Conservation: Maine Coastal Islands

The islands of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge preserve habitat for hundreds of species of birds, including several threatened and endangered species. The refuge helps maintain crucial nesting and breeding grounds, but modern human-made pressures have created a need for increased protection.

The best way to ensure these islands remain wild and healthy is to designate federal wilderness areas, the highest standard of public lands protection. We are working to achieve those protections on 13 islands within the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. An official wilderness designation will help protect crucial habitat for migratory seabirds and other wildlife along one of New England’s last wild coastal stretches. It will also bolster outdoor recreation activity and tourism in the region.

Thirteen islands within the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge are wild enough to be included in the National Wilderness Preservation System, a network of lands virtually unchanged from their natural state and provided with the highest possible level of protection.

The refuge has restored historical nesting grounds for many birds and even helped reverse the decline in some populations. Wilderness protection would keep species from being disturbed by development and motor vehicle intrusion while preserving opportunities for birding, hiking, camping and other low-impact recreation.

In addition to preserving an exceptional place, protecting the Maine Coastal Islands would mean a long overdue boost to Maine’s representation in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Currently, under 1 percent of Maine is protected as wilderness.