Dover-Foxcroft selected for national planning assistance program to grow outdoor recreation economy, strengthen Main Street

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Town of Dover-Foxcroft has been selected as one of 25 communities nationwide to receive planning assistance through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the USDA Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Denali Commission.

Through the RERC program, Dover-Foxcroft stakeholders will work alongside a team of consultants and federal and state agency partners to develop an action plan aimed at strengthening the community’s outdoor recreation economy, supporting downtown revitalization and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

“We are incredibly excited and honored for Dover-Foxcroft to be selected for the RERC program,” Alsina Brenenstuhl, town manager for Dover-Foxcroft, said. “This opportunity will help strengthen our outdoor recreation economy, support downtown development and build upon the natural assets that make our community and region such a special place to live, work and visit.” 

The planning process will take place over the next eight to 12 months and will center around a two-day facilitated community workshop.The process will begin with a public community meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 at Central Hall Commons, followed by a full-day collaborative workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 

The workshops will provide an opportunity for residents, businesses, organizations and regional partners to help shape a shared vision for the future of outdoor recreation and community development in Dover-Foxcroft. Participants will engage in hands-on discussions focused on identifying priorities, opportunities and actionable strategies to strengthen the local recreation economy and reinvest in areas connected to outdoor recreation and heritage tourism. 

Topics of discussion will include connections between downtown development, trails and river access, parks and open spaces, heritage tourism, local business development and equitable access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. 

The local steering committee for the workshop includes representatives from a variety of community and regional partners, including the town of Dover-Foxcroft, Central Hall Commons, the D-F Climate Action Advisory Committee, Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, Dover Rovers ATV Club, Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce, True Value Hardware, 207 Powersports, Appalachian Mountain Club and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 

Community members are encouraged to attend both workshop sessions. Registration information and additional details are available on the town website at dover-foxcroft.org. 

For questions regarding the program or upcoming workshop, contact Brenenstuhl at abrenenstuhl@dover-foxcroft.org or 207-564-3318 ext. 1014. 

Additional information about the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program can be found at https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/recreation-economy-rural-communities.