Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

Attractions - The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is located in eastern Maine's Washington County. The Refuge consists of two units. The 17,257 acre Baring Unit off U.S. Route 1 SW of Calais and the 7,189 acre Edmunds Unit near Dennysville. A total of 7,460 acres has been set aside as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Moosehorn is primarily forested (90%), and is managed to provide habitat for migratory birds with emphasis on American woodcock and breeding waterfowl. Forest management is based on a 60 year cycle of cutting to improve woodcock habitat.

The refuge manages 55 marshes and lakes for maximum wildlife production. The threatened Bald Eagle nests, feeds and rests on the refuge. The refuge provides habitat for 35 species of mammals, 220 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 33 species of fish.

Part of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, the refuge also focuses on declining native Atlantic salmon populations in the Dennys and St. Croix River watersheds. Recent acquisition has targeted Cobscook Bay, a major migratory stop over and wintering area for the black duck and habitat for a variety of other wildlife species.

Recreation - Wildlife viewing and in particular, nesting Bald Eagles, along with nature photography is enjoyed on the refuge.

Climate - Visitors to the Down East / Acadia Region may expect to find daytime winter temperatures averaging above 18 degrees Fahrenheit (above -8 Celsius). Summer brings southwesterly winds and temperatures averaging above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (above 20 Celsius). The region receives an average of more than 44 inches (112 centimeters) of precipitation each year.

Location - Two separate tracts of land are set aside for Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. One tract is located just south of Calais between US 1 and SR 191. The second tract may be found about 15 miles south of the first tract located below SR 86, east of SR 191 and west of US 1.