Wildlife Management Areas
Recreational Opportunities Provided by Lands Managed by the
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Currently there are 61 Wildlife Management Areas consisting of 106,000 acres, ranging in size from 111 acres to 6,838 acres and including all 16 counties. The department has management authority on over 200 coastal seabird islands, 40 owned by IFW. The Department owns or has jurisdiction over 117 boat launch facilities and 9 hatcheries and rearing stations. The department also owns and manages the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray.
Multiple and varied uses of WMA’s provide for continued public use of the following activities:
Hunting, fishing, trapping
Hiking and Walking
Biking, X-Country Skiing
Berry Pickers, Leaf Peepers
Horseback Riding
Snowmobiling and ATV's
Boating and canoeing
Cemetery Visitors
Training hunting dogs
Wildlife Watching
WMA’s are acquired for the protection and enhancement of wildlife resources of the State. Coordinated planning and management ensures wise use of the resource and compatible recreational uses enjoyed. Permanent conservation status ensures public access for future generations.
Many of the animals at the Maine Wildlife Park were brought here because they were injured or orphaned, or because they were human dependent - raised, sometimes illegally, in captivity. The Park servers as a permanent home for wildlife that cannot survive in the Wild. All kinds of animals are here for their protection and healing. And they're here for you to enjoy and learn more about. The Park runs many educational and family events.
The island management area, about 1,755 acres in size, is located in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. It includes Swan Island, Little Swan Island, and several hundred acres of tidal flats. Swan Island, known for its abundant and often quite visible wildlife (especially nesting bald eagles, white-tailed deer and wild turkey), is actually an abandoned 18th and 19th century town called Perkins Township, and has long been recognized for its varied and interesting history. It was used by Native American tribes, early explorers, and settlers, and was reportedly visited by American historical figures such as Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold. Although Swan Island's historical significance has long been identified, the island has never before had any official recognition or been nominated to any state or federal historical lists. That has now changed!
