Working Waterfront

Feds provide Maine with broadband funds

The Maine Connectivity Authority was awarded $30 million in federal funding from the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure grant. This investment is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will support Maine’s strategic goal of providing universal broadband access throughout the state. “As one of the most rural states in the… SEE MORE

A trio of fish houses and piers on Barleyfield Point, a rocky peninsula that juts out into Lowell’s Cove, Orr’s Island. A lawsuit by one of numerous shareholders seeks to force the others to sell their interest in the property. PHOTO: J.W. OLIVER

Working Waterfront

Battle over working waterfront on Orr’s Island

The numerous co-owners of a sliver of working waterfront on Orr’s Island, which has been treated as a public amenity for generations, may have to sell their shares soon if one of them prevails in court. A lawsuit filed by part-owner John E. “Jack” Sylvester Jr. that seeks to force… SEE MORE

The Burnurwurbskek Singers, a Penobscot male drum group, performs at Cadillac Mountain Summit. PHOTO: COURTESY WILL NEWTON, FRIENDS OF ACADIA

Working Waterfront

Cultural Connects program returns to Acadia

The Cultural Connections program returns to Acadia National Park after a year-long hiatus. This programming provides visitors to Acadia with the opportunity to learn from Maine’s Native artists, musicians, and scholars via bi-weekly summer demonstrations. Not only does the Cultural Connections program provide an important platform to support Wabanaki artists… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The islands explode into bloom

Everything Everywhere All at Once is the title of an award winning movie I have yet to see. It also is a perfect description of the frenetic time of year in the Cranberry Isles between the middle of May and the middle of June. Our island populations are about to… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

A taste of independence

Not to give any credit to a global pandemic, but one positive result of spending months at home is that at the age of six, Pen learned to ride a bike. She started on one of those little pedal-less balance bikes, couldn’t go seamlessly to riding with no training wheels… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Hybrid ferry is a ‘half attempt’

I was greatly disappointed to read that the new ferry being built for Islesboro has gone from an all-electric boat to a hybrid. With global warming affecting the Gulf of Maine faster than most other bodies of water in the world, I believe we need to make our best effort… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Stonington’s ‘Discovery Wharf’ open

In the heart of Stonington, Maine’s highest lobster landings port, fisheries come alive at 13 Atlantic Avenue, home of the Discovery Wharf, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries’ vibrant interpretive center for visitors of all ages. The MCCF Discovery Wharf provides interactive experiences ranging from hands-on learning about sea creatures in… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Winning and losing, frugal and green, and the coffee connection

If you win, I lose? To the editor: I’m glad you wrote “Pondering the poverty question” (Rock Bound, June issue). I agree with everything you said, and hope to read Poverty, by America. I think it’s important to point out the costs to everyone, not just the poor, of our… SEE MORE

Sen. Angus King converses with Friends of Acadia staff at the groundbreaking event for Acadia National Park's new maintenance facility.

Working Waterfront

Acadia breaks ground on new facility

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau visited Acadia National Park in April to join federal and local leaders at the groundbreaking of a new year-round maintenance facility at park headquarters, made possible with a new $32.6 million investment from the Great American Outdoors Act. [caption id="attachment_37419" align="alignleft" width="500"] Environmental… SEE MORE

Gov. Janet Mills held a ceremonial bill signing for LD 574, a measure sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, and cosponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, that would expand the language of working waterfront covenants to include nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts that are authorized to hold conservation easements, further protecting Maine’s last remaining miles of working waterfront.

Working Waterfront

Land trusts can now protect working waterfronts

A bill sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly of Westbrook (LD 574: An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Working Waterfront Covenants) has been signed into law, greatly expanding opportunities for protecting Maine’s remaining working waterfronts. “Maine’s fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenues, and it’s an industry… SEE MORE