Washington County Island to be Added to Coastal State Park

The state has acquired a 50-acre island off the east coast that will be added to Roque Bluffs State Park in Washington County.

Pond Cove Island in Englishman Bay will be added to the 274-acre City of Roque Bluffs State Park, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands announced this week.

Pond Cove Island is about a third of a mile from the mainland and has two miles of winding shoreline and rocky beaches suitable for disembarking kayaks or small boats that can be launched from the park.

Officials from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said the island would enhance the experience for visitors to the park, which includes a half-mile-long sandy beach, a pond fresh water, hiking trails and a picnic area.

“At a time when we see a continued and increased interest in outdoor recreation from residents and visitors to Maine, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to create a new water access experience on the island for Maine State Park guests, ”Amanda Beal, department commissioner, said in a statement.

Funding from the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Land for Maine’s Future Water Access Fund, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act have helped fund the island.

“As a sea kayaker, I know how important it is to have islands close to shore that are open to the public,” said Andy Cutko, director of the Bureau of Public Lands. “Pond Cove Island is an exceptionally scenic location in an ideal sheltered location, and we look forward to developing campsites for overnight use.”

The island will be open to the public for hiking, picnics, bird watching, hunting, fishing and trapping.

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