on- and off-road ; attract biking events - gravel grinds , slow rides ; develop local bike clubs .
• Develop the Eastern Maine Canoe Trail
• Improve facilities at trailheads – maps , information , toilets ; upgrade existing camping , hiking , and boat launch facilities .
• Provide information about camping , bathrooms , etc ., explore creating an app in partnership with Maine trail finder .
• Develop educational tools to help residents and visitors become better stewards of the land .
• Connect trail users with land trusts to help them understand non-profit or private partnerships versus state and federal lands and land management .
• Find funding and human resources to increase capacity for trail upgrades and maintenance to keep up with increased use . Nurture a recreation land management collaboration across the two counties to address increased visitation .
• Develop “ trail-running ” summer positions to help identify and address or report on the growing incidences of littering , squatting , and illegal fires and camping .
• Develop community “ work parties ” reminiscent of a good old-fashioned barn raising to bring people together to help develop and maintain infrastructure .
• Assist schools to connect with or develop nearby recreation trails .
• Leverage conservation lands to bring more value to communities – to help offset tax breaks for forest , ag , open space reductions
• Promote area to potential new residents for outdoor recreation as quality of life .
• Collect trail use data to back up grant applications and provide information to municipalities about the economic benefits of outdoor recreation .
• Develop and promote winter sports events and challenges
• Develop both introductory and immersive experiential recreation tours ; engage all age groups , fitness levels , children .
• Develop pet-friendly parks ; a dog park .
• Improve boat launches , parks , trails , and other public infrastructure in village areas to create active outdoor downtown hubs .
• Develop East Coast Greenway & Bold Coast Scenic Bikeway gateway infrastructure & cultural information at Calais - Bike shops , bike rentals , bike storage , bike shipping @ city building , DEST brochure & map updates .
• Develop safer and varied bicycling routes that offer routes for all skill levels to encourage fitness , community , and fun .
• Connect the three annual Birding festivals each May and June to expand participant opportunities to engage with birding . Create incentives and opportunities for community members and school or youth groups to participate . Update DownEast Acadia Birding Trail map and build out information on DART and other websites .
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