Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) is a beautiful wetland jewel amidst a pastoral landscape. The 1,068-acre Carlton Pond WPA includes most of Carlton Pond, the surrounding freshwater wetlands, and several small areas of forested lowlands and uplands. More than 84 percent of the site is open water or shallow freshwater marsh. Rare black terns nest in the emergent marsh, while bald eagles, bitterns, and marsh wrens forage amid the shallow open waters and emergent pickerelweed and wild rice.

Our Species

black tern flying with food
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Carlton Pond is one of the few areas in the State of Maine which provides nesting habitat for black terns, which are on the endangered species list maintained by the State. State and federal non-game biologists and researchers have been monitoring black tern use of Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area and other areas for several years in an attempt to better determine the species' population status.

Visit Us

There are activities year-round at Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography.

For more information on Hunting at Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area- Hunting at Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area

Hunters walking up a mowed service road wearing blaze orange.
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Get Involved

Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love.

Location and Contact Information