Governor Receives Final Report from Nature-Based Tourism Task Force

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today received the final report from the Governor's Nature-Based Tourism Task Force and thanked them for their service. The task force was formed five years ago to implement recommendations by Fermata, a nationally known nature-based tourism consulting firm, to develop and expand nature-based tourism opportunities in Maine's rural communities.

"I'm pleased with the successes detailed in this report," said Governor Baldacci. "This effort began five years ago as an economic development initiative focused on rural Maine, where there is a wealth of natural resources, but a lack of basic tourism infrastructure to connect visitors to these recreational opportunities. Natural resources and tourism are vibrant elements of our State and our economy and have been priorities of my Administration."

Task Force members have focused on making the critical connections between regional resources, tourism and economic development. During tough economic times, an important goal has been how to maximize resources and by doing so, to propel Maine as the premier tourism destination.

The Governor said that impressive gains have been made since the initiative began, and that fully achieving the goals of the initiative requires continued and long-term commitment from all partners.

For more information on the Nature-Based Tourism Initiative Task Force and for a link to the report, please visit http://www.maine.gov/decd/decd_information/reports.shtml

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