Community Input

The National Heritage Area program is built around collaboration and local priorities, and thus depends heavily on input from partners, stakeholders, and others.  The Management Planning process requires employing a cooperative planning strategy through public outreach and building networks and partnerships across the region. 

Following is a summary of outreach to regional Stakeholders and Partners conducted in 2023.  A variety of meetings and outreach will continue through 2024 and 2025. 

If you would like to host a discussion about the National Heritage Area in your community or organization, please contact the National Heritage Area coordinator at Sunrise County Economic Council:

chitchings@sunrisecounty.org or 207-707-2057.

Community Stakeholder Meetings

SCEC staff held 8 community meetings by geographic area in Lubec, Eastport, Calais, Schoodic, Stonington, Castine, Machias, Ellsworth.  A total of 60 people attended, representing 59 organizations, municipalities, and volunteer committees. 

Focus Group Meetings

SCEC staff held 1 focus group meeting for recreation/conservation partners, with 17 attendees representing 9 local, state, and federal land management organizations.

SCEC staff held 1 focus group meeting for historical societies and museums in Hancock County, with 15 attendees representing 9 historical organizations.

Individual Meetings
SCEC staff conducted individual meetings with representatives of 30 local, regional, state, and congressional entities.
Presentations to Groups

SCEC staff provided a formal presentation about the Downeast Maine NHA at 4 different educational panel discussions, at 8 meetings of different nonprofit organizations, and at 2 municipal public meetings.  These include Liberty Hall (Machiasport), Blue Hill Historical Society, Blue Hill Peninsula Tomorrow, Stonington Economic Development Committee, Calais Rotary Club, Jonesport Selectboard, Schoodic National Scenic Byway Committee, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Ellsworth City Council, Washington County Community College, Age-Friendly Sullivan, Washington Count Youth Leadership, and more.

Contact Crystal Hitchings at Sunrise County Economic Council: chitchings@sunrisecounty.org or 207-707-2057

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