The Narraguagus River is the largest in the region. Narraguagus Bay is 

 characterized by a higly irregular shoreline, extensive intertidal flats, and 

 many islands. Uplands near the coast are dominated by spruce-fir and mixed 

 forests, while hardwood, mixed forests, and barrens dominate the inland area. 

 This region has extensive intertidal flats, which are important for shellfish, 

 to migratory shorebirds, and wintering black ducks. This region includes part 

 of Hancock and Washington Counties and encompasses 25 towns (see figure 2-5 

 and appendix B) . 



Region 6 



This is the easternmost region on the coast, consisting of 700 miles (1120 km) 

 of shoreline and 436,236 acres (174,494 ha) of upland and fresh water. This 

 region includes the largest amount of intertidal marine and estuarine habitats 

 including extensive flats and estuarine emergent wetlands (the latter 

 associated primarily with the Machias and Pleasant River estuaries). The 

 coastline along the western portions of this region is highly irregular, with 

 many bays, coves, islands, and estuaries. From Little Machias Bay (Cutler) 

 east to Lubec the coast is bold, rock-bound and, for Maine, fairly regular. 

 Migratory whales and seabirds are common to this area. From West Quoddy Head 

 through Cobscook Bay and northward to Calais, the tidal range may exceed 20 

 feet, 6 m, (22.8 feet, 7 m, at Calais). Within this area, the Cobscook Bay 

 complex of inlets, tidal creeks, and rivers in combination with strong tidal 

 flows create many areas of unique habitat. The extensive intertidal flats in 

 this region provide excellent habitat for shellfish and other invertebrates, 

 shorebirds, and black ducks. 



The upland habitat is characterized by a low density human population, with 

 minimal industrial development relative to other areas of the coast. It is 

 dominated by spruce-fir forests, which play a major role in the coastal 

 economy. Eastport is the major fish landing port in this region. 



Region 6 encompasses 24 Washington County towns (see figure 2-6 and appendix 

 B). 



FORCING FUNCTIONS 



The geography and habitats of coastal Maine result from the complex 



interaction of geological, hydrological , and meteorological forces over 



centuries. The socioeconomic activities of people are a powerful and 



relatively recent forcing function. These forcing functions are examined 

 below. 



Climate 



Coastal Maine has a northern temperate climate with sufficient rainfall to 

 support large forests, extensive agriculture, and abundant fish and wildlife 

 resources. Mean annual temperature is approximately 44 F (7°C) and extremes 

 range from 100 to -30°F (38 to -34°C). Mean annual precipitation is 44 inches 

 (112 cm) and monthly rainfall ranges usually between 3 and 5 inches (8 to 13 

 cm) . 



2-9 



10-80 



