DownEast Acadia
Regional Tourism
DOWNEAST ACADIA REGIONAL TOURISM PO BOX 235 MILBRIDGE , ME 04658 207-546-3600 info @ DownEastAcadia . com DownEastAcadia . com DownEastAcadiaRegionalTourism . org
DownEast Acadia
True Maine
National Heritage Feasibility Study Letter of Support 21 July 2021
National Heritage Area Designation for DownEast Maine will promote collaboration , preservation , and economic development throughout the region , neighboring counties , and State of Maine . DownEast Maine is a viable landscape , ecosystem , and culture shaped by glaciers and repopulated by plants , animals , and people . The Passamaquoddy people were our allies in our war for independence , resisted assimilation , and still live here , honoring ancient traditions .
DownEast Maine is a living reflection of the history and culture of New England and the Northern Arboreal Forest . Machias is the site of the first naval engagement of the Revolutionary War , Castine was once the capital of Acadia and Eastport was the last American city occupied by the British in the war of 1812 . While ice harvesting was replaced by refrigeration and granite yielded to concrete , we still have working quarries in Stonington and Mt Desert Island . Traditional industries such as boatbuilding , forest products , agriculture , and fishing remain viable and employ hundreds of people . Fresh lobster is available at numerous coastal restaurants , Machias hosts an annual wild blueberry festival , 24 lighthouses mark our coast , town historical societies preserve local history , and farm markets flourish .
Hunting and fishing are popular with visitors and locals , supported by savvy Maine Guides . Other forms of outdoor recreation , from birding , walking , hiking , and paddling sports to bicycling , motorcycling , and ATV riding are increasingly popular . Cultural events and outdoor recreation , important to residents and visitors alike , are the attractions that help support our hospitality and tourism businesses .
Designation as a National Heritage area will promote local history , increase community pride , encourage collaboration between local organizations , help preserve our heritage and environment , promote economic development , and attract new residents . It will enable us to leverage increased funding from individuals , private donors , local , state , and federal sources . More importantly , it will support historic and healthy communities in DownEast Maine .
Sincerely ,
Alvion R . Kimball , Chairperson , DownEast Acadia Tourism Board of Directors DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism C :( 207 ) 902-2240 www . DownEastAcadia . com
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