Jed’s Island in Blue Hill Bay Conserved
(June 16th, 2008) – Jed’s Island, an off-the-beaten-track gem of a destination for locals and visitors seeking a place to picnic, camp, or simply explore, is changing hands. And as a result, the 13-acre island located off the shores of East Blue Hill in Morgan Bay will remain in its natural state and open to the public for many years to come.
Since January of 2008 two land trusts, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Blue Hill Heritage Trust, have been working together to raise the funds to complete a purchase of the island from its East Blue Hill family owners. An attractive owner financing arrangement is providing the trusts time to raise the purchase price, which constitutes a significant investment in the future of Blue Hill Bay and the surrounding environs.
“We are really glad to be working with these caring owners to keep Jed’s the way it is and available for people to continue gently enjoying it. Many people have mentioned to me how much they care about Jed’s,” says Ciona Ulbrich, Project Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust. "Now we will be relying on those who care about the island to help fund its protection."
Named after early settler Jedediah Darling of East Blue Hill, Jed’s Island has a couple of small beaches, is covered mostly with mixed woods including some nice oaks, and has its own attached sand bar and islet. The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) monitors the water quality in Morgan Bay and seal pupping activity on the ledges off Jed’s shores.
"Jed's is one of only a few islands in upper Blue Hill Bay, and a real beauty. Bald eagles love it, seals love it, people love it. We are lucky to have the chance to protect it," notes Jim Dow, Blue Hill Heritage Trust Executive Director.
The island had been listed for sale for some time. The family had long given permission for people to use the island, which made Jed’s not only integral to Morgan Bay’s scenery and wildlife habitat, but also valued by its many visitors over the years.
The land trusts have long been interested in Jed’s as an island to keep undeveloped and available to the public, but its price tag proved daunting. However, various recent news stories of island conservation projects inspired the owners of Jed’s to think about their own island and its importance to the people and wildlife around it. As a result, they decided to negotiate with the land trusts to find a way to preserve the island. As Marian Long, one of the owners recently shared, "An integral part of long term environmental health and sustainability is having each individual step up and take responsibility for leaving the world a better place. Helping to make Jed's Island become a land trust preserve constitutes such an action and it is personally very gratifying".
“Jed's Island has been on our "conservation wish list" for some time. We are excited to work in partnership with MCHT to take advantage of the opportunity to conserve the island that has been provided by the former owners,” says Dow. "We are hopeful that people will respond to the fundraising challenge now before us."
The two trusts will share responsibility for long-term stewardship of the island. Maine Coast Heritage Trust will own and manage the island, and keep it open to the public for gentle use. Maine Coast Heritage Trust owns a number of islands preserves, and its stewardship staff are experienced in island management. Blue Hill Heritage Trust will hold a conservation easement that will ensure that the island remains undeveloped and natural and will regularly monitor the island's condition and use.
