Solution Example

Bulk purchase of LED bulbs

Residents of Monhegan rely on diesel generators to produce electricity for their island. As a result, ratepayers on the island pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, at $0.70/kWh. Residents asked an Island Institute Fellow, Ben Algeo, to help them analyze and reduce their energy consumption. Ben followed the same process on… Read more » SEE MORE

Solution Example

Monhegan’s special hunt

Lyme disease was not identified until 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, and it wasn’t until 1987 that Lyme disease was identified in Maine. Before the 1980s, you couldn’t even find ticks in the Pine Tree State. In 1989, however, the first case of Lyme on Monhegan Island was diagnosed. What made Monhegan such an odd case… Read more » SEE MORE

Yvonne Thomas

Yvonne is a Senior Community Development Officer and part of the Center for Sustainable Communities. Yvonne works closely with island schools and businesses to promote resilience and strengthen networks to address the unique challenges and opportunities that island communities face. Yvonne also provides leadership and direction for the Institute’s work in strengthening the connection between schools,… Read more » SEE MORE
A crew member and passenger walk off the ferry to Islesboro.

Working Waterfront

Ferry service seeks do-over

By Tom Groening With the election of Gov. Janet Mills in November and the formation of a new administration, the Maine State Ferry Service will revisit the rates and fees it adopted last spring. But citing an ongoing lawsuit and mandated rulemaking timelines, a new rate structure could be proposed by the end of March.… Read more » SEE MORE
Kate Tagai

News

Islanders Share Energy Challenges and Solutions at Great Lakes Summit

10/30/2018 - At the 2nd annual Great Lakes Islands Summit, held October 1-2, 2018 in Madeline Island, Wisconsin, islanders and leaders from around the Great Lakes region and beyond gathered to discuss the unique challenges of living, working, and playing on islands. This year’s summit focused on topics relevant to all island communities, including water levels, affordable housing, energy production, and economic survival. During the energy breakout session, energy experts and community members shared energy challenges as well as ideas and solutions for addressing them. SEE MORE
A couple enjoy the Maine State Ferry Service boat ride past Owls Head light on the way to Vinalhaven.

Working Waterfront

Angry words exchanged at ferry board meeting

Tempers flared at the July 12 meeting of the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board about, ironically enough, angry ferry passengers. The board serves as a citizen advisory group, representing the interests of islanders before ferry service managers. The service is operated by the state Department of Transportation, and serves Frenchboro, Swan’s Island, Islesboro, North Haven,… Read more » SEE MORE