Category: Press Release

NORTHPORT, ME—As Maine’s largest river system, the Penobscot River carries a deep cultural and economic history of our region. The future health of this vast watershed will be discussed at the first Penobscot Watershed Conference, April 9, 8am-5pm at Point Lookout in Northport, Maine. We will kick off events with a free pre-conference film screening and panel discussion hosted by the Island Institute and other local and regional non-profit organizations.

PORTLAND, ME—At a press conference today, Island Institute economic development director Briana Warner announced a new report on the state of broadband internet connections on Maine islands. The report analyzed the speed and reliability of internet service on thirteen of Maine’s fifteen year-round islands.

ROCKLAND, ME—Island Institute’s sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the third consecutive year that Island Institute has earned this top distinction.

MONHEGAN, ME—Monhegan Brewing Company and the Island Institute today announced the release of a new island-themed beer. The “summer blonde” brew is named 15, after the fifteen year-round island communities on the Maine coast. A portion of proceeds from beer sales will benefit the Island Institute’s work on those islands.

ROCKLAND, ME—The Island Institute today announced scholarship awards to 68 students through its Island Education Fund. The scholarships, totaling $150,300, benefit island students attending colleges, universities, and technical schools across the U.S. and Canada.

“These scholarships are made possible by the generous support of our donors,” said Karen Burns, the Institute’s community development director. “Because of their generosity, dozens of island students will have help paying for college or other post-secondary education. That’s a big deal for these communities.”

ROCKLAND, ME—The Island Institute today praised the report from the commission studying the effects of ocean acidification on Maine’s marine life and fisheries and called on the state and federal government to respond by enacting the recommendations contained in the report.
The report, released this morning, was approved unanimously by a diverse group that included fishermen, aquaculturists, marine scientists, regulators, and other stakeholders.

ROCKLAND, ME—The Island Institute today announced that it has hired small business owner Briana Warner as its first economic development director. Warner will oversee the organization’s efforts to help Maine’s islands and remote coastal communities strengthen and diversify their economies.