Ocean Planning

BACKGROUND The ocean is inextricably tied to the economy, culture, and life of Maine’s coastal communities. The economy of many of these communities is now highly reliant on the lobster industry. Conflicts between the fishing industry and other ocean uses have always been a part of life, but as some existing ocean uses are expanding… Read more »

Engaging Communities in Offshore Wind

Several island and coastal communities in the U.S. have found themselves at the forefront of offshore wind debates due to their proximity to proposed offshore wind sites, as well as economic and cultural connections to adjacent ocean spaces (e.g., reliance on fishing, sense of place reinforced by aesthetic views). As such, New England island residents… Read more »

Weatherize Upper Valley

The Upper Valley region is a rural area situated in between the major population centers of Concord, New Hampshire, and Burlington, Vermont. Vital Communities, a community nonprofit based in White River Junction, Vermont, realized that the uptake of energy efficiency in the region was slowed by a set of barriers that were distinct from those in more… Read more »

Swan’s Island Health Center

Island health centers are assets to their communities for many reasons. They are a place to go for check-ups without needing to take the ferry to the mainland. In the war on ticks, they act as a primary witness to the prevalence of tickborne diseases. They help infected individuals get treatment, but they also help… Read more »

Islesboro’s Tickborne Disease Prevention Committee

The island community of Islesboro is about three miles away from the mainland—a distance which deer can swim fairly easily. Deer exist naturally on Islesboro, though the population is generally malnourished due to high concentration. In 2015, there were found to be about 50 deer per square mile, while back on the mainland there were… Read more »