New National Wildlife Refuge in Maine approved

Many species of wildlife will benefit from the conserved habitat, including monarch butterfly, American woodcock, and New England cottontail. (Images courtesy USFWS)

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree celebrated today’s announcement that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has approved the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge, meaning that the agency can move forward in conserving 15,000 acres of wildlife habitat over six states, including Maine. 

“This is very exciting news for our state.  National Wildlife Refuges have not only been key in protecting the diversity of Maine’s wildlife species, but in helping attract visitors to the state and contributing to local economies,” said Pingree.  “The creation of Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge will be an important addition to the system.  The refuge lands will offer wonderful places for the public to explore while conserving dwindling habitat for migratory birds and threatened and endangered species, like the New England cottontail.”

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, which oversees funding for USFWS programs. 

About Grand Thicket National Wildlife Refuge

Today’s approval comes after an extensive public comment process.  The authorization allows USFWS to move forward in seeking and acquiring 15,000 acres in 10 Refuge Acquisition Focus Areas over six states—Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and eastern New York.  

USFWS will acquire the land by working with private landowners who voluntarily want to sell, donate, or place a conservation easement on their property.

In Maine, there are two Refuge Acquisition Focus Areas covering a total of 29,600 acres.  From within those areas, USFWS estimates acquiring 2,000 acres in the Berwick-York area and 800 acres in the Cape Elizabeth-Scarborough area. 

More information about the project, including maps of the focus areas, is available here.

Economic benefits of National Wildlife Refuges

A 2013 study found that National Wildlife Refuge System generates $2.4 billion in economic activity every year and supports 35,000 jobs.  In Maine, a 2012 survey found that non-local visitors to Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge spent an average $111 per person per day in the local area and local visitors spent $31 per person per day.