The Medomak Valley Land Trust has completed its campaign to purchase and conserve Bens Island, a small island in the Eastern Branch of the Medomak River. 

“Bens Island is one of those special places where MVLT is able to do something good for the Medomak River and the wildlife that calls the river home, while also ensuring the island's decades-long tradition of providing a place to inspire all those who visit,” said Daniel Ungier, MVLT’s Executive Director, in a news release. “Thanks to the generosity of the previous owners, recreational boaters have long visited the island to enjoy its peace and serenity. This public access is now protected forever with MVLT.”

The island, thanks to its pristine salt marshes and extensive mudflats, is extremely rich in wildlife and is an especially important spot to preserve for conservation values. In addition to the island itself, there are approximately 21 adjoining acres of undeveloped coastal wetland. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that the property provides important habitat for 43 priority species, including dozens of bird species.

The island is also joined to Dutch Neck and is accessible at all but high tide. The new purchase includes both the island itself and a 10-foot-wide access from the island all the way to Dutch Neck Road, ensuring public foot access to the property.  A small parking area, tentatively scheduled for Summer 2018, will eventually allow regular access to the preserve.  MVLT will be hosting a community meeting on Dutch Neck later this summer to gather community input about management of the property and managing public access. Anyone interested in attending may contact the land trust for more information. 

“Bens Island is truly a magical place that will likely become a public treasure in the heart of Mid-Coast Maine’s scenic shoreline,” said Ungier. “We’d like to thank our many partners that made this project possible, including federal support from the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA), the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Davis Conservation Fund, and especially the many local donors who contributed to this project.”

Medomak Valley Land Trust has been working for more than 25 years to promote and preserve the natural, recreational, and scenic character and the traditional land-uses of the Medomak River watershed. For more information MVLT, contact the land trust’s Waldoboro office at 832-5570 or info@medomakvalley.org; medomakvalley.org.