HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA , MAINE 04333-0002 ( 207 ) 287-1400 TTY : MAINE RELAY 711
Genevieve McDonald P . O . Box 253 Stonington , ME 04681 Phone : ( 207 ) 266-5113 Genevieve . McDonald @ legislature . maine . gov
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA , MAINE 04333-0002 ( 207 ) 287-1400 TTY : MAINE RELAY 711
July 21 , 2021 To Whom It May Concern ,
I ’ m writing in strong support of the designation of a National Heritage Area in Downeast Maine . As a member of the Maine House of Representatives and a commercial fisherman , I know firsthand how important it is to promote and preserve the Downeast Acadia region , from its world-renowned working waterfront to its natural beauty to its rich and complicated history .
Creating a National Heritage Area here will promote closer collaboration between towns , departments of government and organizations with similar interest in preservation , economic development , and resource conservation . It will have a positive impact that extends far beyond Hancock and Washington Counties and will have positive ripple effects across rural Maine .
The district I represent includes coastal areas containing shell middens created by Native Americans and islands that were first used by European fishermen to dry fish long before their compatriots began to settle the mainland . We have a landscape and ecosystem shaped by glaciers the effect of which is visible to this day . The Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes were our allies in America ’ s war for independence and live nearby , honoring ancient traditions .
Deer Isle provided the crews for the first sailing ships to win the America ’ s Cup . We still harvest wild blueberries , build boats , quarry granite , and catch fish , especially lobster . Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory serve as the Gateway to Downeast Maine and prepare people to cross the Deer Isle bridge on their journey to the islands of East Penobscot Bay . Our islands are part of the Maine Island Trail supported by public lands and private owners . Instead of cars , we race lobster boats . Cultural events and outdoor recreation support local businesses and tell our story to visitors .
A National Heritage designation for Downeast Maine will help us address climate change on a local and regional basis . It will help us promote history , increase community pride , and welcome new residents . Most importantly , it will support economic development and promote healthy communities here .
On behalf of my constituents , I strongly urge you to move forward on this , and I appreciate your thoughtful consideration . Respectfully ,
Genevieve McDonald State Representative
District 134 Cranberry Isles , Deer Isle , Frenchboro , Isle au Haut , North Haven , Southwest Harbor , Stonington , Swans Island , Tremont and Vinalhaven , plus the unorganized territory of Marshall Island Township
222