Mary Jeanne Packer of Fermata, Inc., a Texas-based consultancy hired by the state to look at the nature-based, or experiential, tourism opportunities in three pilot regions in Maine, said the region has plenty to offer those looking for a real wilderness experience, but that the trails, camps and parks need to be presented to the consumer in a way that better promotes the region and the experience.

As part of Governor Baldacci’s Maine Nature Tourism Initiative, Fermata began last year with a detailed inventory of the natural resource-based tourism offerings in three regions: the 100-Mile Wilderness area from Moosehead Lake through southern Piscataquis County and north to Baxter State Park, Down East (Washington County), and the Western Mountains region. The company then assessed each of the cultural and historic offerings connected to those natrual resources.

Fermata then analyzes the "gaps" in the system, detailing the feasibility of creating additional products that reflect the regional identity and connect the assets in a way that makes them attractive to prospective visitors. Fermata will develop recommendations for developing current and future assets so as to best fit the region and prospective markets, working with local partners whenever possible. Reconmmendations should be ready for presentation on June 30. Fermata’s inventory for the 100-Mile Wilderness, or Highlands, region lists 38 sites, ranked as high, medium, low, with a separate listing for cultural sites. Sites listed in the "high" ranking include Mt. Kineo and Lily Bay State Par, as are Borestone Mountain and Gulf Hagas. The Steamship Katahdin, Moosehead Marine Museum and the Moosehead Historical Museum Craft-Sheridan House are listed as cultural assets. In order to better promote the sites as a group and as a total experience, Packer recommended the development of a uniform guide and map system, the use of interpretive visitor centers to enhance the tourism experience, and the incorporation of trailheads, historic sites and nature centers into highway-based itineries. She also suggested using the resources already in place, such as Maine guides, to bring the information together.

Packer began the meeting, which was held in front of 40 or so members of the community, with a look at the travel and tourism industry as a way to show the market available for the kinds of experiences and opportunities that can be enjoyed in the region. Participating in outdoor recreation activities is second only to shopping in terms of activities among domestic travelers. Around 65 million Americans have taken a trip of 50 miles or more, one-way, from home to visit a national or state park and/or forest in the past year, Packer said. Around 81 percent of the 118 million or so U.S. adults who travelled in the past year included cultural or historic activities in their trip. Of the fastest growing activities in terms of nature tourism, many are popular here in the Moosehead Lake region.

Birdwatching has grown 50 percent to 71.2 million people in the past 20 years. Hiking has grown almost 50 percent as well, and natural swimming, camping and motorboating have all seen growth in the past two decades. Through acombined five surveys, Fermata found that the average nature tourist is around 51 years old, has an income of $61,962 and just over 16 years of education. They make around 10 trips a year, and tend to stay within six hours or less, one way, of home.

Nature tourism deveopment, Packer said, can effect the local economy in a number of ways. Visitor spending at shops and restaurants, for example, has a direct impact on those places they frequent. Also affected are the regional sectors that supply goods and services to the recreation and tourism industries. And as the regional economy improves through the impact from tourists, those who have gained jobs because of the development go on to spend their money in the community, leading to yet another gain.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."