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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing Article Summaries |
A Sanctuary On the Way to the Sea
Swan Island, located in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden, is a small parcel of land (1,755 acres) with large claims to fame: wildlife, history, settlement, access and public visitation. The only state-owned wildlife management area that is also a game preserve, Swan Island is a sanctuary for migrating waterfowl and for its resident white-tailed deer. Eagles and wild turkey can be commonly seen, and a variety of smaller birds frequent the several hundred acres of tidal flats that are part of the preserve. Historically, Swan Island, which includes Little Swan, was used by the Indians, it was reportedly visited by figures such as Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold, and it was a town — Perkins Township — in the 18th and 19th centuries. Long abandoned, the Swan Island Historic District, with its six original homesteads, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. In 2001, Friends of Swan Island, Inc. was founded to preserve Swan Island, the maintenance of the homesteads, and the assurance of the future. Each year 4,000 people visit Swan Island, which is open from May 1 through Labor Day and is run by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Some visitors go for the day, enjoying the gravel road and nature trails that provide access within the 4-mile long island while others go to camp in the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area. Swan Island is the only camping area in the state in a wildlife management area. Ten Adirondack type shelters are available for overnight use; picnic facilities for day use. There are modern bathroom facilities at the campground, firewood, drinking, and island tours. Programs are also provided. The daily limit is 60 visitors on a first come, first serve basis and reservations are necessary. Call To get to Swan Island, visitors will be met at the Department's landing in the town of Richmond at the time of arrival specified on the reservation. The Department provides transportation to and from Swan Island. For more information, visit the Swan Island page on Maine IF&W website. | ||