Discover: The Katahdin Region

THINGS TO DO • THE GROWING ECONOMY • KATAHDIN AREA WINTERFEST

DISCOVER THE KATAHDIN REGION

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

...in the Snow

5 WAYS TO ENJOY THE KATAHDIN REGION

BY JOSH DEAKIN

T

he Katahdin region is known for its peaceful beauty, drawing large numbers of tourists from both around Maine and out-of-state throughout the warmer months of the summer.

There are gorgeous waterfront cabins available for rent and plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy to exceptionally difficult, offering amazing views and photo ops. But what doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is the area’s wide range of winter activities. Here’s just a taste of the cold weather fun to explore around the Katahdin region.

 1. ICE FISHING

Late afternoon ice fishing on Ambajejus Lake.

PHOTO: JOSH DEAKIN

Ice fishing will always be eclipsed by its summer counterpart, but it can be just as much fun. The Katahdin region caters to people in search of a fishing experience through various ice fishing tournaments and events in the area. A few notable ones this February: the Schoodic Lake Ice Fishing Derby and the Katahdin Area Winterfest’s ice fishing events for all ages. The region is dotted with bodies of water of all sizes that are ready to be fished. The most important thing to keep in mind when ice fishing is to carefully take note of how deep the ice goes. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife offers charts and tips online to help determine when it’s safe to go out on the ice. Keeping this in mind, ice fishing provides a great alternative until open-water season begins in April.

2. SNOWSHOEING & SKIING  The Katahdin region is covered with various hiking trails to different scenic views. In the winter, these trails are often repurposed to serve a group of people devoted to strapping on snowshoes and cross-country skis. Baxter State Park is available for those willing to take on the famous trails in the frigid temperatures of winter. In addition, there are other popular spots such as the Bait Hole trails which offer an easy experience for a novice in the sport.

People venturing to this spot will have nearly 7 miles of terrain on groomed trails to give snowshoeing or cross-country skiing a try — and see some gorgeous scenic views of the area in the process. ©COLIN & ©JAG_CZ/ADOBE STOCK

 3. WINTER HIKING Hiking in the winter can offer an entirely different experience compared to the summertime. There are a completely new set of hazards to keep in mind that come with the climate change, however. One area of the Katahdin region that has sparked great interest in wintertime hiking is the pinnacle of Maine mountaineering: Mount Katahdin. Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine at 5,267 feet, lies within Baxter State Park — the largest attraction to the Katahdin region. Climbing the mountain in the winter is not an easy feat to say the least and can take multiple days to complete. This results in climbers also facing the elements overnight to camp in the snow, which is always in abundance around the mountain. Hikers will need to either snowshoe or cross-country ski to the base of the mountain before strapping on crampons and venturing up the literal slippery slope. Once at the top of the mountain, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Visit baxterstatepark.org/winter-basics for tips on winter hiking.  A lean-to at Abol Campground during a winter hiking trip to climb Mount Katahdin. BDN FILE PHOTO

4. SNOWMOBILING

Maine’s Interconnected Trail System (ITS) runs right through downtown Millinocket. It’s a perfect hub for anyone wanting to explore the area via ATV or snowmobile and see scenic views that aren’t available any other way.

People travel from all over searching for perfect snowmobile trails to travel on and new areas to explore. Camps and even houses in town are rented out for various spans of time for out-of-staters to take in the natural beauty the Katahdin region has to offer. There are numerous local snowmobiling clubs in the area to check out, including East Branch Sno-Rovers of Medway and Northern Timber Cruisers of Millinocket.

One excellent journey on a snow-sled is the Ghost Trains of the Allagash.

The “Ghost Trains” are long abandoned locomotives located on a spot of land near Eagle Lake in Piscataquis County. The route to get to these trains will take tourists on an adventure complete with fantastic views of Mount Katahdin and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The route begins just north of Millinocket on ITS 85/86.

A freshly groomed snowmobile trail off the Golden Road.

PHOTO: JOSH DEAKIN

5. VISIT A MUSEUM

If you’re looking for an indoor activity, the Northern Maine Timber Cruisers of Millinocket also have a snowmobile museum. The facility features 36 antique snowmobiles for the historian within all of us, half of which are strictly Polaris models. The museum is located near the Northern Timber Cruisers snowmobile clubhouse and is an excellent place to spend some time and explore.

©BORTN66 & ©TARASOV_VL /ADOBE STOCK

These are just a few suggestions for the area’s many options for winter activities. Take the time to explore all that the Katahdin region has to offer and make lots of memories in the process.

Winterfest

2 Saturday, February 1, 2020, Bangor Daily News

BRINGS SENSE OF PRIDE TO KATAHDIN AREA

BY ERINNE MAGEE

“It’s great to see more people getting involved,” said Steve Campbell, the Winterfest Co-chair and Curator of or nearly 35 years, the Katahdin region has paid trib- Northern Timber Cruisers Antique Snowmobile ute to its beloved winter season with a celebration that Museum. “Especially the younger people. Those of us started as the Katahdin Family Fun Festival back in 1985. that have done [Winterfest] forever tend to get a little Although the name has changed to “Katahdin Area stale in our ideas.”

Winterfest,” the ode to February in Northern Maine Though the festival has seen tremendous growth remains the same. through the years, Campbell remembers when the future “When our local entities come together to create of Winterfest was up in the air because of the state of the events like this, it gives us all the opportunity to get out economy. and socialize as a community,” said Peter Jamieson, “It’s had its years of tough times with mill situations Director of the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce. constituting lack of funds and just plain lack of interest,” “Winterfest gives us somehe said. “But it seems to be thing to look forward to in picking up in enthusiasm.” the middle of winter.”

Jamieson confirmed “...IT GIVES US ALL THE What began as a onethe boost the local economy OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT day event of snowmobiling, receives from the event, cross-country skiing, snownoting an increase in trafAND SOCIALIZE AS A shoeing and a cookout fic at hotels, restaurants COMMUNITY,” SAID PETER decades ago, has blossomed and stores in the area. into a week-long festival “As far as I’m conJAMIESON, DIRECTOR OF THE during February school cerned, and this is just my KATAHDIN CHAMBER OF vacation week. opinion, winter tourism is Kicking off Winterfest our biggest buck, and COMMERCE. “WINTERFEST in Millinocket Friday, Feb. school vacation week is GIVES US SOMETHING TO LOOK our biggest week,” said 14 at 6 p.m. is the muchanticipated snowmobile Campbell, who credits FORWARD TO IN THE MIDDLE parade down Main Street Millinocket Public Works OF WINTER.” to the Timber Cruises for putting down the snow Clubhouse. Beginning at for the trails and New Stearns High School, over England Outdoor Center 100 sleds, operated by local businesses and members of and Twin Pine Snowmobile Club for grooming the the community, have also been invited to decorate a parade route. “tote sled” that will be pulled behind a snowmobile for While the Highlands are the biggest contributors in the duration of the parade route. Prizes and bragging terms of attendance, Winterfest draws people from all rights are on the line. over, partly because the Northern Timber Museum has “It truly is amazing to see these old, early-model members from all over the U.S. and even beyond. snowmobiles driving past you,” said Jamieson. “It’s like Turning pages in the log book at the museum, reveals watching history come to life.” entries from across the country, with an influx of interBeyond the parade, getting youth involved is a top est from the Midwest, as well as several countries in priority in planning the festival. From the kids ice fish- Europe, with an emphasis on Scandinavia. ing day at Jerry Pond on Saturday, Feb. 15, to an entire “Winterfest, as well as several other events through itinerary of children’s activities the following Saturday, the year, means Katahdin-area pride,” said Campbell.

Jamieson said the kids events bring great excitement for “We’re still hanging in there and getting stronger all local families. On Feb. 22, at the East Branch Sno-Rovers, the time.” kids can participate in sliding, canoe races on snow, a candy corn scramble, sled races, hot chocolate bar, snow- For more information: katahdinmaine.com/katahdinman building contest and more. area-winterfest.

F

©ASHEL PARSONS, ©BAKHAREV, ©COLIN, ©02IRINA, ©DENIS /ADOBE STOCK

Bangor Daily News, Saturday, February 1, 2020 3

PART OF THE COMMUNITY

PARTNERS IN THE KATAHDIN REGION MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE COURTESY OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

O

n a bright, cold early December day, Chris Stone stands in front of his Millinocket home offering encouragement as knots of people dressed in an unusual mix of spandex and wool run past. Chris is The Nature Conservancy in Maine’s conservation forester, and he’s set up a table full of “St. John Syrup Shots” — small paper cups of maple syrup made from sap tapped in the St. John River Forest Chris helps to manage.

And the people running by over the half-frozen slush?

They’re participating in the fifth-annual Millinocket Marathon & Half, an event that takes runners through town and along the Golden Road, once the main artery between the working forest and the paper mills that thrived here.

In recent decades, with evolutions in technology and global trade, the region, once populated with bustling communities surrounding a robust timber industry, has seen a shift in economic fortunes. Paper mills have shut down and the forests no longer provide for the communities in the way they once did.

But people in the Katahdin region, from Millinocket to Island Falls, have been rolling up their sleeves and exploring new ways to value their resources and diversify the local economy. As a significant landowner in the region, including Trout Mountain and the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a strong supporter of and participant in the process.

WORKING TOGETHER In 2015, with the encouragement of local leaders, representatives of local groups, including TNC,

formed the Katahdin Collaborative.

The Collaborative’s mission is to create a positive environment to facilitate communication, leverage resources, and foster collaboration among volunteer groups, businesses, non-profit institutions, and municipalities working toward the revitalization of the Katahdin region. The group includes more than 20 long-standing and emerging groups, from the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce to local snowmobile clubs.

“The people living here are acting to ensure a better future for themselves, their children and grandchildren,” says Tamara Lee Pinard, TNC’s community initiatives manager.

“Our role is to support the hard work it takes and provide a voice for longterm sustainability of this remarkable forest.”

Lee Pinard and Bill Patterson, senior field representative for northern Maine, have been spearheading TNC’s effort by supporting the Katahdin Collaborative in a constructive process to develop a unified vision for the region’s future.

This process has given voice to community members and provided the region with tools to keep what is important and affect change where needed. It is an innovative, grassroots approach that captures what people in the Katahdin region value and translates those values into local action.

In May 2019, the effort achieved a milestone with the publication of the Katahdin Gazetteer: A Roadmap to the Future — Vision & Action Plan. The Gazetteer is a published document that lays out a shared vision for the future of the region and

recognizes conserved natural resources as significant assets that enhance the cultural and economic fortunes of the area. Work is now underway to act on the many recommendations within the Gazetteer.

SUPPORTING OUTDOOR RECREATION Developing more recreational opportunities and access is an important element outlined in the vision. To that end, Patterson, along with TNC Land Steward Robbie Smith, has been hard at work to enhance the visitor experience at TNC’s Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area. This 46,000-acre natural gem, located just south of Baxter State Park, contains the highest concentration of remote ponds in New England, and thousands of acres of mature forest.

Visitors enjoy canoeing, primitive backcountry camping, and hiking — including on one of the most remote sections of the Appalachian Trail, which winds through the center of the preserve.

Traditional pursuits such as fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling are also popular there. And the Ice Caves Trail is one of the region's most popular routes, attracting hikers from all over New England and beyond.

In 2017, TNC, with the help of an energetic crew from the Maine Conservation Corps, opened the Rainbow Loop Trail, a 5-mile circle featuring rocky ledges and spectacular views of Mount Katahdin. Signs throughout the preserve have also been updated, making it easier to identify lakefront campsites and portage trails from a dis-

 Runners enjoy maple syrup shots at the Millinocket Marathon & Half.

PHOTO: © JEREMY CLUCHEY/TNC

tance. And a new trail and observation tower at TNC’s nearby Trout Mountain property are scheduled to open in the summer of 2020.

“We see a strong commitment to traditional outdoor recreation in the area and opportunities to promote expanded use by locals and visitors alike,” says Patterson.

Back at the race, Chris Stone urges many of those visitors on as they near the finish line. He’s pleased to see the town bustling, lodg-

ings filled to capacity, and local businesses enjoying a busy weekend.

“It’s just great to be part of the community,” Stone says. “Despite the challenges people face in the region each day, you

can feel positive momentum building. Really good things are happening in the heart of Maine.”

Find the Katahdin Gazetteer online at katahdincollaborative.org.

4 Saturday, February 1, 2020, Bangor Daily News

AN INVITATION FROM

THE KATAHDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE W

inter is a well-celebrated season in the Katahdin Region. Once the ground is covered and packed with snow, our winter playground is open for business. Although this area thrives on outdoor recreation year round with fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting, skydiving, camping, boating, A.T.V. riding, hiking, mountain biking and more, when winter rolls around, the Katahdin Region becomes a destination for ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

People travel from far and wide to experience what we have to offer. Miles upon miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails wind visitors and locals alike in and around the beautiful landscape.

Breathtaking views of Mt. Katahdin, Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument are scattered generously throughout the area as well as other scenic views of the landscape. Sections of these trails are maintained by our local snowmobile clubs.

The Northern Timber Cruisers of Millinocket, Twin Pines Snowmobile Club, The East Branch Sno-Rovers of East Millinocket and Medway, and the Jo Mary Riders, along with clubs in Milo, Brownville, Ebeemee and Patten.

Each year, these clubs lend their hands in providing the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce with up-to-date and very detailed information regarding their sec-

tions of trail, so that the Chamber may produce its very highly sought-after Katahdin Area Snowmobile Trail Map. This map, put out annually, is a great effort and contribution to tourism in the Katahdin Region. It is made possible certainly in part by the teamwork of the Chamber and the local snowmobile clubs but supported financially by our always reliable and appreciated advertisers.

Many of these advertisers’ businesses are tailored to the exact needs of the snowmobilers who choose to take their winter trips and spend their winter vacations exploring our region. They are a mix of hotels, B&B’s, both luxurious and rustic cabins, general stores, restaurants, and financial and medical establishments.

The growing number of requests across the United States and Canada require up to 12,000 maps printed with few left over when the season comes to an end.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also features on that list of reasons to visit the Katahdin Region.

Throughout the region, there are miles of trails tailored specifically for use by those who enjoy these forms of winter recreation. Both cross country skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to get exercise and experience the outdoors in Maine during the winter months. The Katahdin Region has a number of locations with well maintained, groomed ski and snowshoe trails. Like the snowmobile trails, they are filled with incredible scenic views and landscape. Maybe at this point you’re interested and wondering how much it costs to ski or explore these areas. The answer is that it’s all FREE! All of these incredible trails are there for you to come and use at no cost to you. The Penobscot River Trails, on the Grindstone Road in Medway, even has a

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF KATAHDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

collection of skis, poles, and snowshoes that you can use on loan at no cost. They do accept cash donations to use the gear, but it is not a requirement. If you’re looking to explore the other skiing and snowshoeing locations in the area, such as The Bait Hole recreation area or the trails right at the Northern Timber Cruisers clubhouse, but don’t own your own gear, that’s ok too. A free, valid library card from the Millinocket Memorial Library can allow you access to the Katahdin Gear Library, a collection of outdoor recreational equipment that you can check out and borrow as if it were a library book. The necessities are provided, all you need to do is come explore and enjoy.

At the peak of the winter season, during February vacation, we celebrate Winterfest. This event runs over the course of two weekends, February 14 – 16 and then a whole day devoted to kids on Feb. 22. We kick things off Friday night, Feb. 14, with a Snowmobile Parade down Main Street in Millinocket that continues along the trail to the Northern Timber Cruisers Snowmobile Club’s clubhouse.

The parade features a collection of incredible and rare antique snowmobiles.

Some of these antique sled owners travel for hundreds of miles to take part in the parade. This year, the parade will include a “Tote Float” contest, sponsored by the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce. Families and businesses are invited to participate in the contest by decorating a tote sled or other towable sled as if it were a float in a 4th of July parade, but of course, themed on winter in Maine. These “tote floats” will be towed by snowmobiles through the parade route and voted on for prizes.

Following the parade, there will be a party at the Northern Timber Cruisers’ clubhouse with a bonfire and concessions featuring food and drink. From 8 p.m. to midnight, they will be hosting a dance party with a DJ. Admission is just $5. On Saturday, Feb. 15, you can grab breakfast at the clubhouse, attend an antique snowmobile show and take part in a group benefit ride that raises money to support the Abigail K. Fiske Memorial Scholarship.

Another option for a fun activity on that Saturday is a Kids Ice Fishing Day at Jerry Pond, sponsored by the local Fin and Feather club. The following weekend, on Saturday, Feb. 22, the East Branch SnoRovers are putting on Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include sliding, canoe races in the snow, a candy coin scramble in the snow, human dog sled races, snowman building contest and so much more. They will be having a hot chocolate bar and concessions, as well as a public supper.

Let this serve as your official invitation to visit and experience the Katahdin Region this winter. We are open for business and are eager to share all that we have with you. We, the people of the Katahdin Region, are so grateful and thankful to live in such a beautiful, four season paradise. Lonely Planet recently

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named Maine one of the top 4 regions worldwide to visit in 2020 and Katahdin sure does hold a special place in the heart of the State of Maine. This is an exciting time in our region. The winds have changed and there are so many great things either happening already, or in the works to kick off in the near future. We are slowly and surely building back our pride and livelihood and we owe a lot of gratitude to the people who travel from all over the world to experience the majestic, natural beauty here in the Katahdin Region. For the past several years, the Katahdin region has been blessed to be able to add “marathon running” to its list of winter activities. A special thank you to the thousands of people who flood the town of Millinocket and the surrounding communities each year to take part in the annual Millinocket Marathon and Half held in December. Throughout the year, locals and tourists alike support our businesses and keep our doors open, and for that, we are thankful. So please, take me up on this invitation. Come experience winter in the Katahdin Region.

Visit the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce online at www.

KatahdinMaine.com for a complete list of our members who can and will provide all of your accommodations, activities, and necessities for your trip.

Peter Jamieson DIRECTOR KATAHDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bangor Daily News, Saturday, February 1, 2020 5

Penobscot River Trails System

Riverside Trail

Silver Maple Trail

Pines and Ridges Warming Hut

GRAPHIC SCALE 0

400

800

1200

Kayak Launch 1

East Branch of the Penobscot River

Kayak Launch 2 and Trails’ End

SCALE: 1” = 400’

Hay Brook Kayak/Canoe Facility

Vault Toilet Tote Road

Long Logan Loop

Long Logan Loop Detail

Long Meadow Warming Hut Vault Toilet

Link 1

Link 2

Visitor Parking

PRT Entrance Vault Toilet

Route 11

Beaver Pond Trail < To Route 11

Tote Road

You Are Here Visitor Center HQ Long Logan

Silver Maple Trail

Bridge over Mud Brook Maintenance (No public access)

Route 11

Long Logan Loop Detail

Distances from Visitor Center

1 km is equal to 0.6214 mile

Long Logan Loop: 1.85 km To beginning of Riverside Trail: 3.15 km To Pines and Ridges Warming Hut and Link 2: 6 km To Link 3: 9.35 km To Link 4: 11.5 km To Trails’ End: 14 km To Long Meadow Warming Hut: 14.7 km From Long Meadow Warming Hut to Visitor Center via Tote Road: 11 km

Link 3 Link 4

Long Meadow Hill Trail

To Forestry Road GRAPHIC SCALE 0 400

800

1200

SCALE: 1/4” = 400’

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6 Saturday, February 1, 2020, Bangor Daily News

REINVENTING

 Last December, more than 2,000 people participated in the Millinocket Marathon and Half. The race, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, has drawn huge crowds to the area every winter since it began just a few years ago.

BDN FILE PHOTO

THE KATAHDIN AREA’S ECONOMY

BY JOSH DEAKIN

T

he Katahdin area’s economy has been on a tumultuous ride in recent years, surviving mill closures and rethinking how to keep people in the region and attract new business.

In 2008, the Millinocket Paper Mill closed up shop, with the East Millinocket Paper Mill following in 2014, after a shortlived revival printing paper for the popu-

The area has also established new events in an effort to bring more outsiders to the area, such as the Millinocket Marathon and Half which takes place every December. The race has grown substantially in the few years that it has existed. It’s considered a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and draws runners from all over the United States.

This past year, the marathon had over 2,000 participants.

The loss of the Great Northern Paper Co. mill in East Millinocket, seen here in 2017, forced the region to rethink its economy and what it has to offer. BDN FILE PHOTO

 A focus on outdoor recreation has helped to grow the local economy.

The Katahdin Area Trails’ Hammond Ridge trail network added 6 miles of single-track mountain bike trails last summer. AISLINN SARNACKI | BDN

lar “Fifty Shades of Grey” series of novels. The surrounding towns had depended on the mills for their survival — with the closures, people in the Millinocket area had to think outside the box to continue to thrive as a community and find work for the hundreds of people who once worked at the mills.

The creation of the Katahdin Region Development Board assisted in obtaining funding to help economic development in the region by bringing in a director to oversee the project and cover the associated cost as the towns continued to rebuild in the wake of the mill closures.

“Many of the organizations, businesses, elected officials and residents have realized that there are tremendous assets in the region that have some form of positive impact in every town,” said Katahdin Region Economic Director Michael Elliott.

Elliot is a native to the Katahdin region. After moving away as a kid, he returned to visit each year and quickly developed a rich love for the area. When the opportunity arose to come back in a positive role, Elliot jumped at the chance.

“My children already love it here,” Elliot said, “and I want them to experience and witness the growth of these communities, and to have the kind of relationships that I was fortunate to [have] when I was a kid.”

GROWTH OF TOURISM One large industry the area has turned to is tourism. The area offers some wonderful spots for outdoor adventures including Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

By promoting these spots through advertisement, the area gains more tourists every year to participate in fun activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family such as hiking, fishing and camping.

“If you stop in town, you’ll get to meet the people; some of the kindest and hardest working individuals you will ever meet,” Elliott said.

Elliott says the people in the area are always ready to welcome visitors. “By the time you finish your conversation, you will have a friend for life. I can’t think of a better souvenir than that.”

In addition to the scenery, the area is rich in the history of the lumber industry. History buffs will discover a goldmine of information at the Lumberman’s Museum in Patten and the Millinocket Historical Society.

ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS The town is making an effort to draw in new businesses as well. Many former millworkers have opened new businesses and continue to thrive in the area.

The local pet daycare, Katahdin Kritters, is one example. The owner saw a need

behind them, so there is a real sense of hope and excitement — and most importantly — pride about where they live,” said Elliott.

With the growth the towns have experienced comes an optimistic outlook for the future that lies ahead.

“THERE IS A PREVAILING THOUGHT AMONGST THE RESIDENTS THAT THE WORST IS BEHIND THEM, SO THERE IS A REAL SENSE OF HOPE AND EXCITEMENT — AND MOST IMPORTANTLY — PRIDE ABOUT WHERE THEY LIVE,” SAID ELLIOTT. and took advantage of the opportunity.

“She realized that so many people travel to Baxter State Park with their dogs, not realizing that dogs are forbidden,” Elliott said. “I love this example, because it just highlights the creativity that resonates throughout the region.”

Broadband infrastructure is a current focus across the region in an effort to make the area more appealing to outside businesses. Faster internet access is invaluable to the business community, and important in remaining connected to the rest of the world.

Part of the need for high speed internet also comes from the aging population and a growing need for medical access through telehealth programs.

“If [patients] can have easy access to their providers and loved ones via a powerful and redundant broadband connection, they can stay in their homes longer, stay connected to their loved ones, and get the support they may need,” said Elliott.

AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK The towns are slowly growing, but it has required a lot of effort from residents of the region. When the mills closed, it left many people unemployed and provided little reason for the younger generation to stay in the area. In recent years, the people who have made this area home have come together to support each other in their own growth. Rivalries between towns that used to exist have faded in favor of community teamwork.

“There is a prevailing thought amongst the residents that the worst is

Participants in the 2018 Millinocket Marathon and Half head up the scenic Golden Road with Mt. Kathadin as the backdrop.

LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

More and more businesses are opening each year with the town leaders constantly hard at work on new, creative ways to bring new opportunities into the area. Economically speaking, there is plenty of commercial space available at affordable rates.

“I would really like to see some efforts made to market the region as a whole, like Cape Cod or Acadia does,” said Elliott.

The region includes several different towns, from Millinocket to Island Falls, and Elliott believes the area should utilize these different communities to market the region for a unique experience. It is clear the area refuses to give up on efforts to rebuild the economy.

“When you step back and look at the depth and breadth of all that this region offers, it is truly inspirational.”

Bangor Daily News, Saturday, February 1, 2020 7

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In addition, we provide recreational access to some of the New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best fly fishing locations including the Rangeley Lakes region renowned for their native Brook Trout.

As owner and operator on the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers, Brookfield Renewable invites you to share the rivers safely.

We provide real-time flows for our facilities via our waterflow website at safewaters.com. The new website was recently launched to provide real-time flows and elevations at your favorite facilities. We hope you enjoy this new and improved waterflow tool.

Please remember, river systems are wonderful resources, but they can also be dangerous. Conditions can change quickly and without notice. Take precautions!

While the waters above and below a dam may look safe, conditions below the surface can present serious risks.

Be aware of your surroundings and observe all signage, warning signals, sirens, and barriers.

8 Saturday, February 1, 2020, Bangor Daily News

KATAHDIN REGION DEVELOPMENT BOARD LEADS REVIVAL A

s Maine celebrates 200 years of statehood, one of her most spectacular and cherished regions is alive, vibrant and reinvigorated — with an exciting and hopeful vision for the future. Working together, perhaps like never before, hundreds of creative and determined people are collaborating to move the Katahdin Region forward with energy and optimism.

With a welcoming spirit, breathtaking vistas and activities for all seasons, the Katahdin Region is embracing its long-standing strengths while innovating to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. The revived Katahdin is a showcase of historic natural beauty and timeless values, but also a potential center of innovation and fresh ideas for economic opportunity and community-building.

Celebrating its first successful year, the Katahdin Region Development Board (KRDB) is positioned at the center of this transformation—serving as a catalyst for regional cooperation, relationship building, and imaginative approaches to business and workforce development.

As envisioned by local leaders, the KRDB recognizes and values the unique dynamics and important community-based initiatives happening in towns and unorganized territories throughout the area. It seeks  State Representative Steve Stanley; Chair of the Katahdin Region Development Board Mike Michaud; Associate Academic Dean to foster collaborations with public and private part- of the Katahdin Higher Education Center Deb Rountree; Chancellor of the University of Maine System Dan Malloy; Executive Director ners to support and promote these efforts on a regional of the Katahdin Region Development Board Mike Elliott; and President of the University of Maine at Augusta Rebecca Wyke meet at and state level. the Katahdin Higher Education Center in East Millinocket. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KATAHDIN HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER Similar to its work and mission, the Board was created through focused conversations and beneficial partnerships. Representing every corner of the Katahdin One of the hallmarks of the KRDB is to drive eco- Specific examples of the initiatives taken include: Region, the fully-realized KRDB was made possible nomic revitalization efforts through a concerted regionthrough a relationship formed with the Penobscot County al vision—where a prospective business or entrepreneur • Partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration Commission and Eastern Maine Development has the luxury of providing their criteria for locating in (SBA) to host a Federal Resource Forum this past sumCorporation (www.EMDC.org). the area and quickly receiving a menu of options, oppormer. It connected municipal leaders with 10 federal At the Commissioners’ direction, an Economic tunities and potential incentives to ensure a successful agencies to share their challenges and opportunities, as Development Director position was funded for seven transition to the region. Coupled with EMDC’s history of well as to form relationships with the contacts at each years thanks to revenues generated, in part, agency. Cutting through the bureaucracy by the Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument. and helping businesses gain direct access to No new tax dollars were required. the federal government is a priority for the “We were approached by a local group repKRDB. The event was also attended by SIMILAR TO ITS WORK AND MISSION, resenting the Katahdin region and decided Senator Susan Collins, Representative Jared THE BOARD WAS CREATED THROUGH that an initiative from the local community Golden, and a representative of Senator with the support of EMDC was a worthy Angus King. All vigorously support the ecoFOCUSED CONVERSATIONS AND investment of the new federal funds generated nomic vitality efforts of the region. by the Katahdin Woods National Monument,” BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS. Commissioner Peter Baldacci said while • Joining with EMDC and the Higher Education announcing the new Economic Development Center to help emerging Certified Nursing Director role last spring.

Assistant (CNA) graduates leverage their Michael Elliott was soon selected by the KRDB to workforce development in the Katahdin Region, which newly acquired training to serve the population within serve in this new capacity. With roots in the region and a began shortly after the first mill closure in the early the Katahdin region. Efforts are also underway to colhistory of executing initiatives within the non-profit and 2000s, businesses have access to the support and resourclaborate with the local hospital to train new nurses who business sectors, he hit the ground running. Former U.S. es needed to build or expand their operations. can support the needs of an aging population.

Representative, Mike Michaud, who serves as Chair of Importantly, the KRDB partners with the Katahdin the KRDB, has highlighted the role Elliot is playing as a Higher Education Center for workforce training opporAs KRDB celebrates its first anniversary, Michael catalyst for change. “Michael’s connection to our region tunities, skills enhancement, and customized company- Elliott reflects on everything achieved in the region so and impressive background and skills will enrich our specific programs that can be implemented according to far. “What a privilege to have made so many connections efforts to diversify the entire region with long term and the individual needs of the business. The Higher with such wonderful people. That’s what I love most sustainable investments and growth.”

Education Center is a tremendous resource utilized reg- about the work the KRDB does — building strong and Lee Umphrey, President and CEO of EMDC, said the ularly by the KRDB as a hub of information sharing, sustaining relationships with all organizations, busicreation of an Executive Director position resulted programs and innovative thinking. nesses, communities and territories in the region!” from “a model collaborative process between the people of the Katahdin region, Penobscot County IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR, SEVERAL PROJECTS HAVE To learn more about business opportunities and the Commissioners and EMDC.” He said the entire region BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE KRDB. Katahdin Region Development Board, please contact Mike will prosper with the collective action from the finan- This work has included direct support of businesses relo- Elliott at michael.elliott@katahdinregion.org or (207) 723cial and visionary support of the Commissioners. “The cating to the area, as well as various infrastructure proj- 1862. For additional information about EMDC’s broad Katahdin community has displayed great resiliency, ects where fresh ideas and renewed actions are being range of services for individuals and businesses, contact its vision and rigor in moving towards a new economy that taken to help solve problems that inevitably arise when Workforce Services team at workforce@emdc.org or (207) is forest and innovation based.” multiple groups are trying to row in the same direction. 561-4044. Details are also available at www.emdc.org.