Facility Rules and Policies
To protect the refuge's wildlife and habitats, please comply with the following:
- The refuge is open during daylight hours only; no camping.
- Dogs are allowed on mainland divisions only and must be on hand-held leashes no longer than 10 feet.
- Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and open fires are not allowed.
- Blueberries may be hand-picked; raking is not allowed.
Seabird islands are closed to the public during the nesting season, April 1 - August 31, to minimize disturbance to the birds. Commercial tour boats provide views of nesting seabirds on Petit Manan, Seal and Machias Seal islands.
Do not introduce or remove any plants, animals or other natural objects.
Removal of man-made debris is permissible, and encouraged. Contact the Refuge if you find large (ie. aquaculture pipes) or potentially hazardous debris (ie. unlabeled metal drums) on our islands or shoreline. Lobster traps can only be removed by the trap owner, but contact the Refuge if you find large amounts of derelict gear on the beaches.