Saint George Property Donated to MCFA

Gift Honors Local Legacy, Supports Future of Maine’s Working Waterfront

An aerial view of the building and pound

MCFA has received a generous donation of waterfront property in St. George from local resident Barbara Wagner, honoring the memory of her late husband, John Wagner, and his commitment to Maine’s blue economy.

The property, located at 125-127 River Road and formerly known as the Wildcat Lobster Pound, was offered to MCFA in March 2025. After careful review, the nonprofit’s board of directors voted to accept the donation in September, citing its potential to support Maine’s fishing communities.

“We agreed that this is an amazing opportunity to look back on the past and reflect forward into the opportunity that this working waterfront property represents for the future of fishermen throughout Maine—and especially for the fishing communities of Port Clyde and St. George,” said MCFA Board Chair Alex Todd, a commercial fisherman from Chebeague Island.

Gerry Cushman, MCFA Board Vice Chair and a lobsterman from Port Clyde, noted the significance of the gift in reconnecting with the organization’s roots.

“MCFA was founded by fishermen in Port Clyde, including me and my brothers, to advocate for the needs of Maine’s commercial fishermen and ensure a vibrant future for fishing in Maine,” Cushman said. “The Wildcat property gives MCFA the chance to honor those beginnings and have a lasting impact along the coast.”

Street view of the building, currently a blank slate with great potential

“With the donation of this unique property to the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, I feel certain that John would approve and be pleased that it will benefit their purpose and goals, as well as the local community of the St. George area,” said Barbara Wagner.

The site includes a 3,726-square-foot newly constructed building and working waterfront infrastructure previously used as a lobster pound. The dock and wharves were damaged during the winter storms of 2024 and have not yet been repaired for full and active use. MCFA is in the process of restoring and improving the working waterfront potential of the property.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of MCFA. “We look forward to working with community members, fishermen, scientists, and others in the working waterfront and blue economy to determine how this space can best serve commercial fishing and the seafood industry in St. George and beyond.”

MCFA will launch a strategic planning process over the coming year to determine the property’s highest and best use in support of Maine’s coastal fishing communities.

Community members are invited to an open house at the property on Saturday, October 20, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Visitors can tour the building and share ideas for its future use. Additional opportunities for public input will be announced as the planning process moves forward.