FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date:          March 19, 2009

The Hancock County Planning Commission (HCPC) and Washington County Council of Governments (WCCOG) are preparing an inventory of key scenic and historic views as seen from public places in Downeast coastal towns. “This inventory,” stressed HCPC Executive Director Tom Martin, “is a major opportunity to identify key scenic views. The results will be useful to communities for tourism promotion, updating local comprehensive plans, preparing grant applications, creating village improvement strategies and developing land protection strategies.  The inventory will be published in print and online with maps, photographs and recommendations.”

“We are seeking volunteers from each coastal community to participate in the inventory,” Martin continued. “Volunteers will work with project staff to assess and photograph sites following established guidelines. The inventory will not involve access onto privately owned land or land that is otherwise restricted from public access.  We will soon post an on-line opportunity to provide input to the scenic inventory. Residents and members of local land trusts, planning boards or comprehensive plan committees can go to www.surveymonkey.com/scenicand identify views visible from public property of particular scenic value.”

People interested in participating are encouraged to attend a one-day training session on April 28, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM  at the Moore Auditorium at Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC). Registration information is available at: www.hcpcme.org/environment/view or by contacting HCPC at 667-7131. Those planning to attend are asked to register by April 20, 2009.