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History of the Maine Woods Consortium |
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On this page:
2000
- Regional conversation begins
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Managers of heritage-based development projects from across Franklin, Oxford, Somerset and Piscataquis Counties begin conversations on most effective ways to use the region’s existing natural and cultural resources to achieve economic and social benefits. By end of first year, group has grown from 20 to 80.
2001
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Maine Mountain Heritage Network formed.
Collaborative relationships are built around three operating principles: good stewardship of heritage resources, equitable sharing of benefits, and true telling of stories. Group begins more formal planning effort.
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 Asset mapping and analysis.
Planning process now focuses on utilization of key asset groups – land and waters, vibrant communities, “human-scale” economies - to create an asset-based development plan.
2002-2003
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Market opportunity analysis.
Based on asset analysis, members undertake market analysis in several sectors including forest products, manufacturing, recreational and cultural tourism, and “creative economy.”
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www.mainemountains.org launched.
 Group begins experimentation with Internet technology launching a forum to discuss important issues and resources for project leaders.
2004
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Plan assesses market opportunities related to asset groups, intended to coordinate marketing of heritage assets, products, and resources across multiple market segments.
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Strategic Plan completed.
Plan puts forward action steps to address  the needs and opportunities for resource conservation, infrastructure strengthening, business investment, and marketing. Over 200 businesses, non-profits, and government entities have participated in creating the plan.
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Network News eNewsletter begins publication.
Updates network members and interested parties on events, projects, and initiatives.
2005
2006
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Mountain Made action team develops and  distributes press releases focused on locally manufactured or grown products to build regional identity and bring new revenues to local producers.
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Rally for the Maine Mountain Heritage Area.
MMHN convenes regional stakeholders for consideration of multiple development and marketing projects underway, evaluate pros and cons of applying for regional designation as a “National Heritage Area.”
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Information System Planning Workshops initiated.
Knowledge Power action team convenes groups representing information center projects in several communities (from  Bethel to Millinocket) begin collaboration to strengthen individual center plans and to formulate a strong regional information system. Group focuses first on creating a thematic framework for the region and planning a single traveling exhibit.
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Downtown walking tours initiated.
Village Works action team convenes representatives from several communities who are planning walking tours. Workshops focus on best approaches to design and implementation of interpreted tours.
2007
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Information System Report completed. 
Knowledge Power action team submits recommendations for regional information system to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development suggesting, in addition to moving key information center projects forward, establishing a system of electronic kiosks to link centers and initiating “no wrong door” training.
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Northern Franklin County Community Mapping  Project underway.
Land and Waters action team sponsors community-asset resource study (modeled on Mahoosucs Initiative) using participatory GIS mapping to inform decision-makers about local priorities for natural resource management. Convenes conversations among several groups organizing studies of this kind.
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Maine Woods Stakeholder transition meeting.
The MMHN Coordinating Team meets with stakeholders from Washington, Aroostook, and Penobscot Counties to discuss undertaking a broader “Maine Woods” regional development effort and expanding the region from the Maine Mountains to the Maine Woods. 
2008
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Maine Mountain Heritage Network becomes Maine Woods Consortium, develops new "logic model."
New Coordinating Team members are recruited, Network News becomes Field Notes and www.mainemountains.org becomes http://www.mainewoodsconsortium.org/. Coordinating team focuses attention on need for coordinated capital investment in the region, begins work on new “logic model” as a basis for making investment decisions.
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Walking tours implemented in several communities.
 Thematic downtown walking tours that share information about the culture and history implemented in Farmington, Skowhegan, and Norway.
2009
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Information Management System.
Group begins work on new information management system designed to track activities of multiple groups aligned around new strategies and outcomes.
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 New structure and workplan adopted.
Group adopts new structure featuring program area advisory teams and support groups. Orientation will be toward providing assistance to key initiatives that seem likely to achieve desired outcomes.
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Fund Raising to support new workplan begins.
Group identifies a variety of potential funding sources and begins effort to attract support for its multi party, network approach to regional development.
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non-profit to undertake implementation of strategic plan, choosing instead to organize action networks (action teams) around pilot projects in each of the four program areas: Land and Waters, Village Works, Knowledge Power, and Mountain Made.
