002 (includes annual managed burn plan

update and wildfire prescriptions)

■ Continuity of Operations Plan, 1999

■ Safety Program and Operations Plan, 2000

■ Hunt Plan, 2001 (includes annual hunt program update)

These plans are now in draft form or being prepared:

■ Inventory and Monitoring Plan

■ Land Protection Plan

These plans need to be completed:

■ Habitat Management Plan

■ Visitor Services Plan

■ Law Enforcement Plan

■ Invasive Species Management Plan

■ Cultural Resources Management Plan

Volunteer/Friends Groups (status, activities)

We are very proud of our volunteer program. Recently we have had 25

volunteers annually contribute 2,892 hours performing administrative,

public use, and biological duties. Included in

these figures are research volunteers who assist

with the seabird restoration on refuge islands.

We are pleased that a Friends of Maine Seabird

Islands group was formed in 2002. This

Friends group has established a board of

directors, secured grant funding, and sponsored

a very successful Seabird Symposium. The

group is committed to supporting our seabird

conservation work through increasing public

awareness, building broad-based community

support, and by advocating for additional

island protection. They will utilize outreach,

education and partnerships to achieve their

goals.

Killdeer

Photo by Bill Buchanan
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-25

Research and Special Uses

Our review of Refuge Complex special use permits issued between 1981

and 2001 reveals that there have been 21 different types of uses permitted.

We average 12 permits per year. Most of these allow access to Refuge

Complex lands for environmental education, scientific sampling, flora and

fauna research collections, and commercial tours to islands for wildlife

observation. A complete listing of these permits is available from Refuge

Complex headquarters.

Community Outreach

We are involved in community outreach in several ways. We issue periodic

news releases regarding Refuge Complex events to the local news media.

Our participation in community events is also an important part of outreach. We staff informational booths at the Sportman’s Show in Orono,

Lobster Festival in Rockland, and the Common Ground Fair in Unity. Our

staff also give presentations about the Refuge Complex to local civic

organizations, schools and universities.

Our web site (http://petitmanan.fws.gov/) provides additional information

about Refuge Complex resources and management activities.

Partnerships

Our partnerships have been instrumental in accomplishing management

goals and objectives. These partnerships include universities and colleges,

conservation organizations, several Federal, State and local agencies, land

trusts, historic preservation groups, and adjacent landowners. The partnerships have resulted in biological research, cooperative seabird restoration

and management, management of other Federal trust resources, land

protection, and environmental education and interpretive programs. A

summary of some of our partners follows.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Staff from this state agency (MDIFW) served on the planning team for

this project. The mission of MDIFW is to ensure that all species of wildlife and aquatic resources in Maine are maintained and perpetuated for

their intrinsic and ecological values, for their economic contribution, and

for their recreational, scientific, and educational use by the people of

Maine. With regards to the coastal environment, this agency owns, holds

conservation easements, or manages through agreements with the Bureau

of Public Lands, 301 islands and ledges. This includes 88 nationally

significant coastal nesting islands. MDIFW works with seabird researchers on issues of management concern. In addition, they conduct recovery

work for the State’s other threatened and endangered species. They advise

private landowners interested in wildlife and habitat protection, and

administer the State’s hunting, fishing and trapping programs.
Chapter 3

3-26 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The Gulf of Maine Coastal Program

Working in partnership with Federal, State, local, and non-governmental

partners, the Service’s Gulf of Maine Coastal Program (GOMP) helps identify,

protect, and restore significant fish and wildlife habitat. Using existing natural

resource data along with biological expertise and state-of-the-art computer

mapping and database management capabilities, biologists identify important

fish and wildlife habitat. In addition, GOMP directs outreach services and

technical assistance to interested organizations, including national wildlife

refuges, State agencies, statewide conservation groups, and land trusts.

Since 1994, GOMP has played a key role in protecting more than 9,600 acres

of important fish and wildlife habitat, restoring 1,300 acres of coastal

wetlands, reopening and restoring fish passage on 670 miles of Atlantic

salmon rivers, and leveraging more than $13 million from private, State,

and Federal sources. GOMP has helped identify and protect 22 coastal

islands through fee title acquisition or the use of conservation easements,

and has supported seabird restoration projects on 12 islands.

Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment

The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment was established in

1989 by the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, New

Hampshire, and Massachusetts to foster cooperative actions within the

Gulf watershed. Its mission is to maintain and enhance environmental

quality in the Gulf of Maine to allow for sustained resource use by existing and future generations. The Council’s Public Education and Participation Committee publishes The Gulf of Maine Times, which emphasizes

articles to highlight or promote cooperation “to maintain and enhance

environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine.”

Maine Anadromous Fish Coordination Office

The Maine Anadromous Fish Coordination Office is co-located at the

Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in East Orland, Maine. Its work

entails rehabilitation of imperiled Atlantic salmon stocks through stock

enhancement, stock assessment, habitat evaluation, protection, and monitoring, inventory and removal of obstructions to migration, characterizing

generic composition of stocks, and outreach and education related to

Atlantic salmon conservation. It also works on other interjurisdictional

fish species like American shad, river herring, striped bass, rainbow smelt,

Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, and their respective habitats.

Canadian Wildlife Service

The management of wildlife in Canada is a shared responsibility between

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The Canadian Wildlife

Service of Environment Canada (CWS) handles wildlife matters that are

the responsibility of the Federal government. These include protection and
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-27

management of migratory birds as well as nationally significant wildlife

habitat. Other responsibilities are endangered species, control of international trade in endangered species, research on wildlife issues, and international wildlife treaties and issues. CWS also consults with provinces

and territories on determining migratory game bird hunting regulations. As

a member of the Gulf of Maine Seabird Working Group, CWS participates

in seabird management discussions and planning at annually scheduled

meetings held in both the U.S. and Canada.

For the past several years, CWS biologists have coordinated with both

Refuge Complex and Regional Office staff on Machias Seal Island issues.

Sovereignty aside, from Canada’s standpoint, CWS is responsible for

seabird management on the island. The United States’ viewpoint supports

the Service’s responsibility for managing the same resources on the island.

At the field level, both CWS and our staff work together on biological and

public access issues. Canadian and U.S. biologists meet annually to

discuss seabirds, tour boat issues and landing schedules.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust

The mission of Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is to conserve coastal

and other lands that define Maine’s distinct landscape, protect its environment, sustain its outdoor traditions, and promote the well-being of its

people. MCHT has helped landowners, communities, government agencies, and local land trusts for more than 30 years to conserve more than

112,000 acres, including vital wetlands, valuable farm and forest land,

hundreds of miles of shoreline, and over 260 entire islands. It now owns

only 48 properties outright, and holds conservation easements on 95

others. This organization is considered a leader in Maine coastal island

conservation. On several occasions MCHT has purchased islands and held

them until the Service could secure appropriate funds for the property.

Other Land Trusts

Land trusts are a variety of private, non-profit organizations that protect

land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historical, educational, or productive values. The 90 land trusts in the state play an essential role in Maine’s

conservation community. Due to inconsistent funding of State and Federal

agencies and the development interests of some landowners, conservation

land trusts are often the only alternative for preserving threatened lands.

Conservation easement, land donation, and fee purchase are their primary

methods of land protection. There are 45 land trusts established along the

coast of Maine, many of them actively working to protect coastal nesting

islands.

The Nature Conservancy, Maine Chapter

The Maine Chapter of The Nature Conservancy protects plants, animals,

and natural communities representing the diversity of life in Maine.
Chapter 3

3-28 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Historically, the chapter has played a lead role in protecting island habitats

along the Maine coast. Since 1956, the chapter has helped protect 117 coastal

islands as habitat for seabirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, and rare

plant and marine communities. Twenty-two of these islands are nationally

significant coastal nesting islands. The chapter, supported by over 12,000

member families, owns and manages approximately 40 mainland preserves and 50 coastal islands.

Private Island Owners

Individual landowners in Maine have owned coastal nesting islands for

many generations. They have protected the islands and their biological

values by conserving the islands’ resources and limiting development.

Unfortunately, raising tax costs may prohibit some families from retaining

ownership of these undeveloped properties.

National Audubon Society

The National Audubon Society (NAS) promotes wise use of Maine’s

environment through research, education, and advocacy. NAS works

cooperatively with the Refuge Complex and the MDIFW on seabird

management and restoration projects on several Maine islands. Its current

programs include the ongoing protection of seabirds, and informational

programs to support threatened and endangered seabirds and seabird

habitat restoration. NAS also holds fee title and conservation easements

on seven nationally significant coastal nesting islands.

Maine Audubon Society

The Maine Audubon Society promotes wise use of Maine’s environment

through research, education, and advocacy. Its current programs include

protection and information to support threatened and endangered shorebirds, shorebird habitat restoration, loon restoration, and the “loon count.”

This society also offers field trips on natural history and ecology of coastal

waters, and maintains a staff of wildlife biologists who support active field

work, education, and a limited advocacy program. It also holds conservation easements on several coastal nesting islands.

State Planning Office–Maine Coastal Program

State Coastal Program staff work on a variety of issues relating to water

quality, stewardship, and economic development, and provide technical

assistance to municipalities. They work to ensure the continuation of

working waterfronts and public shore access points, and support the

Maine Coast Week, the Shore Stewards Partnership, and the Penobscot

Bay Marine Volunteers.
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-29

Island Institute

The Island Institute is a non-profit organization that serves as a voice for

the balanced future of the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine. They

are guided by an island ethic that recognizes the strength and fragility of

Maine’s island communities and the finite nature of the Gulf of Maine

ecosystems. Along the Maine coast, the Island Institute seeks to support

the islands’ year-round communities; conserve Maine’s island and marine

biodiversity for future generations; develop model solutions that balance

the needs of the coast’s cultural and natural communities; provide opportunities for discussion over responsible use of finite resources, and provide

information to assist competing interests in arriving at constructive solutions. The Institute also works with local non-profit, State, and Federal

partners to ensure long-term protection of nesting islands.

Maine Island Trail Association

The Maine Island Trail Association’s (MITA) mission is to “...establish a

model of thoughtful use and volunteer stewardship for the Maine islands

that will assure their conservation in a natural state while providing an

exceptional recreational asset that is maintained and cared for by the

people who use it.” MITA encourages a philosophy of low-impact use and

active stewardship among its members. It also strives to educate island

visitors about natural history, and the ecological sensitivity of the islands.

Member-volunteers are encouraged to participate in their island monitoring and Adopt-An-Island programs. Members receive a very popular

guidebook to the Maine Islands Trail, along with their Island Trail newsletter, and educational information regarding low-impact camping.

Hurricane Island Outward Bound School

Hurricane Island Outward Bound School (HIOBS) is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to outdoor experiential education. It has been

using Cross Island since 1969 as a base for both solo and group camping

programs. On a 20 acre inholding on the northeast end of Cross Island, the

school owns and maintains the former U.S. Coast Guard lifesaving station

and boathouse, now known as the Cabot Biological Station. HIOBS is

headquartered in Rockland, Maine.

The Chewonki Foundation

The Chewonki Foundation is a non-profit educational institution organized in 1963 to assume ownership and leadership for Camp Chewonki.

The Foundation’s programs encourage participants to develop their personal

potential, gain a sense of community, and heighten their interest in and

understanding of the natural world. We grant limited overnight camping on

the Refuge Complex’s Halifax and Cross Islands to the foundation for use

as part of their educational programs. They are based in Wiscasset, Maine.
Chapter 3

3-30 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

In 2001, our team began a wilderness review of all current Refuge Complex lands. This review is our formal process to identify and recommend

Refuge System lands and waters that merit inclusion in the National

Wilderness Preservation System. Wilderness reviews are required in

CCPs, and we conduct them in accordance with the refuge planning

process outlined in the Service Manual (602 FW 1 and 3), including public

involvement and NEPA compliance.

The wilderness review process is conducted in three phases: 1) inventory,

2) study, and 3) recommendation. In the inventory phase, we identify

lands and waters that meet the minimum criteria for wilderness. Those

lands that meet the minimum criteria are called wilderness study areas

(WSAs). Appendix D presents the results of our inventory for the Refuge

Complex. We identified 13 islands that meet the minimum criteria, which

we then grouped into 8 WSAs.

In the study phase, we evaluate WSAs to determine if they are suitable for

wilderness designation. As presented in Chapter 2, our study phase findings are different among the 4 management alternatives depending on the

alternative’s respective objectives and strategies. During this phase, we

considered whether we can effectively manage a respective WSA to

preserve its wilderness values and character over the long-term consistent

with each alternative’s other management priorities. Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences, addresses the benefits and impacts to wilderness

values and other resources under each of the management alternatives.

Our final CCP will identify WSAs we have determined suitable for wilderness designation. It will outline specific management direction to maintain

the area’s wilderness character. This is considered a preliminary administrative determination until reviewed and approved by the Service’s Director.

In the recommendation phase, the Director makes the Service’s final

recommendation and transmits the wilderness study report to the Secretary

of the Interior. The Secretary is responsible for recommending to the

President wilderness designation for those lands that qualify for inclusion

into the National Wilderness Preservation System. The President is then

responsible for formally transmitting to both houses of Congress recommendations with respect to wilderness designation. Congress has reserved

the authority to make final decisions on wilderness designation. We will

manage areas suitable for wilderness designation pursuant to the CCP

until such a time as Congress makes a decision on the areas, or the CCP is

amended to modify or remove the recommendation.

As is generally the case in coastal settings, the project area is especially

rich in archaeological resources, though few have been reported on the

current Refuge Complex lands. The majority of prehistoric archaeological

sites in the area date from the Ceramic Period (ca. 1000 B.C. to A.D.

1600). This probably reflects population density to some extent, but is also

Wilderness Management

Cultural and Historic

Resources
Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-31

a reflection of the instability of coastal environments during preceding

periods. Pottery (e.g. ceramic) appears in this period, and daily life appears to have consisted of a mix of hunting and gathering of upland,

estuarine, and marine resources, especially soft shell clam (Mya arenaria).

Unlike most of the eastern U.S., prehistoric agriculture was only significant in southwestern Maine because of the short growing season. Sites on

islands were generally seasonally occupied, presumably as bases to exploit marine resources. A similar pattern of occupation followed European

contact, with the important addition of fur trapping for the European

market. Some places may have become regular trading locations when

European ships arrived in the summer. Summer use of some islands as

European cod fishing stations also began in the 17th century. Today,

coastal erosion is a severe threat to many prehistoric and 17th century

archaeological sites in the study area, especially on the more exposed

islands.

Only six prehistoric archaeological sites are recorded within current

Refuge Complex property, none of which has been thoroughly examined

by Service archaeologists. All are in severely eroded shoreline locations

on islands. Most appear to be shell middens dating from ca. 2000 years

ago to shortly before European contact. A human burial was reported from

one of these sites in the 1950s, and stone tools and pottery have been

reported from others, indicating that these sites had considerable potential

to add to our knowledge of regional prehistory prior to their damage by

erosion. Some may still have research potential, while others may have

been completely destroyed by erosion since their discovery.

Extensive permanent settlement of the area by Euro-Americans was

hindered by repeated wars with the Native Americans and their French

allies until the mid-18th century. Many towns were established in the latter

part of the century, with population and economic activity generally

concentrated around major estuaries. Some larger islands were settled as

fishing and farming communities, although most were only used seasonally for livestock pasture or as seasonal fishing station sites. Lighthouses

and lifesaving stations were built by the Federal Government on several

islands in the project area during the 19th century. Recreational camps,

ranging from single room shacks to elegant mansions, also began to be

built on some islands in the latter part of the 19th century.

Recorded historic period archaeological sites on the Refuge Complex are

generally set back from the shoreline, with the majority being mainland

farm sites. One eroding island historic site has been identified, which

appears to have been the foundation of a building dating to circa 1800.

Place names such as Stage Island (referring to fish drying racks, or “stages”)

indicate that similar sites probably exist on other islands from periods

spanning European contact to the present. Most island historic sites

probably relate to 18th and 19th century maritime activities or livestock
Chapter 3

3-32 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

raising. In sheltered areas, these may include tidal zone features, such as

remains of piers or vessels. Unrecorded historic sites within the Refuge

Complex are likely to also include seasonal shore fishing stations and

trading locations dating from the earliest periods of European contact and

settlement. Few of these locations have been successfully located within

New England, and even fewer studied through archaeological excavation.

Such sites are likely to be among the most significant historic archaeological sites in the nation, and the threat of loss by erosion makes their discovery, study, and protection increasingly urgent.

Lighthouses and Other Historic Structures

On Petit Manan Island, Refuge Complex structures currently listed on the

National Register of Historic Places include a light keepers dwelling and

outbuildings built in the late 19th century for the Petit Manan Light

Station. The dwelling and outbuildings are now used as a research base for

the extensive seabird restoration project on the

island. These buildings require regular maintenance and have received major repairs in

recent years, but further repairs are still

needed. Recent funding has addressed significant maintenance needs on the two story

dwelling and rain shed. The boathouse was

also replaced in 1994. The U.S. Coast Guard

retains ownership and responsibility for maintaining the functioning light tower. The Service

cooperates with the Coast Guard on all islands

with functioning lighthouses to provide access

for emergency and scheduled maintenance of

structures and aids to navigation.

Three of the four lighthouses transferred to the

Service under the Coast Guard Authorization

Act of 1996 are listed on the National Register

of Historic Places. It is the responsibility of the

Service to maintain the structures on these

islands to historic preservation standards:

Libby Island, Matinicus Rock, and Egg Rock

lighthouses. The oldest is Libby Island Light

Station, with a granite tower built in 1822 and

a brick fog signal building built in 1884. Both

are in fairly good condition, but do need some

repairs, and will require regular maintenance in

the future.

Matinicus Rock Light Station, the most famous of the three, includes an

1848 granite dwelling, an 1890 boathouse, and twin granite towers built in

1858. This light station is strongly associated with Abbie Burgess, one of

Lighthouse on Libby Island

USFWS photo
Part One: The Refuge Complex Landscape

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-33

the most famous 19th century heroines of American lighthouse history,

who lived in the lighthouse from 1853 to 1875. The north tower at Matinicus

Rock is abandoned and in extremely poor condition. With its lantern

removed and no door or window glazing, rain and snow infiltration has

destroyed much of the mortar in this tower. Recent repairs on the dwelling, boardwalk, boat ramp and boathouse have been completed, however

all structures here will need regular maintenance. The National Audubon

Society currently uses the dwelling as a seasonal research station.

Egg Rock Light Station consists of a frame dwelling with a lantern on its

roof, built in 1875, and a brick fog signal building, built in 1904. The

dwelling has received significant repairs in recent years including replacing the roof and windows, and applying new storm shutters. The brick fog

signal building is in good condition. Regular maintenance on both buildings will be required.

The fourth island, Two Bush Island, has a functioning light station. It now

consists only of a brick tower built in 1897. It has been determined ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places, due to loss of the dwelling, boathouse, and oil house that were originally part of this station. Its

maintenance is not required by the National Historic Preservation Act. A

lesser level of maintenance to protect the light so that it can remain operational will be required under the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 1996.

Franklin Island, acquired by the Service in 1973 from a Coast Guard

transfer, also has a functioning light station which is owned and maintained by the Coast Guard. The lighthouse is on the National Register of

Historic Places.

Pond Island, acquired by the Service in 1973 from a Coast Guard transfer,

also has a functioning lighthouse which is owned and maintained by the

Coast Guard. This lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nash Island, half of which was acquired by the Service in 1981 from a

Coast Guard transfer, has a non-functioning lighthouse located on the

Service-owned half of the island. The light, however, was conveyed to a

nonprofit corporation under the terms of the Coast Guard Authorization

Act of 1996. The Coast Guard holds an access easement to this light. The

lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.

A fishing camp on Metinic Island, consisting of a wing of a 19th century

house that was moved to its present location in the 1930’s, has been

determined ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic

Places. This building was renovated in 2002 and is currently used as a

base camp for researchers.

The collapsing ruin of an 1880’s lifesaving station on Cross Island has

been determined ineligible for National Register listing due to its extreme

deterioration. The facility is no longer standing.
Chapter 3

3-34 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

There is an incredible diversity of ecological communities and associated

species on the 42 Refuge Complex Islands. The resources protected on

these islands are unique to the Refuge System. In the section below, we

provide general descriptions on some of the unique Federal trust resources

and rare and declining species protected on the islands. This is followed

by individual island descriptions and a series of maps with aerial photos of

each island. The islands are presented in order from west to east. They are

identified by local name and their Coastal Island Registry Number

(CIREG); a unique identifier assigned by the State of Maine Planning

office. At the end of the chapter, Table 3-42 provides a summary of cover

types for the Refuge Complex.

Roseate tern

The northeastern population of the roseate tern is Federal- and State-listed

as endangered. Together with Arctic and common terns, roseate tern

populations were decimated in the Gulf of Maine in the late 1800’s due to

a combination of shooting and egging for food and bait, and feather

collection for the millinery trade (Drury 1973). Conservation legislation

passed in the early 1900’s provided protection from human persecution,

but expanding gull populations soon caused tern numbers to again decrease significantly (Kress 1983).

By 1977, within the entire Gulf of Maine, all three tern populations had

decreased to 5,321 total pairs while the number of islands supporting

nesting terns had decreased by half. Cooperative efforts by members of

the Gulf of Maine Seabird Working Group (GOMSWG) to attract new

birds to islands and to control gull predation have reversed this decline

and all three species are experiencing population growth. After 15 years of

active management, the roseate tern population in Maine has risen from a

low of 76 pairs to a record high of 289 pairs in 2001. This represents a

278% increase in Maine’s population. In 2002, 379 pairs of roseate terns

nested at six sites in the Gulf of Maine (including Canada).

While the number of breeding pairs has increased in recent years, we continue to be

concerned over the poor distribution of nesting

pairs across the region. Approximately 87% of

the Northeast roseate tern population breeds on

three islands: Bird and Ram islands in Massachusetts and Great Gull Island in New York. In

Maine, roseate terns only nest on three or four

islands, with 95% of the Maine population on

Stratton and Eastern Egg Rock. Petit Manan

and Seal islands support small numbers of

nesting roseate tern. Matinicus Rock, Metinic

Part 2: Refuge

Complex Island

Resources

Islands Overview

Threatened and

Endangered Species

(Federal-listed)

Roseate Tern

Photo courtesy of Gil Lopez-Espina
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-35

Island, and Egg Rock have had historic nesting, and nesting attempts have

been documented on Pond Island. The terns limited nesting distribution

significantly increases the potential for a single catastrophic event to affect

a major percentage of the population.

Our roseate tern recovery efforts on the Refuge Complex have focused on

increasing the number of nesting pairs on islands and maintaining a

productivity level of 1.0 fledged chick/nesting pair. We continue to acquire islands with nesting habitat and engage in cooperative seabird

restoration efforts to improve the geographic distribution for all three

species of nesting terns. The Roseate Tern Recovery Plan (USFWS 1998)

goal is to expand the Northeastern U.S. population to over 30 colonies,

with six sites supporting at least 200 nesting pairs with high productivity

(1.0 fledged chick/pair).

Habitat manipulation is often necessary to enhance or maintain nesting

habitat for roseate terns. Available information indicates that these terns

generally prefer dense vegetation or some level of overhead cover for

nesting (USFWS 2000). This is somewhat contradictory to the more open

habitat used by nesting common and Arctic terns. Fortunately, these

differences in habitat preference can usually be accommodated on the

same island. Interestingly, roseate terns frequently nest within established

colonies of common terns (Nisbet 1981). Habitat manipulation includes

construction of nest boxes, allowing dense vegetation to develop, control

of laughing, herring, and great black-backed gulls, and other predators. We

also restrict public access to seabird islands during the nesting season to

minimize disturbance. We describe our predator management strategies

and public use restrictions in the discussion on common and Arctic tern

that follows.

Given the increases in nesting pairs in recent years, and the establishment

of several new tern restoration projects, we are optimistic that the population will continue its current growth trend over the next 15 years, resulting

in significant progress towards recovery of this species.

Bald eagle

The northern population of the bald eagle is Federal- and State-listed as

threatened. Within the Refuge Complex, bald eagles are actively nesting

on four islands, and have historically nested on four additional islands.

The Gouldsboro Bay Division also contains one active bald eagle nest.

Preferred habitat for bald eagles nesting on Maine coastal islands is

mature red spruce/ balsam fir forests close to foraging areas. When available, mature hardwood trees are also used. Eagles can be sensitive to

disturbance during the nesting season, and will typically nest in areas with

little human disturbance. Once disturbed, adult bald eagles may flush from

their nest and leave eggs and young chicks exposed to the inclement

weather (heat or cold) or susceptible to predation.
Chapter 3

3-36 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Historically, threats to bald eagles have included environmental contaminants, shooting, habitat loss, and human disturbance at nest sites. Extensive public education efforts and Federal and State legislation have significantly reduced many of these threats. The bald eagle population in Maine

has responded to this protection, and the population has increased nearly

8% per year for the past 10 years. The state now supports over 290 pairs

of eagles (MDIFW 2002). MDIFW has identified permanent protection of

eagle nesting areas as the top priority for the future recovery of this species in Maine. In particular, they have specified a recovery objective of at

least 50 nesting areas under permanent habitat protection (conservation

ownership or easement), with an additional 100 nesting areas under

permanent protection or cooperative agreement (MDIFW 2001).

While we monitor nest occupancy and productivity on the Refuge Complex in cooperation with MDIFW, we do not otherwise actively manage

these sites. We restrict public access at active nesting sites from February

15 to August 31. At historical nesting sites, we restrict public access from

February 15 to May 15 to encourage re-nesting. If birds are not established by May 15, we determine whether or not eagle activity in the area

warrants a continued closure.

In addition to the roseate tern restoration noted above, we are actively managing our Refuge Complex islands for other seabirds of conservation concern.

While our management is focused on common and Arctic tern, Atlantic

puffin and razorbills, we are also monitoring populations of common eider,

laughing gull, common murre, Leach’s storm-petrel, and black guillemots.

One management practice we employ for all our seabird species is a

restriction on public access to islands during the nesting season. We

restrict public access to all our seabird nesting islands from April 1 to

August 31 to minimize human disturbance during this sensitive time of

year. Seal Island is an exception; it is closed year round due to a safety

concern with unexploded ordnance.

Common and Arctic tern

The Arctic tern is State-listed as a threatened species, and the common

tern is State-listed as a species of concern due to their small population

sizes and limited geographic distribution. Although Arctic and common

terns historically nested on over 70 islands, nesting is now limited to less

than 30 islands. Unfortunately, due to a combination of habitat loss through

development and recreational pressures, and the presence of nesting gulls,

the majority of islands used historically are no longer suitable for nesting

terns. Of particular concern is the fact that over 60% of common terns and

more than 90% of Arctic tern nesting in Maine occur on three Refuge Complex islands: Petit Manan and Seal islands, and Matinicus Rock. Machias

Seal Island, which we manage under an MOU with MDIFW, supports

1,349 pairs of common terns and 2,202 pairs of Arctic terns (GOMSWG

Seabirds
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-37

2002). When you include the nesting population on Machias Seal Island,

94% of the Arctic terns nesting in the United States, with the exception of

Alaska, nest on four Refuge Complex islands. Our management focus has

been on permanent protection of the nesting islands, predator management, vegetation management, and restricted public access. These are

described in more detail below.

With regard to predator management, we are trying to provide terns with

predator free nesting islands to maximize tern survival and production rates.

Methods include: harassment, egg and nest destruction for gulls, trapping of

owls and mammals, and shooting predatory owls, herons, and gulls. We

have also used an avicide (DCR-1339) to specifically control gulls during

the first two to three years of a restoration project on several islands. The

use of the avicide is strictly controlled and used only when non-lethal

means would not allow us to accomplish our predator control objectives.

The presence of a single predator can have disastrous effects on a nesting

colony. Both herring and great black-backed gulls are highly efficient

predators of tern eggs, chicks and adults. In

addition, they compete with the terns for

nesting sites. Their presence on a nesting

island can lead to complete nesting failure or

colony abandonment from an island. Mammalian predators, even a single individual, can

also have a disatrous effect on a seabird colony.

During the 2001 nesting season, a mink swam

to Ship Island and predated on the colony

there, resulting in near complete nesting

failure; only four common tern chicks were

produced from over 300 nests. The effects of

predation will vary depending on the type of

predator, seabird species, habitat on the island,

and time of year predator arrives on the island.

We annually monitor the effectiveness of

predator control programs and evaluate new

and different techniques.

Both common and Arctic tern species tend to

nest in areas providing some overhead cover

and a mix of vegetation and open space (Cramp

1985, USFWS 2000). The density and height

of a particular plant seem to be more significant in determining use by nesting terns than

any specific species composition. We are

actively managing the vegetation on several of

the tern nesting islands to maintain a high

quality nesting substrate and to improve nest

productivity. We use a variety of techniques to Great horned owl

Photo courtesy of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
Chapter 3

3-38 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

manage rank vegetation including prescribed

burning, sheep grazing, mowing and herbicides. Habitat management efforts will be

expanded to the other restoration islands if

vegetation conditions warrant management.

Historical information indicates that many of

the seabird nesting islands was kept short by

annual burning by lighthouse keepers or grazing

by livestock. In fact, sheep have grazed on

Maine coastal islands for approximately 400

years, with a peak population of nearly 20,000

sheep (Fallon 1991). Indirectly, these vegetative treatments benefitted nesting terns and

several other seabirds. Interestingly, because of

this history, on many islands we are not certain

what the native, natural vegetation would look

like if burning and grazing had not occurred.

We have an active prescribed burn program, particularly on Petit Manan

Island where burning has been very successful at reducing raspberries and

other rank vegetation to benefit nesting terns. While burning is a valuable

vegetation management tool, its use is limited due to a narrow, optimum

burning window where conditions are dry and calm enough to allow

access to the island with staff and equipment. Therefore, other tools and

techniques are needed as well.

On Metinic Island, we are presently using sheep grazing to manage the

vegetation to benefit nesting terns. The family who owns the southern 150

acres of the island maintains a flock of 120 sheep. With the exception of a

few small vegetation study plots we maintain, the sheep are generally

allowed to graze the entire island. Our plots include two that are permanently

fenced, and two reference “unfenced” plots. Several times each season, we

record the species composition and plant height in the four plots. Prior to

the tern nesting season, we encircle the three acre tern restoration area

with electric fence. This practice allows the vegetation to grow to greater

heights than if subject to grazing, and provides nesting cover for the terns.

During 1994 and 1995 the Refuge and NAS conducted several vegetation

control experiments with sheep and goat grazing on Seal Island ( NAS

1994, NAS 1995). As expected, information gathered to date on both Seal

and Metinic islands indicates that the sheep are altering the species composition and height of the vegetation. However, it appears that the seasonal fencing of the restoration area on Metinic Island is providing the

terns with appropriate nesting cover. At the end of the nesting season, we

remove the fence and the sheep may graze the entire island.

Grazing is also occurring on Nash Island. The sheep originate from the

contiguous privately owned Big Nash Island and cross at low tide to Nash

Island. A small number of terns (2-4 pairs) nest on Nash Island, but we are

Common tern chick

Photo by Stacie Schoppman
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-39

not actively managing this site. Our concern has been that we have had

little, if any, control over grazing intensity or duration on either Nash or

Metinic islands. However, on Metinic Island, the current grazing situation

appears to provide terns with suitable nesting habitat, by reducing the rank

vegetation. At this point in time, we intend to allow grazing to continue on

both islands with continued monitoring. It is clear that without grazing as

a vegetation management tool, we would eventually need to employ some

other labor intensive and expensive method of vegetation control, similar

to the other intensively managed seabird restoration islands.

We have also utilized mowing and rototilling as means of managing

vegetation for nesting seabirds. On Ship Island, staff have evaluated a

combination of techniques (mowing, rototilling, and landscape fabric) in

an effort to create additional nesting habitat for the common terns. In 2000,

we established three 20' x 20' plots for treatment and monitoring. Each

treatment was replicated, for a total of six treated plots. Two plots were

mowed only; two plots had the vegetation mowed and then the soil was

rototilled; and, two plots had landscape fabric placed throughout the rototilled area. Substrate suitable as nesting material was placed on top of the

landscape fabric. The results proved interesting. Mowing by itself proved

to be ineffective. The vegetation responded vigorously to the mowing and

within a few weeks reached heights which would exclude nesting by terns.

Both the rototilled plots and those with landscape fabric provided suitable

tern nesting habitat throughout the nesting season. Efforts were repeated

the following season. We are continuing to evaluate the results; however,

the presence of mink on the island has eliminated most of the nesting.

Atlantic puffin and razorbills

Atlantic puffin and razorbill are State-listed as threatened due to small

population sizes (450 pairs of Atlantic puffin and 350 pairs of razorbill in

the State of Maine), and limited geographic distribution (four to five

islands). Three islands within the Refuge Complex currently support

nesting Atlantic puffins: Matinicus Rock, Seal, and Petit Manan islands. In

fact, the first two islands support over 90% of Maine’s puffin population.

Razorbills also nest on three islands within the Refuge Complex: Seal and

Old Man Islands, and Matinicus Rock, with the latter two islands supporting 85% of Maine’s population. Machias Seal Island, which we manage

under an MOU with MDIFW, supports an additional 2,800 pairs of Atlantic puffin and 543 pairs of razorbill (GOMSWG 2002). When you include

the nesting population on Machias Seal Island, 98% of the Atlantic puffin

nesting in the U.S. nests on four Refuge Complex islands.

Razorbills were eliminated from Maine by the late 1800’s, and had only

recovered to 25 pairs by 1977 (MDIFW 1999). The population has

continued to grow, and in 2002 approximately 350 pairs of razorbill were

documented in Maine. It is difficult to determine the exact population size

of these burrow nesters, as many sites are inaccessible.
Chapter 3

3-40 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Much of the initial recovery observed in the

Maine Atlantic puffin population was due to

the extensive efforts of National Audubon

Society. Prior to the mid 1970’s Atlantic puffin

were known only to breed in limited numbers

on Matinicus Rock. Between 1973 and 1986,

the National Audubon Society translocated 954

puffin chicks from Newfoundland to Eastern

Egg Rock, and between 1984-1989, an additional 791 puffin chicks were brought to Seal

Island. The translocation effort significantly

increased the Gulf of Maine population of

puffin in a relatively short period of time.

Habitat for both Atlantic puffins and razorbills

appears to be limited on Petit Manan Island. In

1991, 17 artificial burrows of various style

were constructed on the island. During that

first year, three of the 17 artificial burrows

were used by the birds (Lor 1991). Although

some of the structures were removed because

they did not provide suitable nesting habitat,

several of the other structures continue to be

used today. A few newly designed structures

were placed on the island in 2001, and initial

response by the nesting puffins appears promising. Puffins successfully raised chicks in

three of the six artificial burrows in 2002. On

Petit Manan Island, the number of puffins and

razorbills observed on a daily basis and throughout the season have continued to increase over the 15 years. In 2002, the

research crew routinely counted over 80 puffins and had a high count of

180 puffins and 43 razorbills. In recent years the number of puffins nesting on the island has varied between 15-24 and no razorbills nest on the

island (Jamieson 2002).

As with common and Arctic tern, these species benefit from our predator

management program and the restricted public access during the nesting season.

Numerous species of waterfowl utilize the Gulf of Maine as migration and

wintering habitat. Midwinter waterfowl surveys are conducted annually to

determine the distribution and number of birds utilizing the coast. The most

abundant species recorded during these inventories is the common eider,

but significant numbers of black ducks, bufflehead, common merganser,

and long-tailed ducks are also observed. Surf, common, and white-winged

scoters also winter along the coast of Maine. Harlequin ducks travel south

from their breeding grounds in Canada to Maine to spend the winters along

Waterfowl

Atlantic puffin

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-41

the remote rocky shores found along the coast. The Maine population of

harlequin ducks is estimated at 1,500 individuals, and half of that population

winters on a limited number of islands along the coast of Maine (MDIFW

2002). MDIFW has listed the harlequin duck as a threatened species.

Despite providing extensive habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, only the common eider nests in large numbers on the coastal islands.

Current information indicates that 29,000 pairs of common eiders nest on

320 islands in Maine (MDIFW 2001). Eiders have a long history of

exploitation throughout their range, and the number of eiders harvested

annually in Maine surpasses the harvest of all other sea ducks combined

(MDIFW 2001). Historically, they were subjected to the same collection

and habitat loss pressures as the terns. Great black-backed gull predation

continues to be a major source of duckling mortality (MDIFW 1999).

As with the other seabird species, common eider benefit from our predator

management programs, and the restricted public access on seabird nesting

islands during the nesting season.

With our past survey efforts focusing on bald eagles, colonial nesting

seabirds, wading birds, and waterfowl, our information on other wildlife

resident to coastal islands is limited. Records indicate that several of the

larger forested islands (e.g. Cross and Bois Bubert islands) support or

have supported white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, coyote, fox, raccoon,

mink, and otter. We will gain new information from our recently initiated

small mammal surveys, conducted in conjunction with our botanical

inventories. In addition, in 2001 spider, dragonfly and damselfly annual

surveys began on several islands and the mainland divisions. We will

continue to opportunistically monitor small mammals, invertebrates, and

amphibians during other scheduled inventories. However, information

gathered to date indicates that abundance and diversity of resident wildlife

on offshore islands is lower than the mainland due to harsh winter conditions, lack of food and freshwater resources, or distance from the mainland.

Many of the Refuge Complex islands and surrounding ledges function as

haul-out sites for both harbor and gray seals. The seals come ashore, frequently

during low tide, to bask, sleep, and nurse pups (Katona et. al. 1993). Their

activities are generally limited to the inter-tidal areas on islands not currently

managed as restoration sites, or on islands large enough to provide the seals

sufficient distance from research crews. Several islands within the Refuge

Complex are used as harbor seal pupping areas in May or early June. Gray

seals have their pups in January and February and have left the islands long

before refuge management activities, such as seabird research and restoration

projects, occur for the season. Recent surveys have indicated that Seal Island

is currently the largest gray seal pupping area in the state (Gilbert, Univ. of

Maine, pers. comm.).

Other Resident Wildlife
Chapter 3

3-42 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Rare Plants

Plants (and animals) living in the Gulf of Maine are uniquely adapted to

cold water currents, the prevalence of fog in summer, and strong cold

winds that typically occur off the Maine coast (Conkling 1999). Along the

outer islands, this results in harsh environmental conditions similar to

those in more Arctic regions. These conditions, which frequently are too

harsh for some plants found on the mainland, may give rise to a group of

boreal species of plants that typically exist much farther north (Mittelhauser

and Morrison 2000).

To date, botanical surveys have been conducted on Cross, Halifax, Eastern

Brothers, Libby, John’s, Upper Flag, and Petit Manan islands. Other

Refuge Complex islands have had limited botanical inventories conducted, including Outer Double Head Shot, Inner Double Head Shot, Old

Man, Seal, and Matinicus Rock islands. On the remaining islands, we

have been recording unique plants or plant communities in the course of

doing other refuge management activities. Rare plant species listed by The

Nature Conservancy or the State of Maine and found on the Refuge

Complex are listed in Table 3-6. In addition, plants or plant communities

of note are mentioned in the individual island descriptions.

Invasive and Non-Native Plants

Invasive plants have become increasingly pervasive in the State of Maine,

although their abundance and distribution on the Refuge Complex have

not been thoroughly researched. The threats associated with invasive

species vary significantly among the different species and their preferred

habitats. Initial botanical inventories on Refuge Complex islands suggest

that non-native species such as timothy, salt spray rose, and raspberry may

be common on many of the coastal islands. We currently do not know the

significance of these species to the native flora of the coastal islands.

However, the aggressive and resilient nature of invasive species such as

purple loosestrife requires frequent and thorough treatments. The method of

treatment depends on the species targeted, but mechanical, chemical, and

biological control treatments have been utilized by a variety of agencies.

In the following discussion, we describe what we know about each of the 42

Refuge Complex islands; its acquisition history, its natural resources, and

our management of public use and access. The island acreage given could

be either the actual survey acres or, in the event we did not survey the island,

it is the deed acres or military transfer agreement acres. However, our

estimate of acres in specific cover types (Table 3-42, at the end of the

chapter) was determined from aerial photos using a GIS mapping tool.

Contact the Refuge Complex headquarters to verify the source for a particular island. The islands are listed in geographic order from west to east. In

each island’s description, we also list the Coastal Island Registry (CIREG)

number, as well as identify which map at the end of the chapter contains

the aerial photo for the island (Refer to Maps 3-1 to 3-25 at end of Part 2).

Island Vegetation

Individual Island

Descriptions
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-43

Table 3-6 Rare plants documented on Petit Manan NWR Complex islands

Common Scientific State State / Global

Island Name Name Listing Rarity Rank1

Cross livid sedge Carex livida threatened S2 / G5T5

coast blite goosefoot Chenopodium rubrum threatened S1 / G5

Little Libby salt marsh sedge Carex recta endangered S1 / G4

bird’s eye primrose Primula laurentiana special concern S2 / G5

northern yarrow Achillea millefolium special concern S1 / G5

Eastern Brothers northern yarrow Achillea millefolium special concern S1 / G5

marsh felwort Lomatogonium rotatum threatened S2 / G5

bird’s- eye primrose Primula laurentia special concern S2 / G5

Blinks Montia fontana special concern S2 / G5

Halifax northern yarrow Achillea millefolium special concern S1 / G5

Bois Bubert Nova Scotia false-foxglove Agalinis neoscotica threatened S1 / G2?

bird’s- eye primrose Primula laurentia special concern S2 / G5

Petit Manan Blinks Montia fontana special concern S2 / G5

white adder’s mouth Malaxis monophyllos endangered S1 / G4Q

John’s sea-beach sedge Carex silicea special concern S3 / G5

Upper Flag pitseed goosefoot Chenopodium berlandier special concern S1? / G5T?

varmacrocalycium

1 The definitions for State and Global ranking are as follows:

State Ranking: (determined by Maine Natural Areas Program)

S1: Critically imperiled in Maine because of extreme rarity or vulnerability to extirpation

S2: Imperiled in Maine because of rarity (6 - 20 occurrences) or because of other factors making it vulnerable to further decline

S3: Rare in Maine (20 - 100 occurrences)

SH: Occurred historically in Maine

Special concern: Rare in Maine based on available information, but not sufficiently rare to be considered threatened or

endangered

Global Ranking: (determined by The Nature Conservancy)

G2?: Globally imperiled because of rarity (6 -20 occurrences) or because of other factors making it vulnerable to further decline

(uncertain)

G4: Apparently secure globally, but with cause for long-term concern.

G5: Demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure globally

T: Indicates subspecies rank

A: Indicates questionable rank
Chapter 3

3-44 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

We also list the surveys and studies that have been conducted on each

island, some of which are ongoing. Reports on some studies are available

from the Refuge Complex Headquarters upon request; however, not all

data has been analyzed. On several of the islands, we have very little

information to share because they are logistically difficult to visit or

because other island surveys have taken precedent with available funding

and staff. However, a few studies and reports have applicability across

several Refuge Complex islands and are recommended reading, including:

■ The Birds and Plants of Petit Manan NWR (Widrig 1996);

■ An evaluation of livestock grazing and habitat restoration on tern

nesting islands (Williamson & Schubel 1995); and

■ Annual reports for each of the six seabird restoration island projects

The MDIFW has designated many of the Refuge Complex islands as

Significant Wildlife Habitat under the State’s Natural Resource Protection

Act (NRPA). Any seabird nesting island, located within an organized

township, that provides suitable habitat and supports 25 or more nests or

seabirds would meet the criteria. The majority of Refuge Complex islands

qualify as Significant Wildlife Habitat under NRPA. MDIFW has also designated Essential Habitat for bald eagles and roseate terns. Eight bald eagle

nests, and six roseate tern nesting islands, located within the Refuge Complex

have been designated as Essential Habitat for these species. Both Significant Wildlife and Essential Habitat designations provide MDIFW with

additional management oversight and permit authority over actions proposed

for these locations to ensure habitats are not degraded due to human activities.

1) Malaga Island (CIREG 81-193; Map 3-1)

This 2.5 acre island lies in the Town of Kittery, York County. The Service

purchased a conservation easement in 2002 to permanently protect the

island from development.

The island is non-forested with grasses and low shrubs. No botanical or

biological surveys are known to us.

2) Smuttynose Island (CIREG 81-182; Map 3-1)

This 39.9 acre island lies in the Town of Kittery, York County, in the Isle

of Shoals. The Service purchased a conservation easement in 2002 to

permanently protect from development an active seabird nesting colony

on the southern end of the island. A 1995 survey of nesting seabirds

recorded 15 eider nests, 1,030 great black-backed gull nests, 387 herring

gull nests, and three black guillemot nests. Seabird inventory results are

summarized in Table 3-7.

Its habitat consists of 20 acres of shrub lands, and 20 acres of grass, forbs,

and shrubs. The shoreline is very rocky. Twenty-four acres of intertidal

marine wetlands were also acquired. There are two small structures on its
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-45

western shore, but their maintenance is not the responsibility of the Service.

Public visitation occurs on the island, as tours are conducted by the Starr

Island Corporation, located on the adjacent Appledore Island. Seasonal

caretakers reside on the northern end of the island.

The seabird nesting area is closed to public access during the seabird

nesting season: April 1-August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to

the closure are planned.

Table 3-7 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Smuttynose Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

black guillemot 3('76), 3('95)

great black-backed gull 931 adults ('76), 912 ('84), 1030 ('95)

herring gull 1651 adults ('76), 1442 ('84), 387 ('95)

common eider 15 adults ('95)

* Some years, individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

3) Upper Flag Island (CIREG 55-415; Map 3-2)

This 30-acre island, located in the Town of Harpswell, Cumberland County,

was acquired in fee in 1998. In 2001, a botanical inventory of the island

was conducted (Mittelhauser and Morrison 2001). The island is generally

flat on the north side with tall cliffs (up to 10 meters) on the southern and

western shorelines. The vegetation is composed primarily of dense, low,

woody shrubs with scattered patches of trees and low vegetation. The

shrub community is dominated by bayberry, winterberry, chokeberry, and

choke-cherry. A variety of grasses, including common hairgrass and

Rhode Island bentgrass, are common. The island also contains a small

sandy beach and a freshwater wetland on the northern end. Pitseed goosefoot, a state species of species concern, was documented during the 2001

botanical inventory of the island.

Table 3-8 presents the results of nesting seabird surveys. In addition to

seabirds, its habitats are used by migrating and nesting songbirds, as well

as raptor species, including northern harriers. Recent waterbird surveys

have been conducted in conjunction with the Service’s Gulf of Maine

Project and Harpswell Land Trust.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Information signs alerting visitors to the closure are

planned.

This island has been used by recreational beach-goers. Community outreach is planned to raise awareness of seabird nesting activities and of the

need for a seasonal closure.

The island is open to waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge Complex

regulations.
Chapter 3

3-46 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-8 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Upper Flag Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 100 ('76), 350 ('80), 500 ('82), 300 ('84), 25 ('93)

great black-backed gull 10 ('77), 40 ('82), 10 ('84), 0 ('96)

herring gulls 135 ('76), 75 ('77), 80 ('80), 200 ('82), 25 ('84), 0 ('96)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

4) Ram Island (CIREG 55-605; Map 3-3)

This 10 acre island is located in Harpswell, Cumberland County. It was

acquired in fee simple from the private landowner in 1999. The island is

unforested and vegetated predominately with grasses and shrubs. Seabird

inventories have been conducted and are summarized in Table 3-9.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season: April 1-

August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to the closure are planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

regulations.

Table 3-9 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on Ram Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 75 ('76), 60 ('80), 117 ('98)

black-crowned night heron 25 ('89)

herring gull 200 ('76); 70 ('80), 295 ('95), 181 ('98)

great black-backed gull 20 ('76), 10 ('80), 25 ('95), 10 ('98)

common tern 67 ('91), 53 ('92), 0 ('95)

double-crested cormorant 124 ('98)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

5) Pond Island (CIREG 73-282; Map 3-4)

This 10-acre island is located at the mouth of the Kennebec River, in the

Town of Phippsburg, Sagadahoc County. The island was acquired in 1973

by transfer from the U.S. Coast Guard, who maintain a lighthouse and fog

signal on the island.

The vegetation is dominated by a variety of mixed grasses. The eastern

and northern sides of the island feature steep rock outcroppings, while a

small sand beach is also located on the northern end of the island.

Until 1937, Pond Island supported a common tern colony but similar to

many other tern colonies, gulls eventually excluded terns from the island.

At one point in time, the adjacent North Sugarloaf Island supported the

largest roseate tern colony in Maine. In an effort to restore terns to this

historic nesting area, the Service and National Audubon Society initiated a
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-47

tern restoration project in 1996. In 1999, Pond Island produced its first tern

chick in more than 60 years, when 10 pairs of common tern successfully

nested on the island. The Pond Island colony has continued to grow and in

2002, the island supported 109 pairs of common tern nested on the island.

Common eider and Leach’s storm-petrels also

nest on the island. Unfortunately, great-horned

owl and mammal predation continue to be a

management concern on the island. Table 3-10

presents the nesting seabirds known on the island.

The island is managed in cooperation with

National Audubon Society, and biological

technicians staff the island during the nesting

season. The society also maintains positive

working relationships with several neighbors

and organizations in the area. The beach on

Pond Island could potentially provide limited

habitat for least terns and piping plovers. The

island is also an important staging area for

common and roseate terns in August.

Table 3-10 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and

year) observed on Pond Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 50 ('76), 75 ('82), 125 ('92), 40 ('98)

herring gull 225 ('76), 225 ('82), 250 ('92), 186 ('95), 0 ('02)

great black-backed gull 100 ('76), 25 ('82), 100 ('92), 79 ('95), 0 ('02)

common tern 0 ('96), 5 ('97), 33 ('00), 135 ('01), 109 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs are in place to alert visitors to

the closure period.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

regulations.

Pond Island is located next to a popular beach (Popham Beach) that

supports high public use in the summer. Personal watercraft use adjacent

to Pond Island may become an issue in the future.

6) Lower Mark Island (CIREG 65-461; Map 3-5)

This 9.5-acre island lies in the Town of Southport, Lincoln County. In

1998, the Service purchased a conservation easement from the Boothbay

Region Land Trust to permanently protect from development an active

great blue heron rookery. The island’s topography is flat to gently rolling,

Pond Island Lighthouse

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-48 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

a large stand of dead spruce trees remains and only 30% of the island is

vegetated (mixed grasses and forbs). The shoreline of the island is dominated by ledge. Table 3-11 presents the results of nesting seabird surveys.

Table 3-11 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Lower Mark Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

double-crested cormorant 189 ('94)

great blue heron 10 ('94); 15 ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

7) Outer Heron Island (CIREG 65-279; Map 3-6)

This 66-acre island is located in the Town of Boothbay, Lincoln County,

and was acquired in fee in 1999. Outer Heron is one of the larger forested,

undeveloped islands in the region. The island is predominately red spruce

with mixed hardwoods, and has a rocky coastline. Extensive felling of

trees has created a variety of openings within the canopy. Dense raspberry

thickets have developed in these openings.

Bald eagles were first observed breeding on Outer Heron in 1999. The pair

remains active, and has produced at least one eaglet for the past four years.

When available, eagles will readily prey on

great blue heron adults and young, and the

presence of the eagles is believed to have

resulted in the abandonment of the island’s

great blue heron rookery. Table 3-12 presents

the results of nesting seabird surveys.

The island is closed to public access during the

eagle and seabird nesting season: February 15

to August 31. Information signs alerting

visitors to this closure are planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting

under State and Refuge regulations. Traditional

uses on the island have included camping and

picnicking.

Table 3-12 Nesting seabirds species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Outer Heron Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 35 ('77)

great black-backed gull 5 ('77), 10 ('95)

herring gull 10 ('77), 0 ('95)

great blue heron 75 ('77), 75 ('82), 125 ('83), 80 ('92), 10 ('95), 0 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

Outer Heron Island

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-49

8) Outer White Island (CIREG 65-278; Map 3-6)

This 16-acre island is located in the Town of Boothbay, Lincoln County.

The Service acquired the island in fee in May 1995 from the Boothbay

Region Land Trust. The island is treeless, with

high cliffs and grassy upland.

The Town of Boothbay has designated Outer

White Island as a Resource Protection Area, and

the Maine State Planning Office has listed it as a

Critical Area because of its importance as an

eider nesting area. The Service has a partnership

with the Damariscotta River Association and the

Boothbay Region Land Trust to monitor seabird

and other migratory bird use of the island, as well

as public use.

An aerial survey completed in June 2002 recorded

191 harbor seals, including 22 seal pups, on the

island (Gilbert, Univ. of Maine, pers. com.).

Table 3-13 presents the nesting seabirds documented nesting on the island. It is also reported to

be an important spring and fall stopover for a

variety of migratory birds.

This island is closed to public access during the

seabird nesting season: April 1 to August 31.

Table 3-13 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Outer White Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 150 ('77), 50 ('95)

black-crowned night heron 6 ('95)

black guillemot 3 ('76), 15 adults ('95)

herring gull 80 ('77), 169 ('96)

great black-backed gull 80 ('77), 65 ('96)

double-crested cormorant 25 ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

9) Inner White Island (CIREG 65-276; Map 3-6)

This 5-acre island lies in the Town of Boothbay, Lincoln County. The

Service purchased a conservation easement in 1998 from the Boothbay

Region Land Trust to permanently protect the seabird colony from development. The island is sparsely vegetated with grass and forbs, with the

majority of the island dominated by bedrock outcropping. Table 3-14

presents the nesting seabirds known on the island.

Outer White Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-50 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-14 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Inner White Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 50 ('77)

herring gull 25 ('77), 78 ('95)

great black-backed gull 90 ('77), 208 ('84), 177 ('95)

double-crested cormorant 80 ('76), 373 ('77), 558 ('82), 925 ('84), 94 ('94)

black guillemot 2 ('76), 1 ('82), 5 adults ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

10) Little Thrumcap Island (CIREG 65-267; Map 3-7)

This 8.5-acre island in the Town of South Bristol, Lincoln County, was acquired in fee in July 1995 from the Damariscotta River Association (DRA).

The treeless island is dominated by mixed grasses and forbs, with some

small stands of shrubs. A small beach is located on the north side of the island.

Historically the island supported a tern colony, including endangered

roseate terns. We have a partnership with DRA and the Boothbay Region

Land Trust to monitor seabird and other migratory bird use of the island,

as well as public use. Biological interns spent two years monitoring

seabirds and public use on the island. Recent surveys indicate that the

island no longer supports nesting by terns or laughing gulls, and there is

only limited nesting by common eiders. We continue to be concerned

about the impact of predatory mink and owls on the island. Table 3-15

presents the nesting seabirds known on the island.

DRA developed a “seabird island” outdoor classroom curriculum for use

on this island.

Public access is allowed year-round on part of this island. Approximately

40% of the island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting

season: April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to the

closure are in place.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-15 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Little Thrumcap Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

roseate tern 5 ('82), 4 adults ('84), 0 ('95), 0 ('97)

common tern 175 ('82), 200 adults ('84), 0 ('95), 0 ('98)

Arctic tern 30 adults ('84), 0 ('95)

laughing gull 75 ('82), 0 ('95)

herring gull 10 ('82), 0 ('95)

common eider 5 ('76), 1 ('98)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-51

11) Crane Island (CIREG 63-705; Map 3-8)

This 11.8-acre island is located in the Town of Friendship, Knox County.

The Service purchased a conservation easement in 2001 to permanently

protect an active seabird nesting area from development. The island’s

habitat includes a mixture of grasses, forbs, and shrubs on seven acres,

and dispersed spruce forest on five acres. The island supports a diversity

of seabirds as noted in Table 3-16.

The island owner retains a cabin on the northern end of the island.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to the closure is

planned.

Table 3-16 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on Crane Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 200 ('76), 150 ('77), 300 ('83)

great black-backed gull 35 ('76), 4 ('95)

herring gull 35 ('76), 12 ('83), 0 ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

12) Franklin Island (CIREG 63-707; Map 3-8)

This 12-acre island is located in the Town of Friendship, Knox County.

The island was acquired in 1973 by transfer from the U.S. Coast Guard,

and represents the first island acquired by the Service for the Refuge

Complex. Ownership of the lighthouse has been retained by the Coast Guard.

Covered with eight acres of spruce trees and four acres of grasses and

raspberry thickets, the island once supported one of the largest common

eider colonies in Maine. Unfortunately the eider colony was decimated by

avian cholera in the mid 1980’s. Osprey, herring, great black-backed gulls,

black-crowned night herons, black guillemot, and a small population of

eiders continue to nest on the island. Table 3-17 identifies seabird species

and our observations. Leach’s storm-petrel are also nesting on the island,

but because of their nocturnal nature, we do not have an accurate count on

this island.

Franklin Island is closed to public use during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting people to the closure are

in place. Approximately 500 people visit the island each year.

The island is open to waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge Complex

regulations.
Chapter 3

3-52 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-17 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Franklin Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 1300 ('76), 1300 ('83)

great black-backed gull 45 ('76), 55 ('96)

herring gulls 12 ('76), 100 ('83), 36 ('96)

black-crowned night heron 50 ('83), 4 ('96)

great blue heron 1 ('81), 0 ('94)

black guillemot 2 ('76), 21 ('77), 19 adults ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

13) Metinic Island (CIREG 63-584; Map 3-9)

This 300-acre island is located seven miles offshore, in the Town of

Matinicus Isle Plantation, Knox County. The Service owns approximately

149 acres on the north end of the island, acquired in parcels between May

1994 and August 1996. Private landowners currently own about 120 sheep

that graze the entire island.

Approximately 119 acres of Service-owned property is dominated by

various grass and forb species and shrubs. The most common species are

chickweed, sheep sorrel, raspberry, and bayberry. Fencing placed around

vegetation plots indicates that grazing is significantly altering the species

composition and height of the vegetation on the island. For example,

Kentucky bluegrass, redtop, and sweet vernal grass are common in fenced

areas, while these species are uncommon in grazed areas. Another 30

acres of Service-owned land in the center of the island is dominated by red

spruce and balsam fir.

Several hundred pairs of terns, including a

small number of roseate terns, nested on

Metinic Island in the 1980’s. The decline of the

Metinic colony coincided with the initiation of

predator control efforts on Seal Island. We

believe the Metinic Island birds moved over to

take advantage of the gull-free island. Arctic

and common terns have continued to nest on

the south end of the island on private land;

however, due to the presence of nesting gulls,

the colony produces very few chicks. The

Service initiated a tern restoration project on

the north end of the island in 1998. Decades of

sheep grazing had significantly reduced the

vegetation, limiting available nesting habitat

for the terns. A five-acre “peninsula” was

Sheep grazing on Metinic Island

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-53

fenced to allow the vegetation to recover and provide some shelter for the

terns. Gull harassment and nest removal are utilized on the northern

peninsula of the island in an effort to minimize predation on the terns.

Although terns landed among the decoys and sound system, no nesting

occurred within the fenced area during the first year of the social attraction

efforts. However, in 1999, one pair of common terns and two pairs of

Arctic terns nested adjacent to the decoy area. Later in the season, an

additional nine pairs of terns nested near the decoy area. The colony has

continued to grow and in 2002, 139 pairs of common tern and 112 pairs of

Arctic tern nested on the north end of the island. In addition, 15 pairs of

terns nested on private land on the southern end of the island. Unfortunately, we believe gull predation continues to significantly limit the

productivity of the birds nesting at the southern end of the island. Black

guillemot, common eider, herring gull, great black-backed gull nest on

Metinic Island. Leach’s storm-petrel also nests on the island, but because

of their nocturnal nature, we do not have an accurate count on this island.

Table 3-18 presents nesting seabirds known on the island.

Biological technicians are hired seasonally to work on the tern restoration

program. The interns census terns, control predators, conduct food habit

and productivity studies, and monitor vegetation response to grazing.

The refuge portion of Metinic Island is closed to public use during the

seabird nesting season: April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting

visitors to this closure are in place.

Table 3-18 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on the

northern end of Metinic Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common tern 180 ('84), 3 ('96), 32 ('01), 139 ('02)

Arctic tern 220 ('84), 25 ('91), 39 ('94), 29 ('96), 79 ('01), 112 ('02)

common eider 1000 entire island ('89), 246 northern end ('01)

herring gull 322 entire island ('95), 220 northern end ('01)

great black-backed gull 117 entire island ('95), 59 northern end ('01)

black guillemot 300 adults ('83), 363 adults ('95), 31 northern end ('01)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

14) Two Bush Island (CIREG 63-653; Map 3-10)

This 8-acre island is located in the Town of St. George, Knox County, and

was transferred to the Service in 1999, under the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996. The island is treeless and densely vegetated with grasses

and forbs such as timothy, yarrow, nightshade, bayberry, rugosa rose, Scotch

lovage, and buttercup. The Service is responsible for the light house structure, however the Coast Guard continues to maintain the navigational aids.
Chapter 3

3-54 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Historically, Two Bush Island supported nesting of common, Arctic, and

roseate terns. The Refuge Complex considered the island as a potential

restoration project, until the higher priority Metinic Island was acquired.

As indicated in Table 3-19, a variety of seabird species nest on the island,

however, no terns currently nest here.

The island is closed to public use and access during the seabird nesting

season: April 1 to August 31. The island is open to migratory waterfowl

hunting under State and Refuge regulations.

Table 3-19 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Two Bush Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 25 ('76), 75 ('83), 66 ('92), 14 ('96), 93 ('01)

double-crested cormorant 27 ('92), 15 ('95), 0 ('96)

great black-backed gull 27 ('92), 11 ('96), 14 ('01)

herring gull 10 ('83), 154 ('92), 83 ('96), 111 ('01)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

15) Matinicus Rock (CIREG 63-940; Map 3-11)

This 28-acre island lies in outer Penobscot Bay, in the Town of Matinicus

Isle Plantation. The Refuge acquired the island in 1999, under the Coast

Guard Authorization Act of 1996. The island is dominated with granite

out-croppings interspersed with vegetation. Dominant vegetation includes

witch grass, timothy, angelica, aster, red fescue, and chickweed. The east

side of the island is steep and rocky with large boulders that plunge into

the sea. The west side of the island tapers off gradually and contains a gravel

beach. Its habitats include approximately 10 acres of grassland and 18

acres of rock ledge. The Service is responsible for the light house structures, however the Coast Guard continues to maintain the navigational aids.

Matinicus Rock was the only Atlantic puffin colony (two pairs) within

Maine to have survived the market hunting that decimated most seabird

colonies in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Since 1900, the island has

been a principal breeding site for Arctic terns on the Maine coast. It

continues to be a highly diverse and productive seabird colony. Common

and Arctic tern, laughing gulls, Leach’s storm-petrels, common eiders,

Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and black guillemots nest on Matinicus Rock.

Terns numbers had declined in the 1990’s, presumably due to the rapid

growth of the nearby Seal Island tern colony. However, in recent years the

colony has increased to 1,200 pairs of terns. Matinicus Rock remains

home to the largest Atlantic puffin and razorbill colony in Maine.

The laughing gull population continues to increase, and now supports 624

pairs. The most recent alcid survey found over 300 puffin burrows, and

168 razorbill burrows. The island is predominantly an Arctic tern colony
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-55

(999 pairs), but also supports 198 pairs of common terns. Small numbers

of roseate terns have nested on the island, but not in recent years. Common murres continue to visit the social attraction area, but have yet to nest

on the island. Table 3-20 presents the nesting seabirds known on the island.

We manage the island in cooperation with National Audubon Society.

Biological technicians staff the island, conduct biological surveys (food

and productivity studies), annually census the island, control predators,

and band terns. We are participating in Arctic tern and Atlantic puffin

research projects in cooperation with the University of New Brunswick.

Annual survey and study results are available upon request from the

Refuge Complex Headquarters.

The island also supports a wide variety of migrating songbirds, shorebirds

and raptors, and island researchers continue to document the use of the

island by these species.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Information signs alerting visitors to this closure are

in place. The island is open to waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-20 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Matinicus Rock

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

Arctic tern 600 ('76), 651 ('84), 1252 ('90), 990 ('95), 1030 ('00), 999 ('02)

common tern 50 ('84), 25 ('90), 247 ('95), 176 ('00), 198 ('02)

black guillemot 175 ('76), 108 ('95)

Atlantic puffin 75 ('76), 75 ('83), 300+ ('01)

razorbill 12 ('76), 20 ('83), 15 ('91), 47 ('95), 168 ('01)

laughing gull 30 ('76), 114 ('84), 203 ('90), 285 ('95), 355 ('00), 624 ('02)

common eider 30 ('76), 231 ('92), 28 ('94)

herring gull 115 ('76), 4 ('94), 0 ('96)

great black-backed gull 31 ('76), 2 ('94), 0 ('96)

Leach's storm-petrel 550 ('76), 706 ('94)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

16) Seal Island (CIREG 63-923; Map 3-12)

This 65-acre island is located in Vinalhaven, Knox County. The U.S. Navy

transferred Seal Island to the Service in 1972. The island was used as a

bombing target for the Navy from the 1940’s to the early 1960’s.

The habitat on Seal Island consists of 35 acres of grasslands and 30 acres

of rock ledge. This combination of habitats offers prime seabird nesting

sites, with boulder fields and ledges for Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and

black guillemots, grass and ledge areas for terns, raspberry thickets for
Chapter 3

3-56 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

eiders, and soft peat and glacial till soils for Leach’s storm-petrels. A

vegetation study was conducted in 1985 by Rappaport and Wesley.

Seal Island was once home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the Gulf

of Maine. For over 200 years it was also a summer campsite for fisherman

harvesting herring, groundfish, and lobster. The fishermen also used their

nets to harvest the nesting seabirds, which led to the demise of the colony

by 1887. The island was eventually recolonized by cormorants, gulls, and terns. However, by 1953 the growing gull population had

completely displaced all nesting terns.

In 1984, the National Audubon Society, Canadian Wildlife Service and the Refuge began a

seabird restoration project on the island. In an

effort to re-establish Seal Island as an Atlantic

puffin breeding colony, NAS translocated puffin

chicks from Newfoundland between 1984-

1989. The effort proved highly successful, and

for the first time in nearly 100 years, puffins

successfully bred on Seal Island in 1992. The

puffin colony has continued to grow and in

2002 the island supported 181 pairs of puffins and

one pair of razorbills.

Only four other islands support nesting razorbills in the state, so we are

hopeful that additional razorbills will initiate nesting on Seal Island. In

conjunction with the puffin restoration efforts, social attraction equipment

(sound system and decoys) was utilized to attract terns to the island. After

six years of effort, 20 pairs of Arctic and common terns nested on the

island in 1989. The colony has increased dramatically since that time, with

1,057 pairs of Arctic terns and 1,582 pairs of common terns nesting in

2002. Seal Island is now home to the largest tern colony in Maine.

Leach’s storm-petrel, black guillemot, common eider, great cormorant, great

black-backed and herring gulls also nest on the island. The island is also

only one of ten islands in Maine that hosts nesting great cormorants. Small

numbers of roseate terns have also nested on the island in recent years.

We continue to work cooperatively with National Audubon Society on the

Seal Island seabird restoration project. Biological technicians staff the

island, conduct biological surveys (food and productivity studies), annually census the island, control predators, and band seabirds. Researchers

are currently supporting Arctic tern and Atlantic puffin research projects in

cooperation with the University of New Brunswick. Annual survey and

study results are available upon request at Refuge Complex Headquarters.

Table 3-21 presents the nesting seabirds known on the island.

In 2000, Seal Island was recognized as the largest gray seal pupping island

in Maine. In 1999, winter flights were conducted to count seals, and they

Seal Island

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-57

estimated 400 adults and 150-200 pups were on the island (Gilbert, Univ

of Maine, 1999). The island is also used by harbor seals as a pupping island.

Raptor surveys were conducted in 1997 and 1998 (Drury 1997, and Drury

and Goodhue 1998). The island is considered an important foraging area

for migrating peregrine falcons and other raptors.

The island is closed to public access year round due to the presence of unexploded

ordnance. Information signs alerting visitors to the closure are in place.

Table 3-21 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on Seal Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

Arctic tern 16 ('89), 180 ('90), 517 ('95), 890 ('00), 1057 ('02)

common tern 1 ('89), 80 ('90), 645 ('95), 1205 ('00), 1582 ('02)

Atlantic puffin 0 ('91), 7 ('92), 26 ('95), 126 ('00), 181 ('02)

common eider 200 ('77), 324 ('86), 285 ('95), 465 ('96)

double-crested cormorant 38 ('76), 35 ('84), 23 ('95), 22 ('96)

great cormorant 4 ('94), 8 ('95), 8 ('96), 12 ('00), 18 ('01), 27 ('02)

Leach's storm-petrel 724 ('94)

great black-backed gull 300 ('76), 221 ('95), 129 ('98)

herring gull 800 ('76), 110 ('95), 90 ('98)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

17) Roberts Island (CIREG 63-174; Map 3-13)

This 10-acre island is located in the Town of Vinalhaven, Knox County.

The island was acquired in 1995 as a gift from the Vinalhaven Land Trust.

The vegetation on the island is dominated by mixed grasses and a few stand

of shrubs. The north end of the island has a cobble beach, and a portion of

the island raises 120' above sea level. In addition to supporting a variety of

nesting seabirds, the island supports roosting and feeding bald eagles,

feeding harlequin and black ducks, migrating peregrine falcons, harriers,

sharp-shinned hawks, merlin, and brant. Mink predation has been a significant problem on the island, and in some years they have eliminated all

black guillemot productivity. A contract was awarded to a local trapper for

several years in an effort to remove the mink. Although several mink have

been removed, additional animals continue to swim to the island from

Vinalhaven. A fall raptor migration study was conducted in 1998 (Drury &

Goodhue 1998). Table 3-22 presents nesting seabirds known on the island.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has recognized

the island’s significance to wildlife in the Penobscot Bay Conservation

Plan (Maine State Planning Office, 1987). The island has been included in

the State of Maine Natural Areas Program since December 1977.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season: April 1

to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to the closure are in place.
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3-58 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-22 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Roberts Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 350 ('77), 700 ('86), 272 ('96)

black guillemot 40 ('86), 103 adults ('94), 7 ('97), 4 ('98), 40-60 adults ('99)

herring gull 100 ('77), 150 ('86), 425 ('96)

great black-backed gull 10 ('77), 50 ('86), 10 ('96)

double-crested cormorant 67 ('86), 80 adults ('94)

* In some years, individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

18) Little Roberts Island (CIREG 63-175; Map 3-13)

This 1-acre island is located in the Town of Vinalhaven, Knox County. The

island was acquired as a gift in 1995 from the Vinalhaven Land Trust.

Vegetation on the island is dominated by mixed grasses and ericaceous

shrubs. The island is one of ten islands in Maine to support nesting of

great cormorant. The island also supports nesting of black guillemot,

common eider, great black-backed gull, and herring gull. As with Roberts

Island, mink predation continues to be a management concern for this island.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to the closure

are in place.

Table 3-23 Nesting seabird species (and year) observed on Little Roberts Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 50 ('77); 100 ('81); 25 ('86)

black guillemot 15 ('77); 110 adults ('95); 62 adults ('95)

herring gull 25 ('77), 10 ('86); 22 ('96)

great black-backed gull 5 ('86); 21 ('96)

double-crested cormorant 148 ('77); 302 ('81), 138 ('86); 7 ('95), 100 ('99)

great cormorant 3 ('94); 6 ('95); 1 ('96); 3 ('97); 30 ('98), 10 ('00); 13 ('01); 21 ('02)

* In some years, individual adults were counted instead of nesting pairs.

19) Bar Island (CIREG 59-244; Map 3-16)

The Refuge acquired 17.2 acres of this island in fee simple from The

Nature Conservancy in 1994. It is located in the Town of Tremont, Hancock

County. The northern half of the island is privately owned and contains

several seasonal homes. The vegetation on the Service-owned portion of

the island is a mix of habitats including grassy meadow with small shrubs

and red spruce trees.
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-59

The island supported several hundred pairs of

common eider in the 1970’s and early 1980’s,

however the population was eliminated by

avian cholera in the mid 1980’s. Table 3-24

presents the nesting seabirds known on the

island.

The Service owned portion of the islands is

closed to public access during the seabird

nesting season: April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure are

planned.

Table 3-24 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on Bar Island.

Species Number of pairs (and year)observed

common eider 700 ('76), 400 ('77), 450 ('81), 20 ('84)

herring gull 2000 ('76), 300 ('77), 20 ('84), 4 ('85)

great black-backed gull 300 ('76), 1 ('85)

double-crested cormorant 15 ('77), 0 ('84)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

20 & 21) Eastern and Western Barge islands (CIREG 59-342 and 59-343

respectively; Map 3-16)

The Refuge acquired each of these 0.5-acre islands in fee simple from The

Nature Conservancy in 1994. They are located in the Town of Tremont,

Hancock County. The Barge islands are essentially rock ledges with areas

of mixed grasses. The ledges support nesting gulls, common eider, and

cormorants, and provide a haul out area for seals. Table 3-25 presents the

nesting seabirds known on the island. Surveys completed in 1993 and

2002 recorded over 100 seals on West Barge. Observers recorded 35 seals

on East Barge in 1993, and 75 seals in 2002 (Gilbert, Univ. of Maine, pers.

com.).

These islands are closed to public access during the seabird nesting

season: April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to

this closure may not be feasible do to the geology of the islands (rock

ledge) or necessary, due to the small size and difficulty accessing the

islands.

These islands are open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and

Refuge regulations.

Bar Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-60 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-25 Nesting seabird species, and year (and year) observed on

Eastern and Western Barge Islands

Number of pairs (and year) observed

Species Eastern Barge Western Barge

common eider 10 ('77), 3 ('84), 2 ('94) 1 ('76), 1('84), 1 ('94)

herring gull 0 ('84), 3 ('89), 1('94) 10 ('93), 0 ('95)

great black-backed 20 ('77), 8 ('84), 2 ('89), 50 ('77), 14 ('84), 22 ('89),

 gull 12 ('94) 20 ('95)

double-crested 25 ('76),115 ('77),85 ('84), 280 ('77), 259 ('79), 5 ('84),

 cormorant 7 ('92), 27 ('94) 66 ('89), 111 ('94), 104 ('97)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

22) Ship Island (CIREG 59-341; Map 3-16)

The 11.2-acre Ship Island was acquired in fee simple from The Nature

Conservancy in 1994. It is located in the Town of Tremont, Hancock

County. The adjacent Trumpet Island is accessible at low tide by an intertidal bar. The majority of the vegetation on Ship Island is dominated by

grasses and ericaceous shrubs, including rugosa rose, raspberry, elder, and

Angelica. A small stand of black cherry is located on the northern end of

the island. The western shore of the islands is comprised of an extensive

sandy beach, while the remainder of the island is surrounded with cobble.

Historically, Ship Island supported over 300 common tern nests, while an

additional 500 pairs nested on Trumpet Island. However, by the 1930’s

gulls had eliminated all nesting by terns. In 1993, a tern restoration project

was initiated on these islands through a cooperative agreement with The

Nature Conservancy. Gull control was initiated and continued through

1995. After more than a 50-year absence, terns returned to Ship Island in

1995 with a single nesting pair of common

terns. The colony continued to grow and in

1999, 558 pairs of common terns nested. The

colony completely abandoned the island

during the 2000 nesting season, presumably

due to mammalian predators. During the 2001

season, 261 pairs of terns established nests, but

abandoned the island after a mink arrived on

the island. Terns attempted to nest on the

island during the 2002 season, but once again

abandoned the island early in the nesting

season. All efforts to trap predators have been

unsuccessful. Table 3-26 presents the nesting

seabirds known on the island.

Ship Island

USFWS photo
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-61

Refuge biological technicians staff Ship Island, conducting biological

surveys on the tern colony (food and productivity studies), predator

control and banding. Vegetation management to improve and maintain

tern nesting habitat is on-going using vegetation mats and mechanical

disturbance.

Also of note is the fact that an avian cholera epidemic in the early 1980’s

significantly reduced the common eider population on Ship Island.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. The island has informational signs alerting visitors

to this closure.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

regulations.

Table 3-26 Nesting seabird species, numbers of pairs, (and year) observed on Ship Island

Species Number of nests (and year) observed

common eider 200 ('76), 300 ('77), 25 ('81), 115 ('84), 115 ('92), 71 ('96)

herring gull 250 ('76), 115 ('83), 345 ('89), 87 ('94), 0 ('96), 0 ('02)

great black-backed gull 250 ('76), 131 ('81), 136 ('92), 0 ('96), 0 ('02)

double-crested cormorant 350 ('76), 440 ('77), 442 ('79), 3 ('84), 0 ('94), 0 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs

23) Trumpet Island (CIREG 59-340; Map 3-16)

This 3.2-acre island was acquired in fee simple from The Nature Conservancy in 1994. It is located in the Town of Tremont, Hancock County. The

adjacent Ship Island is accessible at low tide by an inter-tidal bar. The

majority of the vegetation on Trumpet Island is dominated by dense stands

of raspberry, rugosa rose, and elder.

Historically, Trumpet Island supported over 500 pairs of common terns,

while Ship Island supported an additional 300 pairs of terns. However, by

the 1930’s gulls had eliminated all nesting by terns. (See Ship Island

summary for details of tern restoration effort.) In the late 1980’s and early

1990’s, hundreds of cormorants were illegally shot and clubbed to death

on the island. Table 3-27 presents nesting seabirds known on the island.

As noted for Ship Island, an avian cholera epidemic in the early 1980’s

significantly reduced the common eider population on adjacent islands. A

single pair of American oystercatcher have also nested on the island for

the past several years.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Trumpet Island has informational signs alerting

visitors to this closure.
Chapter 3

3-62 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

regulations.

Table 3-27 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Trumpet Island

Species Number of nests (and year) observed

common eider 150 ('77), 164 ('81), 348 ('84), 330 ('89), 200 ('94), 112 ('96)

herring gull 50 ('77), 100 ('82), 74 ('84), 48 ('89), 7 ('94)

great black-backed gull 50 '(77), 25 ('82), 61 ('84), 72 ('89), 43 ('94)

double-crested cormorant 636 ('83), 290 ('89), 487 ('92), 338 ('95), 0 ('96), 0 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

24) Little Marshall Island (CIREG 59-470; Map 3-14)

This 16.5-acre eagle nesting island is located in the Town of Swan’s

Island, Hancock County. The Service purchased the island in 2000. The

island is dominated by mixed hardwoods, red spruce, and balsam fir.

Bald eagles were first observed nesting on the island in 1986. Although

the pair has used several different trees for nesting, they have consistently

nested on Little Marshall since 1986.

The island is closed to public use during the bald eagle nesting season:

February 15 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this

closure period are planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

25) John’s Island (CIREG 59-483; Map 3-15)

This 43-acre island, located in the Town of Swan’s Island, Hancock

County, was acquired in 1998 in fee simple from a private individual. It is

vegetated by grasses and herbs, with a few stands of shrubs, including

choke cherry, winterberry, and elder. Raspberry dominates much of the

vegetated area, with approximately 25% of the island’s vegetation comprised by this one species. The perimeter of the island consists of granite

ledge, ranging from gradual slope to steep cliff.

This island is a harbor seal pupping ground, and 144 animals were observed in 1997 (Gilbert, Univ. of Maine, pers. comm.). An aerial survey of

John’s Island completed in June 2002 recorded 169 harbor seals, including

60 seal pups (Gilbert, Univ. of Maine, pers. comm.). It supports common

eiders, great and double-crested cormorants, and black-backed and herring

gulls, and is one of only ten islands in Maine with nesting great cormorants. A botanical survey was conducted in 1999 and 2000 by Mittelhauser

and Morrison. Of note is the identification of a State-listed Species of
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-63

Special Concern, seabeach sedge (Carex silica). Table 3-28 presents

nesting seabirds known on the island.

John’s Island is closed to public use during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure

period are planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-28 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on John's Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

black guillemot 300 ('86), 225 ('95), 250 ('00)

common eider 75 ('77), 400 ('86), 1000 ('96); 277 females ('00)

great black-backed gull 150 ('76), 400 ('86), 234 ('95), 78 ('00)

herring gulls 100 ('77), 600 ('86), 288 ('95), 97 ('00)

double-crested cormorant 55 ('76), 182 ('84), 158 ('95), 100 ('96), 35 ('99), 42 ('00)

great cormorant 4 ('93), 20 ('95), 17 ('96); 4 ('98), 1 ('00), 0 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

26) Egg Rock (CIREG 59-301; Map 3-17)

This 12-acre island was transferred to the Service in 1999 under the Coast

Guard Authorization Act of 1996. The island lies at the entrance of Frenchman Bay, in the Town of Winter Harbor, Hancock County. A significant

portion of the island is dominated by rock out-croppings, with the

remainder of the island dominated by mixed grasses, Angelica, and goldenrod.

The Egg Rock lighthouse, owned by the Service, is on the National Historic Register. It has undergone significant renovations in recent years.

The island’s historical significance for colonial

nesting seabirds is well documented. Roseate,

common, and Arctic terns all nested on Egg Rock

after an increasing gull population caused terns to

abandon Petit Manan Island in the early 1980’s.

In 1981, 300 pairs of common and Arctic terns

nested on the island. In 1984, three pairs of

endangered roseate terns also nested on Egg

Rock. However, when we initiated gull control

efforts on Petit Manan Island in 1984, the terns

returned to that location abandoning Egg Rock.

Terns have not nested on Egg Rock since 1984.

Seabirds and their nesting status on the island are

listed in Table 3-29. Egg Rock lighthouse

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-64 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

In addition to the species noted above, black guillemots and Leach’s

storm-petrels also nest on the island. Harbor seals use Egg Rock as a haul

out area. A survey completed in June 2002 documented 297 seals on Egg

Rock, including 75 seal pups (Gilbert, Univ of Maine, pers. com.).

This island is closed to public use during the seabird nesting season: April

1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure period

is planned. Local tour boats periodically come close to the island to view

the seabirds and seals, and to interpret the lighthouse.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-29 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Egg Rock Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common terns 300 pairs of common & Arctic terns ('81), 325 ('84)

Arctic terns 60 ('84)

roseate terns 3 ('84)

common eider 15 ('89), 34 ('94), <5 ('99), 20 ('01)

great black-backed gull 56 ('89), 5 ('94), 65 ('95), <10 ('00); 12 ('01)

herring gulls 48 ('89), 241 ('92), >200 ('99); >150 ('00); 414 ('01)

laughing gulls 175 adults ('81)

* Some years, individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

27) Abbott Island (CIREG 79-837; Map 3-19)

This 3.5-acre island is located in Carrying Place Cove, Town of Steuben,

Washington County. The Service acquired the island in fee simple from a

private party in 1996. It is dominated by conifer forest, with some understory vegetation species that are not found on the adjacent mainland:

Indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana), painted trillium (Trillium

undulatum), bluebead-lily (Clintonia borealis), and hobblebush (Viburnum

alnifolium). Striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) and various orchids are

also found here. The mud flats surrounding the island are used by migrating shorebirds and waterfowl, including black duck, mallard, goldeneye,

and teal.

It is open to waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge Complex

regulations.

28) Sally Island (CIREG 79-836; Map 3-19)

This 1-acre island is located in Dyer Bay, Town of Steuben, Washington

County. It was acquired in August 1996 by donation from The Conservation Fund. The island is connected to Petit Manan Point at low tide, and is

characterized by a dense spruce stand. Bald eagles were first observed
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Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-65

nesting on the island in 1985. The pair experienced alternating years of

nest occupancy until they moved to the adjacent island in 2001. No other

botanical or biological surveys are known to us.

When occupied by bald eagles, the island is closed to public access during

the eagle nesting season: February 15 to August 1. If eagles are not nesting

on the island, Sally Island is open to public visitation (day use) after May

15th. Informational signs alerting visitors to the closure are planned.

29) Petit Manan Island (CIREG 79-933; Map 3-18)

This 10-acre island lies 2.5 miles south of Petit Manan Point in the Town

of Steuben, Washington County. It was acquired in 1974 by transfer from

the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard continues to maintain the 119’

lighthouse tower and navigational aids, and the Service maintains several

historical structures on the island. Petit Manan has long been considered

one of the most important islands in the Gulf of Maine for colonial nesting

seabirds.

Botanical inventories, including those for rare plants, were conducted in

1995, 2001, and 2002 (Widrig 1996 and Mittelhauser 2002). Vegetation on

the north and east side of the island includes a variety of grasses, Angelica, raspberry, asters, meadowrue, blueberry, and beachpea. The southwestern and central areas of the island are dominated by a dense stand of

raspberry which is rapidly expanding each year. Calamagrostis occupies a

large portion of the western half of the island. The invasive species dodder

established a strong foothold on the northern end of the island in 2000.

Extensive vegetation management occurs, utilizing a variety of techniques

such as burning, herbicide, and mechanical treatment to improve nesting

seabird habitat. Annual monitoring of this vegetation and its response to

treatment dictates what to do in forthcoming

years.

Significant numbers of terns had historically

nested on the island, including 1,500 nesting

pairs observed in 1971. However, when

human presence on the island ended with

automation of the light station in 1972, the

numbers of nesting gulls gradually increased

to the point they excluded all nesting terns

by 1983. Tern restoration was initiated in

1984 in partnership with the College of the

Atlantic. One of the first actions was the

removal of herring and black-backed gulls.

Within one week of the gull control effort,

terns returned to nest on Petit Manan Island.

The seabird colony has continued to grow,

and the island now supports nesting by eight

Dodder, an invasive plant, has established a strong foothold on

Petit Manan Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-66 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

species of seabirds and waterfowl. Razorbill and common murre also

routinely visit the island, however no nesting efforts have been documented. Leach’s storm-petrels and black guillemots also nest on the

island. The island also supports migrating songbirds, shorebirds and

raptors. Table 3-30 presents the nesting seabirds known on the island. An

annual report is available upon request from Refuge Complex Headquarters.

Biological technicians live on the island each nesting season and conduct

biological surveys (food and productivity studies), predator control and

banding. Our staff and seasonal technicians conduct a complete census of

the island each year; and record observations of all species observed on or

adjacent to the island. Habitat restoration work continues as a cooperative

endeavor with the Gulf of Maine Seabird Working Group and MDIFW.

The Refuge is currently participating in Arctic tern and Atlantic puffin

metapopulation studies with the University of New Brunswick.

The results of a spider inventory (Jennings 2000) and botanical inventory

(Mittlehauser 2000) for this island is also available at Refuge Complex

Headquarters .

The island is a popular tour boat destination. Several tour boats per day

pause offshore to observe the island’s seabirds during June - August.

Refuge Complex staff meet annually with the tour boat companies to

discuss issues of concern, and we provide them with periodic updates

throughout the seabird nesting season.

Petit Manan Island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting

season: April 1 to August 31. It is open to migratory waterfowl hunting

under State and Refuge regulations.

Table 3-30 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs (and year) observed on

Petit Manan Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common tern 700 ('76), 6 ('81), 410 ('84), 1093 ('90), 1355 ('95), 990 ('02)

Arctic tern 800 ('76), 450 ('84), 729 ('90), 796 ('95), 671 ('02)

roseate tern 3 ('76), 8 ('84), 48 ('90), 61 ('95), 27 ('02)

Atlantic puffin 0 ('84), 7 ('90), 13 ('95), 20 ('02)

laughing gull 60 ('76), 200 ('84), 300 ('91), 487 ('95), 838 ('02)

common eider 6 ('76), 10 ('84), 20 ('89), 53 ('95), 113 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

30) Bois Bubert Island (CIREG 79-824; Map 3-20)

The Service owns in fee simple 1,321 acres of this 1,500-acre island in the

Town of Milbridge, Washington County. Portions of the island were
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-67

acquired in 1979 and 1987 by donation and purchase from The Nature

Conservancy, and in 1987, 1994, and 1997 by purchase from private

parties. The island is located about one mile east of Petit Manan Point, and

is characterized by red and white spruce forests, balsam fir, tamarack, and

associated hardwoods. Two freshwater wetlands are also located on the

island, as well as an extensive area of early successional habitat. A cover

type map utilizing national vegetation classification standards was completed in 2002 (Map 3-26).

The island’s jack pine woodlands represent two of only eight known

stands in Maine, and are considered a rare community type by the Maine

Natural Areas Program (MNAP 1983 and Elliott 1999). Although jack

pine is occasionally a component of other forest communities, this woodland type is the only community with jack pine as the dominant species.

Our long-term goal in maintaining these stands is to continue providing a

diversity of habitats within the Refuge, and to contribute to the ecological

diversity of coastal Maine.

Other rare plants are present on Bois Bubert as well. The State-listed

threatened Nova Scotia false-foxglove (Agalinis neoscotica) occurs on the

island as does bird’s eye primrose (Primula laurentia), a State species of

special concern (Widrig 1996).

Bald eagles were first observed nesting on the island in 1996, and with the

exception of 2000, have produced at least one eaglet per season. The

wetland on the southern end of the island and the surrounding inter-tidal

habitat provide extensive stopover habitat for waterfall during fall migration. Limited waterfowl banding has occurred on the island.

The results of a spider inventory for this island are available at Refuge

Complex Headquarters (Jennings 2001).

Currently, the Refuge is working cooperatively

with the Maine Island Trail Association and

others to provide low impact educational and

recreational opportunities for island users,

including overnight camping. The Refuge

owns one cabin on the island that can be used

to house researchers. Several inholdings have

seasonal homes on the island.

One area on the southern end of the island is

closed year-round to protect nesting and

roosting birds. Additional informational and

regulatory signs are needed to alert visitors to

this closure.

Refuge lands on the island are open to deer

hunting under State and Refuge Complex

regulations.

Freshwater pond on Bois Bubert Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-68 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

31) Nash Island (CIREG 79-627; Map 3-21)

The Service owns five acres of the 16.7 acre grassland island located in

the Town of Addison, Washington County. The Service acquired the

property by transfer from the Coast Guard in 1978; the remainder of the

island is privately owned. The island supports a variety of nesting seabirds, including a small number of nesting terns, as indicated in Table 3-31.

Sheep grazing occurs on the neighboring Big Nash island. Sheep routinely

use an inter-tidal bar to graze on Nash Island.

Nash Island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure

are in place.

Table 3-31 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on Nash Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 20 ('77), 6 ('87), 50 ('89)

common tern 5 ('84), 1 ('98), 4 ('00), 4 ('02)

Arctic tern 20 ('84)

great black-backed gull 50 ('87), 120 ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

32) Inner Sand Island (CIREG 79-614; Map 3-21)

This 17.8-acre island in the Town of Addison, Washington County, was

acquired in 1999 in fee simple from a private party. The island is composed of 15 acres of spruce/fir forest and approximately 2.8 acres of

upland meadow and shrub.

Although the island has historically supported nesting gulls, none were

observed during the 1995 aerial survey of the island. Table 3-32 presents

nesting seabirds known on the island.

This island is closed to public use during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure

period are planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-32 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Inner Sand Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 125 ('77), 200 ('89)

great black-backed gull 100 adults ('76), 10 ('77), 5 '(89), 0 ('95)

herring gulls 1000 adults ('76), 150 ('77), 20 ('89), 0 ('95)

* In some years, individual adults were counted instead of pairs.
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-69

33) Schoppee Island (CIREG 79-566; Map 3-22)

This 16.5-acre island is located in the Town of Roque Bluffs, Washington

County. The Service acquired the island in fee simple in 2000. The island

is dominated by red spruce with small areas of hardwoods, grasses and

shrubs. There is evidence of wind-throw over the years, resulting in a

patchwork appearance created by a diversity of age classes and tree

height. Hardwood species found on the island include white and yellow

birch, mountain ash, and alder.

Schoppee Island is a historic bald eagle nesting

island. Eagles were first observed nesting on

the island in 1968, however the site was not

monitored during the 1970’s. They were again

documented nesting on the island in 1980,

but that was the last year they nested on the

island.

The island is closed to public access during the

bald eagle nesting season: February 15 to

August 1. If eagles have not initiated nesting

on the island by mid May, the island is then

open to day use by the public. Informational

signs alerting visitors to the closure are

planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl

hunting under State and Refuge regulations.

34) Halifax Island (CIREG 79-570; Map 3-22)

This 75-acre island is located in the Town of Jonesport, Washington

County. The island was acquired in fee simple in June 1995 from The

Conservation Fund.

Island vegetation is comprised of 45 acres of wetland and peatland communities, and 30 acres of various ericaceous shrub-dominated communities (huckleberry, sheep laurel, Rhodora, blueberries, crowberries, and

small trees). There are also lichen-covered rock outcrops, sparsely vegetated nearshore headlands and cliffs, and beach strand. Several extremely

fragile plant communities can be found here (acidic fen, plateau bog lawn,

dwarf shrub bog, moss lawn bog, and acidic shoreline outcrop).

A baseline avian and botanical survey was conducted in 1998 and 1999

(Famous and Spencer-Famous 1999). Of note on the island are:

■ maritime slope bog community; a very rare community type

■ northern yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. borealis); a State Species of

Special Concern

■ pearl-wort (Sagina nodosa); a State rare species

Schoppee Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-70 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

■ dragon’s mouth orchid (Arethusa bulbosa); a State rare species

■ roseroot stonecrop (Sedum rosea), beachhead iris (Iris hookeri), and

oysterleaf (Mertensia maritima)

A nationally significant population of fall migrating whimbrels forages on

the crowberries growing on Halifax Island. Black guillemots were recorded nesting on the island during surveys from 1965-73 showing eight

nesting pair, and in 1977 when two nesting pair were observed. No seabirds have been recorded nesting on the island since then.

Historically, sheep were grazed on the island; however, this practice was

discontinued in the 1980’s. Currently, the Refuge Complex is working

cooperatively with the Maine Island Trail Association and others to provide low impact educational and recreational opportunities for island

users, including overnight camping.

A majority of the island is closed year-round to public access to protect

unique botanical features. The western portion of the island is open year

round. Informational signs are in place alerting visitors to the closure and

the sensitive plant habitat areas.

This island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

35) Eastern Brothers Island (CIREG 79-513; Map 3-22)

This 17-acre island in the Town of Jonesport,

Washington County, is a recognized seabird

nesting island and historical nesting area for

peregrine falcons. The Service acquired the

island in fee simple in May 1997 from a

private party. The MDIFW owns Western

Brothers Island, which is joined to Eastern

Brothers by an intertidal area.

The vegetation on the island is dominated by

mixed grasses, raspberries, and other herbaceous species. The perimeter of the island is

surrounded by rock ledges of varying height

and associated 60- to 70-foot rock cliffs. Sheep

were grazed on the island for over 125 years;

however, the practice was discontinued in the late 1990’s. A complete

avian and botanical inventory was conducted in 1998 and 1999 (Famous

and Spencer-Famous 1999). Notable plant species include:

■ northern yarrow (Achillea millefolium); a State Species of Special Concern

■ Arctic blue flag (Iris setosa); a State rare species (over 20,000 plants

observed on the island)

Eastern and Western Brothers Islands

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-71

■ dragon’s mouth orchid (Arethusa bulbosa); a State rare species

■ pearl-wort (Sagina nodosa); a State rare species

■ maritime slope bog; a rare plant community type

This island is a harbor seal pupping ground, and 112 animals were recorded

in 1997 (Gilbert, Univ. of Maine, pers. com.). It also provides habitat for a

variety of nesting seabirds including common eiders, black guillemots,

herring and great black-backed gulls and Leach’s storm-petrels as indicated

in Table 3-33.

The island is closed to public access during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs are in place to alert visitors to

this closure.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-33 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Eastern Brothers Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

common eider 75 ('77), 0 ('83), 40 ('95)

great black-backed gull 600 ('91), 1131 ('95)

herring gulls 0 ('95)

black guillemots 150 ('77), 100 ('83), 75 ('95)

Leach's storm-petrel 25 ('77), 8 ('95)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

36) Libby Island (CIREG 79-360; Map 3-23)

Lying at the entrance of Machias Bay, this 43-acre island was transferred

to the Service in 1999, under the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996.

It is located in the Town of Machiasport, Washington County. It is also

commonly referred to as “Little Libby” Island. The Service owns and is

responsible for the maintenance of the lighthouse and associated historical

structures. The Coast Guard is responsible for the aids to navigation.

The island contains a variety of habitats including: dense stands of shrubs

(Virginia rose, meadowsweet, and black chokeberry), American cranberry,

creeping juniper, and beach strand community. Dwarf ericaceous shrubs

and mixed grasses dominate the upland. Two wetland communities were

also documented (Bochan and DiGirolamo 1999). Prior botanical inventories had been conducted in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s (Lewis, Univ.

of Maine, pers. com.).

Libby Island is adjacent to the MDIFW-owned Big Libby Island, which

has supported over 1,500 pairs of common eiders, 1,100 pairs of great blackbacked gulls, and 200 herring gulls. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Big
Chapter 3

3-72 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Libby also was an active tern colony. Mink have been observed on Libby,

and it is possible they may have limited seabird use of the island in recent

years. Table 3-34 presents nesting seabirds known on the island.

Harbor seals use adjacent ledges as pupping and haulout areas.

A 20-acre aquaculture lease has been granted for the waters immediately

north of Big and Libby islands. Although the facility was only operational

for one year, the lease remains valid and pens could be placed at the site in

the future.

This island is closed to public use during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure

period are planned.

The island is open to migratory waterfowl hunting under State and Refuge

Complex regulations.

Table 3-34 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on Libby Island

Species Number of pairs (and year) observed

black guillemot 10 ('76), 5 ('91), 20 ('92), 10 adults ('01)

common eider 0 ('92), 10 ('01)

great black-backed gull 0 ('91), 2 ('01)

herring gull 0 ('91), 40 ('01)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

37) Old Man Island (CIREG 79-313; Map 3-24)

This 6-acre island is part of the Cross Island complex, located in the Town

of Cutler, Washington County. It was acquired in 1980 from a private

individual, along with the other five islands in the Cross Island complex .

Vegetation on the island is sparse, with a variety of mixed grasses interspersed with rock outcroppings. Steep cliffs and sea stacks are located

along the perimeter of the island. A botanical

inventory was conducted on the island during

the 1979, 1980, and 1982-84 field seasons

(Lewis, Univ. of Maine, pers. com.).

Old Man Island is one of only six nesting sites

for razorbills in the Gulf of Maine. Between

130 and 150 adult razorbills were observed

annually over a ten year period. Of historical

note, Old Man Island is reported to be the only

location within Maine that supported nesting

of common eiders in the early 1900’s when

two nests were observed (Norton 1907). This

island also supports other nesting seabird

species of interest as noted in Table 3-35.

Old Man Island

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-73

Although public access on the island will always be limited by the topography of the island, the island is closed to public use during the seabird

nesting season: April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors

to this closure period are planned.

Table 3-35 Nesting Seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Old Man Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

razorbill 10 ('77), 35 ('91), 130-150 adults ('01)

common eider 100 ('77), 14 ('86), 100 ('91), 100 ('95)

great black-backed gull 100 ('77), 29 ('91), 164 ('95)

herring gull 500 ('77), 26 ('91), 126 ('95)

double-crested cormorant 215 ('77), 306 ('91), 302 ('94)

Leach's storm-petrel 400 ('95)

black guillemot 100 ('77), 55 adults ('91), 125 adults ('95)

* In some years, individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

38) Mink Island (CIREG 79-345; Map 3-24)

This 11-acre island is part of the Cross Island complex, located in the

Town of Cutler, Washington County. It was acquired in 1980 from a

private individual, along with the other five islands in the Cross Island

complex. The island is completely forested with red spruce and balsam fir.

Bald eagles were first observed nesting on Mink Island in 1996. It is

believed that one pair of eagles has moved among Mink, Cross, and Outer

Double Head Shot Island in recent years. The Mink Island nest was last

occupied in 2002. Occupancy and productivity are monitored on an annual

basis by MDIFW.

This island is closed to public access during the bald eagle nesting season

February 15 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this

closure are planned.

39) Outer Double Head Shot Island (CIREG 79-352; Map 3-24)

This 14-acre island is part of the Cross Island complex, located in the Town

of Cutler, Washington County. It was acquired in 1980 from a private

individual, along with the other five islands in the Cross Island complex.

The vegetation on the northern half of the island is dominated by red

spruce and balsam fir, while the southern portion of the island is dominated by mixed grasses. A botanical inventory was conducted on the island

between 1979 and 1984 (Lewis, Univ. of Maine, pers. com.).

Bald eagles were first observed nesting on Outer Double Head Shot in

1985. It is believed that one pair of eagles has moved among Outer Double

Head Shot, Mink, and Cross Islands in recent years. The Outer Double
Chapter 3

3-74 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Head Shot Island nest was last occupied in 2000. Occupancy and productivity are monitored on an annual basis by MDIFW. The island also supports nesting seabird species of interest as noted in Table 3-36.

This island is closed to public access during the bald eagle and seabird

nesting season: February 15 to August 31. Informational signs alerting

visitors to this closure period are planned.

Table 3-36 Nesting seabird species, number of pairs, (and year) observed on

Outer Double Head Shot Island

Species Number of pairs* (and year) observed

common eider 100 ('77), 0 ('91), 100 ('95)

great black-backed gull 10 ('91), 23 ('95)

herring gull 200 ('95), 30 ('91), 25 ('95)

black guillemot 50 ('77), 140 adults ('95)

* In some years, individual adult birds were counted instead of pairs.

40) Inner Double Head Shot Island (CIREG 79-351; Map 3-24)

This 8-acre island is part of the Cross Island complex, located in the Town

of Cutler, Washington County. It was acquired in 1980 from a private

individual, along with the other five islands in the Cross Island complex.

The vegetation on the northern half of the island is dominated by red

spruce and balsam fir, while the southern portion of the island is dominated by mixed grasses. A botanical inventory was conducted on the island

between 1979 and 1984 (Lewis, Univ. of Maine, pers. com.). The island

supports small nesting populations of black guillemot, herring gulls, and

Leach’s storm-petrels.

This island is closed to public use during the seabird nesting season:

April 1 to August 31. Informational signs alerting visitors to this closure

period are in place.

41) Scotch Island (CIREG 79-350; Map 3-24)

This 10 acre island is part of the Cross Island

complex, located in the Town of Cutler, Washington County. It was acquired in 1980 from a

private individual, along with the other five

islands in the complex.

The island is immediately adjacent to the northeast corner of Cross Island. The vegetation on

Scotch Island consists of red spruce, balsam fir,

and yellow and paper birch.

Scotch Island is open to public access year

around (day use only).

Scotch Island

USFWS photo
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-75

42) Cross Island (CIREG 79-347; Map 3-24)

Cross Island (1,654 acres) was acquired in 1980 from a private individual,

along with the other five islands in the Cross Island complex. It is located

in the Town of Cutler, Washington County. Two private inholdings occur

on the island. Outward Bound has a 19-acre inholding, and uses parts of

the island for solo wilderness experiences. The Cabott family also owns a

20-acre inholding.

Its varied topography includes hills, bays,

inlets, high sea cliffs, and several cobble

beaches scattered along all but its rugged south

shoreline. A 12-acre tidal pond lies between

Northwest Head and the island proper. Cover

types on the island include dense stands of red

and white spruce, balsam fir, yellow and paper

birch, and red and striped maple. Several

grassy openings with sedges, cranberry, and

blueberry are also found on the shores. Associated wetlands support eel grass and other

submerged aquatics, saltmarsh and salt meadow

cordgrasses, sea lavender, black rush, and

American three-square bulrush. A cover-type

map of Cross Island is available.

Botanical species of note on the island are livid sedge (Carex livida) and

coast blite goosefoot (Chenopodium rubrum), both State-listed threatened

species, and a rare community type called maritime slope bog.

Bald eagles were first observed breeding on Cross Island in 1981. It is

believed that one pair of eagles has moved among Cross, Outer Double

Head Shot, and Mink Islands in recent years. The Cross Island nest was

last occupied in 1994. Occupancy and productivity are monitored on an

annual basis by MDIFW.

The island has resident populations of white-tailed deer and furbearers, as well as eagles and osprey. Colonial nesting seabirds include common eider, Leach’s storm-petrel, black guillemot, and double-crested

cormorants. Migrating black ducks and shorebirds use the island saltmarsh

and inter-tidal areas.

The following surveys have been conducted on the island and any published

results are available from the Refuge Complex Headquarters upon request:

■ Habitat analysis of Cross Island using SPOT imagery (Podolsky &

Labaree 1990)

■ Deer pellet count (USFWS 1991)

■ Neotropical landbird monitoring program (Famous1993)

■ Botanical survey focusing on wetland habitats (Mittelhauser &

Morrison 2000)

Cross Island

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-76 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

A 45-acre aquaculture site is located 1/4 mile off Northwest Head. A study

to examine the potential effects of aquaculture site development adjacent

to the island’s nesting birds was conducted in 1991 (Famous 1991). Unfortunately, information was not collected prior to the placement of the aquaculture

pens, so comparisons to historic use of the area are not possible.

A Refuge Complex cabin located in Northwest Head is used by researchers under permit.

The island is open to public access year around (day use only). Informational signs are in place alerting visitors.

Outward Bound uses several areas for solo campsites under a special use permit.

In addition, Bold Coast Charter, in the Town of Cutler, runs an interpreted

tour on the island. Approximately 325 people visited the island in 2001.

Machias Seal Island (Map 3-25)

This 15-acre island is located at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, 12 miles

south of Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada, and 12 miles off the

coast from the Town of Cutler, Maine. Claimed by both the United States

and Canada, the island hosts abundant populations of Atlantic puffins,

Arctic terns, common terns, razorbills, and Leach’s storm-petrels. In 1944,

Canada designated this island area as a Migratory Bird Sanctuary pursuant

to the Canadian Migratory Birds Convention Act, as amended. Table 3-37

presents nesting seabirds known on the island.

The island is a popular destination for birding enthusiasts, who visit it

each summer to observe and photograph the birds. There is transportation

to the island via three chartered cruises (two United States and one Canadian). The MDIFW has established ownership of the island and, under

MOU, has transferred management authority to the Service. Under this

authority, the Service (through Petit Manan Refuge Complex) monitors

and regulates U.S. tour boat captains. U.S.-based tours during June and

July seabird breeding seasons are regulated through the issuance of special

use permits. At present, no more than 30 people are allowed to visit the

island each day for 3 hours during the months of June and July, and they

are restricted to well-marked paths and observation blinds.

By verbal agreement with Canada, Canadian biologists manage the wildlife resources on the island. The University of New Brunswick’s Atlantic

Co-operative Wildlife Ecology Research Network maintains a research

crew on the island. The Service attempts to meet at least annually with

Canadian biologists to discuss wildlife issues and exchange information

on avian populations, public use, and commercial tourism. An extensive amount of research and survey work has been conducted on the

island.

Other Islands Affiliated

with the Refuge Complex
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-77

Table 3-37 Nesting seabird species, numbers of pairs (and years) observed on

Machias Seal Island

Species Numbers (and year) observed

Atlantic puffin 1,827 ('00), 2,800 ('01)

razorbill 543 ('01)

common tern 325 ('94), 897 ('98), 1,349 ('02)

Arctic tern 2,140 ('94), 2,094 ('98), 2,202 ('02)

roseate tern 1 ('01)

common eider 132 ('98), 106 ('02)

laughing gull 1 ('02)

* Some years individual adults were counted instead of pairs.

Banded purple sandpipper

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-78 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Smuttynose and Malaga Islands

	





	



	





	




	




	



	




	

	


Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	















Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Smuttynose and Malaga Islands 

Map 3Ŧ1



0 290 580 870 1,160 1,450 145

Meters

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 0.125

Miles

1:18,000
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-79

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Upper Flag Island



	







	





	


Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Upper Flag Island

0 230 460 690 920 1,150 115

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:14,000

Map 3Ŧ2
Chapter 3

3-80 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Ram Island

0 280 560 840 1,120 1,400 140

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:18,000 



		
	








Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Ram Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ3
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-81

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge

0 240 480 720 960 1,200 120

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:16,000 



	















Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ4

Pond Island
Chapter 3

3-82 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Lower Mark Island



	





	



	









	



0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500 150

Meters

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 0.125

Miles

1:18,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Lower Mark Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ5
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-83

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Outer Heron, Inner White and Outer White Islands



	








	





		





0 225 450 675 900 1,125 112.5

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:20,000


	



Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Map 3Ŧ6

Outer Heron Island

White Islands

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS
Chapter 3

3-84 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Little Thrumcap Island

0 210 420 630 840 1,050 105

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:14,000 

	





	





Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Little Thrumcap Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ7
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-85

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge and Crane Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS 

	





	


	








0 190 380 570 760 950 95

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:14,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Franklin and Crane Islands

Map 3Ŧ8
Chapter 3

3-86 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Metinic Island



	





	


	


	

		




 
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Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Metinic Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ9

0 460 920 1,380 1,840 2,300 230

Meters

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 0.125

Miles

1:32,000
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-87

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Two Bush Island



	






		


	


	

	




0 180 360 540 720 900 90

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:12,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Two Bush Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ10
Chapter 3

3-88 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Matinicus Rock

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Image mosaic from Richard Kulis and Rick Schauffler

0 70 140 210 280 350 35

Meters

0 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.12 0.15 0.015

Miles

1:4,500 

	





Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Matinicus Rock

Map 3Ŧ11
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-89

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge





	




0 190 380 570 760 950 95

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:12,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Seal Island

Map 3Ŧ12
Chapter 3

3-90 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Roberts and Little Roberts Islands

0 180 360 540 720 900 90

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:12,000 

	





	


		






	


		

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ13

Roberts Islands
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-91

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Little Marshall Island



	
	




	
	


0 150 300 450 600 750 75

Meters

0 0.08 0.16 0.24 0.32 0.4 0.04

Miles

1:10,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Little Marshall Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ14
Chapter 3

3-92 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Johns Island



	





	

	

	

0 280 560 840 1,120 1,400 140

Meters

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 0.125

Miles

1:18,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Johns Island

Map 3Ŧ15
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-93

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Bar, Ship and Trumpet Islands, East and West Barges

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS 

	






	



	





	



	



	





 !		
"

#	



$

%	

	



0 640 1,280 1,920 2,560 3,200 320

Meters

0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 0.15

Miles

1:36,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Bar, Trumpet, Ship and Barges

Map 3Ŧ16
Chapter 3

3-94 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Egg Rock

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS 



	


0 120 240 360 480 600 60

Meters

0 0.06 0.12 0.18 0.24 0.3 0.03

Miles

1:7,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	















Egg Rock

Map 3Ŧ17


Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-95

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Petit Manan Island

0 100 200 300 400 500 50

Meters

0 0.06 0.12 0.18 0.24 0.3 0.03

Miles

1:7,000 

	






	




Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Petit Manan Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ18
Chapter 3

3-96 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Sally and Abbott Islands

0 240 480 720 960 1,200 120

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.05

Miles

1:16,000 



	









	

	

 

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Sally and Abbott Islands

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ19
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-97

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Bois Bubert Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

0 690 1,380 2,070 2,760 3,450 345

Meters

0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 0.15

Miles

1:40,000 

	










	

		

	


		


	







 !"

#$

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!
	
!


		



Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Bois Bubert Island

Map 3Ŧ20

'
((!)	
*
Chapter 3

3-98 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Nash and Inner Sand Islands

0 780 1,560 2,340 3,120 3,900 390

Meters

0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 0.2

Miles

1:45,000 



	

	







	
 



Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Nash Island

Inner Sand Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Map 3Ŧ21
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-99

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Halifax, Schoppee and Eastern Brother Islands

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

S:\pmnccp\islandmaps\halifax\halifax.mxd 4/23/2003 

	





		


	




	





	 !	


"	


#	

0 680 1,360 2,040 2,720 3,400 340

Meters

0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 0.2

Miles

1:40,000

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Halifax Island

Eastern Brother

Schoppee Island

Map 3Ŧ22
Chapter 3

3-100 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Libby Island



	





	


0 250 500 750 1,000 125

Meters

0 0.25 0.5 0.125

Miles

1:15,000

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Libby Island

Map 3Ŧ23
Part Two: Refuge Complex Island Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-101

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Refuge data from USFWS

0 840 1,680 2,520 3,360 4,200 420

Meters

0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 0.15

Miles

1:48,000 

	






	





		





		





	




 	





 !	

"		

	#!$

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Cross Island NWR

Map 3Ŧ24
Chapter 3

3-102 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Machias Seal Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Image mosaic from Richard Kulis and Rick Schauffler

	
	

Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Machias Seal Island

Map 3Ŧ25

0 60 120 180 240 300 30

Meters

0 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.12 0.15 0.015

Miles

1:4,000

N

W E

S
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-103

The Refuge Complex’s mainland is composed of three divisions: Petit Manan

Point, Gouldsboro Bay, and Saywers Marsh. A fourth division, Corea Heath, is

a pending transfer from the U.S. Department of the U.S. Navy. All mainland

divisions are part of the Petit Manan Refuge. Each one is ecologically diverse,

providing habitat for a tremendous variety of resident and migratory species.

A primary management objective on these lands is to protect and restore critical

stopover points for Neotropical migratory land birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds

during their spring and fall migrations along the Maine coast. In recent years,

management emphasis has also been on acquiring private inholdings from willing

sellers, conducting baseline biological surveys, and providing high quality

interpretive trails. Each of the divisions is described in more detail below.

Table 3-42, at the end of this chapter, presents a summary of cover types for

the entire Refuge Complex.

Acquisition History

Much of Petit Manan Point was acquired by the Service in 1976 from The

Nature Conservancy and William Mague. It consists of 2,195 acres in the

Town of Steuben, Washington County. Map 3-26 depicts current Service

ownership.

This division has had an interesting and colorful past. At the turn of the

century, most of Petit Manan Point was owned by the Maine Coast Club, a

company that intended to develop the land for “rusticators.” Tennis courts,

a golf course, a saltwater swimming impoundment, a deer enclosure, a

wharf, and even a casino were built. In addition, portions of the property

were subdivided into building lots. However, its expectations were never

realized, and the club went bankrupt. Most of Petit Manan Point was

eventually acquired by the Mague family, who turned it back into a saltwater farm, using the cleared areas for sheep pasture and blueberry fields.

The old club buildings gradually disappeared, and, aside from two old

camps and a small chapel, few traces of it remain.

Biological Resources

Petit Manan Point has an uncommon diversity of habitats, including rocky

ledges, sphagnum bogs, exposed cobble beaches, blueberry barrens, maritime

slope bog, cedar swamp, jack pine stands, red spruce forests with some mixed

hardwoods, coastal raised heath peatlands, fresh and saltwater marshes and

old hayfields. The Point also includes over 10 miles of shoreline. Some of

the more exposed areas have a distinct, rugged and windswept character. A

cover-type map using national vegetation classification standards was completed in 2002. Acres calculated from cover typing are based on GIS and may

vary from deed acreage. A summary of cover types by acre is presented in

Table 3-38 below; Map 3-27 portrays the cover types on the landscape.

Part 3: Refuge

Mainland Resources

Petit Manan Point

Division
Chapter 3

3-104 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-38 Petit Manan Point Division cover types by acres

Cover Type Acres (GIS) Percent (%) of Area

Mature conifer forest 905 41

Northern hardwood -mixed forest 453 21

Early successional forest 226 10

Open field 70 3

Jack pine woodland 11 0.5

Freshwater wetlands 219 10

Maritime saltmarsh & estuary 8 0.4

Saltwater tidal / aquatic bed 302 14

Building / camp 1 0.1

Total 2,195 100

Several rare plants and community types have been documented on Petit

Manan Point. The State-listed plants include: Nova Scotia false-foxglove

(Agalinis neoscotica), Pickering’s reed bent-grass (Calamagrostis pickeringii),

salt-marsh sedge (Carex recta), swarthy sedge (Carex adjusta), and moonwort

(Botrychium lunaria) (Widrig 1996). The rare or noteworthy community

types include: maritime slope bog, tall meadow, Larch forest, maritime

spruce-fir, jack pine, spruce-fir flats, spruce woodland, northern white

cedar swamp, and spruce slope forest (MNAP 2002).

Petit Manan Point is noted for its use by migrating waterfowl, songbirds,

shorebirds, and raptors. Annual breeding bird surveys are ongoing, including, marsh bird, grassland bird, woodcock, and land bird. A variety of land

bird species of concern (Appendix B) have documented breeding on the

refuge, include American woodcock, eastern wood-pewee, chestnut-sided

warbler, and bobolink. The Refuge Complex has participated in the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program for five

years on Petit Manan Point. The emphasis of this program is to measure

demographic parameters such as migratory landbird survival and productivity rates at over 500 MAPS stations continent-wide. This data will be pooled

to help evaluate what and where population fluctuations are

occurring for captured species. This MAPS station is one of the

top 5% in terms of productivity of stations in North America,

excluding Alaska. On the average, 337 birds are captured each

year, representing 43 species (Brokaw and Burke 1997, Taylor

and Famous 2000). Common warbler species captured include

magnolia, black-and-white, black-throated green, and Nashville

warbler. Other common species include American redstart,

white-throated sparrow, hermit and Swainson’s thrush, and

common yellowthroat. Bird and plants species checklists are

available from the Refuge headquarters upon request. Bobolink

USFWS photo
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-105

The three impoundments on Petit Manan Point are used extensively by migratory waterfowl; it is common to observe over 4,000 ducks during fall migration

in the area. These three freshwater wetlands cover 219 acres, and are managed

to provide habitat for fall migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds.

The most abundant species observed are American black duck, mallard, and

green-wing teal. We have been trying to increase wild rice production in one of

the impoundments to provide high quality waterfowl forage.

Current upland habitat management activities include

mowing and prescribed burning as means of

maintaining open fields. Use of fire to manage

open habitats has an historic and cultural context in

this part of Maine. Blue-berries, a chief export

product for Maine, are managed using prescribed

fire. In spring, burning is commonplace in Washington

County, with more than 10,000 acres of blueberry

lands burned each year. Prior to acquisition, Refuge

Complex lands on the Point were burned to

maintain blueberry fields.

Approximately 65 acres of these same fields are

scheduled for burning in the approved Fire Management Plan every three to five years, laid out in 11 separate burn units. The

objective is to maintain blueberry and grass fields for forage and nesting bird

habitat. Invasive sweetfern and other woody vegetation will be controlled by

burning. We burn during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-November),

as conditions permit and outside the upland bird nesting season. Because of the

narrow burn window, precipitation levels, and the humid coastal climate, burning

has not always been accomplished. Other limitations, like inadequate fuel in

blueberry fields, may limit fire’s effectiveness in some areas. During years when

burning is not feasible, we use mowing to accomplish vegetation management.

Efforts to inventory invertebrates on Petit Manan Point have recently been

initiated. A refuge volunteer is currently conducting dragonfly and damsel-fly

surveys (Hildreth 2001 and Hildreth 2002). At this point in time, 33 species of

Odonates have been documented on the refuge, several of which are considered

rare or special concern in Maine. We have also recently initiated extensive

survey efforts for spiders. To date, 178 species have been documented on the

refuge, including several new records for the state of Maine, and several previously

un-described species (Jennings 2000, Jennings 2001, and Jennings 2002).

Efforts to document presence and abundance of amphibians and vernal pools on

Petit Manan Point will continue.

Northern pintail ducks

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-106 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Public Use

A seasonal biological technician was hired between 2000 - 2002 to work on

the Point to conduct baseline wildlife and habitat surveys, monitor public use,

and conduct outreach with Refuge Complex visitors. Current public use estimates are approximately 15,000 visitors per year.

The Point has two hiking trails, the John Hollingsworth Memorial and Birch

Point trails. There is a parking lot at each trailhead; the Hollingsworth trailhead has

approximately 6 spaces, and the Birch Point trailhead has approximately 15

spaces. The Hollingsworth trail is self-guided with interpretive panels.A visitor

information kiosk is located at the Birch Point Trail head. Interpretive programs

are occasionally given by Refuge staff and volunteers on both trails. Teacher-led

environmental programs take place on these trails as well.

In addition to the trail use, roadside blueberry picking, by hand for personal use,

is popular in the fall.

This Division is not currently open to hunting.

Semipalmated sandpipers

Photo by Craig Snapp
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-107

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Petit Manan Point Division and Bois Bubert Island

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quads from Maine Office of GIS

Refuge boundary data from USFWS

0 790 1,580 2,370 3,160 3,950 395

Meters

0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 0.2

Miles

1:50,000









	







	




 





Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Petit Manan Point Division

Map 3Ŧ26
Chapter 3

3-108 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

67°52’30"W

67°52’30"W

44°26’29"N

44°26’29"N

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Petit Manan Point Division and Bois Bubert Island Cover Types

 0 690 1,380 2,070 2,760 3,450 345

Meters

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 0.25

Miles

1:42,000

Approved for Acquisition

Easements

Refuge Owned Land

Mature Conifer Forest

Northern HardwoodŦMixed Forest

Early Successional Forest

Open Field

Jack Pine Woodland

Freshwater Wetlands

Maritime Saltmarsh & Estuary

Aquatic Bed

Saltwater Tidal

Map 3Ŧ27

Buildings / Camp

Habitat Legend

Boundary Legend
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-109

Gouldsboro Bay

Division

Acquisition History

The Gouldsboro Bay Division is a 607 acre parcel in the Town of Gouldsboro,

Hancock County. It was acquired in 1994 and 1995 by donation and sale

from a private landowner. Additional tracts were acquired in 1998 and

2000. Map 3-28 depicts current Service ownership. Historically, the

division was once the site of the Gouldsboro Town center and the surrounding lands were dotted with farms. The town buildings and farms

gradually disappeared and, aside from several old foundations, stone walls

and apple trees scattered about, few traces remain.

Biological Resources

A national vegetation classification standards cover type map was completed in 2002. A summary of habitat cover types by acre is presented in

Table 3-39 below; Map 3-29 portrays the cover types on the landscape.

Forest stand age varies throughout the division as limited cutting occurred

on the property prior to Service acquisition.

Annual breeding bird surveys are ongoing,

including land bird, marsh bird, and bald eagle.

This division also has a MAPS station that has

been monitored for the past three years. This

station includes 337 bird captures per year,

including 43 different species (Brokaw and

Burke 1997, Taylor and Famous 2000). The

common bird species are the same as those

mentioned for Petit Manan Point. Bald eagles

were first observed breeding on Gouldsboro

Bay Division in 2001, and the nest site was

again active in 2002. Efforts to document

presence and abundance of amphibians and

vernal pools on Gouldsboro Bay Division will

continue.

Table 3-39 Gouldsboro Bay Division habitat cover types by acres

Cover Type Acres (GIS) Percent (%) of Area

Mature conifer forest 253 41.6

Northern hardwood -mixed forest 123 20

Early successional forest 5 0.8

Maritime saltmarsh & estuary 28 4.6

Saltwater tidal / aquatic bed 198 33

Total 607 100

Canada geese with goslings

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-110 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Public Use

A hiking trail to the saltmarsh, an overlook, and interpretation of an

historical site are in the developmental stage. Unfortunately, there is

illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to access the saltmarsh. Signs are

in place to alert ATV users that all-terrain vehicles are not allowed on the

refuge.

This division is open to hunting migratory gamebirds and waterfowl, and

small and big game under State and Refuge Complex regulations.

Green frog

USFWS photo
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-111

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Gouldsboro Bay Division



	





Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

0 380 760 1,140 1,520 1,900 190

Meters

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.1

Miles

1:20,000

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quads from Maine Office of GIS

Refuge boundary data from USFWS




Gouldsboro Bay Division

Map 3Ŧ28
Chapter 3

3-112 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

68°0’39"W

68°0’39"W

44°28’12"N

44°28’12"N

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Gouldsboro Bay Division Cover Types

 0 240 480 720 960 1,200 120

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.05

Miles

1:16,000

Map 3Ŧ29

Approved for Acquisition

Easements

Refuge Owned Land

Mature Conifer Forest

Northern HardwoodŦMixed Forest

Early Successional Forest

Open Field

Jack Pine Woodland

Freshwater Wetlands

Maritime Saltmarsh & Estuary

Aquatic Bed

Saltwater Tidal

Buildings / Camp

Habitat Legend

Boundary Legend
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-113

Acquisition History

The Sawyer’s Marsh Division, Town of Milbridge, Washington County,

consists of 933 acres acquired through fee title in 1998 and 2000. Map 3-

30 depicts the current Service ownership. The area lies to the northeast of

Petit Manan Point, at the head of a broad tidal marsh used extensively by

migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, including black duck, goldeneye,

wood ducks and Canada geese. A majority of the marsh is privately

owned. The outlet for this tract is Bobby’s Creek estuary, which eventually drains into the Narraguagus River and the Gulf of Maine.

Biological Resources

The upland habitat surrounding the marsh consists of several large stands

of white birch, various other hardwood species, red spruce, and balsam fir.

Forest stand age varies throughout this upland, as a portion of the area was

burned in a wildfire in the early 1950’s, and timber harvesting occurred on

the property prior to acquisition by the Service.

A national vegetation classification standards cover type map was completed in 2002. A summary of habitat cover types by acre is presented in

Table 3-40 below; Map 3-31 portrays the cover types on the landscape.

Sawyers Marsh Division

Dragonfly

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-114 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Table 3-40 Sawyers Marsh Division habitat cover types by acres

Cover Type Acres (GIS) Percent (%) of Area

Early successional forest 4 0.4

Mature conifer forest 403 43

Freshwater wetland 69 7.4

Northern hardwood - mixed forest 455 49

Maritime saltmarsh & estuary 2 0.2

Total 933 100

Many species of shorebirds and wading birds utilize the shallow waters and

adjacent intertidal areas for feeding.

A seasonal biological technician was hired in 2002 to initiate baseline wildlife

surveys. Waterbird surveys are currently being done on this area. We have also

recently initiated extensive survey efforts for spiders. To date, 178 spiders

species have been documented on the refuge, including several new records for

the state of Maine, and several previously undescribed species (Jennings 2001 and

Jennings 2002). Efforts to document presence and abundance of amphibians

and vernal pools on Sawyers Marsh Division will continue.

Public Use

This area allows little opportunity for public access as it is surrounded by

privately-owned land. ATVs vehicles are, however, illegally using this

area for access to the saltmarsh similar to the Gouldsboro Bay Division.

Signs are in place to alert ATV users that vehicles are not allowed on

refuge lands.

This division is open to hunting migratory gamebirds and waterfowl, and

small and big game under State and Refuge Complex regulations.
Part Three: Refuge Mainland Resources

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-115

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Sawyers Marsh Division

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quad from Maine Office of GIS

Refuge boundary data from USFWS

0 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 200

Meters

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.1

Miles

1:24,000 

	



Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 









Sawyers Marsh Division

Map 3Ŧ30
Chapter 3

3-116 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

67°52’30"W

67°52’30"W

44°30’3"N

44°30’3"N

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Sawyers Marsh Division Cover Types

 0 330 660 990 1,320 1,650 165

Meters

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.1

Miles

1:22,000

Map 3Ŧ31

Approved for Acquisition

Easements

Refuge Owned Land

Mature Conifer Forest

Northern HardwoodŦMixed Forest

Early Successional Forest

Open Field

Jack Pine Woodland

Freshwater Wetlands

Maritime Saltmarsh & Estuary

Aquatic Bed

Saltwater Tidal

Buildings / Camp

Habitat Legend

Boundary Legend
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex Maps

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-117

Corea Heath Division

(pending transfer from

the U.S. Navy)

Acquisition History

The Corea Heath Division is an approximately 400 acre raised coastal peatland

situated on the Schoodic peninsula in the Town of Gouldsboro, Washington

County. The U.S. Navy has occupied the site since the 1950’s, using it as a

communications facility (a high frequency direction finding network). Roads,

support buildings, and extensive antennae arrays marked the landscape during

this time. In 2002, the U.S. Navy ended its mission on Schoodic peninsula and

began the transfer of U.S. Navy lands to the National Park Service as part of

Acadia National Park, to the towns of Gouldsboro and Winter Harbor, and to

the Service. The Corea Heath portion of the former U.S. Navy facility was

designated for transfer to the Service. Map 3-32 depicts which lands are

approved for the transfer to the Service. The transfer is scheduled for 2004. In

addition to the botanically significant peatland or “heath,” the Service will also

receive 3 to 4 acres with two buildings that can be used for future office and

storage space.

Biological Resources

The ecological values and unique features of Corea Heath are well-documented

(Worley 1980, Glanz et al. 1999). Characterized as a coastal plateau bog, the

area is wholly affected by a maritime climate which is in part responsible for the

varied plant communities that occur there. Among 115 coastal raised peatlands

Indian Pipe is only one of the many plant species that flourishes on Refuge Complex

lands.

USFWS photo
Chapter 3

3-118 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

in Maine, Corea Heath ranks 5th for coastal peatland features, and 6th for all

peatland features.

In 1950, the U.S. Navy designated a 240 acre portion of the heath as an

Ecological Preserve Area. Ecological communities occurring at Corea Heath

include: open bog, forested bog, open fen, acidic ledges, coniferous and birch

woodlands, and more than a mile of boulder and cobble shoreline.

A biological inventory was completed by the University of Maine and

Acadia National Park in 1996. Floral and faunal inventories included

amphibians, terrestrial mammals, bats, birds, and bryophytes. A copy of

the biological inventory is on file at the Refuge office in Milbridge.

A national vegetation classification standards cover type map was completed in 2002. A summary of habitat cover types by acres is presented in

Table 3-41 below; Map 3-33 portrays these cover types on the landscape.

Table 3-41 Corea Heath Division habitat cover types by acres

Cover Type Acres (GIS) Percent (%) of

Area

Northern hardwood -mixed forest 59 14.7

Early successional forest 26 7

Freshwater wetland 179 44.7

Mature conifer forest 129 32

Jack pine woodland 1 0.2

Saltwater tidal / aquatic bed 3 0.7

Building / camp 3 0.7

Total 400 100

Public Use

The area has been closed to public access and use since it was acquired by

the U.S. Navy in the 1950’s.
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex Maps

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-119

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Corea Heath Division



	





Casco Bay

Muscongus

Bay

Penobscot

Bay

Frenchmans

Bay

Atlantic Ocean

Portland Rockland

Portsmouth

Brunswick

Bar

Harbor Milbridge Machias

Grand

Manan

Island

Ellsworth





 	













 

Corea Heath Division

0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500 150

Meters

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.1

Miles

1:20,000

Map Projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_19N

Digital Ortho Quads from Maine Office of GIS

Refuge boundary data from USFWS

Map 3Ŧ32

Interior parcels and rightsŦofŦway

not currently approved for acquisition.
Chapter 3

3-120 Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex

67°58’48"W

67°58’48"W

44°24’0"N

44°24’0"N

PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Corea Heath Division Cover Types

 0 270 540 810 1,080 1,350 135

Meters

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.05

Miles

1:18,000

Map 3Ŧ33

Approved for Acquisition

Easements

Refuge Owned Land

Mature Conifer Forest

Northern HardwoodŦMixed Forest

Early Successional Forest

Open Field

Jack Pine Woodland

Freshwater Wetlands

Maritime Saltmarsh & Estuary

Aquatic Bed

Saltwater Tidal

Buildings / Camp

Habitat Legend

Boundary Legend
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex Maps

Draft CCP/EIS - April, 2004 3-121

Table 3-42 Summary of cover types by location on Petit Manan Refuge Complex

Petit All 4

Manan Gouldsboro Sawyers Corea Divisions Bois Cross Is

Point Bay Marsh Heath Total Bubert NWR Other* Total

Cover Types Division Division Division Division Acreage Island (6 isl) Islands Acreage

Open Field Grassland 70 0 0 0 70 0 0 392.5 462.5

Early Successional 226 5 4 26 261 164 29 105.5 559.5

Forest/Shrub Habitat

Freshwater Wetland 219 0 69 179 467 28 99 49 643

Maritime Saltmarsh & Estuary 8 28 2 0 38 4 27 0 69

Mature Conifer Forest 905 253 403 129 1690 734 1248 162.2 3834.2

Northern Hardwood-Mixed Forest 453 123 455 59 1090 92 53 0 1235

Jack Pine Woodland 11 0 0 1 12 28 0 0 40

Saltwater tidal/Aquatic bed 302 198 0 3 503 271 240 17.5 1031.5

Camps/Buildings 1003400 04

Ledge 0000007 75.5 82.5

Totals 2195 607 933 400 4135 1321 1703 802.2 7961.2

* Acres estimated from aerial photos; other acres in table are either survey acres or deed acres.

Conifer Forest

Outer Heron (66 acres)

Inner Sand (18 acres; 15 forested/3 shrub)

Schoppee (16.5 acres)

Little Marshall (14 acres)

Sally (1 acre)

Abbott (3.5 acres)

Franklin (12 acres; 7 forested/5 grass)

Early Successional Forest/Shrub

Trumpet (3 acres)

Ship (11 acres; 6 shrub/5 grass)

Upper Flag (30 acres; 26 shrub/4 wetland)

Smuttynose (50 acres; 20 shrub/20 grass/10 aquatic bed)

Crane (12 acres; 8 shrub/4 forested)

Lower Mark (9.5 acres)

Ledge

Malaga (10 acres; 2.5 ledge/7.5 aquatic bed)

East Barge (0.5 acres)

West Barge (0.5 acres)

Little Roberts (1 acre)

Open Field/Grassland

Metinic (150 acres; 120 grass/30 forested)

Libby (43 acres)

Eastern Brothers (17 acres)

Little Nash (5 acres)

Petit Manan (10 acres)

John’s (43 acres)

Egg Rock (13 acres; 8 grass/5 ledge)

Roberts (10 acres)

Two Bush (8 acres)

Pond (10 acres; 4 grass/6 ledge)

Seal (65 acres; 35 grass/30 ledge)

Matinicus Rock (28 acres; 10 grass/18 ledge)

Bar (17.2 acres; 12 grass/5.2 forested)

Inner White (5 acres; 3 grass/2 ledge)

Outer White (16 acres; 11 grass/5 ledge)

Ram (10 acres; 8 grass/2 ledge)

Little Thrumcap (8.5 acres; 5.5 grass/3 ledge)

Machias Seal (10 acres; managed under MOU with MDIFW)

Wetland

Halifax (75 acres; 45 wetland/30 shrub)

“Other” Refuge Complex Islands

(Listed Under Their Predominant Cover Type)