INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 1987 NEW ENGLAND EXCHANGE

Introduction

The Quoddy Area, the United States-Canadian border region of Passamaquoddy Bay, includes portions of Washington County, Maine, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick. The coastal landscape contains long stretches of undeveloped shoreline interrupted by clustered villages, and reflects traditional lifestyles. However, an increasing number of development projects pose a threat to the natural resources and cultural integrity of the region – particularly the shoreline communities and the landscape which stretches from Cutler to Calais.

Observations

The development boom of the 1980s has shocked the resident population. While development of Southern Maine has been accepted as inevitable, people have generally felt that northeastern Maine was “safe” from such pressure.

Planning in the region is primarily reactive. Even as valuable land is being lost, many individuals cling to the belief that natural resources in the area are infinite.

The team expressed concern that the pressures for change, if not guided sensibly, could quickly alter the natural and cultural character of the region, which, once lost, cannot be recovered. The team identified the most significant threats to be land speculation and second home development in special natural areas, scenic areas and places of cultural and recreational value.

Land use regulation powers in Maine rest with municipal, volunteer planning boards and selectmen. Team members perceived a feeling of hopelessness among local individuals who realize that volunteer boards are no match for professional developers.

There were also several concerns about the management of both Acadia National Park and Roosevelt-Campobello International Park. Team members noted a relative lack of comprehensive planning between the parks and the surrounding, privately owned buffer areas and a need for effective liaison with the local population.

Key Issues

• Evaluation of conservation needs.
• Impact of future development on the Quoddy area.
• Building local support for the conservation of “working landscapes.”
• Strategies for sustainable use of the area’s resources.

Recommendations

The principal recommendation of the exchange team was that the residents of the Quoddy area design a strategic plan for the region. They emphasized that, because the county is one of the most economically depressed in Maine, the plan should represent a balance between sustainable use and protection, addressing both conservation and development needs. Only a sound local economy will give the county the confidence it needs to resist the cash lure of land speculation through sale of its landscape assets.

The group recommended that the planning process identify the following:

elements of the natural and cultural landscape which contribute character to the area; areas in which second-home development would be acceptable; and conservation areas where restrictive zoning would be appropriate.

Long term public access to the shoreline and other areas of special natural and/or scenic value should be secured. This would benefit local residents and economic ventures and would also be a resource for an enhanced tourist industry. Additionally, the planning process should consider how tourism could be encouraged and enhanced, where positive conservation projects could be initiated to maintain buildings and land areas of interest to residents and tourists. Community planning should lay out how to develop a full range of economic opportunities, looking closely at agriculture and aquaculture.

Recognizing the institutional barriers to the planning process in the region, the team emphasized the need to empower local groups so that they play an effective role in local decision making. State support and technical assistance is also important to facilitate the implementation of their recommendations.

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©2002 Glynwood Center