HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA , MAINE 04333-0002 ( 207 ) 287-1440 TTY : ( 207 ) 287-4469
Kathy L . Downes
P . O . Box 59 Bucksport , ME 04416 Phone : ( 207 ) 949-3593
Kathy . Downes @ legislature . maine . gov
August 26 , 2021 RE : Designation of DownEast Maine as a National Heritage Area To Whom It May Concern ,
The Town of Bucksport is a historic town located in Hancock County at the mouth of the Penobscot River and head of Penobscot Bay . Designating Hancock and Washington Counties in DownEast Maine as a National Heritage Area will provide Bucksport with the technical and financial resources needed to support community guided programs and projects that highlight our values , traditions and history . The positive impacts of a National Heritage Area will extend far beyond the DownEast Maine Region .
DownEast Maine is a landscape and ecosystem sculpted by glaciers and repopulated by flora and fauna over the last 13,000 years . The region ’ s culture was shaped by the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Tribes who are descendants of Native American peoples who inhabited Maine well before recorded history . The Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes ’ ancient traditions and contributions to the region remain a constant to this day .
DownEast Maine is a living reflection of the history and culture of Maine and New England . Industries such as forest products , agriculture , fishing and shipbuilding are generational and viable .
Outdoor recreation , scenic tours and cultural events support our local businesses and enable us to tell our story and create a greater awareness of our local culture and values . Sportsmen enjoy hunting , fishing and birding while fitness enthusiast take pleasure in walking , hiking , cycling paddling and swimming . Tours of historic Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrow Bridge Observatory are popular outings . Cultural events and our farmer ’ s market flourish May through October .
Designation as a National Heritage Area will promote our region ’ s history and culture . Most importantly , it will support the development of our region as a community for all to thrive .
Sincerely ,
Kathy L . Downes State Representative
District 130 Bucksport & Orrington
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