Project Description
To compensate for injuries and interim losses sustained by marine birds, the Julie N Oil Spill Natural Resource Trustees contributed $25,000 to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) to be used toward the $945,000 purchase price of Flag Island, one of the most important seabird nesting islands in Casco Bay. Flag Island is located in the eastern section of Casco Bay. It includes 26.2 acres of upland habitat, 15.1 acres of marine intertidal wetland habitat and a 1.3-mile shoreline. The island is designated as a Natural Resource Protection Area by Maine IFW and is recognized as a Nationally Significant Coastal Nesting Island by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 1999, Flag Island had 626 common eider nests and 190 gull nests (mix of great black-backed gulls and herring gulls). Several great blue heron nests and osprey nests are also located on the island. Flag Island will be owned and managed for seabird nesting habitat by Maine IFW as a part of the Coastal Island Wildlife Management Area.
Parties Implementing Restoration
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service