INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 1991 NORTHEAST EXCHANGE

Introduction

Penobscot Bay lies along the mid-coast of Maine. It is 40 miles long and up to 17 miles wide, studded with large and small islands, and acclaimed for its fine sailing, fishing and beauty.

First impressions are of a rolling, tree covered countryside fringed by a glistening sea. Communities are small, with economies historically based on natural resources. Residents are a typical rural New England mix. Some families settled generations ago, some moved more recently for the relaxed life and scenic beauty, and others retired in this magical place.

The summer climate also attracts vacationers. Native Americans and 19th century upper class Bostonians summered here for the same reasons people do today. But the summer population boomed in the 1980s, bringing new pressures, problems and challenges.

Observations

The economic landscape of the Maine coast has seen the recent decline of year-round local industries such as granite mining, ship building, farming and fishing. It has left an economic vacuum only partially filled by more seasonal activities such as lobstering, blueberry picking, and serving vacationers.

Land ownership is also changing. Particularly significant has been the accelerating purchase of shoreline property by people “from away.” These urban newcomers value privacy and often stop public access. Traditionally, landowners let people use their land for fishing, hunting and gathering, and occasional swimming and boating. They expect users to respect the land, but recent abuse has strained tradition. The present trend away from neighborliness threatens a community asset and a tourist resource.

The team discovered both cultural and communications problems that weaken public rights. In particular, the right of the individual seemed to override community rights. People were beginning to realize, however, that they must act as a community if they wished to protect shoreline access they have taken for granted.

One thing that surprised the team was that there was no sense of regional identity for Penobscot Bay. Local people don’t like how their communities are evolving, yet feel they have little influence. Minimal communication between communities creates resentment, and in some cases, division. Far too much time is spent talking about problems.

Many communities have not come to terms with tourism. They recognize the money tourists bring, but have not tackled the planning and management needed to keep tourism from spoiling what they value.

Key Issues

• Public access issues.
• What elements of the bay culture, economy, and environment need to be protected and enhanced?

Recommendations

Build local partnerships to address public access problems. Press for recognition of the Bay, possibly as an “Area of Critical Environmental and Economic Concern.” A designation cannot be imposed on the Bay; it must develop from within. An alliance should be formed to address issues systematically; with pooled resources it might be possible to hire a professional to coordinate and advise communities on conservation and access.

Cooperation and communication are essential to protect the rural working landscape in the Bay region. Information should be provided about laws on property taxes, access rights and liability. An educational program could make landowners more aware of the importance of their land to the community or neighborhood and could impart a sense of stewardship to visitors.

Use planning to protect coastal areas for fishing and other marine industries, while providing for commercial and recreational uses of the shore. Zoning, mooring plans and management of visitor use and public access points can all help resolve conflicts and benefit the economy. Communities may have to buy important parts of the waterfront to protect them. The traditional marine-based economy could be strengthened through diversification such as combining visitor tours with shipbuilding and fishing.

Walking trails enhance economic viability and instill a sense of pride. Create trails that tell the stories of a community’s history and economy. Connect towns to increase regional identity. Encourage the proper use, and minimize abuse, of public trails across private lands by high standard safety, design and maintenance. Involve business and other interest groups in establishing and maintaining trails. Give the trails some sort of legal protection.

Enlist user groups as caretakers of public access privileges. These groups could help arrange permission for use, register users who enter for economic reasons and help guard against misuse. Publicize the experiences of landowners who have successfully allowed public access.

With regard to tourism, encourage residents to decide what role tourism should play in their community’s future. Access problems will intensify if local people do not direct and support tourism development. Tourism must be planned and managed to prevent destruction of the local culture and economy. Priority should be given to low impact tourism such as hiking and cycling. Evaluate the ecological importance and carrying capacity of land when designating public access areas for visitors and provide information explaining appropriate land use at entry points.

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©2002 Glynwood Center