Search Results for: matinicus

Working Waterfront

Islands lag in Internet speeds, hampering economic growth

Internet speeds for Maine’s year-round island communities are hampering economic growth and even threatening their long-term viability, a report issued Dec. 9 asserts. The 200-page report by Tilson Technology followed extensive study of current Internet speeds on 14 islands: the Cranberry Isles (Islesford, Great Cranberry and Sutton), Vinalhaven, North Haven, Monhegan, Matinicus, Frenchboro, Swan’s, Chebeague,… Read more » SEE MORE
AlexAnna Salmon speaks at the Island Energy Conference on November 6

News

Maine’s diesel islands find a role model, 3,500 miles away

11/13/2015 -

“I decided, after reading about the 15 Maine Islands, that we’re most similar to Matinicus,” said AlexAnna Salmon, Village Council President of Igiugig, Alaska and speaker at the Island Energy Conference. “We are not an island, but we are like an island in that you can only get there by air charter.” SEE MORE

Ben Algeo and Suzanne MacDonald unload boxes of LEDs

News

In Maine’s remotest island community, changing the lightbulb has far-reaching implications

11/8/2015 - The Island Institute runs programs to support sustainability on Maine’s 14 year-round, offshore communities. Changing out power-hungry bulbs on Monhegan and Matinicus is a first step to reduce dependence on diesel and help make island living more affordable. The 2,326 LEDs sent this year to Monhegan are expected to save utility customers a total of $15,000 a year. The 600 bulbs now on Matinicus could cut bills by a toal of $5,000. A second shipment planned for this winter of 400 bulbs could trim another $3,000 for the island. SEE MORE
The view from the hill on Monhegan.

Working Waterfront

Eight simple rules…

Editor’s note: One of the best programs the Island Institute (publisher of The Working Waterfront) ever created is its cadre of Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on islands through the Institute and AmeriCorps. At the annual fellows luncheon in July, each fellow offered comments about their work. Ben Algeo, who… Read more » SEE MORE
From left: Brooks Winner

News

Welcome from the Community Energy Team

8/24/2015 - The Island Institute’s Community Energy Program supports island communities in reducing their energy costs and increasing the reliability and sustainability of island electricity and heating infrastructure. SEE MORE
Monhegan view of Manana.

Working Waterfront

I don’t play island favorites

Editor’s note: Reflections is a monthly column written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront, and AmeriCorps. This always happens. I’m telling someone what I do, how I work to lower the cost of energy on Monhegan and Matinicus… Read more » SEE MORE
Fishermen head back to Bass Harbor after a day hauling traps.

Working Waterfront

Fishing—a risky business

Fishermen face two realities on the water. There’s the potential for accidents that could result in death, injury or vessel loss. Then there’s the sheer pain many live with every day, a result of the bodily stresses they endure doing this hard work. Hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours and harsh weather make… Read more » SEE MORE