Realizing the value of Bangor’s Penjajawoc Marsh

No more is the Penjajawoc Marsh a well-kept birder’s secret. The controversial Widewaters project of developing the adjacent area for a Wal-Mart Supercenter has brought the name of the Penjajawoc Marsh out before the general public.

At the same time, its current fame has induced the beleaguered owners of the surrounding land to seal it off with “No Trespassing” signs. Birders who formerly went there with permission are respecting these signs.

The Penjajawoc Marsh is a high-value wetland with state-endangered bird species nesting in it (black tern), at its border (sedge wren), and a state-threatened species (upland sandpiper) that has sometimes nested in the surrounding upland fields.

Only about six sedge wrens are found every summer in Maine. Sedge wrens nest in wet fields, often between a field and a marsh. About 90 pairs of black terns nest in Maine every summer. They feed on dragonflies and often forage over fields near the wetlands where they nest. About 300 pairs of upland sandpipers nest in Maine fields and blueberry barrens, not in wetlands.

The upland fields are an important and integral part of the habitat complex used by these species and others. Wetlands are somewhat protected by law, but fields are not, unless they have been designated and mapped as significant wildlife habitat.

A total of 18 endangered, threatened, and species of special concern have been documented at this marsh. Birds are only listed when a panel of experts decides that their populations are sufficiently low to cause real concern about their future existence. A careful census of the species is carried out before such listing decisions are made.

Other species of special concern found in the Penjajawoc, such as northern harrier and American bittern, often forage up the wet sloughs and into nearby fields. To survive, these species require an undeveloped buffer strip around the wetland.

Expert local birders have documented a total of 188 bird species over the years at the marsh and in the immediately surrounding area. This is a remarkable number to be documented in one spot; it demonstrates the high diversity value of this area. It has been visited for study by University of Maine and Beal College classes, and for birding by tour leaders and tour groups from the Bangor area, southern Maine, Georgia, Missouri, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Great Britain and elsewhere.

This area has been targeted by the Bangor City Council for extensive retail development, including more roads and large parking lots. These would destroy habitat for many of these protected species, and threaten downstream water quality of the Penjajawoc Stream.

This area is highly valued by local birdwatchers and naturalists, and Maine Audubon opposes any development nearby that would degrade habitat for any of the rare species known to breed, rest, and feed there, or that would reduce the overall wildlife diversity of the area.

The city’s comprehensive plan for this area needs a careful re-evaluation, with new information about the value of the Penjajawoc Marsh and the water quality of the Penjajawoc Stream. Bangor’s citizens need to decide what their values are and what they want this part of their city to look like, and communicate those wishes to the city council.

Other small cities and towns have capitalized on birding to draw tourists to their area. Grand Island, Neb., draws tourists to see the spectacle of sandhill cranes on the Platte River. Brownsville and Rockport, Texas, draw tourists from around the country and the world to see Whooping Cranes and other rare, spectacular bird species. Sackville, New Brunswick, and Grand Forks, N.D., likewise draw tourists nationally and internationally to see their spectacular wetlands and birds. Grayling, Mich., draws tourists and birdwatchers internationally and nationally to see its endangered kirtland’s warblers.

Birders travel to, stay in, and contribute significantly to the economies of these otherwise little-known places. Local people are proud of their natural treasures. The presence of natural areas enhances the value of surrounding properties and provides jobs for local people.

Bangor has the equal of these unique natural treasures in the Penjajawoc Marsh. It could provide residents and tourists alike with unique and valued experiences. If properly protected and managed, this could be another jewel in the crown of the Queen City.

Judy Kellogg Markowsky is the director of Fields Pond Nature Center, Maine Audubon Society.