[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
TC 330 .C6 1987 c.2 Contents Foreword Foreword .................................................2 In both its natural processes and its human Introduction .................. .........................3 culture, the coast of Maine is dynamic. It was Conserving Coastal Lands . .. .. ........................... 5 sculpted by glaciers and continues to be shaped Wildlife ....... ......... .............................7 by wind and waves. It was home to prehistoric Critical Areas Program .. ... ...........................8 people over 5,000 years ago. It was a battle- Public Access .................... .... ..... ................9 ground in French and Indian wars, and a ship- Economic Growth . .. ............. . ...................11 building capital renowned throughout the world. Growth Management ...................................... 13 Cumulative Impacts of Growth .............................15 Today, Maine's coast continues to change. Marine Pollution ..... 17 Once considered the country's northeastern Working Waterfronts .. per . Lib.....18 rontier, it has become a vacationland that draws Seafood Prices ...........................................20 more than 5 million visitors each year. Residents Aquaculture . ...... U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NO of coastal Maine are finding more employment Ports and Harbors CENTER ......24 opportunities and a better standard of living. But Energy Development .CASTAS' CETE ... .... 26 they are concerned as well. Amidst all the Shoreline Hazards .....2234. S.UT HOBS N.. AV. NUE ......28 change, they wonder if our state can retain the Freshwater ..........GHARLESTON , S 295- 43 ...29 qualities that make it unique -- its traditional ma- Tourism .................................................30 rine trades, quaint coastal villages, and clean Photo Credits ........................... .........31 bays and harbors. Maine Coastal Program ...................................32 The question rests with the people of Maine. #:3.*,~ We face hard choices on a wide range of coastal issues --from aquaculture and public access, to energy development and rising sea level. Before we can make wise decisions on these issues, we ........i' 1.... :*'~ ,1 11 |must understand the nature of the challenges that face us. This handbook offers a variety of viewpoints on some of the more compelling coas- tal issues. We hope that it will help show you how our coast is changing. If Maine is to carry the best of its maritime heritage into the future, we must work together learning about the issues, engaging in produc- -,^f fi.:~J^l~ ~ ~ tive dialogue, and working cooperatively at all levels. We look forward to working with you. Richard H. Silkman Director York State Planning Office Maine Coastal Program Cover photo: Joe Devenney Station 38, 184 State Street Editing and Design: Flis Schauffler, Augusta, Maine 04333 Coastal Communications Coordinator 207/289-3261 Production: Lorraine Lessard and Director: David Keeley Twin City Printery This public document was printed by the Maine Coastal Program, with funding provided by the Federal Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under Section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. All opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Maine Coastal Program. 2 Introduction by David Keeley, Director, Maine Coastal Program *-u.-~~~~otan ed ih peninsulas and 3,000 i s ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Porlands dotead tobLiffret. with lighthouses and lobster shacks. Suhr an Over a century ago, Maine-built Maine can develop differently - Suhr an schooners carried granite, timber, and strengthening its economy withiout ice from our coast to ports all over the destroying its prime coastal re- Maine's southern coast, which ex- world. Along the coast, we take pride sources. By carefully conserving our tends from Kittery (at the New in our maritime heritage and feel a scenic areas and wildlife refuges, re- Hampshire border) to Freeport, is the "sense of place"; we recognize that the juvenating our ports and marine in- most intensively developed portion of coast's natural beauty and quality of dustries, and fostering growth that the state. This region has many of the life make Maine different from other complements the natural landscape state's 78 miles of sandy beaches, states. and enhances local communities, we which are the most dynamic natural will carry the best of Maine's past into areas along the coast. Rapid growth, though, is changing the future. Maine's coast. While strengthening In terms of population and con- the state's economy and stimulating The Coast and Its People struction, York County is the fastest- S employment, it threatens some of the growing county in Maine. Towns such ,,very qualities that make Maine differ- Maine's coastal area, which in- as York, Wells, and Kennebunkport --ent. The challenge before Maine today cludes lands along tidal rivers, con- enacted temporary building morator- __ to balance development of coastal tains over 50 percent of the state's ia in the early and mid-1980s so they resources with conservation of natur- year-round population. In the past 10 could develop effective local land use al resources and traditional ways of years, population in the coastal area controls. In the Town of York alone, * life. If Maine fails in this effort, it will has increased 14 percent (roughly $20 million worth of land was bought no longer be different. Its beaches, 3,100 people per year) and employ- by developers in the last half of 1985, like New Jersey's, will be closed be- ment has increased 32 percent. Two- and real estate sales have increased cause of debris floating ashore; its thirds of state residents now work in by over 400 percent since 1985. Cas- shorefront homes, like those on Cape Maine's 144 coastal towns. Although co Bay, dotted with more than 140 is- Cod, will tumble into the ocean. it constitutes only 12 percent of lands, provides plentiful marine 3 resources and outstanding recreation- gles and Leach's storm petrels. al boating opportunities. Employment in the mid-coastal Maine's southern section has the region varies from family-owned busi- state's highest employment and per nesses, often serving the summer vis- capita income in Maine. During the itors, to Bath Iron Works (BIW). With 1950s, the region's work force was in- a work force of nearly 9,000, BIW is : volved largely in agriculture, fishing, Maine's largest private employer. The and traditional manufacturing (tex- mid-coastal region has other marine- tiles, leather products, food process- related industries such as boatbuild- ing, and metal products). Today, ing and repair, fishing, and food pro- manufacturing firms have been re- cessing, but its fastest growing - juvenated or replaced by producers of manufacturing industry may well be electronics, instruments, plastics, and printing and publishing. industrial machinery. As along the southern coast, the Service sector jobs now dominate in service sector still provides most of this region, constituting over 75 percent the area's jobs. The mid-coast's grow- - - of total employment. The service sector ing popularity as a retirement area along the southern coast includes both supports increasing health service low-wage, low-skill jobs (often part-time) and retail jobs. in retail trade and services, and well- paying, full-time employment in commu- nications, business, education, and The "downeast" region extends from Falmouth Harbor professional services. Penobscot Bay to Calais (on the Cana- dian border). The term "downeast" was The region's attractive landscape and Mid-coastal Maine coined in the late 1800s when sailing relatively slow-paced way of life at- In mid-coastal Maine, from Bruns- schooners followed the prevailing tracts many retirees and summer resi- wick to Belfast, thin peninsulas reach southwesterly Gulf Stream winds that dents. Real estate is in great demand. out between deep estuarine rivers. carried them down, eastward toward Prices for desirable properties in Blue This area's indented coastline offers the Canadian border. Tidal changes, Hill, for instance, have doubled in the well-protected harbors that shelter which reach over 25 feet near the Cana- past two years. Vance Gray, a Blue Hill fishing fleets. Aquaculture, or "sea dian border, are some of the greatest in realtor, notes that people "are not buy- farming," is an expanding industry the world. Coastal wetlands, rivers, and ing property so much as a way of life" along this region's tidal waters. The islands provide excellent year-round an- (Bangor Daily News, 2/27/87). While this roughly 270 islands of Penobscot Bay chorages; and blueberry barrens and influx helps strengthen the region's provide essential nesting habitat to forestland offer seasonal employment economy, it leaves fewer places where more than 26,000 pairs of seabirds, in- opportunities. Over 4 million visitors the public may gain access to the shore- eluding rare species such as bald ea- come to Mount Desert Island each year. line. Public access is particularly impor- tant in this region because many clammers, wormers, and fishermen rely -, - - -, on access to water across undeveloped d::,-Q" ;~:~-*~ E..,~r- ~.~j~, private property. With the possible exception of Ban- gor, the economy of downeast Maine relies on traditional industries such as *- ' � ~. ~ ,~, ~~~~~forest products, fishing, and agricul- ~'~PFX�;~~~~~~~~~~ ?-h ~~ ' ture. Efforts to stabilize fishing and fish-processing employment have met -a Go- a_ _! with moderate success. The agricul- tural sector, based largely on blueber- ~-~~~ ~ ~ jl~~~~i~~~efi~~~~~ry production, has benefitted from improved marketing, product quality, and production processes. _t-~'~ Again, the service sector provides � ":,� -; ~; E"3~::~; 8most of the jobs in the downeast region, especially in retail trade and health services. This region is also at- *.p tracting an influx of retirees and a Clammer growing number of tourists. D 4 Conserving Our Coastal Heritage by Jay Espy, Associate Director, Maine Coast Heritage Trust Maine is renowned for its beauty property value, donors of qualified direct property purchases, and vari- and cultural heritage, but much of its conservation easements may deduct ous leasing arrangements. Like con- unique landscape is sensitive to even the lost value from their federal in- servation easements, these methods minor human disturbance. Maine's is- come taxes as a charitable contribu- protect valued lands and -- often -- lands, for example, are home to some tion. In many cases, the donor can hold attractive tax incentives for land- of the world's most threatened spe- receive estate and property tax owners. Perhaps the most popular cies, like the beachhead iris and benefits. direct-purchase arrangement is the Leach's storm petrel. Some scientists "bargain sale," in which a conserva- estimate that while coastal islands In 1979, the owner of Talbot farm, tion group buys a property below its constitute only 5 percent of the one of Freeport's oldest and most market value -- at a "bargain" price. world's total landmass, they harbor 55 scenic saltwater farms, granted a con- Through this arrangement, both the percent of all endangered species. servation easement to the Freeport landowner and conservation group Conservation Trust. The 81-year-old benefit: the landowner receives a cash Even coastal areas that are not in- owner could no longer operate the payment for the bargain price, plus a nately fragile can be used unwisely farm, but was deeply saddened to charitable tax deduction (equaling the and irrevocably damaged. Scenic vis- think it might be subdivided someday. difference between the property's fair tas, working waterfronts, and prime The Trust established an easement market value and bargain price); and recreational areas (or simply places that allowed continued farming and the conservation group purchases a where the public can reach the shore) maintained the existing buildings, but property at a reduced price to are particularly vulnerable in Maine's prohibited future development. With preserve in its existing state. present climate of rapid development. the conservation easement in place, Once these settings are lost, there are the owner sold the house and 75-acre In Maine, federal programs have no substitutes: without wharf space, dairy operation to a local farmer, as- helped to expand and buffer existing fishermen cannot land their catch; sured that it would always remain an land holdings, including those in Aca- without sufficient recreational areas agricultural and scenic asset for town dia National Park, the Moosehorn and open to the public, we will be denied residents to enjoy. Rachel Carson National Wildlife access to Maine's beaches and rocky Refuges, and the White Mountain Na- shore. Maine's coastal land may also be tional Forest. At the state level, the preserved through outright gifts, Department of Inland Fisheries and Maine's coastal land may be preserved through conservation easements, outright gifts, direct property purchases, and various leasing arrangements. To conserve important land resources, hundreds of people in Maine are using conservation ease- ments in which landowners voluntar- ily restrict future uses of their property. The restrictions are out- lined in a legal document that is grant- ed to a governmental agency (federal, state, or local) or to a conservation group. The easement is permanently incorporated into the property's chain of title so future owners are subject to the easement's limitations. The landowner may still control access to the land, though, and sell (or other- wise convey) the property. Since con- A 75-acre dairy farm Talbot Farm, Freeport servation restrictions often reduce protected by conservation easement. 5 Wildlife, Bureau of Parks and Recre- parcel. The City Council entertained of land and conservation easements. ation, and Bureau of Public Lands all numerous development proposals for acquire land and easements for wild- this valuable site, but decided it The local groups are complement- life management, public parks, and should be preserved for Belfast resi- ed by the work of other private coastal island management areas. In dents' recreation and water access. organizations. The Nature Conservan- 1985, for example, The Nature Con- The City granted a conservation ease- cy, for example, has an active pro- servancy and the Department of In- ment to Maine Coast Heritage Trust gram for acquiring habitat of rare and land Fisheries and Wildlife jointly stipulating that no future develop- endangered species. Other national purchased Great Duck Island, suc- ment take place on this waterfront and statewide organizations that own cessfully preserving a 250-acre island property. conservation lands include National considered to be the most important Audubon Society, Maine Audubon So- seabird nesting site in the eastern ciety, and the New England Forestry United States. The Critical Areas Twsadcteoencin Foundation. Maine Coast Heritage Program, administered by the State Ton.n9iisotnatn Trust works to facilitate gifts of land Planning Office, is also active in iden- thog hi osraincmi-and easements to other conservation tifying places of significant geologic, sions, have also succeeded in secur- organizations. It offers advice to land- botanic, zoologic, or scenic importance ing open space. owners, land trusts, municipalities, that merit protection (see article, p. 8). and other agencies interested in pro- tecting Maine's coastal landscape. For As development pressures in- information regarding local land Towns and cities, often acting crease, local land trusts have growing trusts, please contact Maine Coast through their conservation commis- influence over long-term land conser- Heritage Trust at either of its two sions, have also succeeded in securing vation. Maine presently has 50 non- offices: P.O. Box 426, Northeast Har- open space. Belfast, for example, es- profit land trusts to help maintain, bor, Maine 04662, (276-5156); or P.O. tablished a waterfront park in 1987 af- preserve, and enhance its open Box 416, Topsham, Maine 04086, ter the city acquired a 3-acre shoreline spaces, each of which can accept gifts (729-7366). D A 3-acre shoreline parcel that the Belfast City Waterfront Park, Belfast Council placed under a conservation easement. 6 Will Wildlife Along Maine's Coast be a Part of Our Future? by Alan Hutchinson, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Popham Beach (aerial view) Picture a crystal clear day in early water from their basking ledges near greatest for those animals tied to spe- fall: you're sitting on a high bluff the islands. Closer by, a movement cial types of habitat, even if they need above a wide saltmarsh, watching a along the marsh shore draws your eye that setting only a few weeks of the flock of shorebirds that have just ar- to three white-tailed deer that are year: lose that location and you lose rived from their arctic breeding feeding at the marsh's edge. the animals. The least terns' beach, grounds. Eagles have nested in the puffins' island, seals' ledge, deer- tall pines near the marsh's far shore Whether you gain your pleasure in wintering area, and heron rookery are as long as people can remember, and wildlife from observing, studying, all examples of specialized habitats. shorebirds stop at this marsh each fall drawing, photographing, hunting, or Fortunately, not all uses of these to rest, feed, and prepare for their fishing, its presence makes Maine spots need to be excluded: we just journey to wintering grounds in unique. Wildlife makes a significant need to be prudent in deciding where South America. The eagles and shore- wildlife and new development can birds share the marsh with feeding coexist. herons in summer, and black ducks in herons in summer, and black ducks in What is the challenge before us? The challenge, then, is to identify winter. The challenge, then, is to identify Maine is losing its wildlife. Eleven the significant settings and make a species have died out in the past cen- commitment to protect them so that Your gaze shifts from the shore- tury, and habitat loss threatens wildlife and its inherent values will be birds to a sand beach beyond the many more. part of our future. This effort will re- marsh, where plovers and least terns quire comprehensive town planning, fly with their young. Your attention responsible land use decisions, land is suddenly drawn seaward by the ~~~~responsible land use decisions, land rar sightnly awfnbseaward an en contribution to Maine's economy as acquisitions for conservation, land- rarner species, a inblo kwsae an ten we ll. Although wildlife is a major part owner cooperation, and state as- dangered species, asgit Seaing thesin of Maine's heritage and a vital ele- sistance. With these efforts, Maine's cdivseitshu appn ear, hn y o urfaze an ment of life here today, we must ask wildlife heritage can come into the fu- case it should reappear, your gaze and ture with us. whether we can keep this valuable ture with us. thoughts turn to the islands scattered heritage for our state's future. We can along the horizon. They're just dots from this distance, but you know tht easily answer "yes," but wildlife con- To find out more about current from this distance, but you know that idf cnevto frs Mn, servation doesn't just happen. It takes wildlife conservation efforts in Maine, ithey are home to wildlife unlike any commitment from all of us. contact the Wildlife Division of the in the continental U.S. -- puffins, terns, Department of Inland Fisheries, Sta- petrels, guillemots, auks, and more. ~~Department of Inland Fisheries, Sta- ~petrgieos usadmr. What is the challenge before us? tion 41, Augusta, Maine 04333 Maine is losing its wildlife. Eleven (289-2535) or the Wildlife Department As you scan the island-dotted species have died out in the past cen- at Maine Audubon Society, 118 U.S. horizon, a glint of sunshine tells you tury, and habitat loss threatens many Route One, Falmouth, Maine 04105 that several seals are sliding into the more species today. The threat is (781-2330). E 7 Maintaining Maine's Natural Diversity by Hank Tyler, Manager, Maine Critical Areas Program Documenting and conserving most range in Maine. Some species, mote voluntary conservation of Crit- Maine's natural history along the like the inkberry that is found on Isle ical Areas: it provides information on coast presents a tremendous chal- au Haut, occur at only one site in the Critical Areas to conservation groups, lenge because of the diverse range of state. land use planners, and businesses. wildlife habitat, geologic features, en- While the majority of coastal Critical dangered species, and scenic vistas. To identify and document the areas Areas are privately owned, a number Equidistant between the equator and that feature this impressive range of are held by federal, state, and North Pole, Maine's shore borders on municipal governments, and by the Gulf of Maine -- one of the five The coast comprises a mosaic of groups such as the Maine Audubon The coast comprises a mosaic of most productive water bodies in the Society, The Nature Conservancy, world. The glaciated, rockbound coast common, rare, and wildlife speies d and the National Audubon Society. is washed by cold, well-mixed waters which offer ideal feeding grounds for The Critical Areas Program has abundant fish and seabird species. botanic, zoologic, geologic, and scen- published numerous statewide inven- ic resources, the Maine Legislature tory reports and educational The coast also comprises a mosaic created the Critical Areas Program in brochures, as well as a land conserva- of common, rare, and endangered 1974. To date, about 600 Critical tion booklet called "The Landowner's plant communities. Maine's cold Areas have been officially recognized Options"; all of these publications are coastal waters create a cool, moist en- by the State Planning Office, rough- available to the public. For more in- vironment ideal for subarctic plants ly half of them along the coast. formation, contact the Critical Areas and coastal peatlands (bogs and Program, State Planning Office, State heaths). Farther south along the coast The Program works closely with House Station 38, Augusta, Maine, are plants that are at their northern- public and private landowners to pro- 04333 (289-3261). D To date, about 600 Critical Areas have been officially recognized, roughly half of them along the coast. Arethusa (or Dragon's mouth) -- .uffins -- a rare flower Puffins -- an endangered species Public Access to Maine's Coast by Karen A. Massey, Esq., and Mark Dawson, State Planning Office den, Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell, Bath, Belfast, and South Portland. About 10 to 15 percent of the funds have gone to land acquisition. LAW- CON funding contributed to the pur- chase of Jewell Island and to the acquisition and park development at Reid and Popham Beaches. Boat Facilities Program. Paid for through a marine fuel tax, this pro- gram has helped fund development of 193 public access sites, 50 of them on tidal waters. Despite this increase in are drwn- i roin umes - o no noghbatlunhigan coastal boat launches, 65 percent of lo- cal officials in coastal towns feel their communities need additional facilities for recreational boaters (according to a 1986 State Planning Office study). Numbers of boats have increased while informal access to private land York Shoreline has diminished. Coastal access is vital to Maine's operators are disputing rights to berth- Maine Coastal Program. This pro- economy and quality of life. Tourists ing and mooring spaces, and there are gram, which began offering acquisi- are drawn -- in growing numbers -- to not enough boat launching and water- tion and development funds in 1985, Maine's shore: Acadia National Park front parking facilities to meet demand. has provided funding for 40 low-cost is the second most visited park in the Only 27 percent (about 20 miles) of construction projects to enhance coas country, and Maine's southern Maine's beaches are publicly owned, tal access. These projects, for exam- beaches draw people from across the and on summer days these public ple, have included development of a country, as well as from Canada. Resi- beaches are filled to capacity. waterfront park in Rockport; wharf dents and visitors alike come to the coast for sunning, swimming, sailing, If much of Maine's coast is no rehabilitations in Waldoboro, Castine, fishing, exploring, and solitude. longer accessible, and people are and Freeport; and boat launching/ turned away from parks and boat parking facilities at Brooklin and Har- While our coast is arguably Maine's launches, Maine's quality of life will rington. greatest natural resource, only 6.4 diminish and the state will suffer eco- percent of the shoreline is held by the nomically. People working in Maine's public. Half the state's population fishing and lobstering industry and in lives in towns that border on tidal other marine trades will be unable to waters, but many people in Maine continue the work their families have now have trouble gaining access to done for generations. Businesses will the shore for recreation or activities no longer be drawn to Maine because like clamming, worming, and fishing. of its attractive natural environment. While much more needs to be done Only 6.4 percent of Maine's shore- to increase public access, some initial line is held by the public, programs have already been created to address the issue. Several challenging public access Land and Water Conservation (LAW- issues now face Maine. Traditional, in- CON) Fund Program. Since 1965, 130 formal access to the sea is being lost state and local projects along the coast as properties change hands and land have received nearly $2 million in fed- is developed. Many clammers, worm- eral matching funds to develop existing ers, and beach-goers are losing their publicly owned property. Waterfront customary rights-of-way to the water. parks and/or boat launching facilities Recreational and commercial boat have been developed in Bangor, Hamp- Boat Facility, Hallowell 9 The Coastal Program has funded needs to be greater coordination used to reach the water, the de- access surveys through regional plan- among the many programs designed veloper may need to provide means ning agencies in Southern Maine, to expand the extent and quality of ac- for continued public access across the Cumberland County, and Penobscot cess sites. property (and perhaps post signs to Valley. These localized community this effect). surveys document current access In early 1988, the Maine Coastal points, take inventories of potential Program (administered by the State Development could also be regulat- access sites (e.g., streets that dead- Planning Office) developed an access ed in a less site-specific manner by ex- end at the shore or abandoned roads), strategy to coordinate access-related action measures. These measures and plan how future access points programs, initiate new programs to might include regulations that call for may be acquired and developed. enhance public access opportunities, all developers to provide public access and help communities to prepare their opportunities for the community re- Private, Nonprofit Agencies. Pri- own strategies and workplans for ac- gardless of the size, location, or im- vate, nonprofit conservation agencies quiring access sites. pact of their projects. (e.g., Maine Coast Heritage Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and Maine Audubon Society) protect land, which There are a number of possible Another possible measure would in- is often privately owned, through con- strategies that Maine might consider volve state imposition of supplemen- servation easements that protect for acquiring public access lands. tary taxes to generate revenue for scenic vistas and coastal views. Some These concepts are being studied, but purchasing public lands. A real estate of these properties permit limited it is still uncertain which would be po- transfer tax could be collected local- public access. Maine Coast Heritage litically, legally, and socially feasible. ly, when properties change owner- Trust has helped establish 50 local ship, but the revenues would be paid to both the county and state. land trusts in Maine, which in turn The State Legislature or local com- protect 3,288 acres of land (see "Con- munities might enact measures that serving Our Coastal Heritage" require developers who eliminate The revenues from a real estate article). public access in one location to pro- transfer tax could go into a fund, vide it in another. To receive a de- known as a land bank, that would then Other Approaches velopment permit, a developer may be used to buy and preserve land. need to take specific measures to Rapidly growing islands, like Nan- While these programs have avoid adverse impacts to public access tucket (Massachusetts) and Block Is- produced significant results, much caused by the project. For example, land (Rhode Island), have successfully more should be done to enhance when a developer plans to build on a established land banks. Block Island, coastal access opportunities. There coastal property that the public has which imposes a 2 percent tax on most real estate transactions, accumulated ~:E~~~t~~~f~~ ~$327,000 in its land bank during its first three months of operation. ~., .-: In the meantime, municipalities should try to find unused public ac- cess sites that may exist, and inves- tigate deeds, town documents, and court records to determine where le- ___e.�~~ -~~~~-~~~~ L~gal rights-of-way may exist. "-~~~~~~-ILi ,J . Local communities may also obtain technical assistance from the state to - - ~. prepare and implement shoreline ac- ,i~'~ ~~ .. . . ....V~ ' t~~ cess plans. Coastal towns can work with private organizations (such as - '~ ~ Maine Coast Heritage Trust) and state agencies to negotiate land dona- tions or easements and to secure -,~ rL ~~ 'funds for purchasing important properties. If you would like further information on public access issues, contact the I~~~i~~ ~State Planning Office, Station 38, Au- Sand Beach, Acadia Nat'l. Park gusta, Maine 04333 (289-3261). E 10 Rising Numbers: Economic Growth Along the Coast by Charles Colgan, State Economist, Maine State Planning Office Two natural resources, the forest and coast, are the foundation of Maine's economy. Today, the coast is Southern Coast both the population and employment 20%- 19.1% center of the state, and is -- in gener- 18%- al -- the fastest-growing area of Maine 16%- (in population and employment). This 140/%- unprecedented growth is creating 12%- concern about how the coastal econo- 10%/- my will grow and how scarce and 80/0- 7.6% threatened coastal resources will 6%- withstand increasing pressures. 4%- 2%- 20/0- 0%- Employment Growth Population Growth With 12 percent of the land, the coastal region has 58 percent of the population and 65 percent of Maine's jobs. The coastal economic region, which Mid-Coast comprises the coastal "labor market areas" chosen by the Department of 20% Labor, is the population center of 18%- Maine; with 12 percent of the land, it 16%- has 58 percent of the population 14% 12.2% (1986). It also holds 65 percent of 12%- Maine's jobs. This figure is not sur- 10%- prising if you consider that Maine's 8%- major urban centers (i.e., Portland, 6%- 51% Bangor, Augusta, and Biddeford/Saco) 4%/ are all in the coastal area (which in- 2% cludes tidal waters). This high percen- 0- Employment Growth Population Growth tage demonstrates that the coastal economy comprises much more than fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. These traditional coastal industries remain important, but they are only part of a diverse and rapidly growing economic region. Downeast Coast Maine's economic outlook has 20%- changed dramatically over the past 18%/- decade: the state has shaken its image 16%- of a lagging economy to emerge, in the 14%- 11.6%/ second half of the 1980s, as one of the 12/%- fastest-growing states in the country. 10%- It is the coastal area that has led the 8%- state in this change. From 1980 to 6%- 1986, employment in Maine grew a to- 4/%- tal of 14.4 percent. Employment on 2%-_ 0.7/ the coast grew by 16 percent, whereas 0%/ employment inland grew by less than Employment Gwth Population Growth 12 percent. During this period, 11 statewide employment grew more than three times faster than popula- tion growth, a pattern that was UCoastal El Statewide repeated along the coast (see chart). 70,000 ....................... 60,500 Recent economic change along the 60,000...... coastal region has not been patterned 48,683 in one steady progression of growth 50,00 eastward; rather, significant growth -4,8 in the southern areas has been mir- 40,00 34,235 rored by pockets of growth scattered 4 ,0 down the coast in Lincoln County, the Rockland area, and Ellsworth/Mt. 3,0 Desert Island. Growth rates in the ....... major coastal cities has been steady, 2,0 but it has been overshadowed by 10,000 .-... . ............. growth in outlying areas. The coastal regions that have seen Employment Growth Population Growth the largest population or employment 1981-1986 1 9 08 increase share one common denomina- tor: they tend to be regions that offer beautiful scenery or other amenities that have attracted both tourists and new residents. Much of the new em- ployment here can be found in serv- produced, along many parts of the customers all place additional pres- ice sector work. coast, a level of development that sures on land and other coastal even the most ardent proponents of resources. The land right along the In geeralMaines ecoomicthe 1960's megaprojects could barely shoreline, which is most scarce and grwhhaIen drieneralmoiest exconomi have envisioned; and, for the most most fragile, is the land in greatest de- sivlybythe trade aend servicen amstecu- part, the growth has proceeded mand. The conflict over its use and sivesy byather thade bmanufactrving.ec without the adverse environmental management is apparent in the grow- Alog he oattrae ndservice em- consequences that would have accom- ing number of waterfront moratoria, ploymntgre the moattrae tand2 pr panied heavy industrial development. such as Portland's, that restrict clyent andb manfatrinecthane 23ber waterfronts to water-dependent uses. more than 10 percent. At a few pointsCoptndeasfrMie' along the coast, however, manufactur- Forecasts for economic growth in fragile coastal lands are bound to ing actually grew. Manufacturing em- Maine consistently show that growth continue. ployment increased by more than 10 in trade and service industries will Frcssfreooi rwhi percent in the Ellsworth region, and continue to lead Maine's economy Maineconststfrecntysowmtha growth i more than doubled in the Kittery/ through the next decade.Mancostelyhwtatgwh York region, with an increase of over ~in trade and service industries will 1Y700 regobwt nices.foe continue to lead Maine's economy 1,700 jobs. ~~~~~~But the smaller scale growth car- through the next decade. The pace of ries its own consequences for Maine's growth, though, may be slower than The dominance of trade and serv- coastal resources. This kind of de- we have seen recently. ice sector growth throughout the velopment tends to be land-intensive. coast holds certain implications for That is, retail stores, restaurants, What makes the Maine coast the future of coastal resources. The malls, and office buildings -- the phys- unique -- its scenic character and heavy industrial facilities, like oil ical manifestations of trade and serv- productive resources -- are the foun- refineries and aluminum smelters, ice growth -- need a greater amount dations of the state's recent econom- that were proposed for the coast in of land per job created than do manu- ic growth. And, ironically, it is these the 1960s and 1970s never material- facturing industries, since the cus- very foundations that are threatened ized. Instead, the engine of coastal tomers must be brought to the place by growth. The need to "balance economic growth has been many of business instead of shipping a good growth and development" has almost small- and medium-sized projects (e.g., to a customer. become a clichd, but the need is real, retail stores and malls, office build- and nowhere more so than along the ings, restaurants, and condominiums). Thus, roads, parking lots, buffer coast. Only if we tend and care for our The growth that has occurred in the zones to enhance landscaping, and de- coastal resources will they continue to trade and service industries has mand for scenic building to attract lead Maine's economy. El 12 Growth Management: The Real Estate Developer's Perspective * . y Gordon Hamlin, President, Maine Real Estate Development Association For the first time in recent that have become commonplace in need to preserve Maine's unique memory, Maine has surpassed nation- Maine. We refer to jobs that pay good natural resources. We researched and al averages for low unemployment, wages -- such as plumbers, carpenters, reviewed the state's current land use and for growth in personal incomes architects, engineers, and other crafts regulations and planning initiatives. and retail sales. According to the and professional jobs. Development At the same time, we reviewed land "Maine Business Indicator," published has also helped create permanent and use and planning statutes in other by the University of Southern Maine well-paying jobs in areas such as states. We came to two conclusions: in 1981, "most of the expansion in apartment management, sewage one, that planning is essential to Maine's employment and personal in- treatment operation, and road and achieve sound land use management come would be impossible without bridge maintenance. and sustain economic prosperity; and major efforts by the state's construc- two, that we need greater clarity and tion industry." This statement re- Development contributes to job predictability in our present regula- mains true today. growth in more intangible, but equal- tory system. ly important, ways. A study by the Commercial and industrial develop- University of Southern Maine has de- ment, largely caused by expanding termined that the $1 billion-plus in Maine businesses, is bringing count- construction contracts generates over Planning is essential to achieve less opportunities to Maine's work $2 billion worth of economic activity. sound land use management and force. Last year, for the first time in Expanding businesses in Maine need sustain economic prosperity. Maine's history, the value of construc- new and efficient commercial and in- tion activity in Maine exceeded $1 bil- dustrial facilities. We provide them. lion. Measured by wage and salaried The expanding tourist industry needs It would be presumptuous of us to employment, development is the new and better facilities. We provide suggest that we have all the answers fourth largest provider of jobs in them. Developers are not creating de- toadeshsecnrs.utw Maine, behind manufacturing, serv- mand but seeking to meet the state'Istoadeshsecnrs.Btw ices, and retail trade. In 1986, direct needs. have studied some areas that do need employment in the construction in- attention. dustry exceeded 40,000 jobs. Coupled In June of 1987, the Maine Real Es- All too often land use decisions in with spin-off jobs created by our in- tate Development Association formed Maine's towns are made at the wrong dustry, our association estimates that a Growth Management Task Force end of the process. We consistently total real estate development-related comprised of real estate developers, mk ao aduedcsosi h empoymntamounts to 13 percent of home builders, municipal officials, raegulatorylns precsios duing the st all Maine employment. planners, bankers, and others in the review stage, after a developer has real estate industry. Our goal was to walked in with an application estab- We are not talking here about the determine how to balance the de- lishing how, when, and where land minimum-wage service industry jobs mands of a growing economy with the will be used. Instead, we should iden- tify consistent and compatible land uses early in the planning stage. We react rather than plan for the future. This kind of ad hoc regulation makes it difficult to protect the environment. We believe that the most effective way to deal with the cumulative im- pact of growth is in the planning stage, By engaging in comprehensive planning, communities can determine their needs and the capacity of their land and public facilities; then, they can establish appropriate land uses and direct growth through planning *The following are excerpts of tes- timony given to the Legislative Study Commission on Land Conservation Building Construction and Economic Development. 13 rather than by ad hoc regulatory decision-making (which can produce a uncoordinated and incompatible de- velopments). We would like to see all towns en- gage in comprehensive planning. Lo- cal comprehensive planning that accommodates important environ- mental concerns and identifies ap- propriate areas for development is the best way to achieve the twin goals of economic growth and environmen- tal conservation. The present regulatory system is unclear and, consequently, unpredic- table. This unpredictability creates ' apprehension among landowners and entire communities. We need a set of clear ground rules that everyone can understand -- developers and commu- nities alike. Our association's mem- bers are more than willing to play by Growth Management Meeting the rules; just make those rules fair, clear, predictable, and consistently applied. southern Maine to enact growth con- ute to these costs. trol ordinances or building morator- ia. These measures carry their own Many builders and real estate de- adverse regional impacts. For in- velopers want to produce affordable Local comprehensive planning that stance, a moratorium in one town may housing for Maine people. But we can- accommodates important environ- shift growth to another town and play not do so without state and municipal mental concerns and identifies ap- havoc with a neighboring town's help. Towns should be required, in the propriate areas for development is responsible planning efforts. Morator- course of forming comprehensive the best way to achieve both econom- ia should not be enacted until their plans, to address the issue of afford- ic growth and environmental conser- regional impacts have been evaluated. able housing. They should decide vation. where within their municipality they A lack of planning has contributed, would like appropriate economic de- in part, to a shortage of affordable velopment. And they should also be family housing in southern and mid- required to identify critical environ- Lack of planning can produce a coastal Maine. In York County, for ex- mental areas, open space, and farm- shortage of key public facilities and ample, a family at the median income lands, and their appropriate uses. services such as schools, adequate level can afford a house selling for un- sewer and water facilities, road sys- der $74,800. With the average York All this planning will require funds, tems, and fire protection. As de- County home costing in excess of technical assistance to cities and velopers, we realize our responsibility $82,000 last year, many families can- towns, and state-level review. But to help pay for increased demand on not purchase a home. growth is not a "special interest" is- the infrastructure and we would like sue. We believe that this issue affects to see a consistently applied and Builders and real estate developers every community in Maine and every predictable system for imposing im- in our association are finding it in- single Maine citizen. If we begin a pact fees. Impact fees should be deter- creasingly difficult and even impos- planning initiative now, we have the mined and levied on a square-foot or sible to produce moderately priced opportunity of sustaining a healthy per-dwelling-unit basis for new de- housing. When they try to construct economy, quality job creation for velopment, but only by communities affordable housing, developers often Maine citizens, an ample supply of af- that have established their specific in- find themselves confronted with fordable housing, and protection of frastructure needs and costs through large-lot and single-family specifica- our natural resources. We need a planning. tions, and building codes and stan- strong partnership between the state dards that greatly increase costs of and municipalities and between de- Lack of planning for growth has housing. Rising land values in south- velopers and environmentalists to prompted many communities in ern and central Maine further contrib- achieve this. E 14 Cumulative Impacts of Coastal Growth by Josie Quintrell, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Myth or Reality? numerous projects threatens the established thresholds can pose an un- natural resources and special charac- fair burden to landowners if they are Oceanside is changing. Across from ter of many coastal lands. New build- denied use of their property because the village store, whre the old post ing projects are reviewed for their previous owners degraded communal office used to stand, is a new Texaco impact on groundwater, soil erosion, resources to the point where one station with a car-washing business, traffic, wildlife habitat, and scenic more project would endanger natur- The Murphy's house along Main areas. But the review process never al resources. Street has been razed and a mini-mall looks at the combined effect that the Crescent Surf Beach, in Kenne- built in its place, including a Burger 20, 50, or more projects approved inCrsettreshobmo bunk, illustrates the problem of King, a video store, and a discount a year may have on the town's re- b naiusate t o shoe outlet. The Jenkins Farm was sources. One 20-acre subdivision managing cumulative impacts on a case-by-case basis. The beach has long sold and subdivided; there are forty project may not pose "unreasonable be c e as Te ata cape houses there called "Birchgrove harm to wildlife" (the standard re- been recognized as a unique natural resource; it is one of Maine's few dou- Woods." Not long afterwards, eight quired by the subdivision law), as es re it eaes ad townhouses called "Seabreeze Acres" wildlife may migrate to adjacent un- eae speces nd two threatened species nest there, least were constructed along the water. On developed land. But if a mini-mall is te ad pin es t las terns and piping plovers. It is also one the inland side of town, they built a built next door, and a 40-acre housing te ndeloe tis o of the few undeveloped stretches of shopping center: now Oceanside has unit is constructed across the way, th e n sthe beach that remains in southern a Shop 'n Save, a Wellby's, and a laun- will the local wildlife still survive? aine Maine. dromat. The number of "Land for Sale" signs indicates that there's The incremental transformation of more to come. It is difficult to establish precise the beach started in the early 1980s thresholds for how much develop- when two houses were constructed. In Like other towns in Maine, Ocean- ment an area's natural resources issuing the permits for these resi- side's landfill is nearing capacity. The can sustain before being irreparably dences, the State Board of Environ- same is true for the town's sewer sys- harmed. mental Protection determined that tem, and Oceanside residents near the project would pose only minimal the shore are complaining about salt- harm to the nesting bird populations; water in their wells. It is difficult to establish precise as a precaution, it set restrictions on thresholds for how much development beach use during the nesting season Perhaps the major concern in town an area's natural resources can sus- to protect the endangered birds. In- is the lost open space. There was a vo- tain before being irreparably harmed: deed, these two homes did not harm cal debate in Oceanside last fall over current understanding of natural the beach or the bird colonies. Since the new "Birchgrove Woods" de- resources is simply inadequate. But then, however, three more houses velopment. Deer used to gather there without scientifically documented have been constructed along the to graze during winter, and the local thresholds, regulators do not know beach. Slowly, the beach is being conservation club was worried that when permitting construction of an transformed from a natural area into the animals might not find another additional project may seriously a residential neighborhood. Each in- spot around here in which to feed. threaten the environment. Moreover, dividual home poses little harm, but It's hard, though, to think about these changes when you live here day to day. It just seems like a new home here, and a new Cumberland Farms store there -- nothing major. It's only when someone from away -- who hasn't been here in a while -- returns and comments on how different Oceanside is that one starts thinking. "Oceanside" is obviously a mythical town, but the growth it is experienc- ing is far from fictitious: towns from Kittery to Eastport have experienced many of the same changes in recent years. The change happens incremen- tally, but the cumulative effect of McDonald's Construction 15 -- together -- they threaten the integrity restrictions can provide protection strictive easements and acquisition of of the beach system by encroaching on for sensitive resources such as land can help towns to preserve nesting habitat and interfering with the groundwater aquifers and wildlife natural, open spaces for their commu- dynamics of the dune system. habitat. nities (see "Conserving Our Coastal Heritage" article). These tools should What can be done to prevent this - Setbacks from Critical Resources be combined with local regulation to kind of incremental damage? To ex- require development to be located form a comprehensive management plore this question, the State Plan- a certain distance from resources strategy. ning Office, through a grant from the in order to buffer the resource Federal Office of Ocean and Coastal from the effects of development. Using these tools, Maine's coastal Resource Management, undertook a - Resource Protection Zones estab- communities can have the benefits of Resource Protection Zones estab- major policy study. The study exa- lish use restrictions in critical economic growth without jeopardiz- mined development's effect on natur- resrc r a ing their natural resources. Towns resource areas. al resources in nine York County will have to make hard choices, towns, as well as the effectiveness of - Overlay Zones establish standards though, in finding a satisfactory state and local laws to manage cu- for particular resources. Such balance. With deliberate planning and mulative impacts. The report conclud- zones overlay additional standards protection of local resources, commu- ed "... that the negative cumulative for specific resources. nities won't be taken by surprise effects are caused by haphazard when the slow, incremental impact of growth. These can be minimized by Non-regulatory tools such as re- change becomes evident. i planning, which anticipates growth and appropriately sites land uses to avoid harmful impacts." Only through A Look at Growth along the Mid-coast planning and growth management can towns mitigate incremental damage. by Crispin Connery, Woolwich Town Selectman Clearly, Woolwich and other mid- The first step in managing cumula- coastal towns are facing the same tive impacts involves developing a growth problems that we read about comprehensive plan. In this process, in the southern part of Maine. The towns inventory their natural and cul- rural flavor of our community is tak- tural resources, identify community ing on suburban patterns. Along ing on suburban patterns. Along goals and policies, and develop plans Route 1, strip development is occur- for implementing their goals. By ring without much thought to as- ring without much thought to as- reviewing resources in a comprehen- similating open space. For example, sive manner, towns can develop Woolwich lost a natural buffer of management strategies to alleviate large pine trees that bordered the in- the incremental effects of develop- dustrial park. What are the costs of ment. Comprehensive plans provide fragmenting our open spaces, wildlife the foundation for regulatory or non- areas, and wetlands? regulatory strategies. The socio-economic make-up of our Various tools can be used to imple- community is changing. There is a lot ment the community's plans. Subdivi- of talk about fixed income and retired sion and site plan review ordinances people not being able to afford the in allow communities to review industri- creased housing and property taxes al and commercial developments and costs, and young people being forced multi-family homes for their impact on to settle away from the region in local resources. The scope of these or- which they grew up. People are start dinances should be broad enough to dalhe toul to bree ten h to ing to see that the incremental costs allow the town to review the com- of growth go beyond increased of growth go beyond increased bined effect of ordinances. Zoning or- municipal services. dinances allow towns to guide and shape their future growth. Specific And you don't have to be a Wool- And you don't have to be a Wool- zoning restrictions that help minimize wich resident to know that the Carl- the cumulative effect of development ton Bridge traffic is unbearable in Carlton Bridge Traffic, Bath include the following: summer. During the tourist season, Judging from what is happening to the county now has to hire a traffic the south, all this is just the start of - Density restrictions, which estab- control officer to cool down tempers what is in store for Woolwich and the lish limits on the number of units on hot, summer days. mid-coast. allowed on an acre of land. Such 16 The Marine Environment: How Pristine Is It? by Anne C. Johnson, Marine Program Director, Maine Audubon Society Does seafood contamination make Environmental Protection (DEP) esti- While Maine has made progress in choosing a fillet at your local seafood mates that up to 80 percent of these reducing pollution, particularly with market a game of Russian roulette? systems may not function adequate- the ban on new overboard discharges, Will the proliferation of shorefront ly. And many waterfront cottages and we must do more to protect our homes and condominiums contami- homes still use illegal "straight pipes," coastal waters and deeper, offshore nate your favorite beach with sewage 10 years after they were banned, to waters in the Gulf of Maine. In 1986, bacteria? Is the health of Maine's discharge raw sewage into the ocean. the DEP began a pilot program to coastal ecosystem declining irreversi- Malfunctioning municipal sewage- monitor marine sediments and fish bly? Some of these risks to public and treatment plants also contribute to tissues for contamination. If fully environmental health may be exag- the problem. Other types of chemical funded, this program will comprehen- gerated, but pollutants are rapidly pollution contribute to public health sively survey the type and extent of accumulating in Maine's marine en- risks: for example, fish in the An- pollutants' threat to Maine's marine vironment: it is critical that we study droscoggin River are contaminated environment. Further studies are also the sources, fates, and effects of these with dioxin from paper mill effluent, needed to determine how pollutants contaminants. while shellfish in Boothbay Harbor will affect environmental and public contain high levels of lead. health. Maine's marine waters are tainted by several classes of pollutants: trace metals, hydrocarbons, artificial com- Maine's marine waters are tainted Along with new research, federal, pounds (such as PCBs), and sewage. by trace metals, hydrocarbons, ar- state, and municipal agencies must While oil spills and other accidents tificial compounds (such as PCBs), adopt a pollution-prevention program are commonly thought to be the and sewage. Concentrations ofpoly- that will reassess permits for point primary pollution source, the great cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (a discharges (such as industrial outfalls majority of contaminants enter the potential carcinogen) in Casco and and sewage treatment plants) and be- ocean daily. This low-level pollution Penobscot Bays equal those found in gin a program for reducing pollution from sources such as sewage treat- heavily industrialized areas such as from non-point sources (such as urban ment plants, industrial discharge, and Long Island Sound. and agricultural runoff). The state and agricultural or urban runoff is not dis- federal government should provide persed and diluted throughout the technical assistance to towns, helping ocean; rather, the contaminants ac- At this time, though, marine pollu- them incorporate pollution-protection cumulate in bottom sediments near tion poses greater risks to Maine's en- measures into comprehensive plans. where they entered the sea. Concen- vironmental health than to public Towns can then ensure that runoff trations of polycyclic aromatic health. Humans, being at the top of from parking lots and other impervi- hydrocarbons (PAHs, a potential car- the food pyramid, are often the last ous surfaces is collected in settling cinogen) in Casco and Penobscot Bays to feel the effects of pollution. In the ponds, rather than directly dis- equal those found in heavily industri- meantime, pollution is affecting the charged into coastal waters. Compre- alized areas such as Massachusetts complex web of flora and fauna hensive plans allow towns to deter- Bay and Long Island Sound. beneath us in the food chain. Chlorine, mine the cumulative impact of numer- a biocide used to kill sewage bacter- ous activities, instead of reviewing What impact does this pollution ia, has been implicated in the decline just one project at a time. The city of have? Bacteria from sewage adverse- of Maine's smelt, alewife, salmon, and Saco, for example, passed an ordi- ly affects 25 percent of Maine's other anadromous fisheries. Research nance in 1987 that requires industri- productive shellfish flats, including on bottom-dwelling organisms in Pe- al dischargers to submit a waste- much of Casco Bay. Until recently, nobscot Bay indicates that hydrocar- minimization review before they hook shorefront homeowners whose lots bons, which have accumulated on the up to the municipal sewage-treatment lacked adequate soils for an in-ground ocean floor, are disrupting that criti- plant. This review, when conducted at septic system were permitted to dis- cal habitat. Flounder in Casco Bay a large metal-plating facility, reduced charge sewage into the ocean, after have a high incidence of liver tumors. chromium discharged from the plant treating it with a sand filter and chlo- Saltmarsh plants in the Saco River by 98 percent. rinator. While these "overboard dis- demonstrate elevated levels of chro- charge" systems are no longer mium, a chemical discharged from permitted, more than 3,000 existing tanneries and other industries. These It will take planning and coopera- overboard discharges along the coast are only a few of the nearly invisible tion among all levels of government are "grandfathered" (exempt from the but insidious signs that Maine's har- if we are to successfully reduce the new regulation). The Department of bors and bays are at risk. pollution of Maine's coastal waters. E 17 Working Waterfronts: An Economic and Cultural Resource by David Keeley, Director, Maine Coastal Program Nearly every day, you can read in of the traditional trades, and commer- Eastport, for example, purchased and a coastal newspaper about shoreline cial fishermen and recreational boat- razed several derelict buildings along development in Maine, and how it's af- ers now vie for the same limited its main street, which borders the har- fecting coastal communities. In Tre- moorings and berthing spaces. bor, to clear views to the water. Bel- mont, the change comes when a group fast has also revitalized its waterfront proposes to convert a fish processing These conflicts in harbor use have and successfully conserved a parcel of facility into housing units. In Rock- grown out of coastal development waterfront land as a town park. land, a fish rendering plant is closed, and, in many instances, redevelop- and in Portland, condominiums are ment that dates back to the 1960s These towns have begun to recog- These towns have begun to recog- built on a fishing wharf. These when federal and state efforts to clean nize that marine activities provide the nize that marine activities provide the changes make it clear that our water- fabric that binds their communities fronts cannot accommodate all the in-together. The mystique of Maine together. The mystique of Maine terests that want to use them. So who terests that want to use them. So who Even though Maine has over 3,500 hinges on the vision of independent stays and who goes? stays and who goes? miles of coastline, less than 10 per- lobstermen, small fishing villages, and In many cases, the conflict is be- cent of it has sufficiently deep and spruce-rimmed harbors, dotted with In many cases, the conflict is be- tween new waterfront development, sheltered water to provide for good boats at anchor. Villages such as tween new waterfront development, such as housing, offices, or stores, and working harbors. York, Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, such as housing, offices, or stores, and Winter Harbor, and Cutler typify the traditional marine industries like fish Winter Harbor, and Cutler typify the piers,~lobster pounds, commercial attraction of Maine's working har- piers, .obster pounds, commercial bors. Our state's traditional marine wharves, marinas, and cargo handling up our water resources began. Prior rs ur sts o rie trades lure visitors who drive great facilities. These traditional marine to that time, many of Maine's water- taes to wdie ea trades are known as "water-depen- front areas had deteriorated and distances to spend time enjoying a quaint harbor or watching the fishing dent" because they must be situated failed to attract new businesses. ft r r at te fln fleet return at sunset, flanked by a on appropriate shorefront lands to Coastal towns often disposed of larn flk b clamoring flock of gulls. operate. Even though Maine has over wastes directly in their harbors so 3,500 miles of coastline, less -than 10 people shunned coastal waters. Many percent of it has sufficiently deep and communities, such as Lubec, Rock- These working waterfront areas sheltered water to provide for good land, and Bath, even constructed their contribute to Maine's economy and working harbors. The commercial downtowns with "their backs to the culture, as well as to its aesthetic ap- fishermen who traditionally have waterfront." peal. Since Maine's ports and harbors been based in these harbors now have were the first areas in the state to be trouble coexisting alongside newer Today, however, Maine's harbors developed, they have helped define users of the waterfront. Tenants of are experiencing a revival, and com- who we are and what we have be- harborside housing don't care for the munities are spending considerable come. In the 1800s and early 1900s, noise, smell, and early morning hours sums to capitalize on their waterfront. the economic well-being of the Maine coast relied on a thriving and prosper- ous marine trade. As the state devel- oped, however, and the use of trains, trucks, and planes displaced boats, .~,~u : ~ ,- ~ ~ ~~our waterfronts fell into disrepair. To- ,)- 'day, though, nearly 22,000 people "~C~ r,~-~ ~~~ ~ r,~~~~~~ ~work in marine-based jobs. This total -':~ ~ ~- ' . -~~~~~~~~ "~ ~ represents $492 million in wages an- nually. Firms that are engaged in marine- based activities include boat builders and repair yards (most significantly, Bath Iron Works); marine suppliers, naval architects and surveyors; boat cruises, rentals, and charters; dockage and moorage; fish-processors; and fish I~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~sk~~~ ~~wholesale/retail firms. The most sig- nificant element of the marine indus- Lobstering try is shipbuilding (see pie chart) which 18 around their harbors to give them- EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS IN MAINE 'S MARINE INDUSTRY (1986) selves time to reassess their or- dinances. Industry Employment Earnings (000)@ Earnings/wkr Fishing* 6,627 $97,315 $14,685 In 1986, a watershed year for work- Fish Processing 1,810 $31,729 $17,530 ing waterfronts, the public began to Ship Building# 9,000 $303,818 $33,758 express interest in how Maine's har- Boat Building & Repair 810 bors are being developed. In more Water Transport# 1,782 $26,659 $14,960 than 75 public meetings (hosted by the Fish Wholesale 1,090 $23,065 $21,160 Maine Coastal Program), residents Fish Retail 430 $4,818 $11,206 along the coast agreed that the state Boat Dealers 260 $4,794 $18,438 should protect and promote marine- Total Marine 21,809 $492,198 $24,631 related activities. So the Maine legis- % of Total Employment 3.6% 4.7% lature enacted a policy to guide state Best EstimateAvailable and local regulatory, planning, and SPInclud in Shipbuilding financial decisions that affect port and a Estimated by SPO except Fishing and Shipbuilding. Maine State Planning Office. February 5, 1988. includes nearly 9,000 jobs at BIW -- industry -- as we know it -- will not sur- 1 , B the state's largest private employer. vive. Up against new businesses with Fishing and fish products are also im- fewer needs for space and capital, the portant contributors. For example, traditional industries simply can't the landed value of finfish and shell- compete. So towns have begun to fish is in excess of $100 million, and review their local comprehensive seafood processing contributes an ad- ditional $80 million. If left to private market-forces, the marine industry -- as we know it -- As competition for shoreline space will not survive. increases during the 1980s, and non- marine operations begin displacing marine businesses, public pressure to plans and land use ordinances to ad- address this issue grows at both local dress competing uses along the water- and state levels. Towns along the front. Portland, Vinalhaven, and Boothbay Harbor coast have begun to realize that, if left Tremont, for instance, have called a harbor areas. The state then prepared to private-market forces, the marine temporary halt to development guidelines for state agencies to follow in revising their regulatory and fund- MAINE'S MARINE INDUSTRY ing programs to promote these work- ing waterfront areas. The 1986 legislation is only a first Fish Wholesale step towards striking a balance Water Transport among competing waterfront uses. FishingWater Tra FishingWith so few miles along Maine's shore Boat Building & Repair suitable for marine trades, communi- ties must decide what their priorities are before further development de- cides for them. The marine industry, local officials and others interested in charting the course of the communi- ty must come together to decide what . Food Processing (fish) type of development they want along their shoreline, and to develop a pro- ~~~~Shti~p Building ~gram that implements this vision. EMPLOYMENT IN MAINE'S MARINE-RELATED INDUSTRY Only through thoughtful and timely 1986 action will Maine's marine business- es remain a vital part of our harbors. E 19 The Price of Seafood: Is It Really High? by Robert Beaudoin, Maine Department of Marine Resources Seafood has become a key ingre- Many maintain the fish at near-freez- European-style auction (with prices dient in America's new emphasis on ing conditions so the catches stay based on quality) rewards the har- healthy eating. Low in fat, high in pro- fresh longer, and bring better prices. vester who takes care of his product, tein and minerals, seafood is recoin- To do this, the fishermen must use and provides buyers with top-quality mended by physicians as a part of our crushed ice to preserve their entire products. regular diet. Consumers who have catch. This load of ice adds weight to commonly purchased haddock at a re- the boat, which in turn requires more Processing plants have changed in tail fish department, though, will find fuel. Fish are no longer just gutted the last decade to improve tempera- the price now equals that of a good and dumped in a storage area. To ture and sanitation in maintaining the steak. What has caused this price in- maintain quality, fishermen gut and fish. After being filleted, the seafood crease over recent years? wash their catch, then pack them with products are washed, candled (exa- ice in boxes, or shelve them with ice mined for freshness), trimmed, and In 1975, seafood consumption na- in pens. Both methods reduce bruis- packed for shipment. Greater tionwide averaged 12.5 pounds per ing and increase quality. At dockside, amounts of processing - required for person annually. In 1986, this figure the fish are removed, separated by products like boneless, well-trimmed had risen to 14.8 pounds, with project- species and size, and re-iced for tran- fillets - further increase costs. ed estimates of over 20.0 pounds per sit to a processor. This new system person by the year 2000. This in- costs more because of increased Transportation of seafood has also creased demand, especially for high- handling. changed. Numerous improvements in quality species such as haddock, has air freight and trucking help maintain produced changes in methods of sea- Seafood buyers will pay these quality. Refrigerated trucks, as well food harvesting, processing, trans- higher prices because their customers as increased use of ice, help preserve porting, and merchandising. demand high-quality seafood, and seafood moving from processor to dis- improved-quality seafood offers the tributor, and later to retail -outlets. Most commercial fishermen now buyer a longer shelf life (which, in Proper handling and storage, as well take longer (3 to 5-day) fishing trips turn, means increased profits). The as transportation and sanitation, are than the day trips they often took in Portland Fish Exchange Auction now all crucial if the consumer is to receive the past. They use larger boats to provides the high-quality seafood that fresh, high-quality seafood. cover greater distances, with more ef- buyers seek. It offers harvesters and ficient equipment and larger crews. buyers a centralized location where a Today's consumers like to see at- tractive seafood presentations in re- tail stores. Because of this, stores are rN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~converting from self-service to full- service seafood departments, which V~~~ The Portland Fish Exchange Auction offers harvesters and buyers a centralized location where a European-style auction rewards har- vesters who take care of their product. Portland Fish Exchange 20 Foreign competition, which is grow- ing, helps meet consumer demand and keep prices down. As prices increase, lesser-known species become more at- tractive to the consumer. Through in- store sampling, cooking videos, recipes, and special ads, consumers will try, and come to like, many lesser- known species. This trend, in turn, should remove pressure from species in high demand and slow the rise in 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~seafood prices. For more information on the "Cer- - tified Fresh Maine Fish" or other fish- marketing programs, contact the Department of Marine Resources, Station 29, Augusta, Maine 04333 (289-2291). LI Full-service Seafood Display means a walk-in cooler, ice machine, and display case. Estimated costs for this equipment are around $60,000. To maintain a full-service case, two full- time and four part-time employees are required. Needless to say, seafood sales increase, but so do costs of oper- ation. The Department of Marine Resources' Marketing Division now helps train seafood buyers and retail- SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA store personnel to properly handle, store, and merchandise seafood. The Department also runs a "Certified 20 - Fresh Maine Fish" program that has helped open new markets and giver Maine seafood added recognition. The two-part program assures seafood 1 5 buyers and consumers that products LBS/ are of good quality. PERSON Seafood prices also respond to the 1 0 - level of demand for particular species. 4 ~ 4 / ~ 0 Five years ago, haddock fillets cost an 125 4 average of $3.29 per pound. Now, they .5 average $6.39 per pound. Consumers 5 receive a better product today, and demand this improvement because they know more about seafood. How- ever, there are still less well-known 0 species that serve as excellent alter- 1 975 1 9 86 2000 natives to haddock and flounder, the (ESTIMATED) most popular (and hence most expen- YA sive) species. The Department of Ma- rine Resources is encouraging consumption of hake, cusk, pollock, wolffish, mackerel and whiting. Be- cause these species are less in de- mand, they are more reasonably priced. 21 Aquaculture: A Boost for Maine's Fisheries by William Mook, President, Maine Aquaculture Association Next time you eat at a restaurant, ther, aquaculture offers an alternative ters) works well given a consistent look closely at the menu. Which en- to imports. supply of seed, and a harvest large trees are not grown on a farm? If you enough to offset planting costs and answer "seafood," you are probably THE AQUACULTURAL losses due to predation. Ducks, crabs, right -- but perhaps not for long. "FARMYARD" starfish, and predatory snails readily While farm-raised products will never consume young shellfish. replace wild-grown seafood, the cul- Many aquatic species around the ture of aquatic species (or aquacul- world are now raised on farms, includ- ture) is becoming important to sea- ing abalone, shrimp, prawns, scallops, Between 1975 and 1984, levels of food production. Between 1975 and clams, oysters, mussels, striped bass, farm-raised seafood rose from about 1984, levels of farm-raised seafood salmon, trout, and catfish. Instead of 3 percent to 12 percent of total U.S. rose from about 3 percent to 12 per- barns, pastures, and feedlots, the fish and shellfish production. cent of total U.S. fish and shellfish aquaculturist's "farmyard" consists of production (according to the Nation- tanks, ponds, or protected coastal al Marine Fisheries Service). waters. The survival, growth, and quality of shellfish may be enhanced by sus- Meanwhile, seafood consumption in Aquacultural techniques and equip- pending the crop in water (away from the U.S. has risen more than 25 percent ment are extremely varied. Mussel the bottom) for all or part of its grow- in the last five years. Most wild fisher- bottom-culture, practiced in Holland ing season. Oyster and clam farmers ies cannot sustain more intense harvest- and Maine, is aquaculture at its sim- use trays covered with plastic screen- ing, so over half of seafood eaten in the plest. Mussel farmers gather seed ing, which protect juveniles -- and U.S. now is imported. Excluding from crowded intertidal beds, and sometime even adults -- from preda- petroleum products, seafood imports ac- spread them out thinly on leased tors. Some Maine mussels are grown count for about 28 percent of our annu- areas of the sea floor. After one or to market size on ropes suspended al trade deficit (according to the two growing seasons, the mussels are from the surface. While this technique American Fishery Society/Northeast harvested with special drags towed is more labor-intensive than bottom Division newsletter, November 1987). behind boats. This type of bottom cul- culture, rope-cultured mussels are As demand for seafood increases fur- ture (also used with clams and oys- free of grit and pearls. The technique of rearing salmon MAINE MUSSEL LANDINGS (1975-1985) and trout in floating pens is used suc- 7 - cessfully worldwide for a variety of finfish. The pens have sides, bottoms, and tops made of netting that keeps 6-WILD AND CULTIVATED fish from escaping and predators (birds, other fish, or seals) from eat- 5 ing the harvest. Unlike shellfish, which eat naturally occurring micro- scopic plants (called phytoplankton), MILLION 4 - farm-raised finfish must be fed formu- POUNDS / lated pellets made from less expen- 3 - sive fish or fish by-products. All sea farmers must start new 2 - crops each year. If natural sources of young shellfish or finfish are insuffi- 1 - CULTIVATED ONLY cient or unreliable, sea farmers turn to hatcheries. The water quality (e.g., temperature, salinity, oxygen, food) 0-'- -------------- ----- ------ - ---------- can be carefully monitored and con- 1970 1 975 1 980 19 8 5 trolled, thereby promoting rapid growth through the early, most vul- nerable life stages. By exerting some YEAR control over growing conditions, the sea farmer - like his counterpart on 22 land - strives to increase crop sur- granted and pending, could potential- pens. Aquaculturists require clean vival, enhance product quality, and ly yield annual harvests with an esti- water so it is in their own best in- keep product supply predictable. mated value up to 180 million dollars terests not to pollute "source" water. (compared to the current landed value AQUACULTURE IN MAINE of lobsters, 46 million dollars per year, The possible environmental effects from a fishery that covers most of of antibiotics (used in fish feeds) also Maine's numerous estuaries and Maine's 3,500-mile coastline). Good cause concern among environmen- sheltered coves, with their strong ti- salmon farming sites in Maine are talists. Salmon farmers respond that dal flow of clean, plankton-rich water, limited, though, because they require the antibiotics they use are carefully provide an ideal setting for aquacul- deep water, and relatively warm regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug ture. Commercial aquaculture began water temperatures in winter. Administration, and are used only to here during the early 1970s with a few control or prevent disease - not en- small oyster, mussel, coho salmon, and In the mid-coastal area, several hance growth. rainbow trout operations. In 1973, small farms are now raising quahogs Maine enacted an aquaculture lease and American oysters in the warmer Aquaculture has also prompted the statute that gives individuals or com- upper reaches of bays and estuaries, fear that much of Maine's coastal panies exclusive rights to their crops; or in human-made salt ponds. Europe- waters will become privately con- the statute permits leases for aquacul- an (or belon) oysters are also being trolled by large aquaculture compa- ture where proposed sea farming ac- cultivated commercially in Maine but nies, limiting public recreational and tivities do not interfere unreasonably so far there has been no large-scale other commercial uses. This scenario with navigation, adjacent landowners' marketing effort for belon oysters. is highly unlikely. Of the more than access to water, or existing fishing While the domestic market for belon 2,000 square miles of coastal waters and recreational activities on-site. oysters remains small, a vigorous under state jurisdiction, about 1.8 market has recently sprung up in Hol- square miles (less than 0.1 percent) Many of the pioneering aquaculture land and Belgium. are leased or pending a lease. Under ventures in Maine, begun in the ear- the current lease law, no single com- ly 1970s, were under-capitalized or too pany may lease more than 150 acres. labor-intensive; others had insuffi- Also, the lease only provides its By exerting some control over grow- cient seed stock or poor sites. During ing conditions, the sea farmer strives holder with the right to grow and har- ing conditions, the sea farmer strives its first decade, Maine's aquaculture vest a specific crop: many other uses to increase crop survival and en- industry grew very slowly. nc e ro u al of the site are still possible. hance product quality. The 1980s have brought a promis- Some "traditional" fishermen feel ing change, however. From 1982 to aquaculture threatens their way of 1986, mussel farming burgeoned with PROBLEMS AND life. Wild-mussel fishermen, for exam- the adoption of bottom-culture tech- OPPORTUNITIES pie, believe that aquaculturists niques. Mussels -- a minor fisheries deprive them of future harvests by product less than 20 years ago -- in Many people remain skeptical dragging up seed beds and transfer- 1985 were second only to lobsters in about aquaculture and question its ef- ring them to leased areas. Mussel pounds of shellfish landed per year. feet on navigation and recreational farmers respond that they are taking Over 6 million pounds were harvest- boating. Shorefront landowners ob- mussels which, if not thinned or trans- ed in 1985 (see chart). Estimates by in- ject to aquaculture on aesthetic planted, would be killed during dustry experts predict landings to grounds, saying that salmon pens or winter, become stunted by over- grow annually by about 10 percent oyster trays on the water ruin views crowding, or filled with pearls, mak- well into the 1990s, with future har- and lower property values. It is uncer- ing them unfit for sale. vests reaching an annual value of tain whether or not there is legal about $100 million. Commercial har- precedent to support this claim. In addition to outright opposition, vesting of wild mussels occurs primar- aquaculture lives in a confusing ily between Casco Bay and Machias Opponents also claim that fish regulatory and legal climate: sea Bay. Within this large region, there farms pollute. Feces and unused feed farming is not exactly fishing, but are many protected areas suitable for can accumulate beneath the fish pens, neither is it agriculture. Multiple per- mussel culture. possibly lowering oxygen levels and mits are required for some types of harming marine bottom fauna. These sea farming because of overlapping This year's salmon harvest (includ- charges stem from problems ex- state and federal jurisdiction; this ing farm-raised rainbow trout called perienced in Norwegian fjords where duplication can make the process of "salmon trout"), raised mainly in the waters below the pens tend to be starting or expanding a sea farm long, Eastport area, is expected to exceed naturally stagnant. Maine, especially complicated, and expensive. Hopeful- 1 million pounds, with a "landed" downeast, has characteristically ly, as aquaculture becomes a more es- value between 4 and 5 million dollars. strong tidal currents that prevent tablished industry, these roadblocks The 400 acres of salmon leases, both feces from building up under salmon will be overcome. E 23 Ports and Harbors Along the Maine Coast by Robert D. Elder, Director, Ports and Marine Transportation Division, Maine Department of Transportation During the past 10 years, the amount of dry cargo going through - - Maine's ports has doubled to nearly three-quarters of a million short tons (one short ton equals 2,000 pounds), due largely to new port construction. In Portland, Searsport, Winterport, Bucksport, and Eastport, cargo facil- ities handle forest products, steel, fer- tilizer, tapioca, coal, agricultural _ products, and over 8 million tons of petroleum annually. New visitors to these ports are large (200- to 700-foot) passenger Eastport Cargo Terminal cruise ships from ports such as coastal municipalities have construct- the coast. Most of these operations Boston, New York, St. John, Halifax, ed seven new fish piers to land and have grown (in numbers of passengers and Quebec. Collectively, Maine ports process Maine's growing catch. Port- and/or vehicles carried) by over 25 hosted over 60 such cruise ship calls land's Fish Exchange, the first of its percent in the past five years. (each carrying 75 to 725 passengers) kind in the nation, has dramatically Otietefsigidsroe during the summer of 1987, with Bar improved the quality of fish available Ousie0h firshn inusrsue marie-readac Harbor being the most popular port- to consumers: higher quality, in turn, tivitie inMn'spr:bot of-call. has meant improved prices for fish- e nMiesprs ot The emad fo al tyes o maine erme n. building; boat-repair and storage The demand for all types of marine ~~~~firms; marine sales, supplies, and ren- facilities is growing, especially in ~~tals; and cruise, charter, and excur- facilthern and mid-oaig specall Mine The demand for all types of marine sion services. The largest shipbuilder, souherncrasng pi-opuastion Maind facilities is growing, especially in Bath Iron Works, is the state's largest wheigheincedasen houavstrione andl southern and mid-coastal Maine private employer with nearly 9,000 abefailiteneds. Naew sitesfrainedavil where increasing population and year-round jobs (and a substantial able fanchoilites Newostes fore berthing heightened use have strained avail- backlog of work). An average-sized anedd acoing souther Maine, pandiculrl able facilities. fish processor, by comparison, em- prehensive harbor and waterfront ploys roughly 25 to 30 persons. plans must be developed in mid- Maine's ports are also home to in- Our ports and harbors are an essen- coastal and eastern regions. ternational ferries, two public ferry tial part of the state's economy. systems, and at least 10 other private Despite cyclical forces within the In some places, efforts to revitalize ferries that serve islands on a regu- marine-based industries, the overall waterfronts have already begun. Over lar basis. Over 60 boat cruises, excur- growth trend is strong. The traffic of the past decade, state agencies and sions, and charters also operate along high-value dry cargo such as forest- - ~~products exports is expanding in Maine, due to the decline in the dol- lar; national and regional seafood con- sumption is increasing due to greater health-consciousness, and all forms of recreational boating continue to grow in popularity. Despite these promising growth trends, marine-related industries are quickly becoming jeopardized by es- calating real-estate prices along the shore: marine-dependent businesses, - - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~like cargo shipping and fishing, are be- -. ~~~~~~~ing priced out of their home ports. Coin- munities like Portland and Yarmouth have passed moratoria limiting develop- Cruise Ship, Bar Harbor ment that is not water-dependent. 24 Other towns are considering similar actions. Harbor Management Smaller ports in southern Maine are encountering great demand for summer moorings and slips. These summer moorings and slips. These by Alfred W. Trefry III, President, Maine Harbor Masters Association communities will need to protect ex- While some of Maine's smaller har- island ferries (which traverse the isting anchorages, and improve their bors are still devoted exclusively to channel 18 hours a day) must vie with navigational infrastructure. Down- fishing vessels or cruising boats, smaller craft to use limited space. To east, more detailed mooring and har- many Maine harbors are now juggling make matters worse, many of the bor plans, greater harbormaster a variety of diversified uses. North- small-boat operators have little boat- enforcement, and new facilities are east Harbor on Mt. Desert Island, for ing experience and do not know "rules needed to make the most of existing example, is a yacht basin during sum- of the road." Managing these diverse waterfront space. mer, and an anchorage for large drag- harbor-traffic patterns will require gers in winter. new regulations: already, the ones If the shipping and fishing indus- from 1982 and 1983 are obsolete. from 1982 and 1983 are obsolete. tries are to maintain growth, with Portland Harbor is a good example increasing competition for their of a waterfront that combines com- In the future, the port hopes to at- shoreline space, state government mercial shipping, cruise ships, fishing tract more cruise ships and bulk car- will need to continue supporting ma- vessels, oil terminals, drydocks and go business. The International Ferry rine construction of municipal service other ship-repair facilities, and pleas- Terminal and some oil terminals are piers and infrastructural improve- ure boats. Portland now has close to being reconstructed, and there is even ments like cargo facilities, dredging in 1,000 moorings, only 300 less than mention of the dry cargo piers being ports, and navigational improve- Boston Harbor. Some of these boats rebuilt. The Portland Fish Pier, which ments. As our ports become more hail from other towns such as York replaced six derelict piers, is doing competitive and efficient, they draw where there is a two-year waiting list more business each year. To manage increased business to both Maine's for moorings. Roughly another thou- this new growth, and accommodate maritime trades and inland industries, sand boats are housed in marinas, and the diverse uses of the port, the Har- Productive cargo terminals will allow 600 to 1,200 more marina berths are bor Commission will need more fund- businesses throughout Maine to save planned. The pleasure boats vary ing and staff assistance. More costs in exporting their products to from small day-sailers to large speed- comprehensive regulations will also new foreign markets. We can benefit boats that can go 45 to 60 mph in com- be required to help apportion the greatly by improving our ports and mercial shipping lanes. available shore and deep-water an- harbors, but we must act now; for chorages to accommodate many each year we wait, it becomes more Ocean-going ships, tug boats, and different uses. difficult to accomplish these goals. [ Portland (aerial view) 25 Energy Development Along the Coast by Betsy Elder and Katrina Van Dusen, Maine State Planning Office Past Energy Proposals The coast is considered a natural setting for energy development be- cause it offers easy access to ocean- going tankers carrying fuels and to water for cooling. Since the 1950s, several places along Maine's coast have been chosen as potential sites for energy facilities. Major oil refineries were proposed for Machiasport, San- ford, and Eastport, but were never al, built. Plans for a 1,000-megawatt (MW) nuclear plant and aluminum ~; smelter in Trenton, near the entrance to Acadia National Park, were also abandoned. Central Maine Power Company planned two 800-MW nu- MERC Incinerator, Bidde ford clear units for Sears Island (in the mid-coast) during the 1960s, and sub- Saco, and Orrington. Collectively, Beyond the estimated construction sequently planned a 600-MW coal these plants have the installed capac- costs of $22 billion (in 1982 dollars), plant for the same site, but neither ity to generate approximately 2,000 reservations about the project center plant was built. Coal and nuclear pow- MW. on how it might affect tides (and hence er plants were constructed in Wiscas- the shoreline) along the whole Gulf of set, though, and a coal plant built in Tidal Power along Maine's Coast Maine. Increased tidal fluctuations Yarmouth. Energy proposals for from the Minas Basin Project could plants using fossil fuels may become People in Maine have long been in- cause saltwater intrusion of ground- less common as the current trend is terested in the potential of tidal pow- water systems along the coast, lower- toward constructing thermal power er. Studies done by the U.S. Army ing drinking-water quality for about plants that burn municipal wastes or Corps of Engineers indicate that the one-quarter of Maine's coastal commu- biomass (wood wastes from timbering Cobscook Bay region in eastern Maine nities. The change in tides might also or wood chips). could provide 200 MW of tidal power. cause the shoreline to retreat. Up to It hasn't been developed yet, though, 4,200 acres of coastal property and Thermal Power Plants because its cost is still too high rela- terrestrial habitat might be lost as in- tive to other alternatives. While tidal creased wave action and storm surge Thermal power plants, in addition power remains feasible and intrigu- would erode beaches and harbors. to burning biomass and municipal ing, it does not seem an economical wastes, may generate electricity from choice for Maine at present. Hydropower combustion of gas, oil, ethanol, alco- hol fuels, coal, or peat. Boilers of ther- Nova Scotia has proposed a major ti- Maine already has some hydropow- mal plants can also be fueled by dal power project, however, that is er plants along the coast. Facilities in nuclear power and cogeneration (har- creating concern in the U.S. because of Saco and Brunswick/Topsham -- and nessing excess or "waste heat" to its potential impact on the entire Gulf smaller facilities in Camden, Damaris- generate electricity). Large thermal of Maine. The Bay of Fundy, with tides cotta, and Yarmouth -- collectively facilities have been developed in that range from 33 to 45 vertical feet, provide about 20 MW of electricity Jonesboro (powered by biomass) and could potentially generate 13,000 MW. annually. The State Planning Office Bucksport (fueled by a combination of In 1982, large-scale tidal power produc- estimates that coastal sites could pro- coal, wood, oil, and sludge). tion was proposed for Minas Basin on vide about 11 MW of additional hydro- Cobequid Bay in Nova Scotia. This Bay power from about 40 existing darns. Maine's coastal communities, faced of Fundy tidal power project would in- Currently, however, the cost of de- with the prospect of overflowing land- volve construction of a 4,028-MW plant veloping these sites still outweighs fills, are now beginning to favor burn- to produce an estimated 12.6 billion the potential returns. Hydropower ing municipal solid waste. New kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity an- development is handicapped by the waste-to-energy incinerators are nually, 90 percent of which could be economic climate, reflected in low oil starting up in Portland, Biddeford/ marketed to the United States. prices and rates from utilities, with- 26 drawal of tax incentives, higher de- velopment costs, and lack of available Electrical Generation: how much insurance. do we produce, how much do we need? Offshore Oil and Gas The U.S. Department of the Interi- Electricity is usually ex- with 500 MW of peak-load ca- or (Interior) has decided to lease the pressed in units called mega- pacity could provide for approx- oute cotinetalshelf off Maine's watt hours (MWh) or kilowatt imately 120,000, or one-quarter, coastefr coiand axlrtion.ntal hours (KWh), indicating million of the households in Maine. By coast fr oil ad gas eploratin. Thewatts per hour or thousand contrast, 500 MW of base-load area being considered for exploration watts per hour, respectively. capacity could provide electric- is largely under Georges Bank, locat- Based on use in year-round ity for 547,000 households dur- ed 150 to 300 miles from Maine. Interi- homes, Central Maine Power's ing a period of low demand. The or's plans have generated controversy "typical customer" used 600 actual peak-load capacity neces- in New England because offshore KWh/month in 1987. sary to service all 430,000 drilling could threaten the valuable households in Maine is 1,800 fish population of Georges Bank. Demand for electricity fluctu- MW. ates from day to day and dur- Although all of Interior's plans to ing different times of the day. For more information, con- lease acreage on Georges Bank have Peak loads occur during periods tact the Energy Extension been callened incourt a sae wasof high demand for electricity, Agent in your area (Presque beenhllegd in Dcembrt,79 Fro July a such as when the temperature Isle, Bangor, Augusta, Port- held in Deember 1979 From Julyfalls below zero and a large land, or Lewiston/Auburn). 1981 until September 1982, oil compa- number of households are Their telephone numbers are nies drilled eight exploratory wells on watching TV, cooking dinner in available from the Office of the shelf, but found no oil or gas. In- the microwave, and taking hot Energy Resources in Augusta terior now plans another Georges showers. So a generating plant (289-3811). Bank lease sale (Sale 96), tentatively DIVISION OF MAINE'S ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION (1986) scheduled for February 1989. Texaco Canada is currently seeking permis- 8,373,000 Mwh sion from the Canadian government to drill on the easternmost portion of Maine Georges Bank. Canada has owned rights to the eastern side of the Bank since a 1984 World Court decision resolved a long-standing boundary 5,862,183 Mwh dispute between the U.S. and Canada. Coast 70% Because the Bank's fish population is such a valuable natural resource, Maine's support for offshore oil and gas exploration has been tempered by concern for existing fisheries. The Georges Bank ecosystem is an impor- tant spawning and nursery area for many fish species that later enter our coastal waters: in fact, the richness of Georges Bank helps to make the Gulf 1,384,000 Mwh of Maine one of the world's five most Maine productive water bodies. 131,400 Mwh The risks to Maine of offshore drill- Coast 900ing would not necessarily be counter- M27.7MMM ~~ balanced by benefits: Maine would en- THERMAL HYDRO ~~~~~~~~~~ joy few, if any, direct energy returns THERMAL ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~from oil or gas discovered along the Atlantic's outer continental shelf. El 27 Shoreline Hazards by Joseph T. Kelley and Stephen M. Dickson, Maine Department of Conservation, Maine Geological Survey While Maine is renowned for its rocky coast, much of Maine's shore- line is marked by beaches, saltmarsh- es, and mudflats - collectively known as its "soft" coast. The fragile struc- ture of this soft coast is undermined by erosion. In dramatic events like the winter storms of 1978 (which caused roughly $47 million in damage to southern Maine beach properties), we see how quickly land is eaten away. But usually, erosion moves the shore- line landward more gradually. Even this gradual erosion, though, is powered by storm waves. Scientists have not measured the force of Maine's Popham Beach Popham Beach storm waves, but stories tell of waves that threw football-sized rocks 50 to 100 Currently, sea level is rising from Seawalls and other forms of shore- feet up the shore (occasionally landing 1 to 3 millimeters per year, or 6 to 18 line armor are prohibited along the them in people's living rooms). inches per century. While this rise Maine coast because of the damage sounds insignificant, even a small in- they cause to the beach in front of Erosion is hastened by a quieter, crease can erode large portions of them and to properties on their edges. less dramatic process: the gradual rise Maine's soft coast. While rocky head- The "edge problem" has, in other of sea level. Since the last Ice Age lands will change little, Maine's states, led to the loss of whole over 9,000 years ago, Maine's sea lev- beaches, wetlands, and bluffs may beaches. Maine also prohibits con- el has risen about 200 feet due to the retreat hundreds of feet inland over struction of immovable high-rise melting of glaciers and slow warming the next 100 years. buildings in beach areas threatened of ocean water. ooca.Based on global warming trends by rising sea level, and it requires se- When the sea level was 200 feet (that might cause part of the polar ice verely damaged buildings to be lower, the shoreline was many miles caps to melt), the U.S. Environmental moved from the beach. seaward of where it presently lies. Protection Agency and the National What are now islands, were the peaks Academy of Sciences predict that sea The primary missing link in of hills in a previous landscape. level may rise 3 to 5 feet over the next Maine's coastal legislation involves century. If this rise actually occurs, eroding bluffs. In some areas, the parts of Maine's shoreline could re- eroded bluff sediment is sand that IA treat thousands of feet. forms nearby beaches. In other i? Ovosy eeaslgtreinea places, mud from the eroded bluff is ~ ~: .:~) :~ , �l Obviously, even a slight rise in sea ll wilause extensive dae to critically needed by salt marshes and ~i~ :~,� level will cause extensive damage to nearby clam flats. In either case, ( ~~~~~~~~~~nearby clam flats. In either case, 'human constructions along our coast. -! - ~~~~~human constructions along our coast. there is no practical way to halt bluff '~' ~' ~ ~J ~~Most early settlements were located - Most early settlements were located erosion, and construction is more safe- ~;~,~ ~ ~ ~~along Maine's rocky points near along Maine's rocky points near ly sited back from the eroding edge. natural, deep harbors, but more re- cent development has been less To protect people's lives and thoughtfully planned. Many private proet ao s and property along the coast, and to houses built along Maine's southern rpt on heln ,~,: ~~~~~~~~minimize our impact on shoreline beaches have been damaged or de- eoytu i t i sele ecosystems, it is essential that we stroyed by storm waves. stroyed by storm waves keep structures a safe distance from Some communities have attempted the present coast. As sea level rises to build structures that will protect and the shoreline migrates, that dis- -~~~ ~ . their properties. Massive seawalls tance should be maintained. The best composed of desk-sized blocks of rock way to deal with shoreline change is appear protective, but are easily dis- to "buy out" property that is present- Eroding Bluffs, Brunswick rupted by large storms. Furthermore, ly threatened and to prevent unsound (Lots above bluff are being developed) they lead to rapid loss of beach sand. development in the future. E 28 Freshwater: The Coast's "Other" Water Resource by Peter Garrett, BCI Geonetics Freshwater ... none of us can do sand/salt piles, and solvents from tion of freshwater in our local environ- without it, yet who among us does not garages, boat-builders, or other light ment? Here are some suggestions. take it for granted? But some Maine industry. And we cannot forget our towns have learned otherwise. poorly located or poorly functioning 1) Join other concerned citizens: your septic systems. local conservation commission or plan- In 1984, about a dozen households ning board would be a good place to in the coastal village of Friendship Contamination of groundwater start. lost their wells to gasoline that had from such chemicals can be avoided - leaked from a store's buried tanks. if secure containment and vigilance is 2) Search for potential threats to Now they have to content themselves practiced by users and local officials. water quality. Even if no current with water from a public supply well, Leakage of only a few gallons of chem- threats exist, it is a good idea to mon- located in a nearby wetland. Unfor- icals can cause the loss of a well, es- itor water quality regularly. Never tunately, though, that water contains pecially a bedrock well. Fortunately, take the quality of your local fresh- more sodium than the state's drinking though, Maine's known contamination water for granted. water limit. problems have not been extensive: only rarely do they exceed a few acres 3) Get technical assistance for the In Rockland, the water utility dis- in size. problems you perceive. The Regional putes with residents around an inland lake for the right to extract some - lakewater for townspeople. And many I tZ w, t " households in delightful, down-at-the- al 11 I __ wells within 200 feet of the shore. " l *__ Such wells, if pumped too hard or if affected by other wells on nearby lots, can draw saltwater instead of fresh. Despite these potential problems, Maine is fortunate to have plentiful supplies of high-quality water along much of its coast. In York and Cum- berland Counties, most freshwater comes from Lake Sebago and the Saco River, reservoirs so vast that their water could conceivably be exported to Boston, even after meeting Maine'sd foreseeable needs. Other municipal supplies often a come from screened (slotted) wells that are located in sand and gravel Underground Storage Tank aquifers. Residential wells are most tures in the rock). ment in the watershed. More develop- University's Cooperative Extension ment means more runoff of storm- Offices are good sources, and so are Topping the list of groundwater water into streams and, eventually, some private consultants. The State problems in the coastal area is radon, lakes. Not only does this stormwater Planning Office (and the organizations a radioactive gas common in bedrock erode topsoil, it carries small amounts listed above) have a ten-step planning groundwater along the mid-coast, of phosphorus into lakes where it process for groundwater protection where granite predominates. Radon causes unsightly algal blooms. Such that is available to interested citizens. can be filtered, but not avoided. Then blooms render lakes less welcome to there is iron, which is a rusty nuisance residents and visitors alike. The 4) Make a plan, and go public with it. but no health threat. Finally, there blooms also make treatment of drink- Get your ideas included in your town's are human-made chemicals: gasoline ing water more expensive. comprehensive plan. and heating oil (both from under- ground storage tanks), salt from How can we prevent the degrada- 5) Put the plan into action. E The Mystique of Maine: Tourism in "Vacationland" by Peter Bachelder, Maine Publicity Bureau, and Flis Schauffler, Maine Coastal Program Maine was a "vacationland" long before car license-plates began adver- tising the state's potential for recre- ation. As early as 1850, coastal towns such as Boothbay Harbor, Bar Har- bor, and Old Orchard Beach were be- coming fashionable places for summer visitors. While many of the early tourists (called "Rusticators") arrived by steamship or train from New York and Pennsylvania, some came from e the north as well. A railroad line from ... � Montreal to Portland brought an in- flux of Canadians to Old Orchard Beach by the 1860s. Most of these early Rusticators were wealthy people who could afford Od Orchard Beach (circa 1900) to come for extended visits. Some brought steamer trunks and stayed in -- at their leisure -- different vacation the state. (When outside of the region large coastal hotels that offered all horizons. where they live and work, even Maine the amenities of home. Others were residents are considered tourists.) lured by the grandeur of the state's Today, tourists are even more mo- When looking for lodging and food, lakes and forests, with their bounti- bile and their vacations tend to be many visitors no longer seek a formal ful fishing and hunting possibilities. In planned minimally, if at all. Annual- environment. By some estimates, the Moosehead and Rangeley Lakes ly, the Maine Publicity Bureau re- tourists now "eat out" one out of ev- regions, visitors were drawn to ceives only 135,000 inquiries about ery two meals, often at fast-food es- "sporting camps" where they stayed Maine's vacation possibilities, tablishments. in individual cabins and ate three whereas 6 million people show up. meals a day in a central lodge. By the Most tourists take fairly short vaca- Another trend in tourism is toward 1890s, Maine Central Railroad (which tions of a week or two, and numerous "shopping vacations." Over the past carried many of the summer visitors) weekend trips (particularly since the five years, interest in buying at out- had opened a ticket office in New advent of three-day weekends). The lets has reached fever pitch in parts York City and was promoting Maine weekend trips are particularly popu- of southern Maine. Along a 2-mile as a frontier vacationland, using full- lar among visitors from neighboring stretch of Route 1 in Kittery, there page ads in New York papers. states and Mainers who travel within are now 70 to 80 outlet-type stores. In- After World War I, some of the major hotels began to lose business. The Rusticators were more interest- ed in touring Europe - seeing where the war had been fought - and the visitors who began coming by automo- bile were seeking less formal vaca- tions. This new breed of tourist ushered in the age of the "tourist camp," which featured housekeeping cabins or a tenting area, and often all- in-one facilities, with a small restaur- ant or lunch counter, gas pumps, and even a repair shop. These new "mo- torists" marked the decline of an era when tourists generally stayed in one place for the length of their visit. Maine's growing highway system was opening the way for them to explore Bar Harbor 30 eluding store purchases, lodging, food, transportation and recreation, tour- ists spent more than 1.5 billion dollars in Maine during 1986 (69 percent of which was spent along the coast). For many native Mainers, the roads and beaches of southern Maine seem busy in summer, but our standard is different from that of the visitors (most of whom come from southern New England, New Jersey, Pennsyl- vania, and Metropolitan New York). Their concept of open space is unlike ours; many tourists are accustomed to crowds and would be uneasy if things were too quiet. We ought to look ahead at least 10 Pemaquid Point or 20 years, not just to the next season. Those of us who work in the tour- we don't direct people to one place or ism industry have a responsibility to another. be aware of the impact our work can Still, there is justifiable concern in have on a community. It would be The tourist industry needs to con- towns where traffic congestion from easy for us to publish a pocket-sized sider its long-term goals: we walk a visitors strongly affects the local cor- pamphlet about, say, an offshore is- fine line between inevitable progress munity. Tourism ties directly into the land - telling about all the attrac- and the need to preserve the values present dialogue over how much de- tions and the various ways to get that make Maine unique. We ought to velopment is appropriate and how it there. This kind of brochure could look ahead at least 10 or 20 years, not may best be managed. By enacting a have a terribly strong impact on the just to the next season. And we need Master Plan for Tourism, Maine could island community and we need to con- to know what Mainers have on their benefit from development without los- sider that - there's a difference be- minds. If people have constructive ing its reputation for being a slower- tween providing information when it ideas for how to plan ahead, they paced place where there is still room is asked for and actively promoting should become involved -- now -- to in'which to find solitude and open places. At the Publicity Bureau, we provide for everyone's best interests space. respond to requests for information; in Maine's future. [ Photo Credits Cover photo - Joe Devenney p. 16 - Carlton Bridge Traffic, Portland Press Herald p. 2 - Rocky shore, Maine State Archives p. 18 - Lobster boat and gulls, Portland Press Herald p. 3 - Portland Head Light, Flis Schauffler p. 19 - Boothbay waterfront, Maine State Archives p. 4 - Falmouth yachts, Portland Press Herald p. 20 - Portland Fish Exchange, Dennis Frappier Clammer, Maine Coastal Program p. 21 - Seafood Display, Department of Marine Re- p. 5 - Talbot Farm, Freeport Conservation Trust sources (Robert Beaudoin) p. 6 - Belfast Park, Maine Coast Heritage Trust p. 24 - Eastport cargo terminal, Quoddy Tides (John Marsh) "Kungsholm" cruise ship, Bar Harbor Chamber p. 7 - Popham Beach Aerial, Critical Areas Program of Commerce (Hylander) p. 8 - Arethusa flower, Greig Cranna p. 25 - Portland aerial, Robert Moore Puffins, Maine Coastal Program p. 26 - MERC plant, KTI Energy Inc. p. 9 - No Trespassing sign, Mary Droege p. 28 - Crumbling house, Critical Areas Program Hallowell Boat Facility, Maine Coastal Program Eroding bluffs, Joseph T. Kelley p. 10 - Acadia Park's Sand Beach, Maine State Archives p. 29 - Underground storage tank, Marcel Moreau p. 13 - Building construction, Katrina Van Dusen p. 30 - Old Orchard Beach (archival), Maine Historic p. 14 - Growth Management meeting, Natural Re- Preservation Commission sources Council of Maine (David Etnier) Bar Harbor tourists, Flis Schauffler p. 15 - McDonald's sign, Katrina Van Dusen p. 31 - Pemaquid Point, Maine State Archives 31 The Maine Coastal Program The Maine Coastal Program (MCP) citizens so they can better comply In 1972, faced with burgeoning de- works in two distinct areas - regu- with state and local statutes. The velopment along the nation's shores, lation, and planning and policy de- MCP continues to work with the the U.S. Congress enacted the Coastal velopment. Legislature, state agencies, munici- Zone Management Act, which became palities, and others to strengthen im- the foundation for states' coastal pro- Regulation plementation of these laws. In 1986, grams. Unlike all other federal en- At the state level, three state agen- the Coastal Program developed a vironmental legislation, the Act cies implement the MCP through legislative initiative to improve state provides for a partnership among fed- regulations: the Department of Ma- and local decisions affecting coastal eral, state, and local government in rine Resources (DMR) oversees fish- resources. The initiative, which was cooperatively managing the nation's eries management; the Department of supported by Legislators, the public, coastal resources. Conservation (DOC), through the and local governments, was enacted Land Use Regulation Commission, into law and now provides a frame- Congress also took an unprecedent- regulates land use activities in the work for coastal decision-making. ~ ed step by writing into the law ~ state's unorganized territories: and provision that requires all federal ac DATE DUE nning and Policy Development 'he MCP supports local and state tivities in the coastal area to be con sistent with the approved state pro nded moreingan coastal !has funded more than 500 local gram: no longer could the federan nning projects along Maine's coast. government perform or support ace the local level, for example, the tivities that violated state laws. If a state has a federally approved pro hensive plans, regional shoreline gram, the federal government cannol Phs helped touwat epr-us dredge, construct breakwaters or fed es ies, At theundaterle ~tegies. At the state level, the eral housing, or conduct other activi P has funded coastal wildlife ties that violate state laws. dies, helped licensing and permit- te of state laws, and analyzed In 1978, Maine implemented its ine's fish-pier needs. The Program coastal management program, relying also sought to develop public poli- on 11 existing environmental and lane I on how coastal resources are used use statutes (that pertain to air and ,r example, where new cargo ports water pollution, siting of largE uld be located, how Maine aquacul- projects, construction in wetlands and G e should be developed, and how GAYLORD No 2333 along beaches, shoreland zoning, solid Le and local decisions affecting the waste sites, and marine resources). vironmental laws, and informs Maine coast should be made. Maine Coastal Program State Planning Office State House Station 38 184 State Street Augusta, Maine 04333 207/289-3266 lT[d140 15 3 6668 14105 9156