Cobscook Bay, with its 18-foot tides and sub-arctic water temperatures, provides a uniquely productive marine ecosystem that lures a diverse array of wildlife. The three inner bays – Dennys, Whiting, and Straight – hold the greatest importance for wildlife and have been the focus for extensive conservation work in recent years.
The Land for Maine’s Future program, working as a member of the Maine Wetlands Coalition (an alliance of federal, state, and private conservation entities), has provided grants to help conserve Tide Mill Farm, Commissary Point, Horan Head, and Morong Cove – a 136-acre shorefront parcel that adjoins the 350-acre Morong Point Wildlife Management Area owned by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W). Additional funding support for these properties and others in the vicinity has come through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetland Conservation Act.
Morong Cove had long been identified by the Maine Wetlands Coalition as a top priority because it provides an essential black duck wintering area, as well as wetlands, salt marsh, and shore and seabird nesting habitat. The property offers gentle terrain, rolling fields and extensive road frontage, making it readily accessible to wildlife watchers. The former saltwater farm offers broad views out over the Cove to Morong Point. Much of the land is forested, but there are 20 acres of open hayfields with some blueberry shrubs and old apple trees. Four pairs of bald eagles nest within a mile and a half of the property.
IF&W could not have acquired this tract without the support and persistence of the former owners, two of whom worked hard to keep the land intact so that the State could protect it all.
Closest Town
Lubec
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, clamming, worming, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, worming, canoeing, and kayaking
Region
Downeast Maine – Hancock & Washington
Acres
136
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 27, A-2. From Route 1 in Whiting, take Route 189 east 6 miles, turning left onto Crows Neck Road. Take the first right (in .5 miles) and then turn left almost immediately onto Straight Bay Road. The Wildlife Management Area is 2 miles up on the left.
