Member of :

Maine Professional Guide Associaition

What is Ecotourism?

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following principles:

• Minimize impact
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
• Support international human rights and labor agreements

Maine waterfront and watersheds, like the area Midcoast Outfitters is located, protected by Maine's Natural Resource Protection Act, Shoreland Waterfront Zoning restrictions, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The NRPA (Natural Resource Protection Act) regulates earth disturbance in, on and within Maine's seacoast, freshwater bodies and drainage area.

Many Maine residents rely on groundwater as a primare drinking water resource. Midcoast Outfitters practices erosion control and strictly limits waste, fertilizer and pest control emissions. Erosion and sedimentation control laws require that ground cover, decomposing leaves, twigs and rocks along our property be left undisturbed.

Please provide soil conservation and prevent ground contamination by practicing the following:

• Conserve water and plant appropriate vegiation to limit watering needs
• Stagger showers and laundry days
• Use extreme caution not to spill any automotive fluids, home improvement, and cleaning supply liquids
• Collect all cooking grease in sealed containers, and put in trash (never pour down the drain or outside)

Tread Lightly – Leave a good impression – Protect the outdoors

T – Travel and recreate with minimum impact
R – Respect the environment and rights of others
E – Educate yourself, plan and prepare before you go
A – Allow for future use of the outdoors; leave it better than you found it
D – Discover the rewards of responsible recreation

As budding new organization, come back to this page to learn more with us.

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