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A conceptual boundary map is supported by the public .
The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area includes all of Washington and Hancock counties .
An October 2019 Summit was convened to broaden the conversation with stakeholders and to consider all the stories of Downeast Maine . The Summit was attended by participants from local businesses and non-profit organizations in both Washington and Hancock Counties . Although the Summit did not attempt to define a geographic scope for the proposed NHA , participants agreed that important framing determinants for the boundary are the glacially influenced landscape , natural resources economy , and shared history .
The necessary decision about where to draw the NHA boundary raised questions about whether or not to include Mount Desert Island , or indeed any of Hancock County at all . The possibility of excluding everything west of the Schoodic region was also discussed . Ultimately , people agreed that a National Heritage Area boundary inclusive of both counties will bring more strength to all communities to connect residents , manage visitors , and leverage opportunities . See Chapter 4 for details on choosing the geographic boundaries of the National Heritage Area .
The geographic area proposed for designation as a National Heritage Area includes the entirety of Washington and Hancock Counties , from the St . Croix River to the Penobscot River , and from the Bold Coast to the Grand Lakes . The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area refers to this twocounty region .
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