Scarborough, Maine -- The Scarborough Wildlife Management Area will expand by 46 acres, now that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has purchased an adjoining parcel from the Gervais family of Scarborough.

The initial acquisition campaign was launched several years ago by the Friends of Scarborough Marsh, a group that formed after the Julie N oil spill hit the Fore River in 1996.

“Scarborough Marsh is a critical wildlife habitat that is enjoyed by thousands because of its uncompromised beauty,” said Roland “Danny” Martin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in a statement. “The Julie N oil spill was an unnecessary tragedy that impacted wildlife and their habitat. From that event, however, comes an opportunity to conserve land for the fish and wildlife that live at Scarborough Marsh and the people who visit there."

A public event to celebrate the new protected marshland will be held in late summer or early fall.