Will Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap consider devastation from wind turbines, solar arrays and transmission?

Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap: Igniting Growth and Shaping the Future in 2024

Media Contact: Isa Morton isa@blaze-partners.com

 

MAINE'S OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY ROADMAP: IGNITING GROWTH AND SHAPING THE FUTURE IN 2024

MAINE — February 16 — Maine Outdoor Brands, the University of Maine, and the Maine

Office of Outdoor Recreation have joined forces to initiate the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, an initiative set to catalyze sustainable growth and diversification within Maine's vibrant outdoor recreation industry.

“This collaborative effort is poised to propel Maine’s outdoor recreation economy to new heights, fostering job creation, economic resilience, and an enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” states Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands.

Further strengthening the initiative, core partners such as the Maine Marine Trade Association, Maine Technology Institute, and the Bureau of Parks and Lands are actively engaged. Additionally, the Steering Committee comprises over 20 individuals from the public and private sectors across the state. Past statewide roadmaps, such as the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/ME), have been catalysts for focusing stakeholder efforts and expanding collaboration, opportunity, and investment for their respective sectors, serving as a successful model for this new effort.

Outdoor recreation contributes $3.3 billion to Maine's economy — nearly 4% of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Once completed, the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap will chart a comprehensive strategy to bolster statewide economic growth and diversification through the pursuit of four key objectives:

  • Economic Analysis: Provide a current analysis of the economic value of the outdoor economy to the State of Maine.
  • Sector Awareness: Define and increase awareness of the diverse sectors that make up Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.
  • Strategic Investment: Identify pivotal strategies and investments needed to fuel sustained growth and diversification of Maine’s outdoor economy over the next decade.
  • Partnerships & Collaborations: Forge partnerships and collaborations to secure additional investment and enact the strategies identified.

“This effort is not just about defining Maine’s outdoor recreation economy; it’s about unlocking its full potential,” adds Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Through a baseline analysis, strategic identification of growth drivers, and expanding partnerships, we’re laying the foundation for a thriving future.”

The Roadmap initiative commenced with an extensive stakeholder engagement process launched last November at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, convening nearly 200 industry leaders from across the state for strategic visioning sessions. Building on this momentum, ongoing collaborative efforts include additional workshops open to interested participants February 26-29. These facilitated, action-oriented workshops are designed to harness collective expertise and transform ideas into concrete strategies supporting the Roadmap's objectives. A public survey is also currently available on the Roadmap's website. A second set of workshops will be offered in the late spring, with a final plan expected this fall.

“Our long-standing outdoor recreation expertise and new initiatives within the university and across the University of Maine System (UMS) create opportunity for a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative outdoor recreation economy. We are a proud partner in this effort and are committed to finding new solutions to advance this vital industry and preserve the natural spaces on which we all rely,” said University of Maine President and UMS Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

Funding for the Roadmap initiative is being provided by the American Rescue Plan Act Travel,

Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation grant program administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This funding is specifically aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic on Maine’s travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries. As a result, the Roadmap is dedicated to enhancing the synergy between Maine’s unique natural resources and the state's long-term economic strength.

To participate in the survey, register for upcoming workshops, or for further information, visit: trailblazerroadmap.com/get-involved.

https://www.maine.gov/decd/about/news/maines-outdoor-recreation-eco...

JOIN US FOR BUILD SESSIONS!

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Build Sessions are facilitated, action-oriented workshops that will help us build ideas into concrete strategies to support the Roadmap. We will host six, virtual build sessions on specific topic areas that have emerged through our data analysis and one-on-one interviews across the state. The build session dates and topics are below:

Outdoor Recreation Participants — Inbound and Local | Feb. 26 | 12:30 - 2:00pm EST

This Build Session is focused on the people who participate in Maine’s Outdoor Economy, with an emphasis on identity and brand, heritage and legacy, diversity and inclusivity, and the needs of tourists and residents alike.

Sustainability and Climate Change | 
Feb. 27 | 10:30am - 12pm EST

An exploration of sustainable transportation for people and businesses, clean technology, climate adaptation and energy efficiency, business adaptation, and extreme weather resilience.

Outdoor Industry Workforce | Feb. 29 | 10:00 - 11:30am EST

An exploration of the private, public, and non-profit sector workforce. Topics include career pathways (including wages, benefits, seasonality, and volunteerism), workforce development including education and training, and workforce housing.

Economic Development | Feb. 29 | 
12:30 - 2:00pm EST

A discussion on several aspects of economic development, including support for businesses (startup, growth, innovation, and technology), supply chain and cluster development, rural revitalization, and marketing for business and workforce attraction.

Land Use/Water Use/Natural Resources | Feb. 28 | 10:00 - 11:30am EST

Topics include land and water stewardship and conservation, private land and water access, recreational connectivity, and educational opportunities related to the preservation of Maine’s natural resources.

Outdoor Recreation Supporting-Infrastructure | Feb. 28 | 12:30 - 2:00pm EST

A look at the physical and informational infrastructure needed to enable the accessibility and connectivity of outdoor recreation assets, climate adaptation and natural resources management, and the quality and consistency 
of outdoor experiences.

acCommodations for roadmap planning

The development of the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap must be equitable and inclusive. We recognize that some individuals may face financial barriers that will prevent them from sharing their voices and thoughts, which is why we’re offering need-based stipends. If you are interested in receiving compensation for your participation in a virtual build session, please complete this form.

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complete our survey

If you’re reading this, it’s because the Maine outdoors has left an indelible impact on you. Your perspective is a crucial component in developing the Roadmap. We want to hear your thoughts, your ideas, and your story.

we want to hear from you

You — yes, you — can help shape Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy. What’s your favorite outdoor experience in Maine? What current outdoor recreation programs or initiatives are working well? How do you think we can supercharge the outdoor sector in Maine?
 
If you are a volunteer-led or limited-resourced organization and want to partner with us, please check the Plan Ambassador box below and we will reach out to discuss how we can work together.
 
Fill out the form below to have your voice heard!

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Comment by Willem Post on February 28, 2024 at 12:39pm

Hertz has an EV fleet, and sold most of it at very low prices, because nobody wanted to rent them.

Nowadays, most EVs are bought under a lease, by upper class folks, because they make too much money to qualify for the EV tax credit

I read a lot of great comments.

We have to vote Trump in by a landslide, so all these idiotic self-serving politicians get wiped out all over the country, and out of the Congress, so Trump can unto the Biden damage, especially at the border, because every illegal is a Democrat vote.

DEPORT ALL THE ILLEGALS, INCLUDING ILLEGAL CRIMINALS

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Wow, it does not get much better than this.
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The Washington, DC, perpetrators of these EV follies want to be re-elected to have power over you, to use more of your money, to do more of the same follies, “for as long as it takes”, while they debilitate the US with open borders and over-top-war mongering
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All that is even more true, because the EV charging stations are unreliable, often are out of service, and to top it of, EVs are unreliable, have high repair bills, and have poor range in cold weather, especially when having more than one passenger, and some cargo, and going uphill, on cold, snowy days, as in New England, etc.
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Currently, the vast majority of charging infrastructure is concentrated in more densely populated coastal areas, as opposed to more rural areas of the country, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
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Almost all people in rural areas, often with dirt roads, and snow and ice and cold, and longer distances, are definitely not giving up their pick-ups and SUVs to “switch to EVs”, especially in impoverished states, such as Maine and Vermont. Their Socialist governments lost all sense of reality, and think money grows on trees.

Insurance Costs Very High: Because EVs are much more costly to repair, EV insurance rates are about 3 times the rate of gasoline vehicles, completely wiping out any energy savings.
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Monthly Payments Very High: Because EVs are more expensive and interest rates are high, monthly payments are much higher than for gasoline cars, completely wiping out any benefits of tax credit subsidies.
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Useful Service Life Very Short: EV useful service lives are very short, usually at most 8 years.
No one in his/her right mind, would spend at least $15,000 to $20,000 to replace a battery in an 8-y-old EV, which by then. would have lost almost all of its value, unlike a gasoline vehicle.
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Charging Cost Very High: EV charging cost is very high on the road, usually at least 30 c/kWh, at home at least 20 c/kWh in New England
As a result, annual fuel cost savings are minimal, because EVs are driven fewer miles per year than gasoline cars, and the price of gasoline is about $3.20/gallon
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Minimal CO2 Reduction: EVs driven, on average, about 72,000 miles for 8 years, according to various studies, do not reduce CO2 emissions compared to efficient gasoline vehicles driven the same miles, if CO2 evaluations are made on a mine to hazardous-waste landfill basis, and same-mile basis.
The useful service lives of gasoline cars is much longer than of EVs.
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Range Usually Much Less Than Advertised:  EV owners experience much less range than advertised by EPA, especially with one or more passengers, with some luggage or a heavy load, cold weather, up and down hills, on wet/snowy dirt roads, hot weather, etc.
Teslas EVs, driven 75,000 to 80,000 miles, will have lost about 15 to 20% of battery capacity at end of year 8.
If traveling with one or more passengers, with some luggage, was a challenge on a longer trip, and even more of a challenge on a cold/snowy day, then an older EV, with an aging battery, has all that, and more, which is a good reason not to buy one.
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Battery Aging a Serious Issue: If a new EV, it takes about 1.15 kWh to add a 1.0 kWh charge in the battery, plus, there is a loss of about 5% to get 1.0 kWh out of the battery to the drive train of the EV, etc. 
If a 5-y-old EV, it takes about 1.25 kWh to add 1.0 kWh charge in the battery, plus there is a loss of about 5.5% to get 1.0 kWh out of the battery
The older the EV, the greater the losses, plus the battery has lost capacity, the ability to do work and go the distance; all that is worse on a cold day, or hot day, heavy loads, and other adverse conditions.
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Charging Batteries at Less than 32 F: If an EV owner parks at an airport, goes away for a few days or a week, upon return he/she may find the EV with an empty battery (if the battery had a somewhat low charge to begin with), if during that week the weather were below freezing, because the battery thermal management system, BTMS, will maintain battery temperature, until the battery is empty, then the battery freezes to 32F, or less. 
Charging would not be allowed, until the battery is warmed up in a garage.
In the future, with thousands of EVs at the airport, a percentage would have empty batteries. You would have to wait your turn to get a tow to the warm garage, get charged, pay up to $500, and be on your way, after 8 hours or so!!
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Losing Value After 3 Years: Used EVs retain about 60% of their high original value, whereas gasoline vehicles retain at least 70% of their not so high original value, by the end of year 3.
Losing 40% of a $45,000 EV = $18,000
Losing 30% of an equivalent size, $35,000 gasoline vehicle = $10,500
The loss difference wipes out any tax credit subsidies. 
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LEGISLATOR’s CHEVY BOLT CATCHES FIRE WHILE CHARGING ON DRIVEWAY IN VERMONT
https://www.windtaskforce.org/profiles/blogs/chevy-bolt-catches-fir...

 

Maine as Third World Country:

CMP Transmission Rate Skyrockets 19.6% Due to Wind Power

 

Click here to read how the Maine ratepayer has been sold down the river by the Angus King cabal.

Maine Center For Public Interest Reporting – Three Part Series: A CRITICAL LOOK AT MAINE’S WIND ACT

******** IF LINKS BELOW DON'T WORK, GOOGLE THEM*********

(excerpts) From Part 1 – On Maine’s Wind Law “Once the committee passed the wind energy bill on to the full House and Senate, lawmakers there didn’t even debate it. They passed it unanimously and with no discussion. House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, a Democrat from North Haven, says legislators probably didn’t know how many turbines would be constructed in Maine if the law’s goals were met." . – Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, August 2010 https://www.pinetreewatchdog.org/wind-power-bandwagon-hits-bumps-in-the-road-3/From Part 2 – On Wind and Oil Yet using wind energy doesn’t lower dependence on imported foreign oil. That’s because the majority of imported oil in Maine is used for heating and transportation. And switching our dependence from foreign oil to Maine-produced electricity isn’t likely to happen very soon, says Bartlett. “Right now, people can’t switch to electric cars and heating – if they did, we’d be in trouble.” So was one of the fundamental premises of the task force false, or at least misleading?" https://www.pinetreewatchdog.org/wind-swept-task-force-set-the-rules/From Part 3 – On Wind-Required New Transmission Lines Finally, the building of enormous, high-voltage transmission lines that the regional electricity system operator says are required to move substantial amounts of wind power to markets south of Maine was never even discussed by the task force – an omission that Mills said will come to haunt the state.“If you try to put 2,500 or 3,000 megawatts in northern or eastern Maine – oh, my god, try to build the transmission!” said Mills. “It’s not just the towers, it’s the lines – that’s when I begin to think that the goal is a little farfetched.” https://www.pinetreewatchdog.org/flaws-in-bill-like-skating-with-dull-skates/

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We have the facts on our side. We have the truth on our side. All we need now is YOU.

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

 -- Mahatma Gandhi

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Vince Lombardi 

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Hannah Pingree on the Maine expedited wind law

Hannah Pingree - Director of Maine's Office of Innovation and the Future

"Once the committee passed the wind energy bill on to the full House and Senate, lawmakers there didn’t even debate it. They passed it unanimously and with no discussion. House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, a Democrat from North Haven, says legislators probably didn’t know how many turbines would be constructed in Maine."

https://pinetreewatch.org/wind-power-bandwagon-hits-bumps-in-the-road-3/

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