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Public Access to the Maine Coast COASTAL ZONE KfORMIATION CENTER KFM 124 P83 1986 tive Department Maine State Planning Office August 19SS PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE MAINE COAST property Of CSC Library Prepared by the Maine State Planning Office 184 State Street Augusta, Maine 04333 u . SDEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413 August 1986 Preparation of this report was made possible by financial assistance provided by the Maine Coastal Program in the State Planning Office, through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Ocean and Coastal'Resource..Management, under-the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. ra CQ. C-3 N/ Table of Contents Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......... 5 INTRODUCTION .................. ...... ...... ......... 7 USER GROUPS ...................... ......... 9 Beachgoers .................................. i .... 9 Recreational Boaters ........... 04, ................ 13 Hunters ........................................... 18 Surfcasters ...................................... 20 Clammers and Wormers ............................... 21 Fishermen ......................................... 26 Local Officials ...*...... 0.................... 28 GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION ............ o... o ................. 44 REFERENCES:- .................... o ..................... 46 APPENDIX:, Survey questionnaires and results ....... 47 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Public access briefly defined, is people reaching the shoreline. It means different things to different people: a boat ramp for a sailor, a parking lot and sand beach for a sand castle builder, a pathway to mud flats for a clammer-or wormer. Maine has only 6.4% of its coastal area in public conservation ownership*, yet the coast is a focus for the marine resource industries, recreation, and tourism. For the past ten.years, concern has been growing that not enough avenues to reach Maine's coastal shorelands remain. The changing pattern of shoreland ownership-and use has'closed off many traditional accessways. Maine's recent efforts to purchase and develop accessways have not kept pace with the growth of year-round and summertime populations, and thus greater pressure is placed on existing accessways. To find out who is having trouble getting to the shore and the kinds of problems they are encountering, over two thousand State residents were surveyed in 1982 to determine their experiences concerning coastal access. Half of those contacted, including recreationists, municipal officials,and commercial fishermen, responded and this report presents and analyzes those results. A major finding of this report is that the provision of major public facilities and areas, such as public beaches and boat launches, has kept better pace with the growing demand for public access than the availability of access ways for people who use the shoreland in a more dispersed way, such as for clamming, worming, and waterfowl hunting. According to the survey, access over private land, such as pathways to the shore traditionally used by local people, has significantly decreased. Respondents identified increased posting and new landowners as the major causes of the change. The gradually decreasing.size of land holdings also plays a role. Clammers and wormers reported the most conflicts with private landowners. Many who have used pathways for generations are now being denied access to mud flats, especially in Hancock and Cumberland Counties. Waterfowl hunters are also finding access more d-ifficult. SPO working paper on Open Space 1984 -5- The majority of respondents believe that government should establish more rights-of-way to the coast. All said that existing facilities have inadequate parking. Overcrowding of beaches was frequently cited as a problem, 'especially at the most popular State facilities. The nature and intensity of problems vary by region. Problems are most acute in areas that'are experiencing increased recreational and tourism pressures. In'southern Maine, where crowded beaches and parking problems abound, the access issue involves finding ways to better manage people, their cars, refuse, impacts on sensitive beach vegetation, and in harbors, their boats. Conflicts are developing in those areas that support a viable fishing industry, as recreational boaters and commercial fishermen compete for the same facilities. As the Maine coast becomes more intensively developed and the number of people seeking the shore grows, the need for publicly-owned accessways will increase. Without strong State policies and funding for public access, the recreational experiences of Mainers is in jeopardy. So, too, are the economic livelihoods of those who must reach the mud flats, compete for harbor space, or depend on tourism. -6- INTRODUCTION The coast is one of Maine's most precious resources. It has hosted Indians and explorers, supported generations of fishermen, and now attracts millions of visitors to our State. Half of Maine's population lives in towns bordering tidal waters. Coastal development has accelerated in recent decades, changing the character of the coastal area and signalling a shift in traditional undertandings for,access in the midst of increased demand. The State Planning Office surveyed over two thousand Maine residents sending a different questionnaire to each of six user groups and municipal officials in coastal communities. The six user groups were chosen after considering the primary coastal activities on the water's edge. Table 1 summarizes the user groups surveyed, the source of names, and the basis for sample selection. Approximately 2500 questionnaires were distributed throughout the State with a forty percent response rate overall. Responses were analyzed through the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) package. When statistically valid, responses were compared by county, or inland vs. coastal residents. This report focuses on the problems and perceptions of getting to Maine's shore. The first section of the report describes the user grbups and their reponses to the survey. The survey of municipal officials is then discussed. The third section examines the geographic variation of the survey responses along Maine's coast and summarizes the implications. Because" there are no means to record addresses and reach seasonal residents and tourists, they were dot surveyed except for a few recreational boaters. Their needs for coastal access are substantial because tourism is concentrated in coastal areas. Bureau of Parks and Recreation surveys of coastal state park users found that nineteen to sixty six percent of the visitors were from out-of state (BPR, 1977 and 1982). While the survey methods were not rigorous and the amount of .information gleaned from them limited, this study is important because it does document a loss of public access and highlights both user groups and areas where this loss is occurring. Table 1 SAMPLE SELECTION Questionnaires User Group Source of Basis for No. No. Response Surveyed Names Sample Selection Sent Returned Rate Beach Goers State Motor 500 names at random 500 169 34% Vehicle throughout the state License list Recreational Boat Random, every seventh 600 306 51% Boaters Registration name list IF&W Coastal Marina Owners Surfoasters Club contacted each club 40 32 80% membership member lists Waterfowl Duck Stamp Random computer 400 159 40% Hunters Purchasers selection of 400 names from USF&W list Town ME Municipal Planning Board & approx. 113 approx. Officials Association Cons. Commission 300 30% Chairmen, Recreation Directors, Town Planners in each coastal town Clammers & License Random, every seventh 225 121 54% Wormers records, Dept. name of Marine Resources Commercial License Random, every seventh 264 180 68% Fishermen records, Dept. name of Marine Resources TOTAL 2329 1080 46%. -8- USER GROUPS Beach-Goers Beaches are uncommon along the coast of Maine; there are only seventy four miles of beach in over 3500 miles of coastline. As shown 'in Table 2, just over twenty seven percent of Maine beaches are in public ownership. In Maine, a day at the beach can include swimming, picnicking, windsurfing, walking, sunbathing, bird-watching or fishing. Table 2 ESTIMATES OF COASTAL SAND BEACH OWNERSHIP IN 14AINE Jurisdiction Feet % of Beach Federal beaches 9,051 2 State beaches 42,446 10 Local beaches 64,197 15 Private beaches 307,762 73 Total 423,456 100 (adapted from St. Pierre, 1978 and MAPP, 1983) Five hundred questionnaires were sent to Maine residents randomly selected from the motor vehicle license list. The questionnaire was designed to survey those who were interested in coastal recreation although everyone was encouraged to return the questionnaire. One hundred sixty nine questionnaires were returned (42%). Of these, seventy seven percent, or one hundred thirty, were interested in coastal recreation and completed the survey. As shown in Table 3, forty percent of those polled have had problems getting to or using their favorite beach. Lack of parking was the most commonly cited access problem. Inland respondents have less trouble with access to beaches, possibly because they frequent larger and more well-known beaches than coastal residents. Table 3 SURVEY COMPARISON BETWEEN INLAND & COASTAL RESIDENTS (in percentages) Enjoy Have Need more More coastal access public difficult Residence recreation problems rights-of-way than in past Coastal Towns* 78 43 82 44 Inland towns 81 36 77 38 * Includes those towns effected by the ebb and flow of the tides as shown in Figure 1. -9- Figure 1. MAINE'S COASTAL AREA H A 0 C K K 0 x SA CIA Eighty percent of the beach-goers felt that government should obtain more rights-of-way to the water. Respondents from inland areas felt as strongly as coastal residents. Coastal residents also found it more difficult to get to beaches than in the past, citing increased posting and new landowners'not allowing the public to use their land. Many fe6l it is a growing problem. Table 4 presents data on access and overcrowding problems broken down by the beach-goer's favorite beach. Popham and Old .Orchard Beach are the most difficult to get to and use in a beach-goer's opinion, while Popham and Reid are the most frequently congested. Only five percent of those surveyed have had conflicts with other people on the beach. Table 4 RESPONSES BROKEN DOWN BY FAVORITE BEACH Problems getting % of to or using a Beach 'Respondents favorite beach Overcrowding** Reid 13 38% 69% Popham 12 57% 74% Old Orchard 8 47% 67% Crescent* 4 25% 0% Other 63 42% 55% Survey Total 100% 40% 56% Sample size.too small for reliable data Overall survey response to this question was that seven percent of the respondents felt their favorite beach area was continually over-crowded, thirty one percent felt it was often over-crowded, and eighteen percent felt it was overcrowded onl,y on occasion. Forty one percent of the respondents found it more difficult to reach beaches than it was in the past. When asked to cite why access was more of a problem the percentages broke down as follows (respondents could check more than one so percentages do not total 100): 58% Increased posting, 49 New landowners not allowing the public to use their land 36 Subdivisions and commercial developments, 24 Longtime landowners changing their minds about the public using their land, and 16 Other (parking, traffic, overcrowding). Private Beach Users A seperate portion of the survey queried users of private beaches to determine what type of land they crossed to get there, how long it had been crossed and whether there had been any confrontations or agreements with owners of land that is crossed to get to the beach. Eighty respondents (62%) use private beaches. Their answers are as follows: often sometimes never don't know Cross public land 27% 29% 19% 24% Cross private land 18 29 33 20 Sixty two percent of the people who cross private land do not have an agreement with the landowner although the landowner does not stop them. Fifteen percent claim the landowner does not know they cross and twenty one percent have had the landowner try to stop them. Only twenty six percent of the people wno cross private land have formal agreements with the landowner. -12- Recreational Boating Recreational boating in Maine has increased tremendouslY in the past decade. There were 119,038 boats registered in Maine iri 1985, an over twenty percent increase since 1974. Ninety five percent of these boats are used for recreation and forty percent of the boats registered in Maine are used on the ocean. (These figures do not include nonmotorized boats or those registered in other states.) Recreational boaters need a boat launch, dock space, harbor space and/or moorings. In many larger harbors, these boaters compete with commercial fishermen for the same facilities. To contact recreational boaters, ever*y seventh person from the Department of Inland'Fisheries & Wildlife Boat Registration list was sent a questionnaire. Six hundred questionnaires were distributed; three hundred and six were returned (51%). Coastal boaters were separated from those who boat only in fresh water. One hundred and seventy responses were used to generate the data. This portion of the survey did reach out-of-staters with boats registered in Maine because the-ir data could not be factored out. The number of respondents from each county is given in Table 5. Eight percent of the data is from recreational boaters that reside in inland counties. Many respondents owned more than one boat, broken down by percentages they are: 26@ canoe 29 sailboat 63 power boat 23 fishing or lobster boat Twenty percent owned boats greater than twenty five feet long. Most of those polled launch their boat in southern to mid-coastal Maine. The majority launch their boat from a municipal boat facility (47%). Private marinas and landings are used by thirty eight percent; unpaved, informal facilities on private property are used by nineteen percent, and eleven percent use State-owned7 boat facilities. Only one percent of the respondents used federal boat facilities. -13- TABLE 5 R1MATIMAL BOATUG SURM BY COUNTY County of % Public Experience Need Access Respondents access sites conflicts more more are inad- in harbor right- difficult quate of-ways than in the past York* 18 10 47% 57% 75% 40% Cumberland 42 24 42 33 61 41 Sagadahoc 16 9 50 29 69 68 Lincoln 26 15 33 26 77 50 Knox 19 11 59 27 53 35 Waldo 6 3 25 40 33 25 Hancock 21 12 50 35 47 37 Washington 8 5 56 20 71 63 Inland 14 8 25 0 100 58 Total 170 100 45% 3276 b47o 4b7o (Respondents could check more than one facility so the percentages total more than one hundred.) That percentage of respondents within the county from towns in the coastal zone (see figure 1); inland towns are in a separate category. Forty-five percent of those polled feel that existing boat launches do not meet their needs. Inadequate parking was the most common problem along with sites that are unusable throughout the full tide cycle. Waldo and Lincoln Counties appear to meet the needs of their.residents better than other coastal region 's. Trouble spots mentioned by those surveyed were Kittery, Falmouth, Bath, Sorrento, Jonesport, and especially Round Pond in Bristol. A strong majority of boaters (64%) feel that government should establish more public rights-of-way to the water. As presented in Table 5 this was a unanimous concern for boaters from inland areas. Since 1977, the Bureau of Parks and Rdcreation has assisted in establishing 44 coastal boat launches, yet forty-five percent of the respondents felt that getting to boat launching areas is more difficult than in the past. This is particularly true-for residents in Sagadahoc and Washington Counties and from inland regions. The most common explanation cited by respondents was landowners not allowing the public to use their land and longtime owners changing their minds about the public use of their land for launching. -14- Figure 2 identifies areas that according to boaters need more boat launches. Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Cumberland 'Counties are most in need of facilities according to recreational boaters. The needs identified by boaters did not always coincide with the areas identified by town officials. Coastal boating has increased -significantly in the past decade with a concurrent rise in demand for facilities. Conkling et al. (1984) monitored recreational boat use of,islands in P-en3-bscot Bay from 1979 to 1983. In 1982 and 1983, the percentage of boats observed moored near islands during random sitings nearly doubled compared to previous years, from 32% to 58%. Figure 2. BOATING FACILITIES NEEDED AS IDENTIFIED H,Mpden, BY RECREATIONAL BOATERS SURVEYED Winterport rinkforr 0 Prospect to, @n @ S of Searsport Belfast City Augusta City Northport Hallowell City Chelsea Lincoln.ill, ngdale % Camden L N Rockport RichmOnd Pittston Wild.b.r. Warren .1,K C Aina ki hontas d wo ton ts A . Z IAM go at 4 South Thomaston G Qc Edp- ristol Topsham Wool - Omb jcn South Brunswick Q Freeport 0 Falmouth Monhelan Pit Arpswell A out ortland Cit CAPV liz@beth C,0 14 #11 46 014 Wells stasith 0guaqvit Berwick M y k Eliot A; % Cilv % + 4@ Cil, Edmunds Marion T-p Veitic I Lubec Bangor Lu,t City M"niA, Whiting Yl C.0" /,Urringwn C'.1urnhiu J.nesboro v\ Bucksport befryfield H A N 0 C K 1 10 so Franklin 18 SO Addi-. Ellsworth Orland City T7 be Verona Hancock lli@An SO Ste. Surry orrento Penob-ot at, Be at Hill Bar Harbor rookwilt: Mount Dewt 0 :,Fran try Oeer T7 Isle loc. North Ha n r\jK x St ninit n an, Frenchilwo LEGEND A do.cks 1% Qu t 0 ramps 0 moorings 10 marinas Matinicus Isle Pit Waterfowl Hunters Waterfowl hunters along the coast of Maine have broader requirements than other user groups contacted in this survey in that they are not as tied to specific launching or beach areas. Since the hunting season is in the fall, hunters avoid many other recreationists and conflicts with summer residents. In 1984, there were 26,280 duck stamps sold in Maine. Because there is a collector's market for duck stamps not all of these stamps were bought by hunters. The actual number may be between 20,000 and 25,000. Hunters were contacted through sales records of duck stamps kept by the Migratory Bird Division of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Four hundred questionnaires were sent from a random selection and one hundred and fifty.nine were returned (40%) (see appendix for data). Data were compiled by the areas that hunters used. As Table 6 indicates, hunters use the entire Maine coast but concentrate in the region from Casco Bay to South Bristol. Ninety two percent of those polled cross private land to reach their hunting spots yet only nine percent have been stopped by land'owners. Sixty percent of the land they use for hunting has been crossed for at least three generations. Seventy-six percent of the respondents feel it is more difficult now to get to hunting areas than in the past especially the southern coast from Kittery to South Portland and the area around Frenchman's Bay. Hunters identified new landowners not allowing the public to use their land and increased posting as the most significant factors for this change. Eighty-two percent of those polled feel this is a continuing or growing trend. Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed feel they are unable to get to areas of the Maine coast where they would like to hunt. The area from Blue Hill to Beals as shown in Table 6 is especially problematic. Hunters overwhelmingly felt that government should obtain more public rights-of-way (88%). TABLE 6 WATERFOWL HUNTERS RESPONM BY AREA IN WHIM TM HUNr (in percentages) Area % that More Unable Continuing Need hunt this difficult to reach Problem more area than in areas rights of the past way Kittery to Kennebunkport 16 96 18 91 90 Kennebunkport to South Portland 17 92 25 96 96 Casco Bay 27 79 47 76 89 Merrymeeting Bay 39 80 40 84 88 Phippsburg to S. Bristol 20 79 43 82 88 Muscongus Bay 10 86 36 93 92 E. Penobscot Bay 13 71 44 78 89 W. Penobscot Bay 16 68 36 73 86 Blue Hill and Jericho Bays 6 56 56 56 80 Frenchman Bay 10 93 62 93 93 Prospect Harbor to Beals 7 70 50 70 89 Jonesport to Cutler 7 60 10 60 100 Cutler to Lubec - - - - - Cobscook and Passamaquoddy Bays 2** 100 67 100 100 Overall Response 152* NA 76% 38% 82% 88% Number is greater than respondents, since hunters could check more than one area. Number of respondents not enough to generate significant data. -19- Surfeasters Forty two members from several surfcasting clubs in southern Maine were contacted and seventy six percent returned questionnaires. The respondents resided from Machias to York, although most were from southern Maine. Although the data is sparse, their concerns were consistent. (Responses were not broken down geographically.) Town officials contacted as part of this survey also were questioned about surfcasting areas and those findings are mentioned later in this report. Surfeasters fish on open sandy beaches generally between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. except when the bluefish are running. They require access to the shore and usually parking facilities but because of their hours, they do not compete for resources and facilities with many other user groups. Fifty percent of the respondents have had problems getting to beaches where they like to fish mostly because of inadequate parking facilities and fences constructed by private landowners on traditionally used paths. Since most surfcasting is done at night, state parks which close at sundown provide no access. Reid State Park is open until 2 am for fishermen. Seventy percent of those polled cross private land to reach their usual fishing spots. About one-third have had landowners try to stop them while one third had formal agreements with landowners. Seventy eight percent claim that the land they cross .has been crossed for at least three generations. Seventy six percent of those surveyed felt it is more difficult now to reach surfcasting areas than in the past. New landowners not allowing the public to use their land and increased posting were cited by surfcasters for this change. Eighty one percent felt that government should establish more rights-of-way to the shore. -20- Clammers and Wormers Mudflats cover over 49,000 acres along the Maine Coast and are harvested for soft-shell clams, quohogs, and marine worms. Clams are the State's third largest fishery responsible for over $6.5 million in 1982. Sandworms and bloodworms, found in mudflats above the low water mark, are favored bait used by salt water fishermen. Because of high demand, the bait worm fishery is the fourth most valuable fishery in Maine after lobster, finfish and clams. Marine worm harvesting is concentrated in Lincoln, Hancock and Washington Counties. Clammers and wormers must have a way of getting to the flat muddy areas of the coast that emerge during low tide. While these mudflats are found throughout the coast they are concentrated in Washington and Hancock Counties and have been harvested for generations. In addition to getting to these mudflats, clammers and wormers'usually need a vehicle to transport their bulky harvest. Driving a car, truck, or boat close to clam flats is essential, so a road, path, or boat launch as well as parking is needed. Most - clam flats can be reached by boat, although this increases a clammer's or wormer's harvesting costs. To contact these user groups, every seventh clammer and wormer from the license records of the Department of Marine Resources was sent a questionnaire. Of the two hundred and fifty five clammers and wormers contacted, one hundred and twenty one (47%) responded from sixty four Maine towns. The survey reached a cross section of clammers and wormers whose harvesting either contributed less than ten percent (31% of the respondents) to more than half (42%) of their annual income. Thirty nine percent of the respondents clam or worm for three months or less and forty percent clam for six months or more. Digging is concentrated in Washington and Hancock Counties, whereas only one response was generated in York County (less than 1%). Clammers and wormers claim that three quarters of the accessways they use to get to their flats have been used at least three generations, yet sixty percent of those surveyed have had recent problems getting to these areas. Their problems vary from crossing private property, irate summer people, shoreline development, insufficient or crowded boat launches and lack of parking. Eighty seven percent of the. respondents cross private land to reach clamflats. Although most of those who cross private land have informal agreements with the landowner, thirty four percent have had a landowner try to stop them. Many respondents -21- co'mplain they have been told to leave the flats by upland owners. Several have had their cars towed and roadways chained or blocked; one clammer was threatened with a shotgun. It is no coincidence that as a group, clammers and wormers were the most affected group contacted in this study. They have been hardest hit by the loss of access. Although their pathways have been used for generations, for the most part they are not legally established and documented rights-of-way. Most clammers and wormers (68%) felt that access is more of a problem now than in the past and attribute this change to new landowners and increased posting. Eighty three percent of those polled felt that more public rights-of-way are needed. Many of those that did not feel more are needed owned access to their digging flats. Table 7 shows down clammers and wormers perceptions of access by county. (Note that York, Sagadahoc and Waldo Counties had too few respondents to generate meaningful data). As shown in the data above, clam and marine worm harvesters are definitely loosing access to their digging flats. In Washington County, land use pressures and ownership turnover do not seem as intense. The problem may be worse than these figures suggest because several'of those surveyed claimed that they were not having access problems now use boats to avoid the shoreline. Figure.3 identifies where clammers and wormers are having problems by town. Access problems are more prevalent in the mid-coast region even though harvesting is concentrated downeast. -22-. Table 7 CLAMMERS, AND WORMERS PERCEPTIONS OF ACCESS TO CLAM FLATS (in percentages) Feel govern- Unable to Feel access ment should cross land is more establish Cross Cross to reach difficult Continuing more Number of Private Public harvesting now than or growing rights- County Respondents Land Land areas in past problem of-ways I Cumberland 10 60 .100 40 70 70 80 ro Sagadahoc* 2 100 100 100 100 100 100 Lincoln 9 100 89 78 78 89 78 Knox 7 86 71 100 71 100 71 Waldo* 2 100 50 50 100 100 100 Hancock 32 91 73 69 74 84 78 Washington 46 89 65 52 59 77 58 Number of respondents too small to generate significant data. Figure 3. TOWNS IN WHICH SELECTED CLAMMERS AND ,WORMERS HAD ACCESS PROBLEMS H,rnpde, Winterport rankfort 0 Prospect c, 101% toc .. Semsport Belfast City Augusta City Northport City Cincol @W' ar @ Chelse& ingd,le Camden o., Rockp,,, L N Richniond Pittston 0 Warren 0 ,@ Wj1dol-ro 01 Aina elkin, t@ hornas d T*p 4, South Thomaston SAG 10 Oc Edge- Topsham Wool - comb 1,11tol I -Ch South Brisi,j Brunswick 0 .0 12 Freeport cil Mcinhrgan Pit F.1-outh 6_,, arps ell out ortland city pe lizabeth Saco City 0/ *z 14 1 Wells iouth op"Wit 8"lick York Eliot -24@ Ciijis Citv Perry E.i,, po. r City Edmunds It V1 rion Twp VCave T f, I-L'bec Bangor La, I city Whiting mjchi@' Cer'I't"11C Culler rringl." 10 esburo Col nia BLicksport herryfield H A 0 C K is ID Franklin -7@ TIO SO, '0 .0 0 Addko. Ellsorth 1:1 11 Orland City Hanc.ck ullivan so Steuben Verona ortento Penobscot Sorry 0 Blue Hill Bar Harbor Brookwille Mount Desert 0 Isles Dee, North Ha Isle x Sw Frenchbwo St ington ans @ QAu. matinicus Isle PIt -25- Fishermen Commercial fishing is most prevalent in Cumberland, Knox, Hancock and Washinaton Counties as shown in Table 8. Commercial fishermen compete for dock space, moorings and harbor space with recreational boaters and commercial charters. Most of the problems cited by respondents involved competing for these resources with recreational boaters and the problems were concentrated in York, Cumberland, and Hancock Counties. Two hundred and sixty four questionnaires were sent to Maine commercial fishermen based on a random sample from the Department of Marine Resources license records. One hundred seventy seven questionnaires (67%) were returned. Few access problems surfaced from the commercial fishermen portion of the survey, but problems were more frequent in areas .with considerable recreational boating. Forty seven percent of those polled rely entirely or partially on public dock facilities. Approximately half of the respondents (49%) have problems finding dock space to unload, although eighteen percent of the fishermen who use private docks also have this problem. Table 8 breaks the survey data down by county. York, Cumberland and Hancock Counties appear most problematic, although York County does not have as high a volume of fishing as the others. Particularly difficult areas for' dock space identified by the survey were Falmouth, Harpswell, Machiasport and Eastport. Forty one percent of those polled recognized conflicts between private boats and commercial fishing boats in their harbor. These conflicts are more prevalent in Cumberland, Waldo and Hancock Counties. Particularly bad areas cited by respondents were York, Harpswell, Isleboro, Southwest Harbor, Tremont and Eastport. Inadequate dock space (23%). insufficient moorings (10), too many boats moored in the harbor, private boats traveling too fast in the channel and a general lack of common courtesy (.34% combined) were cited as problems. By county, these figures correspond well with those counties with the largest fishing revenues, although conflicts in York County harbors may result from recreation pressure. Fourteen percent of the fishermen responding to this survey felt there were conflicts between commercial charter.boats and fishermen vying for the same dock space in harbors. Although fishing revenues are high in Lincoln County, according to this survey, recreation pressures are not interfering with the fishing industry. On the other hand, in York County where recreation pressures are intense and fishing revenues low, there are many apparent conflicts. -@26- TABLE 8 OMMCM FISHIM ACTIVIW Number of Fish Landings Value of Difficulty Conflicts County respondents (million landings finding dock between pounds) (millions space'(%) private and of $ 1980)* boats W York 22 12.4 5.4 55 45 Cumberland 43 63.4 23.9 55 51 Sagadahoc** 7 9.8 2.4 33 33 Lincoln 15 9.5 7.7 15 44 Knox 26 65.5 22.1 41 30 Waldo** 6 ---- ---- 67 80 Hancock 28 31.5 17.8 59 50 Washington 24 52.7 13.5 42 33 TOTAL 171 90.8 49 41 Finfish and shellfish from the Department of Marine Resources and National Marine Fisheries Service as cited in Payson 1982. Number of respondents was too low to provide significant data. -27- Local Officials Local officials were surveyed to gain a more complete picture of coastal access issues. Planning board and conservation commission chairpersons, recreational directors and town planners from each of the one hundred and forty four coastal communities were contacted. These include the municipalities along the coast, as well as those along the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers up to Augusta and Veazie, respectively (Figure 1). The survey included questions-from each of the six user group questionnaires discussed previously, as well as general access questions. Regional Planning Commissions and regional land management organizations or agencies were also contacted. Of the more than three hundred questionnaires sent out, one hundred thirteen were returned (approximately 30%). Beaches Sixty three percent of the towns represented in the survey have a beach used by the townspeople. As shown in figure 4, it is a problem getting to or using beach areas in fifty percent of the towns because of inadequate parking, poor facilities, or private landowners not allowing the public to cross their land. Only twenty seven percent of those communities polled felt their beaches were overcrowded, with only ten percent claiming this was a problem more than occassionally. Fifty four percent felt their town needed more public beaches. Problems are concentrated in mid-coastal Maine. Boating Sixteen percent of the municipalities polled do not have public boat launches, as shown in figure 5. The majority that do are municipally owned. Forty seven percent felt that the public boat ramps and launching sites in their community met their resident's needs. These are highlighted in Figure 5 along with those municipalities that felt their boat launching facilities were inadequate. Sites not usable throughout the entire tide cycle, not enough parking and lack of public sites are consistently the greatest problems mentioned. Aside from York County, local officials were more critical than boaters themselves, fifty five percent of which were satisfied with launch facilities available to them. In York County, all the town officials responding to the survey claimed their boat ramps met public demand, while half the boaters felt these sites were inadequate and three quarters felt more rights-of-way were needed. Sixty-four percent of those communities polled have boat docks in town. Consistent with information generated from boaters, twenty seven percent of the communities have noted conflicts at -28- launching sites and in harbors (see Figure 6). These conflicts took the form of competition for space between private and commercial boats, parking problems, monopolized dock space and bottlenecks while launching. As illustrated in figure 8, a majority of local officials (65%) @elt their community needed additional facilities for recreational boaters, especially in southern Maine, Cumberland and Sagadahoc Counties. Boat access ramps were the most frequently cited gap. Surfcasting Only a quarter of the communities surveyed have good surfcasting areas. Since good surfcasting areas are sandy beaches, they are predominantly in southern Maine. Only one third of the communities felt that fishermen have problems reaching these spots. Privately owned upland is crossed in a majority of towns (62%) to reach favored fishing spots, yet only seventeen percent claim the landowner has tried to stop individuals from crossing their land. Over seventy percent of those polled claim the land has been crossed for at least three generations. Conflicts between surfcasters and other users are highlighted in figure 8, as well as access problems identified by surfcasters themselves. The discrepancies between the data generated from surfcasters themselves and town officials are probably the result of the concentration of surfcasters in southern Maine with few fishermen in other regions. The town official data was more evenly distributed. Access problems for recreational fishing as identified by local officials is also presented in figure 9. Waterfowl Hunting Figure 9 highlights areas where access for waterfowl hunting is identified as difficult by both local officials and hunters. Access for hunting is more of a problem around Casco and Merrymeeting Bays. Posting, jack of parking, and access ramps were cited as problems by the local officials. Privately owned upland is crossed to reach good hunting in seventy four percent of the communities. In the majority of cases (53%), landowners know people cross their land to hunt but do not stop them. However, twenty three percent of the town officials recall instances where a landowner has tried to stop hunters from crossing their land. General Access To gain a broader picture,of coastal access, the survey asked local officials general questions about access. Their answers are broken down by county in table 9. Twenty eight percent cited problems such as development and new lando wners as reasons for more conflicts over coastal access in their * municipality. Eighty percent of those polled claimed they were aware of one to four rights-of-way held by the municipality -29- (although almost one third said some have uncertain or disputed ownership), and another seventy eight percent felt that government needs to establish more public rights-of-way to the water, especially in southern Maine and Hancock County. In fifty-four percent of the towns, people often cross private land to get to the shore, this is particularly true in Hancock and Washington Counties. A majority of the municipal officials (60%) felt that getting access to the coast is much more difficult than in the past, especially in York and Hancock Counties. New landowners not allowing the public to use their land was cited as,the primary reason for loss of access together with increased posting, development and increased demand. A majority of officials (87%) see this as a growing problem. While fifty three percent of those polled know areas in their communities no longer available to the public, table 9 illustrates that it is especially prevalent in Hancock County. TABLE 9 IDCAL OFFICIAL SURVEY RESPONSES (in percentages) of Gov't should Cross Used to Access more Towns est. more private cross private difficult responding* rights-of- land land but now than in County way can't now the past York 8 86 50 43 88 Cumberland 14 79 36 33 43 Sagadahoc 6 83 40 0 50 Lincoln 16 71 38 50 50 Knox 4 50 69 50 75 Waldo 3 67 0 33 67 Hancock 15 85 37 91 91 Washington 12 64 67 50 71 Kennebec 4 100 33 33 67 Penobscot 4 75 50 50 25 Total 86 .78 54 54 0 -31- Figure 4. BEACH ACCESS .PROBLEM AS Hirnipjen REPORTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS WinterPort rankfort 0 Prospect to %00 ; 5 SeArsport Belfast City Augusta City Norrhpo 0 1 't H,llo-il City chelse ingdale Camclen N Rockport Rich-od Pittston rT,-7%k *4rren K 0 Ain, homai 11 too 0.%s SA Edge South ThOmaston G Topsh,m comb nstol outh Bristol Brunswick 0 10 Freepor 0 0115 Morth San Pit F, ouch arpswell 'o out S, ortland Cit Ape fizabeth S. City 11, 411) Im Wells Sault% Ogunquit 9"Wick Yark Elim Irk. -32- 40' Ci, % % Eastport + Scit, Edrn "i Marion T.p Veam T.P Lubec Bangor L-t city '5 whiling Cutlef )rringloll @b to W,pirl herryfield -7@ 1 1() so "'11% A N 0 C K Ts so Franklin- Addo.", Ellsworth T7 0,U.d City Ack ullivAn Steuben rona to Penobscot Beals Blm Hill a,, Harbor ,ooksville ount Dewsel t S bCranberly Wes Deer 17 No Isle x St nington S ans F,enchkwo d= 31"d 11t7 @A. Au Haut LEGEND Matuticus 10* int problems getting to or using the beach overcrowding A conflicts from different users -33- Figure 5. PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHING NEEDS AS l0ntpd- REPORTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS winte,p-t nkforz S -port Belfast City Cily Northport H,110-11 City Lincol-ille Chelsea CAMd" N R.ck "Izz Richmond Pittston @10 wildob.- Waven 01 0 IlkA AlnA h Noma I is tOn j South Thomaston SA OLA Edge Topsham Wow - comb risto( .,ch South Bluns.i,k Freeport A Monhc;An Ple 6- Falmouth Arps ell out Oftland SA 0 City AM lizabeth C* 46 404 Wells Outh Ogunquit ck k If. tat 4b -34- Cx- z %I Perr, Ea,ro-t C; I, Edmunds Mari.on T-p vealic T@P Lubec Bangor Li't 0 rringiun on sbor C"Itinthij aucksport hc,ryfieid H A N 0 C K 1-10 SD "A' ,o Franklin a, I @kddwm Ells@orlh T7 Orland City HAncock ulli-ri SD Steub.n a Verona orrento sorry Penobscot seals Blue Hill Bar HArbjb Ilk Wooks.ille Mount r Z@' 'c;'Q 6% cl Desert 0 "o ,,Franberry IsIn .O'b e North H, Isle 10 . 'k Fre"chbora x St nington an, a --A 114n" %le A. aut LEGEND public boat launches meet needs Matinicus Isle Pic. A public boat launches do not meet needs no public boat launches -35- Figure 6. CONFLICTS BETWEEN BOATS IN HARBORS AS REPORTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS WinEerport 0 Prospect Searspo r Belfast City Augusta city @North ort Hallowell City Lincol-Ile ar Chelsea ingdale C-de. C. ot, N Rockport Richmond Pittston 0 Warren N 0 W,ld.bo,. Aina homal er4ins [on C,d 0 4 South Th.m,ston is SA 0C Edoe 41 if Topsham W0.1 - comb South j:@, Bristol Brunswick 4 Fre,eport of 11 e3 6- M onhegAn Pit Falmouth rps .0 1@ 11.1 1119 d out ortland Sac 04@ Cil aPt lizabeth City 0 4%' of 40 Wells South olas"Mit Swwkk Yor Eliot -36- City Pcrry E's I po, I + %City Ediriueds % Mar'- T.p J.P E-1 city %Lch- Whiting .QZi U@l Cwl@, mrigwn ).n,,sh.ro Bucksport herryfi.1d H A 0 C K Franklin 1 10 SD is SI) I A Orland rll5worth T7 t'. tily Hanco" ullivan SD Steuben Verona -orrento Surry P,o.bsc-t I Beal, Blue Hill T Bar Harbor Brooksville m unt Desert Isles Deer T2 North Ha Isle x St ning on Sw,,, F,enchboro stand le Ic u ut Matinicus [-,It Plt -37- Figure 7. BOATING FACILITIES NEEDED AS H, REPORTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS Winterport rankfort 0 ... pvc,@ SlIrsport pelfA" City Augusta City N ,hport City Lin@ if ,At -h,@,eA v </C,md- R-kport 1) L N R, c h m,,, r.,1 O'n 0 c V-Jd.h,,- Aln, ki norew . ton South Thomaston SA U C,,ilc rpsto Topsham w".1 - comb outh Bristol Freeport 0 1 0 MontexAn P11 Falmouth .rps.ell out Ortland A 40 City Cape lizabeth Ci "4*7 A 0 NIP Wells South ull Berwick A York Elias A -38- Cil, % EJMundS Marion T.p veazie Sanget Whiting herryfield H A N 0 C K M SD I su F,jnkli. S \dj ...... Ellsworth I I Orland City Wli@arv SD 0 Verona H.incock 0 Steuben Su ry LAI, Penobwof Blue Hill j SA Harbor Brookwille M u- 0 Desert 0 0 0 @nher,y We, D T2 Isic '0" A 0 North IJAQ?iI M X $t nington S.,n, Fre chbora I le LEGFND U Ut A docks ramps moor-.J;-ngs Matinicus Isle Pit marinas -39- Figure 8. ACCESS PROBLEMS FOR FISHING AND SURFCASTING Winterporr 0 Prospect too spo"V Seirspo,-, Belfast City Augusta City Northport Hallo-11 City L;ncQinv,lle Arj - Chclwa ingdale C.tmjc@ R,@ckp, L N Pittston Richmond 0 V, k A, Aina homis C TwP (on South T.1iornistor, SAG Edge Topsham wool. comb ostc,$ ouch Bristol[ l5runs-ck o Freeport o 014 6- Montsectin Pit FAmouth Arpswell d out wiland cill Cape fizAbeth Saco lily tv 19e 44 & Wells Smith 05tarsquit or it Eliot %46 -40- Pm, E,,ipori + EA unds Marion T@p Veazie A Tp L Uhec Bingo 1.3't I Y U %I a@@ Jonesboro Bucksport herrytield -t lio so H A N 0 C K I K SO Franklin Ado-." Ellsworth T- Orland City Hamock ulliv4n SO Steuben 0 Verona rr Surry Penobscot Beals Blue Hill Bar HAfbor r oksville Mount Desert 0 I b U@Frjn er,y 0at, Deer Wes Isle North H4 x St n n ton Frenchboro LEGEND sit Ali Aut problems with access to fishing as reported by town officials conflicts between surfcasters and other users as reported by town officials Matinicus 1516 Pit problems with access identified by surfeasters Figure 9. H,mpde@ ACCESS PROBLEMS FOR WATERFOWL HUNTING Winterport 'Ankfo(, 0 Prospect 'c" to [email protected] atifast City Augusta City Northport City ar . Chefs@, Lmc,@In InSdAt C'n, cko-t L N RiOrnand Pittston Warren 0 Aina 4, -e ton IVID 101 @ourh Thomaston SAG Up 00 T.Psh- I.St c.-b i of iito Brunswock Freep-1 Montsegars Pit F,int-th arpswill 611, out wflAnd City PC lizabeth Saco 4my 91 &e 'k-4 Wells South Dervick York Eliot -42- J- Cil- C.1, Perrv E,,tp.,t I + Edmunds MI'lion TWP I., I L6bcc Bang., LA't city I. 1@ Whmng I Lot, iz- ro Bucksporl 0 C K TIG SID herryfi@ld H A 11 SID Franklin ...... Ells.orth T, Orland ullivAn SID Verona City Steuben Penobscot Surry \IJ Blue Hill Bar Harbor 8rooksville Mount 4 esert P ,@ranberry Deer Isle North Ha x St nington S*,,, .3 Frenchbisto S/,,,d 47 isle A. Haut Matinicus Wo Plt LEGEND town officials aware of access problems waterfowl hunters have access problems -43- GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION The survey revealed geographic differences in people's perception and experiences with access. In southern Maine, the population is large and the coast draws millions of tourists each summer. Resource-based industries are not -major contributors to the economy; fishing and clamming revenues are low. Southern Maine has more public beaches and preserves than other areas along the coast and as a result the region has a tremendous influx of summer residents and tourists. The public access issue in southern Maine involves managing the access that exists and addressing parking problems, trash, and crowded conditions. I Of the recreation groups polled, recreational boaters registered the most problems in this region, citing conflicts with commercial boats in harbors, and lack of public boat facilities. They felt more public rights-of-way were needed. In contrast, local officials from this area generally felt that boating facilities met the needs of boaters in their area. Waterfowl hunters have more problems getting to the shore'in southern Maine than in other regions of the coast. Cumberland and Sagadahoc Counties have experienced tremendous residential growth in the past decade, while still maintaining a viable tourist economy. The area also supports an active fishing industry; Cumberland County has the highest fishing revenues in the State and clamming and worming are prevalent. These counties are hosting a burgeoning recreational boating community requiring the same facilities as the active fishing and clamming sectors. People who boat in this area claim that public boat launching facilities are inadequate and that more rights-of-way to the shore are needed; town officials agree. Propert-y turnover and development are curtailing public access to the shore in this region. The Mid-coast region, encompassing Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo Counties have less tourism pressure than the southern coast or Mt. Desert area. Although Knox County has a very healthy fishing industry, Lincoln and Waldo Counties have low fishing revenues. Although tourism and development pressures are less intense in the Mid-coast region and there are fewer conflicts between fishermen and boaters, the need for access exists here as well. In Knox County, particularly Round Pond, public sites are felt to be inadequate by recreational boaters. Lincoln County residents want more rights-of-way to the shore. Hunters surveyed in this study felt that access for hunting has become more difficult. -44- Tourism and development pressures taper off as one moves north up the Maine coast from the intense pressures in York County. But Hancock County, with Acadia National Park and'Mt. Desert Island, is an anomaly. Hancock County has seen tremendous growth in the last decade and according to the survey, loss of access to the shore. People who hunt waterfowl in this area are particularly affected. In our survey, sixty two percent of those who hunt around Frenchman's Bay are unable to reach areas they would like to hunt. The fishing industry in this area is feeling the impacts of more recreational boaters vying for valuable harbor and dock ,space. Fishermen polled in this survey feel they are being squeezed out. Clammers and wormers especially, are losing valuable accessways to their shellfish grounds. Loss of public access to the shore was an overwhelming concern of town officials in this area. Traditional coastal values of the past are more apparent in Washington County. Its distance from major metropolitan centers and transportation routes relieve it from the tourism pressures of the Southern coast. According to our survey, recreational demand for shoreline access is less severe. The need for public boat facilities, especially launches, was cited by town officials and boaters in this region, who are finding it more difficult to reach the shore. Although Washington County supports a large clamming and worming industry, access to mudflats is less of a problem than else here in the state. Compared to other regions along the coast, there appear to be fewer access problems. In summary, this survey documents for the first time the loss of public access to Maine's coast and highlights problematic areas. The amount of publicly owned or conservation land has doubled since the 1970s, yet Maine residents believe that their access to the coast is jeopardized. The demands on our coast are increasing from both our resident population growth and the strong tourism growth. We also are experiencing a transition in our use of the coast, shifting from informal accessways and traditional understandings with neighbors to publicly-owned and maintained parks, walkVays and boat ramps. -45- REFERENCES Conkling, Philip W. and Raymond E. Leonard, 1984. Monitoring recreational boat numbers in Penobscot Bay,1979-1983, in. P.W. Conkling, R.E. Leonard and W. H. Drury People and Islands: Resource Management for Islands in the Gulf of Maine, the Island Institute, Rockland, Maine. Maine Department of Conservation (DOC) 1983. Maine Assessment and Policy Plan for Outdoor Recreation (M-APIP-7, Division of Planning and Research a St. Pierre, James, 1978 , The Maine Coast: Recreation and Open Space, prepared for the Committee on Coastal velopment and Conservation St. Pierre, James, 1978 b, Public Access to the Coast in Maine prepared for the Maine Department of Conservation State Development Office, 1986. Non-resident survey of Maine travelers, August, 1984 - July, 1985. -46- I APPENDIX -47- Coastal Access Questionnaire -Beach Activities- n = 169 General Information SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES a. In what town do you live? n 169 AND RESPONSES b. How many people are in your household? response not compiled c. What are the age ranges of the individuals in your household? (n=164) 18% 0-4 67% 18-44 23% 5-12 43% 45-64 17% 13-17 20% 65 plus d. How familiar are you with means of access to the coast? (n=168) 14% not at all 61% somewhat 24% extremely e. Are you interested in going to the coast for recreation? (n=155) Yes 81% no 19% If yes, please continue with the survey. If no, stop here but please return the survey form. TOnk you. Note A) Percentages m0y total more than 100 because respondents could select more than one answer to many questions. I B) "n" refers to the number of individuals ans@@ring a particular question. Page 2 Page 3 5. Is overcrowding a problem at your favorite beach area? (n=123) I. Why do you go to the beach? (check as many as apply) (n@126) yes 56% no 43% swimming 76% Sunbathing 65% 5A. If yes, how often? picnicking 151 family outing 61% 7% continually walking 70% other . 27% (fishing, boating, clanTung) 31% often 18% only on occasion 2. Where do you generally go? (n= Name of Beach Town Public Private 6. Have you run into conflicts with other people who use the beach? (n=124) 11. Reid 13% - responses not compiled - yes 5% no 95% 2. Popham 12% 6A. If yes, what kind of conflicts? 3. Crescent 4% loud Parties, music, radios 4, Two Lights 0.8% trash OOB 8% Other 62% dogs 3. How many times during the summer do you go? response riot compiled 6B. How often do these conflicts arise? 0 continually 4. Do you have problems getting to or using your favorite beach area? (n=117) 17% often yes 40% no 60% 10% only on occasion 4A. If yes, why? (n=69) (note - respondents could check more than one) 7% beach is on private property private owners prefer public 6C. Would you favor tighter regulations to reduce these conflicts, not use it recognizing that such regulations would cost more to enforce? (n=60) 3% beach is dirty or polluted yes 23% no 77% 33% not enough parking 19% beaches are too far away 7. In general , do you feel government should obtain more public 5% beach is frequented by undesirables rights-of-way to the water? (n=121) 18% facilities (toilets, trash) are inadequate yes 80% no 20% 21% other beach is craded, parking by permit only 7A. If yes, what level of government should? 19% state 15% town 49% both Page 4 Page 5 8. Are there other Maine beach areas you would visit if you had some way to get there? (n=102) Questions for users of private beaches: yes 35% no 65% 8A. If yes, which ones? (n=130) 26% answered 1. Do you cross publicly owned land to get to the beach? 41=78) old Orchard Beach, Harpoell area, island beaches, several didn't 27% often know where the beaches are. 29% sometimes 8B. Why can't you get there now? (n=130) 27% answered 19% never distance & transportation Problems, private property, don't 24% don't know know where the beaches are, expense, parking. 2. Do you cross privately owned land to get to the beach? (n=80) 9. Is it more difficult now to get across to the beaches than it was in JAI Often the past? yes 41% no 59% (n=103) 29% sometimes 9A. If yes, why? (note = respondents could check more than one) 33% never I 25% increased posting 20% don't know ii% long time landowners changing their minds about the public 2A If the land you cross is privately owned (please check as many as apply to 21% using their land the lands you cross): (n=34) 16% new landowners not allowing the public to use their land 26% you have a formal agreement with the landowner 7% subdivisions and other commercial developments 62% you don't have a formal agreement but the landowner knows and does - other parking, traffic, overcrcFAding, trouble with landvrLrd not try to stop you owners, beach open only on weekends. 15% the landowner doesn't know you cross 9B. Do you think this may be a continuing or growing trend? (n=60) 21% the landowner has tried to stop you yes 51% no 9% 9C. Can you give specific examples of loss of acces .s? 25 answers 3. To your knowledge, how long has this land been crossed to reach the beac@ Wells, Beals, Crescent Beach, Small Point, Herntit Island, Popham, area7 (check as many as apply) (n=44) Goose Rocks, Rockland area, Cleaves Cove, Steuben, Berwick, Perraquid 9% less than 10 years Point, Black Point/Ferry Beach area, Biddeford Pool 30% 10 to 25 years iO. Would you like to receive a copy of the survey results? (n=116) 16% it was crossed by your father's generation 75% yes Name 14% it was crossed by your grandfather's generation 25% no Address 52% it's been crossed as long as anyone can remember Page 2 Coastal Access Questionnaire 3. Where do you generally launch your boat in the coastal region? -Boating- Access Site Name Town (n=306) mostly southern to General Information mid coastal Maine a. Do you go boating mostly along the coast or inland? coastal (salt water) 3A. What kind of facility is this? (n=165) inland (fresh water) 1% federal boat facility 11% state boat facility If coastal, please continue with this questionnaire. 47% town boat facility if inland, please stop here but return the survey. Thank you for 38% private marina or landing your time. (174 continued the survey) 19% unpaved, informal facility on private property 5% don't know b. In what town do you live? n=172 4. Do you feel the public boat ramps and launching sites meet boating ne*eds c. How familiar are you with means of access to the coast? (n=171) in the areas you frequent? yes 55% no 45% (n=156) 27* not at all 52% somewhat 4A. If no, what is the problem? 46% extremely 24% not enough parking 12% site locations are too far apart 15% sites are in need of renovation or new launch facilities 24% sites are not usable through the full tide cycle 1. In what town is you Ir boat registered? n=161 13% bottlenecks exist at present sites during peak periods of use 2-10 30% Q-20 26% 17% plenty of private sites exist but not enough sites are available 2. How often during the summer do you use your boat? 25+ 45% (n=47) to the general public - need more public sites 2% sites cost too much to use 3. What kind(s) of boat(s) do you own? (n=164) 13% other no access or inadequate access in the Spruce Head - S. 26% canoe 50% under 16 feet Thomaston area, people travel from as far as 30 miles at S. 29% sailboat 58% 16-25 feet Portland, need paved ramps, ramps are too steep for small cars, 63% powerboat 20% over 25 feet some users monopolize the sites. 23% fishing or lobster boat (note- respondents could check (note resPOrilents COUld check more than One answ-r,, more than one) Page 3 Page 4 5. Have you experienced conflicts at launching sites and in the harbor 7. In general, do you feel government should obtain more public rights-of-way (n=160) between boats? (n=156) to the water? yes 64% no 36% yes 32% no 68% 7A. If yes, what level of government should? (n=102) 5A. If yes, please describe the conflict 19% state 16% bottlenecks while putting in & taking out 18% town 6% dock space monopolized by (not conpiled response too small) 64% both 7% moorings 10% competition for space between private and commercial boats 8. Is it more difficult now to get to boat launching areas Ahtgoit was in the 1% traffic jams in harbors past? yes 46% no 54% 1%. scuba diving 8A. If yes, why? 1% water skiers 10% increased posting 12% parking 18% long time landowners changing their minds about the public using 8% other their land 25% new landowners not allowing the public to use their land 12% subdivisions and other commercial developments 6. Where are more facilities needed? 13% other parking, littering, more demand for existing facilities Town Location a. Docks See figure for this response 8B. Do you think this may be a continuing or growing trend? yes 51% no 49% 8C. Can you give specific examples of loss of access? b. Boat access ramps Termination of access through Centerboard Yacht Club in South Portland. Private landing in Phippsburg closed because of trash and abuse. Tom landings in Georgetown closed beca e e owners. u@@f, MsTE rulm -eby ab"tt=hV C. Moorings Old New Me dows Yacht club sold in @Iest Ia g area. 9. Would you like to receive a copy of the survey results? (n=156) 78% yes Name d. Marinas 22% no Address Page 2 Coastal Access Questionnaire 3. What kind of environment do you hunt in? (you may check more than one) -Waterfowl Hunting- (nmI53) (n=159) 35% ocean 60% tidal bays General Information 57% tidal portions of rivers 50% salt marshes a. In what town do you live? n=159 73% fresh water streams & ponds 2-10 58% b. How familiar are you with means of access to the coast? (n@157) 10-20 35% 8% not at all 4. How many times during the season do you hunt? 20+ 8% 57% somewhat 5. Do you cross publicly owned upland to reach any of your usual hunting spots? 354 extremely (n=149) 20% often 59% sometimes 11% never 1. Where in the coastal region do you hunt? (you may check more than one) @n--140) 9% don't know 16% Kittery to Kennebunkport 16% West Penobscot Bay 17il Kennebunkport to S. Portland 6% Blue Hill & Jericho Bays 6. Do you cross privately owned upland to reach any of you usual hunting spots? 27% Casco Bay 10% Frenchman Bay (n=146) 46% often 39% Merrymeeting Bay 7% Prospect Harbor to Beals 46% sometimes 2N Phippsburg to S. Bristol 7% Jonesport to Cutler 4% never 10% Muscongus Bay 0% Cutler to Lubec 13% East Penobscot Bay 2% Cobscook & Passamaquoddy Bays 4% don't know 6A. If the land you cross is privately owned, please check as many as apply to the land you cross: (n=145) 2. Where is (are) your preferred place(s) to hunt? (n=158) 33% you have a formal agreemnt with the landowner 94 answered Most comTon answers were merrymeeting Bay, Casco Bay, Wello marshes, 70% you don't have a formal agreement but the landowner knows and Fennebunk-Kennebunkport, Saco River, Kennebec River, Biddeford Pool doesn't try to stop you 39% the landowner doesn't know you cross 9% the landowner has tried to stop you Page 3 Page 4 7. To your knowledge, how long has this land been crossed for purposes of 9. Oo you feel you are unable to get to areas along the Maine coast where you (n=136) hunting? (check as many as apply) (nz143) would like to hunt? yes 38% no 62% 8% less than 10 years 9A. If yes, where are these areas and why can't you get there? 3% 10 to 25 years 17% it was crossed by your father's generation 8% it was crossed by your grandfather's generation 52% it's been crossed as long as anyone can.remember 8. Is it more difficult now to get to hunting areas than -it was in the past? 10. In general, do you feel go vernment should obtain more public rights-of-way to . yes 76% no 24% (n=152) the water? yes 88% no 12% (6@145) 8A. If yes, why? (n=l 17) IOA. If yes, what level of government should? in=)28) 55% increased posting 25% state 11% long time landowners changing their minds about the public using 3% town 72%. both their land 60% new landowners not allowing the public to use their land 11. Would you like to receive a copy of the survey results? (n=147) 38% subdivisions and other commercial developments 90% yes Name 11% other out-of-staters, anti-hunting attitude 10% no Address 88. Do you think this may be a continuing or growing trend? yes 82% no 18% 8C. Can you give specific examples of loss of access? (See figure ten) 80 answers Indian Pt. Georgetown, Chop Creek, along the Androscoggin in Djrharn developmnt on Spar Cove Page 2 Coastal Access Questionnaire 4. Do you cross publicly owned upland to reach any of your u1sual fishing -Surf Casting- (n=32) spots? (n=25) General Inforynation 32% often 48% sometimes a. In what town do you live? not ccupiled, 8% never 12% don't know b. Now familiar are you with means of access to the coast? (n=31) 6% not at all 5. Do you cross privately owned upland to reach any of your usual fishing 42% somewhat 52% extremely spots? (n=26) 27% often 50% sometimes 1. Where in the coastal region do you fish? (not coMiled) 15% never County Town Location 8% don't know Area A Area B Area C 5A. If the land you c ross is privately owned, please check as many as apply to the different land you cross: (n=21) 2. How often during.the year do you fish? (not coupiled) 33% you have a formal agreement with the landowner 62% you don't have a formal agreement but the landowner knows and 3. Have You experienced problems in getting onto the beaches where you like (n=26) doesn-t try to Stop YOU to fish? yes 50% no 50% 52% the landown er doesn't know you cross @A. If yes, what kind of problems did you encounter? 31% the landowner has tried to stop YOU parking, particularly after dark state parks closed at night access to Higgins Beach a problem Page 3 Page 4 6. To your knowledge, how. long has this land(s) been crossed for the purpose 9A. If yes, where are these areas and why can't of fishing? (check as many as apply) (n=22) Old Orchard Beach, Scarboro area, 5% less than 10 years Higqins Beach, Cape Elizabeth 32% 10 to 25 years major problems were parking and private property. 27% it was crossed by your father's generation 14% it was crossed by your grandfather's generation 10. Is it more difficult now to get to surf casting areas than it was in the 64% it's been crossed as long as anyone can remember past? yes 76% no 24% 7. Do you, as a fisherman, have conflicts with others who would like to use 1OA If yes, why? (n=19) the surf casting area (i.e. beach, pier, etc.) for other purposes? (n=27) 56% increased posting yes 19% no 81% 28% long time landowners changing their their land 7A. If yes, please briefly describe any conflicts. 72% new landowners not allowing the publ few responses, not compiled 32% subdivisions and other commercial de 16% other B. In general, do you feel government should establish more legal 10B. Do you think this may be a continuing rights-of-way to the water? yes 81% no 19% (n=27) yes 100% no 0% 8A. If yes, what level of government should? (n=23) l0C. Can you give specific examples of loss 22% state 13 answers 4% town Higgins Beach, Scarboro Beach, Ferry Beach 74% both 9. Do you feel you are unable to get to areas along the Maine coast where you 11. Would you like to receive a copy of the survey results? (n=26) would like to surf cast? yes 56% no 44% (n=27) 82% yes Name -continued on next page- 15% no Address Page 2 Coastal Access Questionnaire 3. Have you found, from personal experience, that getting to the flats is a -Clammers/Wormers- (n=119) (n=121) problem? yes 60% no 40% 3A. If yes, briefly describe the problems. (n=120) General Information 73 answers crossing private property, sone towns restrict access to local a. In what town do you live? n=120 residents, problem with boat launching, Parking. summer People. road5 blocked by snow, b. How familiar are you with means of access to the coast? (n=119) not at all - 4.- Do you cress publicly owned land to reach the flats? *n=118) somewhat 43% 21% often extremely 56% 56% sometimes 17% never C. How much does clamming or worming contribute to your income? (n=116) 6% don't know 31% less than 10% 17% 25% to 50% 5. Do you cross privately owned land to get to the flats? (n=117) 8% 10% to 25% 42% more than 50% 38% often 49% sometimes 9% never 1. Where do you generally harvest ? (n=109) 3% don't know County Town Flats 5A. If the land you cross is privately owned, please check as many as apply: Area A Harcock 29% not ccapiled by cc@@@ 38% you have a formal agreement with the landowner (n=106) Area 8 WashingFtOn 43% 73% you do not have a formal agreement but the landowner knows and does Area C Other 28% not try to stop you 2. How many months out of the year do you harvest? (n=118) 43% the landowner doesn't know you cross 39% 0-3 19% 6-9 39% the landowner has tried to stop you 20% 3-6 21% 9-12 Page 3 Page 4 6. To your knowledge, how long has this land been crossed for the purpose of 9A. If yes, why? (n=88) harvesting? 72% winter conditions cut down on access Area A Area B Area C 38% spring mud cuts down on access 11% 6% 10% less than 10 years 68% summer residents cut down on access 14% 21% 20% 10 to 25 years 31% other red tide, flats closed during part of the year for 9% 21% 12% it was crossed by your father's generation reseeding or conservation. 16% 17% 20% it was crossed by your grandfather's generation 10. Is it more difficult now to get across to the flats than it was in the 66% 58% 61% it's been crossed as long as anyone can past? yes 68% no 32% remember 10A. If yes, why? (n=81) 75% increased posting 7. In general, do you feel government should obtain more public 38% long time landowners changing their minds about the pulic rights-of-way to the water? yes 83% no 17% (n=116) using their land 7A. If yes, what level of government should? (n--98) 93% new landowners not allowing the public to use their land 21% state 13% town 65% both 17% subdivisions and other commercial developments 4% other 8. Do you feel you are unable to get to areas where you would like to 10B. Do you think this may be a continuing or growing trend (n=101) (n=120) harvest? yes 58% no 42% 69% yes 31% no 8A. If yes, where are these areas and why can't you get there? (n=l20) 10C. Can you give specific examples of loss of access? (n=121) (See figure four) Harrington Meetinghouse Rd., Paul Bunyon Shores, Seals Cove, Eastern Harbor, White's Island West Bath, Partridge Cove in Lamoine development Parker Point Area, Seameadows Area of Cousins Island, 3/4 of Little John's Island, Princes Point Area, Rogers Point Cochran Property mear Jordan River 9. Are there areas you can only harvest during part of the year because in Lamoine. Condominiums in Camden, development at west side of Rockport Harbor. (n=118) water access points are not passable or closed for other reasons? 11. Would you like to receive a copy of the su yes 71% no 29% 89% yes Name -continued on next page- 11% no Address Page 2 Coastal Access Questionnaire -Fishermen- 4. Do you have enough space to do repair work? (n=177) 1 63% yes 37% no ,n=180) General Information 4A. If no, how is space inadequate? (n@69) 23% need more dock space a. In what town do you live? n=180 A need more.area to haul out In% other npp(l A ti limit nn tie-ups- npai r@ to unrie, no eaqinas. b. How familiar are you with means of access to the coast? (n@180) traps anti nets; need more facilities; sumTer boats and people; 3% not at all low tide problens 43% somewhat 5. Do conflicts arise between private boats and commercial fishino boats in 53% extremely your harbor? yes 41% no 59% (n=17 5A. If Yes, please describe; (n=70) 1. What harbor do you fish out of? 23% inadequate dock space Most common were: Portland, Sebasco and Cundy's, Spruce Head, Falmuth Bay, Mackeral Cove, Portsmouth, Southwest Harbor, Barley Island, Stonington, 14% insufficient number of moorings Cape Porpoise, Friendship. 14% other private boats travel too fast in harbor and channel, they don't show ccrnmon curtesies, too many noorings. 6. Do conflicts arise between commercial charter boats and commercial fishing (n=170) boats? yes 14% no 86% 2. Do you use a private or publicly owned dock facility? (n=178) 6A. If yes, please describe: 37% public 51% private 12% both 12% inadequate dock space 1% insufficient number of moorings 3. Is it ever difficult to find dock space for unloading? (n=176) 4% other charters cut off trap lines, don't show common 30% never courtesies. 22% seldom 26% occasionally 7. Would you like to receive a copy of the survey results? (n=178) 23% often 87% yes Name 13% no Address Page 2 Coastal Access Questionnaire 3. Is overcrowding a problem at your beach area? (n@78) (See figure five) Survey of Town Officials' yes 27% no 73% (n=113) a. What town do you work for?.- n=101 3A. If yes, how often? 3% continually 12% often b. What is o r position? (optional) tion Ccram. = 0- d ly on occasion (.=Ig)u 65t 19% on Beach Activities 4. Do conflicts arise between people using the beach for different (n=74) 1. Does your town have a beach used by the townspeople? (n=104) purposes? yes 28% no 72% yes 63% no 37% 4A. If yes, what are the conflicts? IA. If yes, who owns it? (n=68) 23 ans rowdiness and vandalism, 28% state or federal coriflicts with private landowners 63% town 38% privately owned but leased to the town 38% privately owned 6% don't know 4B. How often do these conflicts arise? (n=25) 2. Are there problems getting to or using the beach areas? :n=79) 12% continually (See figure five) 24% often yes 53% no 47% 64% only on occasion 2A. If yes, what are the problems? (n=49) 43% private owners don't like public use of their beach 5. Does your town need more beaches? yes 54% no 46% (n=80) 16% water is dirty or polluted 59% not enough parking 8% beaches are too far away 16% beach is frequented by undesirables 45% facilities (toilets, trash) are inadequate 27% other specific town problenis Page 3 Page 4 Boating 4A. If yes, please describe the conflict (n=27) 37% bottlenecks while putting in & taking out Does your town have a place(s) to launch a boat? yes 84% no 16% 41% dock space monopolized by (n=103) ]A. If yes, who owns it? (n=87) 33% moorings 23% state 52% competition for space between private and commercial boats 62% town .4% traffic jams in the harbor 1% town, )eased to private - scuba diving 16% private - water skiers 44% parking 2. Do you feel the public boat ramps and launching sites meet boating 19% other (n@102) needs in your area? yes 43% no 53% (See figure six) 2A. If no, what is the problem? (n=59) 21% ,not enough parking 5. Are more facilities needed? yes 65% no 35% (n=89) 7% site locations are too far apart 5A. If yes, where? 19% sites are in need of renovation or new launch facilities Town Location 24% sites are not usable through the full tide cycle Docks 23% n=26 n=21 22% plenty of private sites exist but not enough sites are Marinas 12% n=13 n=11 available to the general public - need more public sites Boat Access Ramps 35% n=39 n=.33 2% sites cost too much to use Moorings 17% n=19 n=15 13% other (See figure eight) 3. Are boat docks available in your town? yes 64% no 36% (n=97) 3A. If yes, are they public 35% or private 30% 7 both 35% (n=463) 4. Do conflicts arise at launching sites and in the harbor between boats? yes 28% no 72% (n@83) (See figure seven) (continued on next page) Page 5 Page 6 Fishing 4A. If the land crossed is privately owned (check as many as apply to the land crossed):: (n=52) 1. Are there good surf casting areas in your town? yes 27% no 73% 8% townspeople have a formal agreement with the landowner (n--97) 2. 00 people have problems getting to the beaches where they like to 77% townspeople don't have a formal agreement but the landowner fish? - yes 33% no -67% (n=58) (See figure nine) 35% knows and doesn't try to stop townspeople C@ 2A. If yes, what kinds of problems are encountered? 29% the landowner doesn't know the land is crossed n=21 the landowner has tried to stop individuals from crossing privately owned land, posting, parking 5@ To your knowledge, how long has this land(s) been crossed for the purpose of sport fishing? (check as many as apply) (n@49) 6% less than 10 years 20% 10 to 25 years 12% it was crossed by your father's generation 3. Is publicly owned upland commonly crossed to reach any usual fishing 2% it was crossed by your grandfather's generation spots? .(n=82) 69% it's been crossed as long as anyone can remember 13% often 28% sometimes 6. Oo fishermen have conflicts with others who would like to use the 17% never surf casting area (i.e., beach, pier, etc.) for other gurq@es? (n=61) ee iqure airie) 41% don't know yes 11% no 89% 4. Is privately owned upland commonly crossed to reach any usual 6A. If yes, please briefly describe any conflicts. fishing spots? (n=88) n=7 40% often 22% sometimes 11% never 27% don't know 7. Is fishing allowed off the docks in town7 79% no 21% yes (continued on next page) (n@63) Page 7 Page 8 Waterfowl Hunting 4A. If the land crossed is privately owned (check as many as appply to the lands crossed): 1. Are there areas in your town popular for waterfowl hunting? (n=97) 7% townspeople have a formal agreement with the landowner yes 72% no 28% 58% townspeople don't have a formal agreement but the landowner knows and doesn't try to stop the hunters 2. Do people commonly experience problems in reaching the coastal area, 3U the landowner doesn't know the land is crossed (n@79) where they would like to hunt? yes 20% no 80% (See figure ten) -23% the landowner has tried to stop the hunters from crossing 2A. If yes, what kind of problems do they encounter? n=77 5. To your knowledge, how long has this land(s) been crossed for the posting, lack of parking and access ramps purpose of hunting? (check as many as apply) (n@50) 2% less than 10 years 8% 10 to 25 years 14% it was crossed by your father's generation 8% it was crossed by your grandfather's generation 3. Is publicly owned upland commonly crossed to reach any usual hunting 86% it's been crossed as long as anyone can remember spots? (n=77) 10% often 30%- sometimes General - 23% never 36% don't know 1. Have other problems, not previously mentioned, arisen in your town caused by conflicting uses of the same coastal area, public or 4. Is privately owned upland commonly crossed to reach any usual private? yes 28% no 72% (n=74) hunting spots? (n=79) IA. If yes, what are the conflicts? 41% often n=24 33% sometimes clarnTers and wonners, developuent, new landowners 1% never 25% don't know (continued on next page) Page 9 Page 10 2. How many municipal rights-of-way to the ocean are you aware that 6A. Can you give specific examples of loss of access? your town owns now? (n=60) n=38 80% 1 4 20% 5 10 3. Do many people in your town commonly cross private land to get to 7. In general do you feel government needs to obtain more public (n@93) the ocean? yes 54% no 46% rights-of-way to the water? (n--98) yes 78% no 22% 4. Do townspeople access to the shore across land whose owners i 7A. If yes, what level of government should? (n=81) W779)s uncertain or in dispute? yes 32% no 68% 61 state 22% town 5. Is it more difficult now to get to coastal areas than it was in the 72% both (n--94) past? yes 60% no 40% 8. Are there areas in your town where people would go @f wess was n= 5A.. If yes, why? (n=60) available? yes 87% no 13% 48% Ancreased posting 40% ,long time landowners changing their minds about the public 9. Would you like to receive a copy of the Public Access Handbook using their land recently completed by the Legal Division of MMA? It is,a "guide to 83% new landowners not allowing the public to use their land local officials involved in the process of creating new public 40% subdivisions and other commercial developments rights of access or of determining the extent of existing rights." 15% other more denond, abandoruents of tovm landijigs and rights- yes 91% no 9* (n=104) of-wuy, sunimer people 10. Would you like to receive a copy of the survey results? (n=lW 5B. Do you think this may be a continuing or growing trend? (n=69) 90% yes Nam yes 87% no 13% 10% no Address 6. Is there an area(s) in your town where people used to go but is no (n=74) longer available to them? yes 54% no 46$ -continued on next page- 3 6668 00 00 6728