Maine delegation seeks action in Saco
Army Corps asked to address Camp Ellis beach erosion
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Rep. Chellie Pingree have written their support for the city of Saco in its bid to enter a project partnership agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to address ongoing beach erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco. To date, 38 homes have been lost to erosion there, along with dunes, a railroad, and four streets.
The Army Corps has been working with Saco to find a solution to address erosion at Camp Ellis through part of the 1968 River and Harbor Act, which provides authority for the Corps to develop and construct projects for prevention or mitigation of damages caused by federal navigation work.
DMR launches seafood branding initiative
Maine products highlighted, with recipes
The Maine Department of Marine Resources is launching a branding and promotion initiative to celebrate Maine seafood and help consumers find and enjoy it in the comfort and safety of their home.
While rapidly changing seafood markets due to the coronavirus pandemic have posed challenges for seafood producers, retail seafood sales are up 35 percent compared to last year, according to a market research company.
With $1 million of the $20 million CARES Act relief funds allocated by NOAA for Maine’s commercial fishing and seafood industry, the Maine seafood branding and promotion initiative will help this growing population of home-bound seafood enthusiasts discover the superior taste, quality and variety of seafood from Maine.
“The Gulf of Maine’s cold, clean water is home to a wide variety of premium seafood products that are easy to prepare,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “The branding and promotion initiative will help consumers learn about, find, and prepare Maine seafood in their own kitchens.”
The initiative will emphasize the attributes that distinguish Maine seafood, including the premium nature of the products, the pristine marine environment of the North Atlantic, and the industry’s passion for quality. A Maine Seafood website will feature a directory of suppliers as well as inspired recipe ideas.
Blog posts from influential food writers will drive consumer appreciation and demand for Maine seafood. Social media accounts will allow foodies across the world to connect around their shared love of Maine seafood.
For a directory of Maine Seafood suppliers and easy, delicious holiday recipe inspiration visit www.SeafoodfromMaine.com.
Acadia proposes reservation fee
Public comment on plan sought
The National Park Service is proposing to charge an expanded amenity fee to support the vehicle reservation system for the Cadillac Summit Road at Acadia National Park beginning in May. The total fee for each vehicle reservation would be $6, with $4 allocated to park service operational and capital costs, and $2 allocated to administrative costs for Recreation.gov, the contracted online reservation service provider.
The park service is seeking public input on the proposed vehicle reservation fee. A 30-day public comment period will be open through Feb. 11. Comments should be submitted at:
parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=99477
“The vehicle reservation fee is key to supporting the park staff and infrastructure,” said Acadia Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Visitors accessing the Cadillac Summit Road during peak use times will benefit from having assurance that they will find parking and have a more enjoyable experience.”
The vehicle reservation fee for the Cadillac Summit Road is in addition to the park entrance fee. A valid park entrance pass is required for entry to the park while the vehicle reservation system allocates limited parking space on the Cadillac Summit Road during peak use times.
Vehicle reservations provide a timed entry, but do not require a departure time. Pedestrians and bicyclists do not require a reservation to access the Cadillac Summit Road.
Maine boatbuilders show returns
Event set for Portland waterfront, July 23-25
Every March since 1987, the Maine Boatbuilders Show has been on calendars of New England’s marine industry. Portland Yacht Services opened its doors to those who found the art and craft of messing around in boats a consuming passion.
The business was unable to host the show in Portland last year, but the pause required by the pandemic has offered the opportunity to bring it back this summer. To ensure a significant number of exhibitors, any exhibitor that paid a deposit for the 2020 Maine Boatbuilders Show will have the space they signed up for applied to the new 2021 event date.
