"Discovering Maine’s rugged beauty and amazing wildlife has been a tradition for hundreds of years. Pristine streams flow from craggy mountains through magical pine forests, down to the bold and rocky coast. And everywhere are diverse wildlife populations that can be seen in abundance, many found nowhere else on the East Coast. A visit to Maine, whether to the mountains, lakes, forests or thousands of miles of coastline, can only be complete by experiencing Maine’s natural treasures.

See a moose. Hear the loon’s melancholy cry. Watch seals playing in our harbors or photograph puffins on a rocky coastal island. Our lodging, guided excursions, state parks and public lands are second to none and offer visitors an experience of natural, unspoiled wonder.

Whether visiting the breathtaking splendor of Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park or the more than thirty state parks and many public lands in Maine, you’re bound to see exciting wildlife. Bald eagles, moose, loons, seals and porpoises are just a few of the animals you may encounter, whether touring by car, relaxing over a picnic, on a porch, on a harbor cruise or along a forest trail.

Maine’s exceptional variety and diversity of wildlife species are the result of a joining of several specific habitats; Maine is the natural boundary of the northern evergreen boreal forests, each of which offers an unusual variety of wildlife. In addition to forestland habitats, Maine’s 33,000 square miles of landscape range from sea level to cloud-capped mountains, and each change in elevation and geography brings with it its own unique variety of birds, mammals and fish, contributing greatly to the diversity of wildlife. Add to this some 5,500 miles of rugged coast, 6,000 lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of rivers-all offering incredible opportunities to view animals on, in and around the water-and visitors to Maine are sure to have a spectacular and memorable wildlife experience."
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

The state’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan provides an exhaustive description of Maine’s biodiversity as well as conservation challenges and opportunities.

State Bird Black-capped chickadee

State Mammal Moose

State Fish Landlocked Salmon

Whether you grow tomatoes, irrigate rice, sell sod, raise cattle, tend orchards, own forest, cut timber, run a hunt club or feed wildlife, in some way you manage habitat. “Best management practices” (BMPs) are available to assist landowners with planning, implementing and managing their land.

Developed by experienced practitioners, and management and research organizations, these management tools are based on the best available science. BMPs will often save landowners money in the long term even as they improve conditions for wildlife in the short term.

The following are a selection of BMPs culled from various national, regional, state and local sources. Each is available for download as a pdf.

Discusses grass, 3-zone, 2-zone, wildlife, urban and naturalized buffers and recommendations for how to choose, establish and cost-share. Read More »


Defines riparian buffers and discusses various benefits, including property value, wildlife habitat, timber, and recreational/aesthetic/spiritual values.
Read More »


This 26-page booklet introduces the Stream-A-Syst system to help landowners assess and manage their streams.  It contains a worksheet, action plan with recommended steps and sources of information to address various issues, and a visual (photographic) assessment guide. Read More »


A practical guide to ways agricultural producers can profit from the growing environmental marketplace from American Farmland Trust, 2010. An in-depth 55-page handbook that introduces and surveys the types of environmental markets, how to get involved including evaluating financial returns and assessing risks, and what farmers and ranchers can do to encourage these markets.

Read More »


From The Heinz Center, this 2008 lengthy publication is targeted to land managers who practice adaptive management.

Read More »


 a 4-page publication from the SC Dept. of Natural Resources, tells how to provide food and improve habitat through standard management practices.

Read More »


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A Prescribed Fire Association is a group of landown- ers and other concerned citizens that form a partnership to conduct prescribed burns. Prescribed burning is the key land management tool used to restore and maintain native plant communities to their former diversity and productivity for livestock production and wildlife habitat. Native prairies, shrublands, and forests supply the majority of livestock forage and much of the wildlife habitat in the U.S. Without fire, many native plant communities become dysfunctional and unproductive. Research has clearly shown that there is no substitute for fire.  Read More »


This 40-page document provides detailed information on the biology of wild pigs, how to recognize their presence, the type of damage they can cause to agriculture and natural areas and a wide range of management techniques, including hunting.  It applies to just about anywhere in the U.S. where wild pigs are found. Read More »


CP-33 Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds is available under the United States Department of Agriculture Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP). CP-33 enrollment is capped at 350,000 acres in 35 states within the primary range of the northern bobwhite. Under continuous signup CRP, there is no deadline for producers to submit acreage for enrollment and eligible acres offered are automatically accepted. All CP-33 contracts require a 10-year enrollment period.  This article comes from Mississippi State University CP33 website. Read More »


The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) strongly recommends, first and foremost, compliance with all cave1 closures, advisories, and regulations in all Federal, State, Tribal, and private lands. However, where such closures are not required or recommended, the following protocol outlines the best known procedures to help reduce the transmission of the fungus Geomyces destructans (G.d.), believed to be the cause of white-nose syndrome (WNS), to important bat habitat and populations. WNS is responsible for significant bat mortality in eastern North America, and threatens bat populations across the continent. Read More »


Lists toxicities of many different chemicals and how to reduce the risk of pesticide drift.
A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/event/viewAllSheets/ Read More »


Defines and discusses management of nutrients, pests, tillage, harvest, and edge/buffers to benefit waterbirds.  Also provides crop-specific BMPs for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice. Read More »


Do you want to connect your audiences to conservation messages but don’t know where to start? Conservation plans, based on extensive biological research, will help prioritize your efforts. 

This resource sheet will help you:

• Link your education programs to priorities in bird conservation plans; 
• Find relevant bird conservation plans in your area of focus; 
• Extract key information to guide education program development; and 
• Involve scientists in the development of your education programs.

BMPs oriented more specifically toward energy efficiency, farming & agriculture and invasive & native species are also available on this site.

The Maine Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy
"Maine’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy was developed as an outgrowth of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-administered State Wildlife Grants program – a relatively new federal grant program to help state fish and wildlife agencies meet their growing obligations. It was created as a companion to the existing (and highly successful) Federal Assistant programs supported by excise fees on hunting and angling equipment that have supported important work in state agencies for decades. It was the goal of all who participated in the development of Maine’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy that it not only guides the state’s fish and wildlife programs, but that it also serves as a catalyst to establish the State Wildlife Grants program as a significant and dependable funding source to meet the expanded wildlife conservation needs in Maine and nationally.

With Maine’s vast size and natural diversity, the challenge of sustaining our wildlife populations and habitats is truly daunting. But it is achievable, particularly if the state uses this newly developed Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy to engage those who were part of its development directly in its implementation. The interests represented during its development truly reflect the meaning of the word “comprehensive” as used in the Strategy’s title. Land trusts and other private conservation groups, local communities, private landowners, and other interested stakeholders throughout Maine are willing and ready to step forward and help. As the state’s lead agency for administering this initiative and related funds, MDIFW must use the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy as a means to engage these partners in a direct and meaningful way. The combined commitment, capacity, wisdom, and resources of such a coalition will deliver unparalleled conservation successes."

Alan Hutchinson
Executive Director, Forest Society of Maine

Maine's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy - Statewide Focus Area Map

The Maine Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy

List of Tables
List of Figures
Forward
Executive Summary
Acknowledgements
Chapter I. Introduction and Purpose

• 1.1 Problem and Need
• 1.2 Congress Acts: The State Wildlife Grant Program
• 1.3 Eight Required Elements of the CWCS
• 1.4 Roadmap to the Eight Elements
• 1.5 Value of the CWCS to Maine

Chapter II. State Overview

• 2.1 A Land Rich in Contrasts
• 2.2 Public Concern for Conservation
• 2.3 Importance of Wildlife to Maine's Economy
• 2.4 It All Begins with Habitat

Chapter III. Distribution and Abundance of Wildlife (Element 1)

• 3.1 Distribution and Abundance of All Species in Maine
• 3.2 Low and Declining Populations
• 3.3 Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Chapter IV. Key Habitats and Natural Communities (Element 2)

• 4.1 Landscape Overview
• 4.2 CWCS Key Habitats
• 4.3 Species At-risk Focus Areas

Chapter V. Problems, Priority Research, and Survey Efforts (Element 3)

• 5.1 Species-specific Problems and Needs
• 5.2 Threats to Key Habitats

Chapter VI. Conservatino Actions (Element 4)

• 6.1 Synthesis of Conservation Strategies
• 6.2 Process for Conserving Maine's SGCN
• 6.3 Principles for Prioritizing Conservation Efforts

Chapter VII. Monitoring (Element 5)

• 7.1 Monitoring Species-specific Population Conservation
• 7.2 Monitoring Species-specific Habitat Conservation
• 7.3 Monitoring Landscape Habitat Conservation

Chapter VIII. Periodic Review (Element 6)

• 8.1 Oranizational Structure / CWCS Development
• 8.2 Future Evaluation and Revision

Chapter IX. Coordination with Conservation Partners (Element 7)

• 9.1 Historic and Ongoing Collaboration Efforts
• 9.2 Key Conservation Partners

Chapter X. Public Involvement (Element 8)

• 10.1 Historic and Ongoing Public Involvement in Maine
• 10.2 Public Involvement in CWCS Development
• 10.3 Continued Public Involvement in CWCS Review and Revision

Chapter XI. Sources of Information

• 11.1 Sources for Determining Species Status, Abundance, Distribution, and Threats
• 11.2 Sources for Habitat Status, Abundance, and Distribution

Key to Acronyms
Literature Cited and References
Appendices
Appendix 1 - Maine's State Wildlife Grant Program
Appendix 2 - State Wildlife Conservation Strategies Guiding Principles
Appendix 3 - Job 113: Identification of Priority Species
Appendix 4 - Threatened and Endangered Wildlife

• A. Maine's Endangered Species Act
• B. Listing Criteria for Endangered and Threatened Species
• C. Maine Endangered and Threatened Species Listing Handbook
• D. Endangered and Threatened Species in Maine
• E. Special Concern Species in Maine
• F. Federally Listed, Proposed, and Species of Federal Concern in Maine

Appendix 5 - Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration Strategy
Appendix 6 - Wildlife Management Areas

• A. List of Wildlife Management Areas
• B. Example of a Wildlife Management Area Plan (Cobscook Bay)

Appendix 7 - Biophysical Regions of Maine
Appendix 8 - Maine's Natural Community Profiles
Appendix 9 - Focus Area Descriptions
Appendix 10 - Maine Conservation Programs

• A. Fact Sheets for Marine Threatened and Endangered Species
• B. Federally Endangered Species in Maine Waters
• C. Cooperative Management Plan for Large Whales and Sea Turtles in the State of Maine
• D. The National Marine Fisheries Service
       – Proactive Conservation Program: Species of Concern in the Northeast Region (Maine through Virginia)
• E. List of Marine Fisheries with Management Plans
• F. Example of a Marine Fisheries Management Plan (Atlantic Sturgeon)

Appendix 11 - Comprehensive Species Planning

• A. Passerine Assessment
• B. Passerine Working Group
• C. Passerine Issues and Concerns
• D. Passerine Goals and Objectives
• E. Passerine Problems and Strategies
• F. Grassland Passerine Management System
• G. Inland Fisheries Management System
• H. Brook Trout Management Plan

Appendix 12 - Beginning with Habitat

• A. Beginning with Habitat Manual
• B. Beginning with Habitat in Northern and Eastern Maine

Appendix 13 - Ecoregional Surveys
Appendix 14 - CWCS Working Group Meeting Agendas

Maine is host to many species of predatory birds, including hawks, eagles, ospreys and falcons, often seen soaring high above on thermal currents. Bald eagles, identified by their pure white head and tails, range across Maine, from most coastal sections to forest and upland regions and along lakes and rivers. Their broad, dark wings make a striking silhouette overhead as they hunt for food. The Kennebec River from Waterville south is a great place to look for eagles; boat ramps and marinas make excellent vantage points for seeing these awesome predators in action.

Ospreys, also called fish hawks, have a more slender, M-shaped flying silhouette. Found around coastal and freshwater habitats, ospreys nests are huge piles of sticks that can be seen in the tops of dead trees, on bridges and utility poles. A special treat is watching an osprey dive from high in the air into the water. They usually fly off with a large fish clutched in their powerful talons.

Atlantic puffins are a popular seabird that can be encountered only on islands off the Maine coast. They have colorful, clown-like beaks and a comic nature that endear them to all. Puffins use several Maine islands for summer nesting sites. Coastal outfitters offer puffin cruises from early summer through August.

Graceful great blue herons and snowy egrets can be observed wading in the shallows of ponds, lakes, rivers, and freshwater and coastal wetlands.

The large and boisterous pileated woodpecker, which lives throughout Maine’s woods inland and along the coast, is a thrilling sight for any bird enthusiast. Maine’s songbirds, particularly migrating warblers and many resident species, make the woods come alive with their melodious songs.

The sound of a loon’s mournful cry is a true symbol of Maine. Often observed in pairs on Maine’s thousands of lakes and ponds, loons have a very distinctive appearance, with black-and-white spotted bodies and large teardrop-shaped heads. They can be seen –and heard-from many parks and lake-front lodgings. Also keep an eye out for them as you cross lakes and ponds by boat or travel the roadsides along larger water bodies.

Eider ducks, buffleheads, mergansers, guillemots and cormorants can be seen diving in the waves just offshore of any part of Maine’s rocky coast. Cormorants have a curious habit of standing on rocks and spreading their dark slender wings to dry them out.

Bird watchers generally have the best luck at dawn and dusk.
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

By: K Gregg Elliott
A Bird Trail is more than a trail in the literal sense.  It is a “necklace” of sites, usually linked by a physiographic feature such as a river, that are united by the theme of “great for bird watching!”  Birding Trails are essentially driving routes that help you get from one prime birding spot to the next.   Read More »

It’s no secret that Maine is one of North America’s top birding destinations. For breeding warblers, boreal specialties, and birds of coastal and offshore waters, Maine offers unmatched opportunities to find some of the country’s most sought-after species.  Spanning both the forest transition zone from deciduous to coniferous woodlands, and the coastal transition zone from sandy beaches and saltmarsh estuaries to rocky shore, Maine provides a wide range of habitats for birds, many of which reach their northern or southern range limit here.

Read More »


Maine Trail Finder is a free online resource for people-powered trails in the state. Search a growing database of four-season trails to find the right trail for your next adventure. Browse interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures, and trip reports. Read More »

The following news articles are provided by the Google News service and do not reflect the views or imply an endorsement by the Maine Conservation Center and its affiliates. We cannot guarantee the relevance of the content of this page or any links that may be followed from the articles herein.

Feds use Maine nuclear weapons bunkers to try to save dying bats Bangor Daily News A bunker once used to store nuclear weapons in northern Maine became home to 30 bats struggling for survival last winter when the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge joined the country's battle against white-nose syndrome. Researchers are attempting to ...

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Outdoors: Alewives return in numbers Gloucester Daily Times “We are very happy with the results this year,” said Joe Mckeon, Supervisory Fishery Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 'We are setting records in ... For example, in the 1980's the St. Croix River in Maine that marks the New Brunswick ... and more »

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Stop the merger of Maine's agriculture and conservation departments Bangor Daily News The economics-first thinking is more appropriate for our agriculture promotion programs, which play an important role in boosting the output from Maine farmlands. But it is wrong to treat our conservation lands and state parks, our wildlife and ...

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University of Delaware

Annual dinner recognizes last year's Plastino Scholars, welcomes 2013 cohort University of Delaware Doug Tallamy, chair of the University of Delaware's Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, was recently awarded with the Garden Club of America's Margaret Douglas Medal for notable service to the cause of conservation education. ... Ian Guthoff ...

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Romsey Advertiser

Canton woman, 24, struck by car, killed while studying abroad in UK Foothills Media Group Homan graduated from the University of Maine with degrees in wildlife ecology and psychology and focused on "deception in nonhuman animals as well as the detection of deception in humans." After graduation, she worked at the Lemur Conservation ... Tributes paid to American PhD student killed after collision near WinchesterHampshire Chronicle all 2 news articles »

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Philly.com (blog)

B95, the Moonbird, spotted on Delaware Bay - Philly.com Philly.com (blog) But Kevin Kalasz, a wildlife biologist with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, said that when the rest of the Delaware crew found out about the discovery, they were ecstatic. "We all know the importance of the bird," he said. Kalasz said that ... and more »

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Pipeline Owner Seeks Reconsideration of Commission Ruling WAMC The owner of a crude oil pipeline that runs between Maine and Montreal, crossing a portion of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, wants Vermont environmental regulators to reconsider a ruling that determined if the company seeks to transport tar sands oil in ... and more »

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In the Know Scarborough Leader Scarborough is one of the few towns in Maine, and in the nation, to have adopted an organic grounds care policy for town and school properties. The Scarborough Pest ... The policy was primarily created to protect human health and our children's health ... and more »

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Morning Sentinel

State House calendar, May 16, 2013 Morning Sentinel L.D. 707, "An Act To Provide Assistance to Maine's Dairy Farms": limits hauling costs of milk by a milk transportation company for a dairy farmer to the mileage between the dairy farm and the nearest milk plant still operating in the state ...

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Maine Audubon to host May 8 event on climate change effects on native wildlife Lewiston Sun Journal Steve Walker from the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, who will be speaking about his involvement in a statewide assessment of the vulnerability of Maine wildlife species and habitats to a changing climate and the implications for habitat conservation and ... and more »