Maine’s coastline stretches for thousands of miles. Within that expanse are many intersecting and often competing activities and values. Mainers are deeply connected to the coast through livelihoods, cultural identities, family legacies, and deep appreciation for nature, wildlife, and wild spaces. But sometimes those connections to the coast can clash.
How does Maine adapt its coastal infrastructure to hazards while maintaining access, identity, and heritage? How does Maine develop its coast in a way that also protects the integrity of our coastal habitats? How does Maine preserve working waterfront while also preparing for sea level rise?
Maine Coastal Program works to answer these questions and is inviting Mainers to help.
Maine Coastal Program (MCP) was established in 1978 to help balance the demands of conservation and development in Maine’s coastal zone, and is currently writing its next five-year strategy, the “2026-2030 Strategic Outlook.” Updating the Strategic Outlook on this cycle helps keep pace with and adapt to emerging challenges on Maine’s coast and gives regular opportunity for public input.
From April 23, 2025 until May 23, 2025 MCP will open a 30-day public comment period on the 2026-2030 Strategic Outlook using this form.
The 2026-2030 Strategic Outlook can be found here.
Any plan that hopes to balance sustainable development and conservation in Maine needs to be rooted in what’s good for Mainers. MCP hopes you will review its next 5-year plan and use this form to add your comments. To learn more about MCP, visit www.maine.gov/dmr/programs/maine-coastal-program