Baker Island, Protected coral atoll in Hancock County, US.
Baker Island is a protected coral atoll located in a wildlife refuge that encompasses both terrestrial land and underwater areas in the Pacific. The island features low coral formations with beaches composed of sand and coral shingle.
The island became a United States territory in 1857 under the Guano Act, which sparked decades of intensive mining operations. These activities ended in 1891, after which the landscape slowly transformed into the protected refuge it is today.
The refuge protects habitats for seabirds and marine animals that rely on this remote location for survival. Today, the island serves as a sanctuary where these populations can live without the pressures found in more developed areas.
Access to the island requires a Special Use Permit and coordination with wildlife authorities before any visit. Interested travelers should contact the relevant agencies well in advance to arrange the necessary approvals.
The island remains completely uninhabited and is open to visitors only by special permit, making it one of the hardest-to-reach places in the United States. This remoteness has allowed the landscape to recover and remain largely untouched.
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