Due to your efforts, those of area legislators as well as FOMB and Friends of Swan Island, funding for two conservation aides and the part-time reservations clerk has been budgeted from the General Fund in order to keep Swan Island access open. Rusty Dyke, the long-time IF&W biologist in charge of the Island is retiring in May and this poses supervisory issues. Many of you know that running the visitor program on the Island and caring for the historic homes are not part of the typical IF&W mission. It has been brought to our attention that despite funding, the IF&W Commissioner may still be reluctant to hire staff and open the Island to visitors.

It's time to immediately contact the Governor and request that this natural treasure and important local economic and cultural resource be kept open.

Please send an email to the Governor this weekend at governor@maine.gov Below is a sample note you can copy and past into your own email.

Swan Island is the jewel in the crown of Merrymeeting Bay. It is an incredible resource providing a natural opportunity for over 3,000 visitors a year and is an important economic stimulus for area towns. While the state may be undergoing tough times, our legislature clearly understands the importance of keeping Swan Island open to visitors and has budgeted for this from the General Fund. I understand visitor operations and maintenance of the historic homes are not part of the "normal" IF&W mission but this island does fall under their jurisdiction and as long as it does, I hope they will hold this trust seriously.

Despite legislative funding, IF&W may show continued reluctance to provide for continued public access to the Island. This Wildlife Management Area likely receives more visitors than any other WMA in the state. And they are paying visitors at that. Unfortunately, there has only been one rate increase in at least 20 years. Day visitors still pay only $5.00 and overnight guests $8.00. It costs more than this to go to a movie. There is no logical reason why with some increased fees, more structured operations and a bit of creative thought, the Island cannot be entirely self-sustaining and continue to be managed by the state as it should be.

I hope you will support continued operations for the Island and encourage IF&W Commissioner Martin to embrace this island resource more than has been done by the Department in past years. Swan Island is a state treasure that is the poster child for "Maine, the way life should be", it should be treated this way.