[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
Maine
Coastal Priorities
Statement
March, 1994
Maine State Planning Office











.45~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~c
US Department of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
2234 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405-2413


'j
March, 1994
Published by the State Planning Office, Maine Coastal Program
Financial assistance for the preparation of this document was
provided through funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce,
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.


STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
AUGUSTA,
MAINE
04333



JOHN R. MCKERNAN, JR.
GOVERNOR





Mar
ch,
199
4


Dear Reader:

As a state, we are privileged to enjoy one of the
nation's premier coastlines. Maine's
3,500 miles of coast have provided economic,
environmental, and recreational resources
throughout the state's history. The profit and pleasure we
gain from the coast gives us a
commensurate responsibility: to wisely manage our
coastal resources in such a way that
future Maine generations can freely enjoy the same uses.

Any management system must be periodically
reassessed. The State Planning Office
has canvassed state agencies and local communities for
their opinions on priorities facing the
state's coast, as well as reviewing findings from other
coastal assessments. The resulting
Coastal Priorities Statement concisely states the specific
issues facing the coast that we must
address in the near future. I offer it to you as a guideline
for activities that state and local
entities may pursue to protect and sustain our shared
coastal resources.

Sin
cer
ely,




Joh
n
Mc
Ker
iian
,
Jr.
Go
vlor












































PRINTED ON
RECYCLE[ PAPER

Table of
Contents


Executive Summary	Page I

1. Introduction	Page 5

2. The Maine Coast	Page 6

3. The Context for Priority-Setting	Page 10

4. Priority Coastal Resource Management
Issues	Page 13

A. Enhance the Protection and Conservation of
Coastal Resources

ï¿½ Improve the effectiveness of State land use
and environmental laws	Page 14
* Strengthen Municipal capabilities to manage
development	Page 16
ï¿½ Encourage multi-town approaches to
regional issues	Page 16
ï¿½ Improve the protection of coastal water
quality	Page 17

B.   Encourage Investment in Coastal
Communities

ï¿½ Promote effective harbor management and
coastal dredging	Page I18
ï¿½ Increase shoreline access for commercial and
recreational users	Page 19
* Prepare a coastal sustainable development
strategy	Page 20

C.   Increase Awareness and Expand Support
for Coastal Resource Management

ï¿½ Enhance public awareness of priority coastal
issues	Page 21
ï¿½ Increase support for coastal resource
management	Page 22
ï¿½ Expand citizen stewardship initiatives	Page 22

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Introduction


We live in a remarkable geographic area. The state of
Maine enjoys a diversity of landscapes unparalleled among the
other 49 states-extensive rivers, productive forests, rich estu-
aries and offshore marine waters. To many the state's identity
is associated with the latter environment, the diverse 3,500-
mile coast of Maine.
Each summer thousands of individuals make their way to
the state's coastal areas to enjoy extraordinary waters, wildlife,
and landscape. Even among residents, the coast has a compel-
ling allure. Forty-three percent of Maine's people live in the
coastal region, which comprises only twelve percent of the
state's total land area.
The state of Maine has a responsibility that accompanies
enjoyment of this unique region. It must strive constantly to
balance the uses which its people wish to make of the coast
with a duty to protect and conserve the very elements that make
the region so appealing.
Through its Coastal Zone Program, housed within the
State
Planning Office, and numerous laws and programs
implemented
by other state agencies and local communities, the state has
attempted to strike this balance for the past 16 years. It is ap-
propriate that, in the aftermath of explosive growth throughout
the state durinig the 1980s, the state Coastal Management Pro-
gram review priorities for the coastal zone and provide a road
map for the next decade's activities.

Through pursuit of these priorities, we can better align
our economic and environmental responsibilities in the coastal
region.
The array of economic interests in the coast is staggering.
Over the past ten years we have seen a dramatic increase in
saltwater aquaculture licenses, varying from seaweed aquacul-
ture in Lubec to European oyster cultivation in the Damariscotta
River. The sea urchin harvest has reached record proportions,
as has the annual lobster harvest. The growth of coastal tour-
ism and second horne construction continues despite the chill-
ing effects of recession. A wealth of small businesses and large
are located along the coast of Maine, producing approximately
58% of the state's income in 1991.
Just as noteworthy are the environmental elements of the
Maine coast. From the sandy beaches of Wells to the fog-bound
waters of Cutler, the ecological character of the Maine coast
amazes in its variety. The collective natural resources of coastal
lands and waters are the basis of the region's economic strength,
as both a draw to tourists and new residents and as the founda-
tion of many coastal residents' livelihood. The still-high qual-
ity of Maine's coastal water and its biologic abundance stands
in marked contrast to the diminished and degraded character of
coastal waters to our south.
Conclusion
We all share responsibility for the coast of Maine, just as
we share its economic and environmental benefits. At this time
the state of Maine has the opportunity to reevaluate the strength
of its coastal management laws, and the direction of the state
Coastal Management Program. We must recommit to the
struggle to achieve a balance between development and pro-
tection of our coastal areas in order to provide the next genera-
tion with the benefits we now so freely enjoy.

Maine's Coastal Priorities


The attached Coastal Priorities Statement summarizes the
findings of previous public and private coastal management as-
sessments. The conclusions drawn from those publications have
been reviewed by state, regional, and local bodies, whose com-
ments were incorporated in this final documnent. The highest pri-
ority management issues which should drive state actions in the
next decade are:
*Enhance protection and conservation of coastal meources
1. Improve the effectiveness of State land use and en-
vironmental laws
2. Strengthen municipal abilities to manage develop-
ment
3. Encourage multi-town approaches to regional issues
*Encourage investment in coastal communities
1. Promote Effective Harbor Management and Coastal
Dredging
2. Increase shoreline public access for commercial and
recreational users
3. Prepare a coastal sustainable development strategy
*Increase awareness and expand support for coastal resource
management

1. Enhance public awareness of priority coastal issues
2. Increase Support for Coastal Resource Management
3. Expand Citizen Stewardship Initiatives

The length of the coast of Maine,
3,500 miles, is equivalent to the dis-
tance between the east and west coasts
of the United States.
4
Coastal Priorities Statement , State Planning Olice ï¿½ Maine Coastal
Program

1. INTRODUCTION
As more people seek to enjoy the natural beauty of the
Maine coast and live along its shores, we must reassess the state's
efforts to manage its coastal resources wisely. Given increas-
ing demands on the state's financial resources and the consis-
tent stresses placed on Maine's coastal zone and the 145 com-
munities located within it, the state needs to reevaluate its high-
est priority coastal management priorities.
This Coastal Priorities Statement is an assessment of the
most significant resource management problems and opportu-
nities in coastal Maine. It provides a framework to guide state
management and development decisions in order to ensure that
coastal Maine retains a high quality environment and a sound
economy. This Priorities Statement provides a basis for focus-
ing funding on specific management activities. In addition, it
identifies coastal management and development issues which
State and regional agencies, environmental organizations, and
municipalities will need to work together.
To respond to Maine's highest priority coastal manage-
ment issues we need to:
1. Enhance the protection and conservation of coastal
resources
2. Encourage investment in coastal communities
3. Increase awareness and expand support for coastal
resource management
Coastal Priorities Statement - State Planning Ofice , Maine Coastal
Program5
5

2. THE MAINE COAST
Coastal Demography
The geographic distribution of Maine's population is simi-
lar to that of the nation. Fifty-three percent of the United States'
population lives within 50 miles of the coast. In Maine, forty-
three percent of the population lives in the coastal area, which
comprises only 12 percent of the State's land area. Maine's
coastal zone, as defined in the state's 1978 Coastal Zone Man-
agement Plan, includes all towns or unincorporated areas that
border on tidal waters.
More than 533,000 people live and work year-round along
the Maine coast. There are 14 vacation homes along the Maine
coast for every 100 year-round homes. In the summer, the popu-
lation of many small coastal towns doubles or triples as sum-
mer residents return to their vacation homes and tourists visit
for shorter stays. The summer residents add another 100,000
people to Maine's coastal population in the summer.


MAINE'S TOTAL POPULATION, 1991 1,234,597

INLAND COUNTIES
ANDROSCOGGIN	104,534
AROOSTOOK	87,453
FRANKLIN	29,204
OXFORD	52,443
PISCATAQUIS	18,659
SOMERSET	50,413

COASTAL COUNTIES
CUMBERLAND	244,386
HANCOCK	47.754.1
KENNEBEC	117,098
KNOX	36,728
LINCOLN	30,458
PENOBSCOT	147,171
SAGADAHOC	33,724
WALDO	33,712
WASHINGTON	35,686
YORK	165,405

Coastal County Population as Percent of State Total = 72.21/
6
6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement - State
Planning Ofice & Maine Coastal Program

12,500 years ago,
Maine waters extended as
Richard D. Kelly Jr., 1991
far inland as Bingham,
Maine; Portland lay un-
der 160ft. of water.



Coastal Priorities Statement * State Planning Olice ï¿½ Maine Coastal
Program                             7

During the 1980's, both Maine's total population and
its coastal population grew by nine percent. The coastal area
population will grow at an estimnated rate of eight percent be-
tween 1990 and 2000, although Cumberland, Hancock and
Penobscot counties may grow slightly faster. New residential
construction will continue the population pattern typical of the
1980's, of dispersion outward from population centers to rural
areas.
This existing population growth in the coastal region
has placed greater demands upon natural resources, commu-
nity infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewers, solid waste facilities)
and altered the economy in many coastal communities. The
projected rate of growth in the next decade will continue these
stresses and some instance, amplify them.

Coastal Economy
The economy of mnany small towns and cities along
Maine's coast depends on several forms of industry. Tourism
forms a mnajor part of the service sector economy of the coast.
Small, resource-based businesses also predominate within the
iregion. Many of these smaller businesses are dependent on such
natural resources as clean water, shellfish, lobster, and ground-
fish for their livelihood. Larger businesses, in particularly ship
building and repair, help boost the per capita earnings of coastal
residents. This combined economy results in a higher than state-
wide average per capita income (6.5% greater than for the state
as a whole) for many, though not all, coastal residents.
1991 Figures
Coastal County           Per Capita	Approximate County
Personal Income	Population
Androscoggin	16,682	104,543
Cumberland	21,351	244,204
Hancock	18,796	47,563
Knox	17,398	36,728
Lincoln	19,330	30,470
Sagadahoc	18,416	33,720
Waldo	13,135	33,726
Washington	14,250	35,719
York	17,848	165,396
Coastal County Average	18,584
Maine State Average	17,552
Source: Survey of Current Business, May, 1993, Volume 73, no. 5, Table 2, "Total Personal Incomne and Per Capita Personal Incomne by County
1989-1991."1

Coastal Resources
Maine's 3,500 miles of shoreline provide the state with an
extraordinary array of natural resources. As these resources vary
by geographic region, so do human demands upon them.

Water
Maine's extensive coastal waters, both fresh and salt, con-
stitute some of its most valuable economic, recreational, bio-
logical, and scenic resources. Lakes and wetland systems con-
tribute directly to the primary productivity of estuaries and
coastal marine systems. The systems of rivers, streams, and lakes
provide spawning areas and seasonal habitat for Maine's com-
mercially valuable anadromous fish species. Estuarine and
marine waters support substantial sea urchin, lobster, and shell-
fish populations which have become central to the coastal
economy. Offshore subtidal areas are thought to provide valu-
able spawning areas for a variety of fish species. Because of
coastal communities' dependence on the viability of fish and
shellfish stocks, the continued health of these linked fresh and
saltwater systems remains critical.

Air
Since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1972, aspects of
Maine's air quality have significantly improved. Somne air qual-
ity standards in Maine's laws are more stringent than the fed-
eral government's, reflecting the priority the state places on our
air iresources and the high existing quality of our air. However,
poor air quality remains a serious problem in coastal Maine
during the summer. Many of Maine's air problems, primarily
high ozone levels, involve pollutants from out-of-State, upwind
sources.

Land
The landscape of the coastal area is highly diversified.
Particularly noteworthy are the state's 3,000 islands and the
deeply indented contour of the coast. Coastal lands include
smooth glacial outwash plains and coastal mountains, prime
agricultural land, lands with soils unsuitable for development,
hard and soft wood forests, and numerous rocky barrens. This
diversity of coastal landscapes provides habitat to a wide vari-
ety of flora and fauna. The desire to live or vacation along the
shore has brought about changes in land uses and subsequent
alteration of land and water habitats.
The Maine coastal
pro gram includes 149
townships.
9
Coastal Priorities Statement o State Planning Office * Maine
Coastal Program9

3. THE CONTEXT FOR PRIORITY-
SETTING


With limited financial resources at both the national and
state levels of government, it is important that the state focus
on its most vital coastal management issues. In the aftermath
of an explosive period of growth during the 1980s, the state of
Maine has the opportunity to reassess its current coastal man-
agement system before the next cycle of growth occurs. With-
out a periodic examination of our priorities in this special geo-
graphic area the state cannot be certain that its efforts reflect
real and pressing problems on the coast,
Coastal Maine is experiencing a variety of pressures as a
result of mnore people living in coastal municipalities and more
visitors traveling to its shoreline. While the current economic
recession has slowed the tide of growth throughout the state,
the coast remains a magnet to development. As a result of popu-
lation growth, wildlife habitats have been comprormised, water
quality has declined, and the special quality of life in Maine's
coastal communities has been altered. While the effects of
growth and development are not unique to Maine, our response
to thern must be specially tailored to the conditions of the Maine
coast and its people.
Over the years many public and private organizations have
conducted their own assessment of the state's coastal issues.
This Statement draws on that work. The issues past studies have
identified include:
-Coastal Priorities Statement - In 1985 the Governor's
Coastal Advisory Committee identified the following as
priority coastal issues: controlling the impacts of growth
and development, improving information management sys-
tems, integrating coastal development and environmental
protection, expanding shoreline access opportunities, and
working with our neighbors in the Gulf of Maine region on
issues of regional concern.


- Assessment of Coastal Issues - In 1992 the State Plan-
ning Office conducted an assessment of eight national
coastal management objectives as described in the federal
Coastal Zone Management Act. More than 300 survey
forms were distributed to local and state officials, private
conservation organizations, and interest groups. The results
concluded that two coastal issues were most important for
the state to address -responding to the cumulative impacts
Population per
mile of coast in the
state of Maine has in-
creased from 188
people per mile in 1960
to 250 people per mile
in 1988, a 33 percent
increase.
10
10
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement - State
Planning Of ice , Maine Coastal Program

of incremental development and protecting coastal wetlands.
Increasing shoreline access opportunities and strengthen-
ing Maine's response to coastal erosion and beach develop-
ment were also identified as key issues needing attention.
oA Survey of Marine Related Organizations in the Gulf of
Maine Region - In 1993 the Maine Community Foundation,
at the request of the international Gulf of Maine Program,
surveyed more than 300 non-governmental organizations in
the Gulf of Maine region to identify the region's most press-
ing natural resource issues. Nearly 60 Maine organiza-
tions responded to the survey and indicated the highest pri-
ority environmental issues were protection of wildlife habi-
tats and marine water quality.
* Water Quality Resource Questionnaire - In 1992 the Uni-
versity of Maine Cooperative Extension Service surveyed
municipal and community groups to collect information on
the public's perception of water quality and land use issues,
and to identify priority needs for public education.
The 158 respondents, including municipal planning boards,
comprehensive planning committees, town councils, land
trusts and environmental advocacy groups, identified indus-
trial pollution, inappropriate development, failing septic
systems, and urban and agricultural runoff as priority water
quality issues.
Problems cited with current public outreach efforts included:
individuals and groups do not know what information or
programs are available to them, they do not understand the
environmental regulatory process, and they do not have ac-
curate, current information on water quality. Those surveyed
suggested that in order to improve water quality manage-
ment, state and federal governments need to educate the
public, adequately enforce current regulations and improve
funding for local efforts.
*Federal Evaluation of Coastal ManaLTement - In 1993 the
federal government evaluated Maine' s coastal management
efforts and identified three issues that needed to be ad-
dressed. These included improved enforcement of state and
local land use and environmental laws, increased public
education and outreach efforts on priority issues, and better
integration of local and state mnanagement of the marine
environment.
- Land Use ReLyulatorv Reformn Studv reoort - In 1994 a sub-
committee appointed by the Maine Legislature completed
an analysis of the way Maine manages its natural resources.
The report identified ways to strengthen local land use man-
Coastal Priorities Statement , State Planning Ofice o Maine
Coastal Program
1
11

agement capabilities, to better integrate state and local plan-
ning and regulation, to increase accouritability and coordi-
nation, and to improve the way Maine manages natural re-
source information. In regard to the coastal zone, the re-
port highlighted a variety of actions to strengthen and evalu-
ate the effectiveness of Maine's Growth Management Pro-
gram. Among its recommendations, the report calls for the
establishment of a state natural resources coordinating
council, recognition of watershed management as a plan-
ning priority, and improvement of Maine's GIS mapping
efforts focusing on wildlife issues.


In summary, these studies and assessments articulate a
series of recurring themes (see attached chart) that provide the
background for this Coastal Priorities Statement. The overrid-
ing issue for the state appears to be effective management of
the impacts of growth and development in a way that balances
both environmnental protection and economic development.
Pen obscot Bay is
the state's largest estu-
ary, with a surface water
area of 361 square miles
and a total drainage area
of 9,400 square miles.
12
12
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement a State
Planning Ofice , Maine Coastal Program

4. PRIORITY COASTAL RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Today, the overriding issue for coastal Maine is how to
manage the effects of coastal development in a way that bal-
ances protection of valued resources with appropriate develop-
ment. This issue is not unique to Maine, for as coastal popula-
tion increases around the nation, the finite resources of the U.S.
coastal zone will fall under even greater stress.


The Maine Coastal Program
The goal of the Maine Coastal Program is to balance the
conservation and development of coastal resources at the State
and local level. This goal is based on the federal Coastal Zone
Management Act and was embraced by the Maine State Legis-
lature and federal government in 1978 when the Maine Coastal
Programn was initiated; it is still relevant in 1994. The state
strives to achieve this balance through a variety of state regula-
tory, planning and land acquisition programs.
Maine's Coastal Program is an interagency, collaborative
effort. It operates as a "network" program, implementing Pro-
gram goals through many state and local partners, in recogni-
tion that many of Maine's coastal management issues transcend
the ability of one agency to resolve. It builds and maintains ef-
fective partnerships of public and private interests in order to
develop, coordinate, and implement coastal policies. It also rec-
ognizes that mainy issues are regional in scope and require in-
novative management approaches to respond to them. The
Coastal Program's diversity of actiVities reflect the complex and
dynamic character of the state's 3500-mile coast.


Managing the Impacts of Development on Maine's
Coastal Resources

In 1978 the Governor's Coastal Conservation and Devel-
opment Committee, after two years of public consultation, de-
termined that the single most important natural resource man-
agement issue for Maine was the cumulative effects of incre-
mental development. In every coastal assessment conducted
since then, managing the impacts of development has been a
leading priority. In 1994, this issue remains Maine's highest
priority task. Each of the issues described below are aspects of
this broad theme.
Coastal Priorifies Statement - State Planning Ofice * Maine Coastal Program
1
13

The Legislature recognized the mnost effective way to mnan-
age the impacts of growth was advance planning at both the
State and local levels. Thus it enacted the Growth Manage-
mnent Program in 1988. This program, one of eight in the coun-
try, has distinguished Maine as a national leader in the effort
to balance economic development and environmental protec-
tion.
The coastal and ocean management issues identified in
this Coastal Priorities Statement are organized into three broad
categories. The first category, Enhance the Protection and
Conservation of Coastal Resources, includes those issues Maine
needs to pursue to better protect and conserve its coastal re-
-sources. The second, Encourage Investment in Coastal Com-
munities, includes activities Maine needs to pursue to strengthen
economic conditions in our coastal communities. The final cat-
egory, Increase Awareness and Expand Support for Coastal
Resource Management, focuses on those actions needed to make
Maine citizens and visitors better stewards of the coastal envi-
ronment.
A. Enhance the Protection and Conservation of
Coastal Resources

Every recent assessment of coastal issues identified an
urgent need to strengthen the protection and conservation of
Maine's coastal resources. It is important to note that these
efforts will be successful only if Maine effectively integrates
coastal management at the local, state, and regional levels. Such
improved management will build the foundation for a better
balance between protection and development in this special
geographic region. Maine's coastal priorities for the next years
include:

1. Improve the effectiveness of State land use
and environmental laws


Maine's land use and environmental statutes provide the
framework for the State's coastal resource management pro-
gram. Consequently, a priority is to continually evaluate and
improve the effectiveness of these statutes. Necessary actions
for the state to pursue include:
-Improve the effectiveness of State enforcement of exist-
ing land use and environmental statutes in coordination
with municipal regulatory activities. Building on the early
successes of the State's local code enforcement officer train-
14
14
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Prioritfies Statement o State
Planning Ofice * Maine Coastal Program

ing and certification program will be an important part of
this effort.
o Improve scientific understanding of resources being man-
aged. Emphasize and support research and comprehensive
coastal monitoring in order to provide a base of knowledge
about the health, structure, and functioning of coastal eco-
systems.
* Strengthen the State ~ response to coastal ha7ards and
sea level rise to protect public health, safety, and coastal
infrastructure. Efforts to develop policies encouraging "re-
treat" from the advance of the sea rather than armoring of
the shoreline should continue. Past state activities in this
area have made Maine a leader among coastal states. The
natural sand dune systems of southern Maine present spe-
cific planning and management dilemmas that should re-
ceive state attention.
- Improve State and local management of both terrestrial
and marine habitats by expanding our knowledge of and
strengthening protection for these vital areas. Developing
new approaches that imnprove protection of marine habitats
is an urgent concern as these areas are directly affected by
shoreline development. Adequate and consistent water qual-
ity monitoring must be assured in order to document the
consequences of development on such coastal resources.
* Develop new ocean manap'ement approaches that reduce
conflicts between users of the marine environment, clarify
the roles of the different levels of government, promote re-
gional management, and strengthen interagency coo rdina-
tion. The coastal waters of Maine are fixed in area. How-
ever, unlike the land, the state owns and manages tidal wa-
ters in common. This poses many singular management prob-
lems. The iresources found in coastal lands and waters de-
pend for their continued good health on multiple environ-
mental factors, mnany of which are affected by human ac-
tivities. Thus it is imperative that the state develop the means
to resolve inevitable conflicts which arise in such a fragile
geographic area. Developing appropriate tools, both plan-
ning and regulatory, requires involvement by all levels of
government and by private interests. Thirough this process
and through implementation of resulting ocean management
policies, the state will be better able to make use of unfold-
ing economic and environmental opportunities in the coastal
region.
There are nearly 2
million lobster pots in
Maine waters, a figure
which has remained
relatively constant over
the past decade.
Coastal Priorities Statement - State Planning Ofice - Maine Coastal Program
1
15

2. Strengthen municipal abilities to manage
development


Maine's coastal communities continue to suffer the ef-
fects of a dramatic growth in population during the past de-
cade, and the concomitant conversion of land to developed uses.
These communities will continue to need varied forms of as-
sistance from the state. Coastal municipalities are essential
partners in Maine's coastal management efforts. Municipali-
ties are most familiar with local natural resources, have broad
regulatory authority, and are best positioned to make key deci-
sions affecting the quality of life in their communities. To build
on this partnership the following actions are needed.
- Effective participation in Maine's Growth Manag?ement
Program. Maine needs to ensure that all coastal munici-
palities have the opportunity to prepare comprehensive
plans and implementing ordinances which address the
Legislature's planning goals and coastal policies. Munici-
palities should also integrate the State's growth manage-
ment, floodplain management and shoreland zoning pro-
grams at the local level. These actions will improve the
quality of local development reviews and strengthen the
protection of local coastal resources.
* Increase the provision of technical assistance to local
leaders. Maine needs to maximize the effectiveness of its
state-local coastal partnership by providing technical as-
sistance to local officials and boards, including technical
planning guides, model ordinances, hands-on assistance,
and financial support for local planning and land use man-
agement.

3. Encourage multi-town approaches to
regional issues
Many of the more complex and challenging coastal man-
agement issues involve coastal resources that transcend local
and state boundaries such as groundwater, surface water, and
wildlife. To adequately address these issues creative approaches
must be used. Regional efforts, such as the Gulf of Maine Pro-
gram, the Casco Bay Estuary project and the Damariscotta River
Estuary project, have been initiated in the past few years. Each
effort successfully demonstrates how countries, states, and
municipalities can work together on issues of mutual concern.
Expanding regional approaches such as these will be crucial
for effective and responsive management in the diverse regions
of Maine's extensive coast.
Portland, Maine, is
the third largest oil port
on the east coast. Other
significant Maine oil
ports include Sears Is-
land and Eastport.
16
16
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement * State
Planning Of ice - Maine Coastal Program

* Support regional multi-town -vlanninr-' and manaeement
programs. The state's regional planning commissions con-
tinued to provide much-needed technical expertise to the
towns. However, the state needs to do more to encourage
multi-town approaches to estuary management and to as-
sist municipalities as they respond to the impacts of coastal
development. Local comprehensive plans should serve as
the basis for these efforts.

4. Improve the protection of coastal water
quality


Over the past 20 years, the federal governmnent and Maine
have focused much attention on controlling conventional pol-
lutants in discharges from large industrial sources and waste
water treatment plants. The result of these efforts has been
marked improvement of water quality, although the continued
discharge of legally-permitted toxic contaminants rermains
problematic. As these point sources of pollutants are controlled,
our attention has turned to the impact that non-point sources
of pollutants have on coastal water quality. This non-point
source pollution is, as its title implies, transported by rainwa-
ter from diverse sources, such as roads, parking lots, construc-
tion activities, septic systems, marinas, agricultural land, and
forestry operations.
Maine's challenge is to identify non-point pollution
sources and to implement appropriate management practices.
Due to the omnipresent nature of this pollution, an extensive
geographic area, and very limited dollars to perform the work,
targeting the state's management efforts becomes crucial to
garnering the greatest water quality improvernents from our
efforts.
To respond to this challenge Maine needs to pursue sev-
eral initiatives including:
*Develop a consistent water aualit-v monitorine' oroe'ram
to track the status and trends in near coastal marine water
quality. This program should include monitoring for toxics,
nutrients, bacteria and general water chemistry (i.e. pH,
DO, temp, turgidity, salinity) and target research to char-
acterize identified coastal pollution problems. Data pro-
duced by citizen monitoring groups should be used as a
complement to state monitoring programs.
* Continue to pursue a varied strategy for addressing non-
point source problems, including perfiorming shoreline and
Coastal Priorities Statement - State Planning Ofice , Maine Coastal
Program                                                                                    1
17

watershed surveys. These surveys can be targeted to prior-
ity areas of concern or can be coastwide. GIS technology
can then be used to catalog and geographically reference
the informnation as it is gathered.



B. Encourage Investment in Coastal Communities


Maine's 145 coastal mnunicipalities represent 12% of the
state's land area, contain nearly half of the state's population
and have mnore than 60% of the state's emnploymnent opportuni-
ties. Clearly, sustaining the health and vitality of the coastal
region is a state priority. This section focuses on the invest-
mnents needed to strengthen existing coastal infrastructure, the
vital foundation of economic growth.

1. Promote Effective Harbor Management and
Coastal Dredging

Harbor management and coastal dredging are essential
components of the state's coastal development strategy. Maine's
harbors are "doorways" to the world, allowing Maine indus-
tries to export natural resources and manufactured products.
Critical issues regarding the construction of public marine in-
frastructure (e.g., piers, wharves, rail connections, boat ramps,
etc.) greatly influence the competitiveness of many of Maine's
businesses. However, conflicts may arise between state priori-
ties and local concerns. For example, decisions affecting the
location of mooring fields can affect Maine's aquaculture in-
dustry. Finally, dredging of new and existing channels and
anchorages are vital to the success of local ports and the pro-
ductivity of the state's marine trade, yet may conflict with spe-
cific concerns of the local town.
-Encourage local harbor management. State agencies and
coastal municipalities need to work collaboratively to en-
sure our key ports and harbors remain viable and active.
Alternative conflict resolution techniques should be devised
to provide a mutually agreed-to avenue for state and local
dispute resolution.
- Implement State dredce manazement stratezies. Review
statuory and environnmental impediments to land disposal
options for disposal of dredge materials, and work withe
the Legislature's Dredging Subcommittee and the Army
Corps of Engineers to identify information needed to make
decisions concerning offshore disposal sites.
18
18
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement - State
Planning Ofice - Maine Coastal Program

-- Prioritize state projects related to maintenance offederal
navigation projects. The Governor will issue an executive
order to create a standing state commission that will priori-
tize projects annually in order to effectively allocate the lim-
ited resources of the Armny Corps of Engineers.
2. Increase shoreline public access for
commercial and recreational users
Ensuring adequate public access to the shoreline is a pri-
ority pursued at the state and local level. Citizens, land trusts,
and local governments are expanding access opportunities lo-
cally. State programns, while currently greatly reduced in their
capacity, are also acquiring and improving access sites. Yet there
remains a deficit of coastal access sites for the existing popula-
tion. This need for more access sites increases as the state pro-
mnotes its tourism opportunities and the coastal population grows.
The dernand is exacerbated by the loss of traditional, informal
access ways as shoreline property is developed.
* Pursue rie~ht-of-wav discoverv and clarify public title.
Publicly held rights-of-way to the shoreline exist all along
the coast, but 200 years of development have clouded some
titles. Coastal municipalities need to conduct historical re-
search to document public ownership and record this infor-
mnation in their County Registry of Deeds. Given the very
low cost of this work in cornparison to acquiring shorefront
property, research should be conducted in each of Maine's
coastal municipalities.
* Expand land acauisition programs. In the past few years
Maine has mnade imnportant progress in acquiring shorefront
property for commercial and recreational purposes. This
work needs to be expanded so that public land, of varying
types, is available for current and future generations to use.






Maine   has   the
greatest number of is-
lands of any coastal state
in the continental United
States-3,000 islands, of
which 14 have year-
round communities.


Coastal Priorities Statement * State Planning Ofice *Maine Coastal Program 1
3

3. Prepare a coastal sustainable development strategy
Historically, the economy of coastal Maine is tied to its
relationship with its natural resources. As use of these resources
intensifies, the state must ensure that this use occurs in a sus-
tainable fashion, that is, in a manner which meets our current
needs, ensures the ecological integrity of the coast and does
not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
- Provide anoronri ate assistance to local communities. One
of the more significant issues facing many coastal commu-
nities is the decline of groundfish stocks and the related
economic impacts. Shoreside facilities, vessel services, and
supporting industries are a few examples of businesses that
will be affected as management regimes change and stocks
shrink. A consortium of state agencies needs to document
these impacts, assist communities to plan for economic
change, and explore appropriate assistance measures.
* Prepare a coastal sustainable develon-ment strateev. The
transformations created by changing demographics on the
coast, the decline of traditional forms of livelihood and
growth of new sectors of the economy indicate an immedi-
ate need to plan for the cultural and economic well-being
of the state's many coastal communities. The state must
identify high value coastal resources and their status, de-
termine threats to their sustainable use, and engage inter-
ested parties in a strategy development process. Such a
process will require equal participation by state and local
government agencies and by private interests.


C. Increase Awareness and Expand Support for Coastal
Resource Management


Over the years Maine agencies have developed an array
of educational materials for the general public and educators.
The State Planning Office has organized the annual Coastweek/
Coastal Cleanup and made it Maine's largest volunteer initia-
tive. Coastal watershed management projects with strong pub-
lic outreach components are underway in the Damariscotta
River, the St. Croix River and Casco Bay. The Shore Stewards
Partnership, with support from state agencies, local groups,
towns and high schools, has developed local coastal water qual-
ity monitoring and education programs. In short, Maine is pur-
suing a variety of innovative public awareness programs.
I
-W  4
20
20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement o State
Planning Of ice * Maine Coastal Program

W
e
ne
ed
to
do
mo
re
to
inf
or
m
the
pu
bli
c
ab
out
co
ast
al
resources.
Virtually
every
assessme
nt cited in
this
Statement
noted that
Maine
citizens
and
coastal
visitors
need to be
aware
of the
effect
they have
on coastal
resources.
To
increase
this
awarenes
s, the
state
should
follow
three
routes.
First, we
must
increase
general
public
awarenes
s of
coastal
issues.
Second,
we
need to
build on
this
increased
understan
ding to
generate
in-
cr-eased
support
for
Maine's
land use
and
environm
ental
man-
agement
programs.
Finally,
the state
must
foster
citizen
stew-
ardship
initiatives
and offer
opportuni
ties for
citizen
involve-
ment in
coastal
managem
ent
decisions,
including
provision
of
necessary
training
and
technical
assistance
 



1.
Enhanc
e public
awarene
ss of
priority
coastal
issues


If
we
are
to
ac
hie
ve
lon
g-
ter
mn
sus
tai
na
bili
ty
of
co
ast
al
re-
sources
and retain
a high
quality of
life,
Maine
citizens
and visi-
tors need
to be well
informed
about the
fragility
of
Maine's
coastal
resources.
This
requires
thoughtfu
l, ongoing
efforts to
present
informati
on in a
way that
the public
can use,
either to
make
more
informed
decisions
in their
own
lives, or
to encour-
age
participati
on in
broader
local and
regional
stewardsh
ip ef-
forts.
-
Incr
eas
e
Net
wor
kine
Bet
wee
n
Pro
gra
ms.
Mai
ne
nee
ds
to
prom
ote
new
effor
ts to
build
coali
tions
amn
ong
nonp
rofits
,
muni
cipal
gove
rnme
nts,
trade
grou
ps
and
state
agen
cies.
Thro
ugh
such
coalit
ions,
a
cons
ensus
on
how
best
to
raise
publi
c
awar
eness
of
prior
ity
issue
s can
be
achie
ved.
Thes
e
actio
ns
migh
t
inclu
de
new
educ
ation
al
appr
oach
es
and
ex-
pand
ed
colla
borat
ion
with
the
medi
a
purs
ued.






I't takes a particle
of water about three
months to completely
circle the Gulf of Maine,
moving counter-clock-
wise with the prevailing
current.




Coastal Priorities Statement - State Planning Of ice *Maine Coastal Program
21

2. Increase Support for Coastal Resource Management
Maine citizens and visitors need to be well informned
about the value of coastal resources and the rationale behind
the current state and local management framework. To accom-
plish this objective, accurate, up-to-date information on these
programs needs to be presented clearly and consistent.
* Increase nublic understanding of state and local man-
agement programs. For the public to be supportive of lo-
cal and state mnanagement programs they need to under-
stand the basis for them and the consequences of noncom-
pliance with the standards. A coordinated, multi-media ap-
proach involving private and public organizations is needed
to accomplish this objective.
- Improve public information on the regulatory process.
Local and state agencies need to develop and disseminate
better information on how to obtain the necessary local
and state regulatory approvals. Efforts also should be pur-
sued to simplify the permitting process without compro-
mising resource protection objectives.

3. Expand Citizen Stewardship Initiatives
Maine is a national leader in environmental protection
initiatives. However, reduction of government size at both
the state and local levels required Maine to make difficult
choices concerning environmental management resulting in the
elimination of certain programs. In response to this trend, lo-
cal and regional groups, (e.g. land trusts, lake associations,
watershed groups, volunteer water quality monitoring groups,
etc.) began assuming certain natural resource protection ac-
tivities. Examples include open space protection and acquisi-
tion, shellfish mnanagement, water quality sampling, and sur-
veys of shoreline permnit compliance.
These initiatives indicate that people are vitally concerned
about the area they live in and are prepared to take ongoing
action to protect the environment. For example, a network of
more than 600 citizen volunteers are evaluating the quality of
marine and estuarine waters and working to solve water qual-
ity problems where they originate - at the local level. The
Maine Coastal Program provides technical, organizational and
financial support to this effort through the Shore Stewards
Partnership.
22
22
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Coastal Priorities Statement , State
Planning Of ice * Maine Coastal Program

In order to assist citizen involvement in hands-on stew-
ardship of coastal resources, it is important to:
'Provide and encourage opportunities for citizen stew-
ardshi,2 particularly for young people. Training and equip-
ping groups to conduct scientifically credible environmen-
tal monitoring projects in coastal environments (e.g. shore-
line surveys, NPS surveys, water quality studies, marine
debris collections) needs to be expanded. It is important to
provide oppoirtunities for local groups to network and share
information via conferences, newsletters, and uniformn com-
puter databases. State government also needs to make a com-
mitment to collect and analyze volunteer-generated infor-
mation and to incorporate it into state level policy decisions.
- Create an ongoing local and state leaders network. Maine
needs to establish an ongoing leaders network that dissemi-
nates accurate coastal resource information on priority
coastal issues throughout their communities. This network
could be patterned after successful "docent" programns that
other coastal states have initiated.
Coastal Priorities Statement * State Planning Ofice - Maine Coastal Program
2
23

Printed under Appropriation: 010107B/3450/012