Task force touts nature-based tourism plans

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Hunting, fishing and snowmobiling have long helped the local economy in Piscataquis County and northern Penobscot County, but another tourist-related market will soon be among the mix.

A group of volunteers has been working tirelessly over many months to move nature-based tourism to the forefront. This niche market would draw people who want an active, authentic experience, one that would not sacrifice the rural quality of life, local, state and county officials learned during a meeting in Dover-Foxcroft on Monday.

“This work is not competitive against other outdoor recreation venues like hunting, fishing and snowmobiling,” said Roger Merchant of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council’s Tourism Task Force on Tuesday.

“This nature tourism is another segment in the tourism market.”

The task force, which was quick to embrace the state-sponsored Fermata study on nature-based tourism, is actually at the forefront in the effort in the state, according to Merchant. The group already has forged a partnership with county, regional and state officials. In addition, it enlisted the aid of the Eastern Maine Development Corp.

“We’re an example for other regions to learn from,” Merchant said.

One of the efforts by the group, which received $15,000 in funding through county government, has been to identify locations in Piscataquis County and northern Penobscot County suitable for nature-based outdoor experiences. A study was made of 18 locations and the needs of each in relation to signs and infrastructure, such as parking, according to Merchant.

The locations include the Pleasant River Walk in Brownville, Baxter State Park, Ripogenus Dam, Katahdin Iron Works, the Guilford River Walk, the Natural Resources Education Center’s Interpretive Trail, and Peaks Kenny and Lily Bay state parks.

While the latter two parks are well-known, improvements are needed, according to Merchant. The two parks were included in the overall plan because of an $80 million backlog of work that is needed for parks statewide, he said.

If the water system could be upgraded at Peaks Kenny, the park could stay open longer in the fall and early winter without the water freezing. This would bring more revenue to the county, according to Merchant.

The task force found that better signs are needed at most locations.

While very tentative, a draft budget released this week shows that about $2 million is needed for signs and infrastructure at the 18 locations, for Web marketing of nature-based itineraries now being developed for each site, and for contracted services. The biggest portion of the budget is for upgrades of the two parks.

To help the local effort continue forward, Rep. Jim Annis, R-Dover-Foxcroft, said Tuesday he had submitted a bill to the Legislature to stimulate tourism development projects such as the nature-based effort. The bill did not carry a price tag although Annis said he expects one to be attached later. His advice to the task force was to start low.

Merchant said any funds approved by the Legislature could be used as seed money for grants and other state and federal assistance.

“We’ve laid out the cards for the investment and partnership that’s needed to move this forward,” Merchant said. Hopefully, it will be supported so the progress can continue, he said.