stronger cohesion across our many similar missions erodes our ability to achieve these missions . Commitment to exploring collaborative opportunities is critical if we want to preserve and build upon our core community values through the inevitable phases of cultural , economic , and environmental change . The current pattern of managing many separate efforts utilizing a limited pool of resources will not bring the results we all seek .
Maintaining Status Quo hinders the ability of the DownEast Acadia region to reach its true potential for conservation , preservation and interpretation of the region ’ s nationally and locally significant cultural , historic , and natural resources . It hinders citizens ability to learn about or interact with , let alone value , their heritage and the surrounding landscape that helped shape them . It limits the region ’ s capacity to develop economically vital heritage and outdoor tourism assets . It limits capacity to create cohesive experiences that tell a full story of the people and places that make our home special . Our Status Quo does not enable us as a region to build upon and leverage our mutual heritage and visions . It does not enable us to prioritize investments and development that affects individual communities and collective communities .
Alternative 2 – Local or State Management as a Heritage Area
Alternative 2 explores potential for local or state operation of a heritage area , independent of a federal NHA designation . This alternative includes a description of likely funding sources and potential for resource protection , interpretive programming and other potential outcomes under state or local administration .
The state of Maine does not have a heritage tourism program or a state heritage area program . The Department of Economic & Community Development ( DECD ) houses the Maine Office of Tourism ( MOT ) and Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation . DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism works closely with both Offices to identify and promote culture and recreation unique to this region . MOT works with a Cultural Tourism Consultant and employs a Destination Development staff position . The Destination Development Specialist works with the Maine Woods Consortium to support tourism in the rural Maine Woods communities . The Bold Coast and Grand Lakes
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