Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > Sears Island Initiative > Meeting Schedule > Steering Committee Meeting 6/16/06

Sears Island Planning Initiative
Steering Committee Meeting

Hutchinson Center, Belfast
June 16, 2006

June 22, 2006

Dear Sears Island Steering Committee and Interested Parties:

We thank you for your participation and interest in the Sears Island Planning Initiative to date. We are very grateful for your time and believe that there is positive momentum toward the Initiative's goal of developing a consensus recommendation regarding the future uses of Sears Island. We write to provide you a summary of the June 16, 2006 Steering Committee Meeting and an updated "Index of Materials." You will find as attached these documents and related information.

This Saturday, June 24th, is the public participation "open space" forum at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. We are encouraged by the growing number of participants and it should be an exciting and productive event.

We remind you of the next Steering Committee meeting scheduled for July 12, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to be held at the Hutchinson Center with a video conference hook-up in Bangor. We will be sending you material next week to further prepare for this meeting.

In closing, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,

Karin Tilberg
Dept. of Conservation

Dianne Smith
Town of Searsport

Sue Inches
SPO

Jonathan Reitman
Facilitator

SUMMARY OF SECOND MEETING

I. Welcome and Introductions

Facilitator Jonathan Reitman opened the meeting by welcoming the parties (including those joining from Bangor via videoconferencing) to the second meeting of the Steering Committee. Department of Conservation Deputy Commissioner, Karin Tilberg, reviewed the goal of the Sears Island Planning Initiative, as discussed and affirmed by the group at the first Steering Committee meeting: “It is the goal of the Steering Committee to develop consensus recommendations for future land use activities for Sears Island. The plan and recommendations will be submitted to the Governor of the State of Maine, the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation of the Maine Legislature and the municipality of Searsport.” She recognized the activity that has taken place since that meeting, including the Education Subcommittee Meeting and the Site Visit, thanking all who helped with and participated in the tour. Tilberg then distributed and read aloud a letter dated June 5, 2006 from Governor Baldacci to the members of the Sears Island stakeholder process (attached).

Participants at the meeting then introduced themselves.

II. Review of Agenda, Groundrules, and Draft Meeting Summary from May 30, 2006

The facilitator reviewed the meeting agenda and groundrules (attached to this summary). It was noted that some of the groundrules were not adhered to during the first meeting, and the facilitator encouraged parties to assist him in assuring they are followed in the future.

It was noted that the Draft Meeting Summary from May 30, 2006 omitted Sara Bradford, First Selectperson of the Town of Stockton Springs, from the list of persons who came forward to express their interest in serving on the Steering Committee.

John Melrose asked that paragraph 1 c) of the Summary be revised to read “Use of the Island for marine transportation uses.” The Meeting Summary was then accepted as revised.

III. Further Discussion on Composition of Steering Committee and Resource Circle

The facilitator invited parties who were not in attendance at the first meeting and/or who had not yet expressed their intent to serve on the Steering Committee to come forward at this time. The following parties came forward to express their interest in serving on the Steering Committee:

  • Joe Perry, Searsport Town Manager, representing the Searsport Board of Selectmen.
  • Dick Desmarais, Searsport Town Selectman, representing economic development interests.
  • Sara Bradford, First Selectperson of Stockton Springs, reiterated her interest.
  • John Wardwell of Lane Construction, representing interest in shipping aggregate from Maine to other East Coast markets.
  • Chip Laite, of Camden, serving on the Knox County Budget Committee.
  • Jane Sanford, representing Friends of Sears Island.
  • Barbara Haase, representing GAC Chemical, will serve as an alternate to GAC’s president, David Coulter.
  • Irvin Smith, representing the interests of H.O. Bouchard of the trucking industry, will serve as an alternate to Brian Bouchard.
  • Although unable to attend today’s meeting, Robert Grindrod, President/CEO of Montreal and Maine Atlantic Railroad Co., has expressed interest in serving as well.

It was agreed that these additions would be added to the Steering Committee. It was noted that some of the “missing viewpoints” identified at the first meeting are now included, however, the Steering Committee still lacks members from the scientific and education communities. It was agreed that the Steering Committee will proceed as is, and will seek participation from these communities as a resource when particular needs arise.

Karin Tilberg listed state agency staff, available to participate in the process as needed, to be included in the Resource Circle and a few other names were suggested:

  • Jeff Madore, DEP
  • David Etnier, DMR
  • Steve Timpano, IFW
  • Steve Spencer, DOC
  • Kathy Fuller, DOT
  • Rob Elder, DOT
  • Fred Michaud, DOT
  • Kevin Rousseau, DOT Policy Analyst
Those in the Resource Circle will not attend all meetings, but will be brought in when a particular need is identified. Tilberg stated that requests for information from members of the Resource Circle should be made through her in these early stages of this process.

She further invited parties to contact her assistant, Francesca Romanoski, for information requests and other assistance. The facilitator clarified that any individual or affinity group is free to seek information from any state agency at any time.

IV. Brief Review of Site Visit / SC Research from State Agencies

The facilitator stated that all resource materials collected to date have been compiled in three large binders. There are two copies available for review, one at the Searsport Town Hall and the other in the Department of Conservation’s Augusta office. As additional materials are identified, they will be added to the binders. Parties were asked to forward them to Karin Tilberg or Francesca Romanoski for inclusion.

Education Subcommittee member, Dianne Smith, noted that reports are intended to serve as background material for particular viewpoints. At this time, they are categorized in an index according to the agency, organization, or individual that submitted them. The index to the binders will be updated continuously as new materials are added and will appear on the Department of Conservation Website. The current index will be sent to Steering Committee Members.

V. Report from Education Subcommittee

Smith reported on the first meeting of the Education Subcommittee, noting that it is a diverse and representative group. She distributed and reviewed the Meeting Summary of the June 12, 2006 meeting (attached to this summary), which identified further informational or fact-finding needs to assist the Steering Committee.

Synopses of Resource Materials: Smith highlighted the need for synopses of each of the resource materials and asked parties that have submitted materials to provide a one paragraph, factual summary of each report or document, including: name, date, author, and the critical points made. A template for the synopsis was sent out via email, and questions about the format and/or content can be discussed with the facilitator.

Jonathan will be compiling a one paragraph factual synopsis of each report or letter in the Index. Any SC member familiar with a particular report is asked to forward such a synopsis to Jonathan.

Legal Analysis: Smith stated that the subcommittee discussed the need for legal analyses of questions pertaining to documents, historical processes, ownership of the island, and the like. Karin Tilberg added that a legal review team, comprised of a legal representative from DOT and from the Attorney General’s Office, will be asked to attend the next Steering Committee Meeting on July 12th for the purpose of addressing these questions. Concern was expressed that both attorneys are from state agencies and the legal review should be independent of politics and provide a broad assessment of the situation. The group discussed engaging a third, independent attorney, but agreed to wait until after the next meeting to determine if this is necessary.

Karin Tilberg is coordinating this request and will distribute her letter identifying those questions on which a legal analysis is sought. To the extent possible, any responses from the legal presenters available before the July 12 meeting will be distributed to the SC, and will include background information/ biographies of the two attorneys who will provide legal analysis. Parties were asked to forward legal questions to Karin Tilberg as soon as possible.

Economic Analysis: Smith stated that much of the necessary information is included in the binders and that any available more current studies should be added. Regarding further study, Smith noted that economic studies can be costly and may be beyond the budget for this stakeholder process. Moreover, once a specific proposal for use of Sears Island emerges, it is likely that the proponent will be required to submit an environmental impact statement, in which case the developer would pay for the study.

In discussion of the Education Subcommittee’s report, the SC was urged to examine the impact of any proposed use of Sears Island on Stockton Harbor. It was noted that the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is overseeing the health of Stockton Harbor’s shellfish beds. Once known as the “Clam Capital of Maine”, Stockton Harbor has undergone changes in its sea beds, tidal flow, silt and pollution levels since the construction of the causeway to Sears Island. It was suggested that Harbor Committee could also be involved, as they received a grant to develop a Harbor Management Plan for Stockton Harbor. It was also noted that there are more recent DMR reports available concerning eel grass and flow data. Karin Tilberg suggested that DMR, as a resource, provide a presentation to the Steering Committee at a future meeting to help illuminate these issues.

VI. Fact Finding Presentations

Searsport Comprehensive Plan and Sears Island

Anne Crimaudo of the Searsport Comprehensive Plan Committee discussed the Plan and its relationship to Sears Island. She stated that the Town Comprehensive Plan was deemed consistent with the State Growth Management Act and subsequently passed by voters in October 2002. In March of 2006, the Land Use Section of the Plan was amended with regard to the Marine District and now consists only of Sears Island. Crimaudo distributed the portion of the Plan pertaining to the Marine District, which outlines permitted uses. She stated that the permitted and prohibited uses would be further defined in the Town’s Land Use Ordinance, which will be brought to the voters in March 2007. Since the Town currently has no Land Use Ordinance, any proposed use of Sears Island would be subject to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance and uses of the interior of the island are subject to the planning board’s Site Plan Review process. Copies of the documents are available at the Searsport Town Office.

Anne expressed her view that if the Town adopts the proposed Land Use Ordinance, some “marine transportation” uses might be prohibited if they were considered “industrial.” Others expressed the view that “cargo handling facilities” appeared to be permitted under Section IV “commercial” uses. The facilitator noted this as an “unresolved question” which would bear further study.

It was agreed that legal questions for the July 12 Steering Committee Meeting should include:

  • What is the weight of the Searsport Comprehensive Plan in the absence of a Land Use Ordinance?
  • What authority does the Town have over proposals for Sears Island?
  • What is the legal differentiation between Commercial, Industrial, and Transportation Uses?
  • What levels of review are required under what circumstances (agency, legislative, Transportation Committee)?
SIAUC Process and Recommendations

Dianne Smith, chair of the Sears Island Alternative Uses Committee, presented an overview of the Report outlining potential uses of Sears Island identified by SIAUC. Smith explained that the committee was asked to look at uses never before examined because the focus had always been on port uses. The committee of twenty-four Searsport residents approached the question: if we could do anything on Sears Island, port issues notwithstanding, what would it be? This process was meant to illuminate Searsport’s perspective and was submitted to and endorsed by the Town Selectmen. Suggested uses were weighed against a set of criteria and scored accordingly. Smith distributed the matrix and definitions of suggested uses along with a map of Sears Island.

VII. SC Members’ Presentation of Individual Visions, Concerns about Sears Island (See addendum below for prepared statements)

The facilitator referred to the handout: Requested Stakeholder “Homework” for June 16 Steering Committee Meeting, and asked each Steering Committee Member to present a brief description of his/her interests for future land uses on Sears Island:

[Note: Prepared statements of stakeholders are included in the record of this meeting. Those presentations that were not read from prepared statements are paraphrased, below.]

  1. Joe Hayes of Stockton Springs stated that any development on Sears Island should not adversely impact Stockton Harbor.
  2. Irvin Smith, representing the interests of the trucking industry, stated that there are several thousand miles of coastline, but few places to locate a port. Wants a shared vision built on consensus of all stakeholders
  3. Barbara Haase of GAC supports “responsible” development of Sears Island for the good of the community as it is important for the future of Searsport and Stockton Springs. Further development of Mack Point and Searsport itself is a positive direction for the future of the area.
  4. Joan Saxe of the Sierra Club stated that public access is a very important issue and there are five miles here on Sears Island. A bridge should replace the causeway and any development should be limited to trails and a management plan with opportunities for marine and conservation education.
  5. Jim Grossman of The Squaw Point Association of Cape Jellison, Stockton Springs, read from a prepared statement.
  6. Bob Ramsdell of the Searsport Shellfish Management Committee read from a prepared statement.
  7. Lorin Hollander of Stockton Springs cited Theodore Roosevelt’s plea for the protection of wilderness and warnings for the future without protection and John Muir’s statement that any fool can destroy wilderness and only government can prevent this. His vision includes a future where Maine is recognized as having a visionary, ethical and wise government where people control their own destiny; Sears Island is celebrated internationally as a place where people can come to heal; where kids will stay in Maine after graduation and become leaders in progress towards preserving nature. His formal statement is attached.
  8. Jane Sanford of Friends of Sears Island expressed the need for conservation in light of the oil shortage; bike paths, and railroads and sailing vessels to utilize alternative energy sources. One-third of all goods travel by ship, but diesel fuel will run out so a lighter means of transport is necessary. We must re-think the way we live now and incorporate new clean technologies emerging.
  9. Anne Crimaudo, of Searsport, read from a prepared statement.
  10. Marietta Ramsdell of Protect Sears Island stated that Sears Island should remain a well-managed place so that people from far and wide can see what an undisturbed Maine island is like. Sears Island is accessible to all who are landlocked by age, disability, and lack of means to access other islands. Look toward Mack Point and the GAC plant and be grateful to those with the foresight to protect the space between. Her formal statement is attached.
  11. John Melrose of Maine Tomorrow stated that use of the port of Searsport and railroad is valuable and important to the nine-county hinterland of Maine.If lost, there would be a major impact on several employers in the state. Maximizing energy conservation in the movement of freight, the port, including Sears Island, should be available for the benefit of Maine's economy.
  12. David Gelinas of Penobscot Bay River Pilots Association stated that his vision includes Sears Island as part of the Port of Searsport. There is enough deep water at Sears Island now for port development with minimal dredging and the least marine impact (particularly when compared to the massive dredging which would be required to develop Long Cove). We are losing industrial waterfront at the same rate as recreational due to the private ownership and development of the coast with “McMansions.” Sears Island is large enough for many things to happen there. There is room to expand the port at Mack Point and the federal navigational channel and dredge basin is already right there – no matter what type of energy the vessels may use now or in the future. Marine transport is the most fuel efficient way to move freight.
  13. Jim Freeman, President of Friends of Sears Island, stated that there are over 3000 miles of coastline in Maine, but only 25-30 miles of that are publicly accessible. (1%). If we compromise on Sears Island, then we are compromising that 1%. The ecosystem feeds Penobscot Bay. Part of the 45-foot channel is in that ecosystem and part of the web. To fragment that and take parts out of the equation would have negative effects. There is plenty of potential at Mack Point to make Searsport a port we can all be proud of. Leave Sears Island as it is.
  14. John Wardwell of Orland read from a prepared statement.
  15. Jonathan Daniel’s alternate, Chris of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation, stated that the Maine economy is based upon its natural resources and that Sears Island, Mack Point, and the deep-water port is a natural resource just like eel grass. The value of the deep-water port is the resource that links us to the international network and creates jobs and other economic benefits.
  16. Maria Fuentes of Maine Better Transportation Association, stated her vision as preserving the Three Port Strategy, originally developed to consolidate marine uses in three major Maine ports. She also supports multi-modalism (roads, railroads, and ports) and integrates them to most efficiently ship products. Finally, she is interested in protecting the $26million investment of Maine taxpayers. Many are concerned about taxes (e.g. citizen revolt, taxpayer’s bill of rights) and this concern is deep and broad.
  17. Becky Bartovics of the Penobscot Bay Alliance stated that her vision related to the interconnectedness of Searsport to the rest of Penobscot Bay and the coast of Maine. Pen Bay is the largest embayment on the Maine coast and nutrients derived there affect the biota for all aquatic life of Maine. We have a responsibility to envision a future of life in that water. We, as the most invasive species, have left out ecology from our bottom line. We look at Sears Island as a small element in the vast opportunities we have to follow the Oceans and Pugh Policy Reports. We must look at our resources and change the way we do business – look again at how we live in our embayment.
  18. Jay Economy stated his vision of protecting Sears Island as a natural resource, protecting Pen Bay from pollution of all kinds (noise, water, air light, etc.), enhancing the eco-tourism benefits of Sears Island to draw folks in and create economic development and a win-win. We do not need to industrialize and develop the island in order to see economic benefit.
  19. Dick Desmarais said his vision includes two different parts of Sears Island: the east side as Stockton Harbor and the west side as the deep-water port which faces an existing port facility (Mack Point). The state must not give up its development rights and Searsport must not give up its economic development benefits. There is room for all ideas. The Penobscot proposal for an education center below the tree line is an example.
  20. Sara Bradford, First Selectperson of Stockton Springs, stated that Stockton Harbor is one of the last undeveloped harbors in Maine, but suddenly it has been found with 153 moorings this year. Recreational boating is big business in this area. Shellfish are a concern. Breach the causeway to allow the water to flow back and forth to help ameliorate the negative impacts. Whatever is decided, if a mistake is made, we cannot undo it.
  21. Phyllis Coelho stated that Sears Island was the first uninhabited island she ever visited, and she witnessed the birds (hundreds of red starts), flowers, beach paths, a harbor seal, and could not believe the amazing beauty of the place. None of this should be harmed in any way and it should be kept in its idyllic state because there is nothing else like it. Something extremely precious would be lost.
  22. Steve Miller of the Islesboro Island Trust cited the report called Sears Island: Options for the Future as his vision for a win-win situation of economic and ecologic sustainable uses of Sears Island. The report outlines three concepts for recreational/educational uses of Sears Island all revolving around land conservation and trails and explores concrete ways to contribute $1.6-$9 million in economic benefits and community well-being while simultaneously permanently protecting the island’s natural heritage and public access legacy. He noted that this report will be added to the list of resource materials for this process and is now available on-line at the Maine Sea Grant website, at www.hwaters.com/clients/sears/, or www.seagrant.umaine.edu. With the downturn in the industrial economy he grew up with, tourism has become the largest in Maine.
  23. Chip Laite stated that Sears Island is the gateway to the rest of the state for the future. There is an opportunity to enhance both economic benefits and the environment. We can strike a balance here.
  24. Harlan McLaughlin of Fair Play for Sears Island stated that Maine is at a cross-roads and expressed concern that we’ll go down the wrong road by protecting the industry that has sustained us in the past, but is no longer doing so (e.g. paper companies, etc.). There is much interest now in conserving property in Maine (e.g. Land for Maine’s Future) and Sears Island is a resource for the whole state, not just this area. Open space improves the economy. Put Sears Island aside and protect it in the same manner as other protected lands and let the people of Maine enjoy it. It is a public resource and we should all benefit from it.
  25. Karin Tilberg, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Conservation, reported that, while the state agencies will not be providing a specific vision, they would provide the forum and resources for full debate, and help the Steering Committee identify areas of overlap in its member’s visions.
  26. Dianne Smith reflected on what she has heard, stating that it may be helpful for the Steering Committee to give thought to the possible scope of a future port. What would something like that really look like? Is there any way to determine what extent of commercialism or industrialism could be developed without having a negative environmental impact on Sears Island? Can these two elements (development and conservation) live together?
Without minimizing differences in these visions, the facilitator noted three common principles of the group observed throughout this discussion:
  1. There is no desire to do anything to harm the ecology of the bay/island.
  2. Sears Island is a public resource.
  3. There is a shared desire to continue to have a healthy economic base in Maine.

VIII. SC Work Plan between now and July 12

The facilitator encouraged everyone to take advantage of the resource materials to formulate and flesh-out ideas and to meet with other Steering Committee members whose visions share common elements in order to further solidify them. He added that, with each meeting, visions should be moving toward a greater level of specificity. Karin Tilberg asked parties to think about what others have said as they develop their vision, and how the underlying interests of others might be addressed in creative ways.

Outstanding Questions:

  • How many miles of publicly accessible land exist on Maine’s coast?
  • Legal Questions to be submitted to Karin Tilberg, see above.

IX. Open Space Meeting

Karin Tilberg reported that the press release and advertisements for the June 24th Open Space Meeting have gone out and encouraged parties to send the invitation to their organizations’ mailing lists to help promote the event. Pre-registration is helpful for planning purposes.

X. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 pm.

Meeting Summary Prepared by Kimberly Vogel and Jonathan Reitman

Addendum to the Summary:

Anne Crimaudo:

“My concern is the preservation of critical habitat and the impact on the ecosystem that any type of development would have. 168 species of birds, 28 mammals and 9 amphibian and reptile species have had documented sightings on the island. The island is an incubator of many life forms and is an important nursery habitat for marine species in Penobscot Bay.”

James Grossman:

“I have a vision of a time in American history, perhaps next year, perhaps 50 years from now, when someone with access to money, power or influence will behold a place of unspoiled beauty and say “I will not exploit this place, I will not destroy this place”. That moment will mark a turning point for the civilization of which we are a part.

With each passing day more than 940 acres are paved over in this country. Every day far over 940 acres of forest are being turned into grazing land and ultimately hamburger. Every day it is becoming increasingly difficult for the average seeker of peace and quiet, of inspiration, to find to such an experience.

I have a vision of a special place that will become a beacon for travelers on Route One. A place shared by fitness enthusiasts and the disabled, a place for children to learn about our planet and a place for the elderly to reflect on their lives and their place in the cosmos. A place shared by beachcombers and bird watchers, scientists, theologians. A place that can be shared by landscape painters (whether they work in watercolors, oils or acrylics) and photographers. All will need to eat, have places to stay have their cars fuelled, serviced and repaired. They might need rain gear, boots, binoculars and medicine. They might stay for extended vacations.

I have a vision of a thriving Searsport. Where modern businesses such as biotechnology will want to locate. Their employees will need housing and pay property taxes. They will demand a school district second to none and will help to make this happen.

I see a mediation process intended to reconcile the advocates for industrialization with those who have the foresight of a Theodore Roosevelt and see the need for conservation. I imagine a state government that has not predetermined the outcome of this process and will not ignore any recommendations that do not suit their plans.

This is my vision. Let us see how it plays out in real life.”

Lorin Hollander:

”I have been reading the "Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast" (Taft,Rindlaub, 2002), a guide used by sailors and tourists around the world. It speaks of Penobscot Bay as offering "some of the best cruising in the world. Graced by more than 200 islands, uninhabited beauty, bustling fishing communities," describing these villages glowingly. So I looked up Long Cove in Searsport and read: "Long Cove is one of the most industrialized areas in Maine, with cargo piers, warehouses and oil tanks. There is nothing here to attract yachtsmen except adequate protection." In other words, "stay away!"

So, I have a vision for Maine, one which is, and has been, the vision of many. Theodore Roosevelt said: "I want wilderness preserved because it is the only thing of its kind in the world, built by no hand of man, a temple grander than any human architect could ever build. It shames our country and civilization when we destroy it. This is not only a plea for wilderness, it is warning and a plea for the rights of future generations. Our wilderness must be handed on unimpaired to posterity. We are not building this country for a day. It is to last through the ages."

John Muir who shared this vision expressed it differently. "Any fool can destroy wilderness. For millions of years God has cared for wilderness, saved it from tempests and floods, disease, earthquakes, and a thousand straining, leveling disasters. But He cannot save it from fools. Only the government can do that."

I have a vision where Maine is recognized for having such a government, one which is creative, ethical and wise. A haven where big business is not in collusion with big money and corrupt government and where the people still control their destiny.

Muir said "To save nature is to save oneself. The choking harness of civilization drops away, and our wounds heal. Our children cannot thrive without wilderness." I envision Sears Island celebrated internationally as one of the few remaining Healing Islands where our children and their children may become whole and healthy - physically, emotionally and spiritually. Right now Maine is known for its horrifying statistics on childhood and teenage suicide, drug and alcohol addiction - 49 percent higher than the national average (Portland Press Herald, 2004).

And I envision our young people returning to or staying in Maine after college to work; where they prosper, as so many young adults are prospering, involved in the 'Great Work' (Berry, 2001) of averting planetary disaster by restoring and conserving nature. It has become clear that the reason young people do not return to Maine is not because there are no jobs, they stay away because we promise them the wrong kind of jobs.

They are ashamed of our blindness as we continue to exploit nature and destroy life - ignorantly seduced by greed and a belief in the failed promises of industrial riches. Our children seek communities in which to live and work where there is an awareness of the massive transformation of consciousness underway on the planet.

I envision Maine taking its rightful position as a leader in what has become the real "progress," protecting the last remaining wilderness on the planet while harvesting the riches to be found as we share our treasure with the world.

It is time we finally wake up and work together to assure that we do not cause all that makes us important and beautiful to vanish from the Earth.”

Garry Maines:

“I feel it is in the State's best interest to proceed with development of this port. It is illogical to continue to oppose a good use of a rare opportunity such as Sears Island. I feel the negative impacts are minor compared to the vast benefits. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Joe Perry:

"This is my vision of concerns about Sears Island. It is still early in the process and I'm sure many things will change, but these are my present thoughts.

Sears Island could accommodate several ventures. I believe the State should for marine purposes keep 280 acres and hopefully not any more. This could be important for future port-rail-ship-cruise ship developments.

With a well thought out plan we could also include other interests, such as an educational/conference facility. Perhaps even a small boat building operation, as well as trails, picnic areas, keep part of the island wild.

Whatever is done out there, the town is looking to gain some tax revenues."

Bob Ramsdell:

"INTERESTS FOR LAND USES ON SEARS ISLAND"

  • I envision the continuation and expansion of areas where shellfish can be harvested.
  • I see year round use of the island for both recreation and education.
  • I look forward to a partnership between a group/organization and the general public to care for the island.
  • I ask for thorough consideration of the impact of any alterations to the island.”

Marietta Ramsdell:

“One vision I have for Sears Island is that it be maintained in its natural state so the non-boating public and the disabled statewide, nationwide and even worldwide can experience the beauty and diversity of a real Maine island, just as people from far and wide across the globe come in their power and sailboats and kayaks to visit the islands offshore along this incredible coastline.

These boating visitors have numerous choices; those who are “landlocked” have only this one. Why take it away?

Another vision is a scene sometime in the future in which both frequent and occasional visitors to Sears Island may stand and look across Long Cove to the activity at Mack Point, a vital part of the community and the state and express their gratitude to and admiration for the foresightedness and cooperation that ensured the protection of a unique natural resource while maintaining and enhancing the shipping heritage of the area.”

Astrig Tanguay:

“My primary concern is that our solutions for Sears Island need to recognize the shifting American Economy…a shift from manufacturing hard goods to creating intellectual properties and service. The true value of the island as a natural resource must be viewed through the lens of creating prosperity for the region by accurately forecasting future needs. We can find common ground by using un-biased reports of economic history and forecasts from sources that the group agrees upon.”

John Wardwell:

“Since the 70’s we (the Wardwell crew) have worked at Mack Point helping Sprague with its stevedoring duties such as trucking and the handling of bulk materials which we distributed to designated areas on their site. We also have trucked coal, road salt, cement and other products to several different businesses, paper mills and municipalities thru out the state and we continue to assist Sprague with the off loading of vessels today.

Our goal at Lane Construction is to be able to supply aggregates from Maine to the markets that we work in along the east coast. We currently import over 400,000 of materials to our operations in Florida, most of which comes from outside of the country. We have in Maine several gravel pits and quarries that are accessible to rail lines and others in close proximity which would allow trucking to the facility.

Given that the island has plenty of land available next to the berth to stockpile and handle bulk materials which could be backhauled on the same vessels would help lower the freight rates and make sure more competitive and substantially help the economy and provide jobs in the State of Maine.”