Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a complex of islands and coastal properties managed and preserved for seabird nesting and coastal wading bird habitat and provides exemplary birdwatching vantage points . Downeast Maine forms the easternmost end of the Atlantic Flyway , critical habitat for migratory songbirds and waterfowl . During fall , over 4,000 ducks rest and feed at Petit Manan ’ s Cranberry Flowage before migrating south .
Great Wass Island Preserve projects farther out to sea than any other land mass in eastern Maine . The Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy meet just east of Jonesport ; their mixing produces a cool , humid oceanic climate ideal for rare plants and natural communities . Extreme conditions like constant wind , salt spray , harsh winter storms , and cool summers greatly influence the species types found here and creates unique ecosystems . The Preserve supports one of Maine ’ s largest stands of coastal jack pine , one which has evolved to successfully reproduce without the heat of fire typically required to open seed cones . Great Wass contains maritime slope bogs and raised bogs which are unique to this part of the state .
Machias River Waterway supports Maine ’ s greatest self-sustaining population of wild Atlantic salmon . Birdwatching abounds on the associated chain of inland lakes , identified by American Bird Conservancy as a Globally Important Bird Area . At least 180 species of birds have been documented , including 23 warblers . Over 6,000 acres , including 252 miles of river and contributing lakes and streams , are forever protected for recreation and wildlife through a monumental effort involving numerous public and private entities .
Machias Lakes Paddle - The Machias River system supports Maine ’ s greatest self-sustaining population of wild Atlantic salmon . The system is recognized by American Bird Conservancy as a Globally Important Bird Area . At least 180 species of birds have been documented , including 33 warblers . Over 6,000 acres , including 252 miles of river and contributing lakes and streams , are forever protected for recreation and wildlife through a monumental effort involving numerous public and private entities . Intrepid boaters can paddle the wild and scenic Machias River Corridor , a 76-mile back-country canoe trip from Fifth Machias Lake to downtown Machias . Primitive campsites and vehicle access points are located along the route , allowing exploration of all or part of the Corridor .
Cutler Coast Preserve and Bog Brook Cove comprise the 2nd largest contiguous conservation area on the Maine coast ( after Acadia National Park ), thanks to a multi-organizational commitment to protect a landscape critical to protecting an economy and culture reliant on intact
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