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Ram Island Preserve
Ram Island, Machiasport: An Open Landscape in Englishman Bay
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Ram Island in Machiasport offers the sort of coastal experience that begins well before reaching shore. The island lies in Englishman Bay, where an open grassy profile and rugged edges give a small piece of land a strong presence. This is a destination for boaters able to plan for the surrounding sea, with the crossing and return integral to the visit. Give the island an unhurried place in that plan, allowing time to notice what makes it distinctive once you land.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust describes a sixteen-acre preserve with an almost treeless interior, a long ledgy shore and a tradition of grazing sheep. The open ground gives the water a prominent role in the view. Rather than disappearing into a forest, a visitor remains aware of the surrounding bay. Keep well away from the sheep and leave dogs at home, following the owner's rules that protect the flock. A quiet arrival helps preserve the character of a place shared by people and animals.
An original account by paddler Michael Daugherty conveys the island's sense of exposure. In his July 2019 essay about a longer journey along the Maine coast, he describes arriving at Ram in Machias Bay after resupplying in Jonesport. The grassy island felt like a small world apart as sunset gave way to fog. That is one experienced paddler's recollection, but it captures something useful for a prospective visitor: the character of the surrounding water and visibility can be as memorable as the land itself.
The island's ongoing care provides another perspective. In the Maine Island Trail Association's winter 2026 newsletter, island adopter Steve Plissey describes visits made by kayak from the Little Kennebec Bay area. His rounds include collecting shoreline debris, checking camping areas and recording observations for the organization. The work turns an enjoyable day afloat into practical stewardship. A clean landing or undisturbed campsite can reflect visits that happened before yours, with someone quietly taking responsibility for the next person's experience.
That account also shows why a familiar island can keep drawing someone back. Plissey's relationship with the area developed over many summers, and the adopter program gave his outings a purpose. A visitor need not join a formal program to take something from the example. Carry everything brought ashore back into the boat, leave the place as you found it and let observations guide respectful behavior. Small choices become particularly visible on an island where the open landscape leaves little out of sight.
Use the trust's current map when arranging the landing and any overnight stay. It identifies the established camping area and separates beach from ledge, making clear that different parts of the shore offer different conditions. Camping is limited to the designated site and two nights. Plan the boat's return with suitable local knowledge, supplies and a weather margin; the trust cautions against relying on an overnight anchorage. A shorter visit can be just as satisfying when it matches the day and the crew.
For a photograph, connect the grassy land with its rocky edge and the water beyond, keeping the flock outside your approach. Another frame can focus on the shoreline without moving toward an exposed ledge. Ram Island rewards that patient attention: a compact coastal place whose appeal comes from open space, changing atmosphere and the people who help care for it.
Fun facts
- MCHT purchased Ram Island in 2016 with support from MITA.
- The preserve’s established campsite has a two-night stay limit.
Before you go
- Leave dogs at home and keep well away from the grazing sheep.
- Plan the crossing and return for the crew, craft and current marine conditions.
- Use the current owner map for landing and designated camping information.
- Carry out all trash and human waste; confirm current fire rules before considering a fire.
Visitor perspectives
- Michael Daugherty recalls the grassy Ram Island in Machias Bay feeling remote as sunset gave way to fog during a longer coastal kayaking journey. His essay describes several different Ram Islands; this account refers specifically to Machias Bay.
Capture
- Connect grass, rock and surrounding water in one view without approaching the flock.
- Photograph shoreline texture from a secure position away from exposed edges.
Social
Machiasport’s Ram Island has an open grassy character.
A tradition of grazing sheep shapes the visit.
An experienced paddler recalls sunset giving way to fog here.
Island adopter Steve Plissey combines kayaking with shoreline care.
Recording observations is part of that stewardship.
The owner map helps distinguish beach, ledge and the camping area.
A successful island outing includes a realistic return plan.
Leave a cared-for landing for the next visitor.
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